Driving to Glasgow

Country: Scotland Capital: Edinburgh Language: English Currency: Pound sterling

Glasgow has managed to rise from its financial depression and become a city with a thriving arts and music scene. Grittier than Edinburgh, it is also trendier, with many art galleries, shops, bars and cafes lining its streets.
Glaswegian architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh has left his mark all over the city, most notably the Glasgow School of Art, where his characteristic designs are most evident. The centre of Glasgow is dominated by George Square, and to the southwest the Royal Exchange Square. The latter contains the Gallery of Modern Art, with works by Warhol and Hockney, as well as many Scottish artists.
South of the River Clyde is the Burrell Art Collection, which holds over 8,000 artworks that were donated by the philanthropist Sir William Burrell. More priceless pieces can be observed at the People’s Palace, which houses a collection that illustrates Glasgow life. Admission is free to all the aforementioned attractions.

There are shopping districts galore: Buchanan Street, just off Royal Exchange Square, St. Enoch Centre on Princes Square, and Merchant City, the latter containing many designer stores. The West End of Glasgow has a more bohemian reputation, and there are further shops of a smaller nature along its mews.
For shopping of a more humble nature check out Barras, the oldest market in Glasgow which is located near the People’s Palace. If after all this you need a break from the bustling city fear not, there are plenty of parks you can relax in, after all Glasgow does mean ‘dear green place’.

All of these places are within a few hours drive from Glasgow