Glasgow weather can be unpredictable but whether the sun shines or not on the city of Glasgow it’s an amazing place to visit or live in. Like most of Scotlands people Glaswegians are friendly and as full of character as the city itself.
Everyone I know outside of Glasgow asks me if I eat deep fried Mars bars for breakfast. To be honest, it’s not a part of my staple diet let alone that of most Glaswegians. I think this more of a myth, but I’m sure a few partake in one or two when watching Glasgow’s very own soap opera, River City.
I will never forget the first time that I met Glasgow. Walking through its city centre I felt like a borrower with the magnificent Victorian buildings looming over me. All around Glasgow there are many surviving buildings from the Victorian and Georgian era, surrounded by its modern age.
Once a ship building hub in the early twentieth century, Glasgow has taken a number of leaps and bounds to become what it is today. Titled ‘The second city of the empire’ during Queen Victoria’s reign, walking around you will quickly see why. There is plenty to see and experience in Glasgow, but this is what I want people to see. This is how I see Glasgow.
Getting Around
Glasgow is lucky enough to have its own underground subway system known as the ‘Clockwork Orange’ (appropriately named for its bright colours), which allows you to get around the city with great ease. You might feel as if you’re in a toy carriage and may get a face full of armpit but its quick and reliable, as they tend to run every few minutes until 11:30pm on weekdays and on Saturdays. I personally don’t mind the subway, but there are many that do. My advice is to hold your nose and hang on tight!
Our bus services are pretty reliable and fairly easy to figure out and especially good for those attractions outside the city centre. However make sure you get on at the right stop. I didn’t do this and ended up going on a two hour tour of the city, not knowing where I was and two hours late for work!
One thing I have found is that the bus drivers are among the friendliest I have ever encountered in the world. A few years ago walking from Queen Street Train Station to Buchanan Street Bus Station a kind bus driver carried my bags all the way up the hill, not taking no for an answer. Don’t be scared to ask them for directions, they don’t bite.
There is also a great network of train stations throughout the city, the main ones being Queen Street and Central Station. A great pointer; If you want to get anywhere quickly such as Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, Queen Street train station is your best bet.
The taxis in Glasgow are not badly either compared to most cities. The private cab companies are the cheapest but even the black cabs are reasonable. To get from Glasgow airport to the city center it will cost around fifteen pounds and even less than that for a private cab.
Glasgow Shopping
Glasgow’s main shopping district covers most of the heart of the city centre along Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street. It’s quite hard to get lost around there and pretty self explanatory – it only took me a day or so to get my bearings.
Here you will find anything from your everyday high street stores to the more posh and up market designer shops around Princes Square and Merchant City. All around the city centre are hidden gems that are often missed such as the Gallery of Modern Art in Merchant city and the Lighthouse hidden away on Mitchell Lane.
Entertainment
There is a lot of entertainment on offer in Glasgow but highlight of the Glasgow entertainment calendar is the annual Glasgow Comedy festival. In March 2008 there were over 350 shows to choose from! Glasgow is a must when planning your Scotland tours there is a massive amount on offer.
The author writes for Articles Abroad travel article directory the the creative writer where you will find lots of tips and information about writing and Scotland tours where you can search freely for the absolute best hotel deals worldwide.