Glasgow : book your hotel

Glasgow is a beautiful and vibrant port city on the River Clyde, nestled in Scotland’s Western Lowlands. Famous for its historic architecture, contemporary culture and buzzy nightlife, it is an ideal destination for a short UK break.

Glasgow is one of the most station-dense cities in the UK outside London, with 186 spread across the Greater Glasgow region. That means travelling by rail is often the best way to get to Glasgow, no matter which part of the country you're coming from. For city breaks in central Glasgow, you'll probably arrive at Glasgow Central or Queen Street Station. It's 4 hours 50 from Birmingham to Glasgow via Edinburgh. If you're coming from London, your journey will take 4 hours 40 direct. From Manchester, it's 3 hours 30 minutes. Hopping on a train to Glasgow means you won't need to worry about choosing a hotel with parking when you arrive. However, there are plenty around the city if you do intend to drive, as well as long-stay car parks to make your visit easy.

This Scottish gem is well known for its down-to-earth locals. The typical Glaswegian personality has earned the city a solid reputation as one of the friendliest in the world. If you get the chance, be sure to chat with a local. Whether you strike up a conversation in the pub or ask for directions on the street, you'll enjoy some of the best recommendations for top things to do and the best places to eat and drink in Glasgow.

The city's eclectic backdrop makes it a treat for architecture fans and keen historians. Glasgow's buildings offer a mix of impressive Victorian mansions and art nouveau landmarks, not to mention many industrial-era tenement buildings and sleek, modern offices.

Glasgow Cathedral is one of the must-see attractions in the city. It was built in 1179, making it the oldest cathedral in Scotland and the oldest building in Glasgow today. It's also home to one of the most significant post-war collections of stained glass in Britain. Find the cathedral in the city centre. It's free to take a look around. Still, visitors are encouraged to make a donation to help maintain the beautiful historic structure. Tour the cathedral with an audio guide to get the most out of your visit.

Another example of impressive architecture in Glasgow? The City Chambers. The Victorian building was designed by Scottish architect William Young, constructed between 1882 and 1888 at the height of the British Empire. Free, 45-minute tours run twice daily. Explore the opulent building inside and out, strolling through the elegant halls and chambers home to more marble than the Vatican City!

There's no shortage of great museums and galleries in Glasgow. Whether you're interested in classical or contemporary art, science or history. Start at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This one's been at the heart of culture in Glasgow since it opened in 1901, and it's one of Scotland's favourite free museums. Explore 22 state-of-the-art galleries showcasing over 8,000 objects. There's something to pique every interest! Discover natural history, arms and armour and many masterful works of art. Highlights at Kelvingrove include Dali's 'Christ of St John of The Cross' and a taxidermy Asian elephant named Sir Roger. Modern art lover? Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is a must. Discover the extensive contemporary collection here for free, including a selection of local and international artworks and temporary exhibitions. Or head to the Riverside Museum. Set inside an impressive modern building, Glasgow's award-winning transport museum has over 3,000 objects to explore with everything from skateboards to trains.

Scotch whisky is Glasgow's most famous export. If you enjoy a wee dram every once in a while, why not visit one of the city's world-class distilleries? A distillery tour is one of the best ways to spend a memorable day in Glasgow.

If you don't have time to travel out of the city, no problem! The Glasgow Distillery Company is the first new single malt distillery to open in Glasgow for over a century. It takes its name from one of the city's first, which closed at the start of the 20th century. You could also visit the Clydeside Distillery in the city centre and enjoy a guided tour. Explore the impressive distillery before settling down to sample a couple of drams.

Whether you drive or use public transport to reach these out-of-town distilleries, your reward is a unique day trip centred around Scotland's national drink. Deanston Distillery sits on the banks of the River Teith, 35 minutes drive from Central Glasgow. Head here to enjoy a unique distillery experience and take home a couple of hand-crafted bottles of 12-year old Scotch. If you're willing to travel, but not too far, consider Glengoyne Distillery. It's just 40 minutes from Glasgow. Boasting Scotland's slowest stills, the whisky that comes out of Glengoyne is worth the wait. Enjoy a distillery tour and taste single malts or rare Scotch, depending on which you choose.