Travel Channel

District Guide

Glasgow is a huge, sprawling city with a river running through it. Given a comfortable pair of shoes, it’s possible to walk from the west end, through the center, north-east to the medieval area, down through the east end and over one of the many bridges to the south side in only a few hours. Luckily, there’s an efficient and simple underground system with 15 stops, lots of buses and a comprehensive low-level train network, which services the whole Strathclyde area, so nobody has to work up a sweat unless they actually want to. The city is sensibly laid out on a grid system so navigating your way around is a piece of cake.

The Medieval City

Glasgow Cathedral, the easterly focal point from which the city developed, dominates the Medieval City. In fact, there is actually a mixture of Medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture here. The cathedral precinct is also the site of Provand's Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest house, built in 1471. Climb up to the top of the hill in The Necropolis cemetery where many local dignitaries are buried and be rewarded by an excellent panoramic view of the city below.

The Merchant City

East of George Square is a grid-plan of streets known as Merchant City. This area used to be a center of trade and many of the Tobacco Lords built elaborate mansions here. This section of the city is an example of 18th century town planning. Georgian and Victorian buildings provide the area with an elegant sophistication, which is less evident elsewhere in the city. In recent years, Merchant City has again become a center of trade and it is now a fashionable residential and business address. It still looks a little shabby in places which are yet to undergo redevelopment, but stylish bars, hotels and restaurants abound and there are plenty of exclusive shops to flex platinum credit cards in, not to mention the prestigious Italian Centre.

Trongate and the East End

South of the Merchant City, Argyle Street, which runs through the city center, extends into Trongate. The streets between Trongate and the River Clyde are considerably less impressive than their northern neighbors. Nevertheless, there are lots of independent art galleries around here as well as some good bars and restaurants, such as Café Cossachok. The jewel in its crown has got to be the Tron Theatre, a former church whose 17th century steeple, all that remains of the original structure, makes an excellent landmark. Further along, Trongate meets High Street at Glasgow Cross, marked by the Tolbooth Steeple. Keep going east and the shop fronts become a little dirtier and the pubs seem a little less welcoming, but there are a few things around here that are worth a look. The Barras market is the best place to experience some Glasgow colour, but keep an eye out for pickpockets and remember that many of the things for sale 'fell off the back of a lorry'. Glasgow Green and the People's Palace and Winter Gardens provide much more civilised reasons to venture this far east.

The City Centre

Glasgow may seem to have many centres but the main area for shopping and nightlife is bordered by motorways to the north and west, the River Clyde to the south, and Merchant City and Trongate to the east. The main streets are pedestrianised here; Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street. Look up and you’ll discover many of the shops, however modern their fronts, are actually housed in beautiful Victorian buildings with ornate detailing. There are plenty of good shopping centres for a bit of retail therapy; the St Enoch Shopping Centre and Buchanan Galleries are worth a visit for high street stores, while Argyll Arcade houses lots of independent jewellers. However, the showpiece for shopping has got to be Princes Square, where you’ll find the only Scottish branches of many upmarket and trendy stores. By day, the city centre population tends to be comprised of suits, shoppers and students. By night, people head to the city for the theatres and cinemas, and the large selection of clubs, restaurants and bars.

The West End

Just as the cathedral dominates the Medieval district, so Glasgow University dominates the west end of the city; it’s the fourth oldest in the UK. Its parkland setting and cosmopolitan vibe mix seamlessly with the fashionable, affluent feel of the surrounding area. The west end is like a separate little town, it even has its own river, the Kelvin. Apparently there are more millionaires living in the Kelvinside area than anywhere else in Glasgow. There are also several museums here, including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Museum of Transport. Wander down the lanes off Byres Road and you’ll find quirky little second-hand shops and independent boutiques. This district even has its own shopping centre, De Courcey's Arcade. Restaurants are of a variety and quality to rival anything the city centre has to offer and there’s no shortage of hotels and bars either.

The South Side

The area just south of the Clyde is characterised by housing estates, attractive residential streets and lush parkland, Bellahouston Park and Pollok Country Park to be precise. Both house fine collections of art, the Mackintosh House for an Art Lover in the former and The Burrell Collection in the latter. Theatre-goers will love the Citizens Theatre here while those of a less cultural bent may enjoy a visit to Hampden Park at Mount Florida to watch American football or plain old soccer.

Beyond the boundaries of Central Glasgow are new towns, which developed to meet the housing needs of the city’s many immigrants over the past two centuries. Further out, there are market towns and pretty rural villages, striking coastal scenery, lochs and rivers.

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