In two long years I fell in love with the Scottish city for many reasons that made this city my home away from home. Glasgow is easily ignored by tourists visiting Scotland for its capital. Edinburg, is majestic with all it’s medieval castles and mapped out tourist attractions but Glasgow has irreplaceable character, the charms of which cannot be missed. I highly recommend anyone to visit Glasgow for at least a day or two to explore this dynamic city and be a part of the many events that keep happening year around. There are many things to do here from shopping to getting a beer at the many stylish bars and if you are there just for a day from exploring the famous Scottish Lochs and Highlands, you can easily cover all of my top five things to do in order to experience an artsy perspective of this vibrant yet earthy city.
Top 5 things to do in Glasgow City
This one is definitely my favourite, not just for the fact that the university looks like Hogwarts and I am a total potter nerd, also because this is the university where I studied at. With it’s dreamy Victorian architecture, a botanical garden, extensive collection of books in it’s library, the Hunterian Art Gallery and the Makintosh house in the Hunter Museum makes the University a must visit. Not to mention, you will be able to recognise the plots where various scenes from The Harry Potter movies were shot at. Very prominent ones are the ‘quidditch practice ground’ scenes from the movies. Be there on their gardens overlooking Kelvingrove Art Gallery to witness the stunning sunset from the landscaped cliff.
2. Go bar crawling on Ashton Lane or clubbing at Sauchiehall Street
Close to the University of Glasgow on West End and off the main Byers Street, Ashton Lane is a hub for restaurants, bars and cafè giving away a bohemian fee to the place. Know for their street parties, upcoming bands playing in the bars and the lively vibe is very popular with students and residents like wise. Very close to the Glasgow subway Ashton lane is a well kept secret of the city away from the bustling street and high rises; it always felt like we were entering a different world altogether. Definitely go to the Governor’s Café known as the Ubiquitous Chip for some Scottish cuisine and the best bloody mary’s in town.
If pubs and bars are not enough for you, get to Sauchiehall Street to party the night the away. Lined on either side of the road with a number of clubs, bars, restaurants and late night eateries is a popular strip for locals to make the weekends count. I especially enjoyed being there on Halloween to dress up in a costume as well as interact with people in some bizarre get ups and on New years’ eve to enjoy the madness of bringing in the new year. Few of our go to clubs were O2 ABC, The Garage and the Cult for the music and one pound drinks.
3. Be amused by the eccentric collection at Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Every time I easily spent a couple of hours at the gallery and museum. Entry to the museum is free and when you leave, you will not regret leaving after giving some donation. With the finest collection of art, particularly Mackintosh’s work is simply mind blowing. Such impeccably detailed display of art may engross you more than any museum in Amsterdam or Paris has ever done. Do not miss the Kelvin park and the architecturally striking building of the Museum.
In the heart of Glasgow Buchanan is a lovely shopping street with shops for all taste and needs. A shopping haven with shops from high end designers to niche boutiques are available. Best part of this place is the talented street artists keeping shoppers entertained; from bag pipers to sitar players performing out there through the unpredictable Scottish weather. There are also a number of well known restaurants and bars to stop by for a bite or drink at the end of the day.
Standing along the Clyde riverside, the striking modern architectural feature of the museum building is easy to spot. The impressive collection in the museum features a series of fine cars, train locomotives, trams and bikes, with interactive displays of the historic Glasgow streets. The main display of the Museum is outside on the river; a restored ship from the Victorian era. Also, I have to mention the huge grass chair outside their Museum garden makes for a great picture with one sitting on it and looking oh so tiny.
For more stories and updates on my travel exploits follow @BohemianOnTheRun on Instagram.
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