Compare Glasgow city breaks

There are plenty of areas to get a shopping fix in Glasgow too, whether you’re looking for designer togs, homewares or vintage one-offs. The city’s Style Mile is the largest concentration of shops outside of London, with pedestrianised Buchanan Street being a great place to start for the latest fashion essentials. The West End caters to those who are after a range of independent, bohemian shops.

In the evening – or even for a cheeky lunchtime tipple – Glasgow’s pubs, bars, clubs and live music venues are friendly and buzzing places to enjoy Scottish hospitality. Tap your toes or dance along to a ceilidh band, enjoy a quiet pint of real ale or boogie until the wee hours in a pulsing club – the choice is yours in the city that knows how to party.

If you’re looking for a cheap Glasgow city break, avoid travelling while its event are running as hotel prices are likely to be higher with increased demand. Hotel prices are also often higher during weekends, so stay mid-week for cheaper Glasgow getaways.

The Hunterian Art Gallery has a huge collection of artwork, from paintings by the radical painters known as The Glasgow Boys to classic Rembrandts.

Its star attraction, however, is Mackintosh House, a reconstruction of the designer and architect’s home that he shared with his wife, artist Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. Admire the interiors and natural light of the recreated Victorian terrace, with furniture belonging to the Mackintoshes as well as soft furnishings based on photographs and descriptions of the house’s interiors.

Riverside Museum

The first thing you’ll notice about Glasgow’s transport museum is its angular building by architect Zaha Hadid. Next to it, berthed on the River Clyde, is the Tall Ship, a sailing ship museum with plenty inside to entertain the kids.

In the museum itself, admire more than 3,000 objects, with transport big and small on display including skateboards, trains and buses. There are interactive activities for all of the family, and you can even put out a fire with its interactive fire engine.

Glasgow Cathedral

Another architectural masterpiece, Glasgow’s medieval cathedral is thought to have been built on the site where St Kentigern (also known as St Mungo), the Patron Saint of Glasgow, was buried in 612 AD.

When you visit, make sure you go into the 13th-century crypt built for his tomb. For families, there are fact-finding quizzes to help bring the building and its history to life, while adults can pick up an audio guide.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

One of the most popular free attractions in Scotland, this museum and art gallery is inside another standout building.

Art fans will love seeing Salvador Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross and admiring paintings in the Scottish Colourists Gallery, while children will be fascinated by a Spitfire that flew with the City of Glasgow Squadron between 1947 and 1949. Music enthusiast? There are daily organ recitals on a spectacular organ.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Stretch your legs and enjoy the green space of the Glasgow Botanic Gardens in the city’s West End. Visit the Kibble Palace glasshouse, which has a national collection of fern trees inside, then treat yourself to an afternoon tea in the former Curator’s house nearby.

Look out for information on self-led trails too – there’s a Heritage Trail, a Tree Trail and a children’s trail to help everyone make the most of the space.

Alternatively, consider staying south of the River Clyde as you’ll be close to Glasgow Science Centre with its planetarium, some fantastic parks and exciting places to eat.

For travellers on a budget

If you’d like to keep your Glasgow holiday as cheap as possible, there are some great budget places to stay in the West End, from hostels and self-catering apartments to excellent value hotels. And, as you’re close to the university, budget bites are fairly easy to find. You’ll also have some excellent free attractions nearby such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

The budget beds in Central Glasgow are close to some lively nightlife spots as well as shops to help with self-catering, and transport options for day trips.

For food and drink

The Times called Finnieston one of the hippest places to live in the UK and you’ll find some of the best bars and restaurants in the city on its Argyle Street. You’ll also be close to the Clydeside Distillery where you can take a whisky and chocolate tour, as well as the Riverside Museum.

Merchant City is another lively place to stay if you enjoy eating out, with pizza joints, tearooms, vegan options, Scottish restaurants and more. There’s even a gin spa if that’s your drink of choice.

For nightlife

Glasgow is famous for its nightlife, so you won’t struggle to find a lively venue as the sun starts to go down. If you’re looking to experience the city’s LGBT scene, consider staying in or near Merchant City, where you’ll find the Pink Triangle, a collection of LGBT venues. You’ll also find trendy wine bars, cocktail spots and clubs with DJs in the area.

Central Glasgow has some buzzing nightlife spots too, with Sauchiehall Street being home to Scotland’s biggest nightclub.

For culture

If you’d like to be within walking distance of some of the city’s top cultural attractions, including the Hunterian Art Gallery with the attached Mackintosh House, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow’s West End is a great place to stay. Some of Glasgow’s best restaurants, lively music venues and the lovely Botanic Gardens (where concerts are held during the summer months) are here too.

Merchant City is another excellent choice. The Merchant City Festival is held here in the summer, with dance and music performances to enjoy. There’s also a number of artist’s studios with independent galleries to visit.