Glasgow, Scotland's Green City

Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow means "Green Hollow" in Gaelic, and with over 90 gardens and parks it is just that.  It's also home to various popular galleries and museums, a magnificent cathedral, and two football teams.

Best seasons for Glasgow

Glasgow has an oceanic climate with cool, cloudy winters and unsettled weather in summer. March to May generally has mild, pleasant weather. For visiting during festival time, there are different festivals throughout the year, but in June there's the International Jazz Festival, in the Merchant City area. The West End Festival, Glasgow's biggest cultural event, also takes place in June - a Fiesta-like summer party. There are many events for Hogmanay on 31st December. 

Tips before heading to Glasgow

Accommodation is generally less expensive than in Edinburgh, but prices rise during major football match and concert times. If you have a car, parking in Glasgow inner city is limited and costs about 40p for 12 minutes. The average price for an inexpensive meal out is about £10 and a beer is about £3.

Glasgow local information

Glasgow is served by two airports. Glasgow International Airport is approximately 8 miles west of the city centre. Take the Glasgow Shuttle bus 500 costing about £5 for a single fare. First route operates the 747 bus costing about £4. Or take the local bus 66 and then train from Paisley Gilmour Street, the cheapest and slowest option, with single tickets costing about £3.50.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is about 30 miles south of central Glasgow. Direct trains run from the airport station to Glasgow central, taking around 45 minutes and costing around £3.50 with your boarding card. Bus X77 also operates a service when the trains aren't running.

Accommodation-wise, budget hostels cost from around £10 in shared rooms, or a double room from about £25 in mid-range accommodation. A 3 star hotel room costs from about £50 per double room.

For getting around in Glasgow a one day bus Travelcard costs around £4.50. The underground costs about £1.60 for a single or £4 for a day Travelcard. Bus and underground combined tickets are available. A Daytripper for trains, some buses and the underground costs around £11.50. Taxis start at about £3 and then £1 per km. The centre of town to the West End costs between about £5 and £6.