Archive for February, 2012

Glasgow rose from its beginnings as a small fishing village 2,000 years ago to become one of the leading ship building centres in the world. It has always had a reputation as a tough city, from the humour of its raucous comedians to the hard-edged musicians who come from these parts. By the 12^th century the current cathedral’s first stones had been laid and in 1990 Glasgow’s renaissance was recognised when it was named European City of Culture.

Glasgow Bus Tours

One of the greatest ways to gain access to many of Glasgow’s tourist attractions is to buy a 24-hour bus ticket, which allows you over the period of a day to get on and off the open-top tour buses at 21 conveniently placed stops around the city. This way you get a fabulous view of the town from the bus and the ability to create your own, personalised tour. The trip itself is accompanied by a running commentary, describing the sights along the way, on the hour and 20 minute journey.

The “Hop On, Hop Off” Sight Seeing Tours include such sights as the Gallery of Modern Art in Georges Square, Glasgow Cathedral, St Mungo Museum of Religious Life, Science Centre and the Glenlee Tall Ship at Pointhouse Quay. The bus trip takes a circular route from the city centre into the suburbs with regular stops to jump off and explore the surrounding areas, they run every fifteen minutes so you are never left waiting for too long and the 24-hour ticket is valid for consecutive days.

City of Culture

The legacy from the European City of Culture is still present today and there are over 20 museums and galleries scattered across Glasgow. There are fabulous collections such as the eccentric and varied pieces by Sir William Burrell, while Glasgow’s Art Gallery in Kilvingrove has one of Scotland’s greatest displays of art. The GoMA, Gallery of Modern Art also showcases the best in current artistic trends highlighting the works of many contemporary international artists. Housed in the old, historic Business Exchange building the gallery provides a place of exhibition and working environment as well, with its own library, café and Internet connections.

One of Scotland’s foremost artist, designers, Charles Rennie Mackintosh is also celebrated in his former school, now opened as the Museum of Education. The city’s industrial past is also preserved in the Riverside Museum where visitors can see excellent exhibits featuring many trains and trams, along with the tall ship berthed alongside.

Staying in Glasgow

An ideal base for your Glasgow experience is the Radisson Blu Hotel in the heart of Glasgow, from here you will have easy access to all the main city centre tourist attractions, museums, pubs and restaurants. This Glasgow hotel is a tower of glass and affords uninterrupted views across the city’s panorama.  It has 250 stylish rooms and delicious restaurants and bars where Mediterranean meals, which are blended with a Scottish angle are dished up.