Whilst Edinburgh may seem like the most attractive option for a quick fix of bagpipes and novelty tartan shops, Glasgow is a much better vision of what 21st century Scottish life. Where Edinburgh is full of castles, gothic churches and monuments, Glasgow is a much better city for enjoying Scottish culture.

Primarily, this is because you are more likely to encounter more Scottish people. And as is denoted on almost every street of the city ‘People make Glasgow’. This is true, in my experience. The people of Glasgow will always make an effort to help (provided you’re not wearing the wrong football shirt or anything that would indicate that you’re from the east coast).

In non-COVID times, Glasgow is Scotland’s city that never sleeps. If a band or artist do a concert in Scotland 9 times out of 10 it will be only in Glasgow. The clubs are the best in Scotland. The shopping area is the best in Scotland. The transport links are the best with the rest of Scotland. You get the point…

Must do activity:

I suppose it’s a bit of a cliché but there is something for everyone in Glasgow. Shoppers have access to Scotland’s primary shopping street – Buchanan street. Art lovers can enjoy Kelvingrove art gallery and museum. Historians can enjoy the legacy of the shipping industry in Glasgow. If there is anything you could wish for in a city, Glasgow probably has it.

Most Instagram worthy spot:

Kelvingrove Park bears resemblance to Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens. On a summer’s day (anything above 14 degrees) it feels like the city comes alive and congregates in a communal space filled with joy. The delirium of teenagers fuelled by Dark Fruits and Dragon Soop combined with sunsets over the West End provide lovely pictures.

Fun Fact:

Despite Edinburgh’s reputation as the UK’s greenest city, in Gaelic, it is Glasgow’s name that translates to the “Dear Green Place”.

Best For:

A weekend away. Plenty of accommodation options. A wide variety of nightlife. And some real Scottish culture. Seems like an obvious choice over Edinburgh!