CITY GUIDE: Glasgow

Today’s CITY GUIDE is brought to you by Emma Boyd of Glasgow, Scotland! Enjoy!

Thanks to it’s prettier sister Edinburgh, Glasgow doesn’t often get the first look on a trip to Scotland, but make time to spend a few days in the city and I promise you a world of delight!

While we don’t have castles to roam, our streets do have plenty to occupy your days. Start out in the city centre with a walk along Buchanan Street, our main shopping district. It’s got everything for high street brands to upmarket boutiques, with plenty of refreshment stops along the way. Head to the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) to see a real Glasgow institution – the statue of the Duke of Wellington out front is rarely without his traffic cone hat.

Take the Underground out to the West End for the afternoon, where you’ll find a plethora of coffeehouses, delis, and second hand bookstores. Ruthven Lane may look like any other alley, but down it’s narrow street you’ll find some of the best second hand stores the city has to offer.

Take a break for a coffee at Cafezique… and make sure you try the brownies! Other great coffee spots include Epicures, Avenue G, and Big Mouth Coffee. The sticky toffee cake at Big Mouth should come with a warning label: addictive! Now that you’re feeling refreshed, enjoy a walk through the Botanical Gardens and along the River Clyde – the city’s best kept secret.

If nightlife is your thing, Ashton Lane has plenty to choose from. It’s bars & restaurants are busy all nights of the week thanks to the student and young professional population. Brel does a great selection of beers, or try the Ubiquitious Chip for something a little more upmarket. Catching one of the latest films at the Grovesner Cinema is a great way to the end the day, not least of which because of the comfortable sofas and licensed bar.

Our streets may have less tourists than others, but the people who call this city home love it and are always happy to point you in the right direction!

A big thanks to Emma of Emma Boyd Photography for sharing her favorite Glasgow spots and photos. You can follow her on Twitter or like her on Facebook!

Featured image by euphbass.