Glasgow: Nothing Common About this Year’s Commonwealth Games Host

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

Glasgow may be Scotland’s largest city and the third largest city in the UK, but we think it remains a seriously underrated destination. The bustling seaport boasts everything from medieval castles to a modern music culture. Now, as host of the 2014 Commonwealth Games (opening ceremonies kick off the event on July 23) here’s why you should add the Scottish metropolis to your bucket list.

What to Do:

University of Glasgow The Hunterian: Scotland’s oldest public museum houses the largest permanent display of James McNeill Whistler’s work as well as The Mackintosh House (the reassembled interiors of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s home).

Willow Tea Rooms: Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Willow Tea room is famous for its afternoon tea and sweet Willow Meringues.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: One of Scotland’s most popular free attractions since its opening in 1901, the Kelvingrove has 22 themed galleries with over 8,000 objects from Scottish Art to Salvador Dali paintings.

Where to Stay:

citizen Glasgow: Although it has smaller-sized rooms (that still manage to have a large bed), this trendy hotel utilizes technology to make up for in fun what it lacks in space. LED-controlled lights from your room’s iPad not only lets you change the color, but also control the blinds and shades.

Grasshoppers Hotel Glasgow: Next to Central Station, the hotel sits on the top floor of an office building in the most perfect Glasgow location. And don’t miss the free homemade cupcakes.

Sherbrooke Castle Hotel: A castle hotel …need we say more? Secluded from the city center, the spacious rooms are fit for a king and queen with fantastic views. The hotel is popular for destination weddings as well.

Where to Eat:

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

Bothy: Located in Glasgow’s popular West End, Bothy serves traditional Scottish food—yes that means black pudding and mushroom pie.

Black Sheep Bistro: This small and friendly Scottish traditional restaurant offers many forms of Hagggis, one being on a burger.

Cail Bruich: Also in Glasgow’s West End, this Scottish-meets-French restaurant recently won “Best Restaurant” at the 2013 Scottish Entertainment Awards.

Where to Drink:

The Pot Still: As Scotland’s premiere whiskey pub, The Pot Still has over hundreds of malt whiskies on display and attracts thirsty tourists from all over the world.

Oran Mor: Located in the old Kelvinside Parish Church, Oran Mor (Gaelic for “great melody of life”) has it all with a lounge, whisky bar, two restaurants, a night club, auditorium, and a live music venue.

MacSorley’s Music Bar: In the heart of Glasgow, this 113 year old bar has local live music, as well as fantastic house ales and traditional Scottish food.

You Might Also Like:

• Cardiff, Wales: A Taste of the Olympics, Minus the Crowds
• Glasgow: Scotland’s Second City
• Scotland: The World’s Only Malt Whisky Trail

(Photo: enthusiasticawe via flickr/CC Attribution) (Photo: David Wilson Clarke via flickr/CC Attribution) (Photo: colinjcampbell via flickr/CC Attribution) (Photo: TripAdvisor, LLC) (Photo: Kris Kesiak Photography via flickr/CC Attribution)

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up