My husband and I are touring Scotland for the first time and only have 2 days to dedicate to Glasgow. We'd truly appreciate and recommendations of places to stay, sights not to miss, and restaurant suggestions.
Thank you so very much!
Posted by
San Francisco
993 posts
We had great meals at Kama Sutra Indian, Mussel Inn, and Topolabamba. We were there while my son did soccer training, so it was a bit of a non-traditional trip. They had lawn bowling out near Kensingrove (or what is the big musuem called? That was good too.)... in the summer. That was super fun!!
Kim
Posted by
Ottawa
233 posts
We had 2 nights in Glasgow this past Sept and loved the city. We stayed at the Alfred Hotel in the Hillhead Area just off the Great Western Way. It is very near Glasgow University and walkable to the Kelvingrove Museum.
Our flight arrived early in the morning and we were able to drop our bags at the hotel and went off sightseeing. We bought a 2 day hop on hop off pass and used that to get around the city.
In addition to the Kelvingrove, we loved the Riverside Museum which specializes in all things transportation. If you go don't miss the tall ship Glenlea.
We had an enjoyable lunch at the Piper Pub off George Square where I had my first Cullen Skink.
The Cathedral area was enjoyable especially Glasgow's oldest house.
Also you can reserve a tour of the City Chambers to see great woodwork and the magnificent marble staircase.
We had dinner and drinks at Oran Mor on Great Western Way. It is a casual pub/restaurant in a former church. The area around our hotel is very close to lots of restaurants in Ashton Lane and Byers Road areas.
We were very impressed with Glasgow.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Rick's Glasgow chapter, found in both his Scotland and Great Britain books, is excellent. The only thing I saw (and loved) that wasn't in it is the House For An Art Lover. I had four nights there and didn't run out of things to see and do, so in two days you will have to be selective about what interests you.
For me, the unmissable highlights would be the People's Palace, the Tenement Museum (in that order, so you can put the Tenement Museum in context), Rick's City Centre and West End walks, a hop-on hop-off (HOHO) bus tour, and the House For An Art Lover. But your interests may be different. Definitely get a 2 day HOHO pass, as it will work well first for getting an overview (stay on for one circuit) then for getting between attractions (buses come every 10 minutes).
For more details of these things, here's my trip report from September 2016, which will give you some ideas (just skip the non-Glasgow sections): https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/uk-trip-report-glasgow-manchester-liverpool-in-september-2016
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
852 posts
I enjoyed tea at the Willow Tea Rooms, the museum of transportation, the Kelvingrove museum, the Glasgow School of Art, and just wandering and taking photos of the tops of the buildings where there is often lots of architectural details. I also did the HOHO bus and wandered through the cathedral and the cemetary.
Posted by
OP
42 posts
Thank you all for all the time and advice you have shared! We will let you know how we do!
I really treasure the help people extend through this forum! Take care!
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Sorry to hear you only have two days , but you should see at least one or two Mackintosh sites . The City of Glasgow and the story of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his brilliant wife , the artist Frances MacDonald Mackintosh are inextricably tied , and this forty five minute documentary will give you a good grounding for your visit - https://youtu.be/LNrV6vbu4os