Is Glasgow Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons That’s a Yes

Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, is often overlooked due to its better-looking cousin, Edinburgh, the Scottish capital.

Tell people you’re visiting and you’re bound to get some confused looks, quickly followed by something to the effect of “But why there?” They’ll wonder out loud or to themselves: why not Edinburgh, since it’s so pretty and Instagram-worthy? Why not the Highlands where it’s peaceful and green? And wait a second, isn’t it super, super dangerous in Glasgow?

Since moving to Glasgow last year, I’ve encountered all variations of these questions from people that I know. You see, there are many lingering misconceptions about it, mostly due to the fact it used to be a heavily industrial city with a lot of crime. It was even known as the ‘murder capital’ of Europe many decades ago!

But what many don’t realize is that Glasgow has evolved a lot since then. It’s actually reduced its crime rate so dramatically that its strategies are studied by other governments.

Today, Glasgow is a vibrant, modern hub of Scottish arts and culture, brimming with fun activities, must-see sights, and incredible events.

Is Glasgow worth visiting? Let’s peel back the layers of this crazy city to answer that question once and for all. As with every destination, there are a few reasons why it won’t be at the top of everyone’s must-visit list.

Why some travelers avoid Glasgow

1. The weather isn’t ideal

The United Kingdom as a whole is known for its grey, sometimes depressing weather, and Glasgow is no exception. While it’s nowhere near as dreary as people expect, it’s wetter than cities to the East like Edinburgh, and winters can be extremely cold.

Although I adore moody, ashen skies (it provides a fantastic ambiance for exploring the Necropolis!), travelers who prefer consistent warmth and sunshine may be frustrated by the frequent cloudiness. Not to mention, in autumn and winter, that cloudiness can often be accompanied by rain.

It’s the perfect weather for reading indoors in a cozy West End or city center cafe, but not ideal for exploring a new place.

2. Food and accommodation are on the expensive side

Glasgow is nowhere near as expensive as London but for the majority of travelers, it’ll still make a pretty pricey trip. It’s only slightly less costly than a trip to Edinburgh.

A typical meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Glasgow costs about £10-12, not including any beverages or cocktails you might have. Unless travelers stick strictly to pub food and hole-in-the-wall eateries, they should expect to spend a minimum of £30 ($37) per day on food alone.

With travel and hostel accommodation included, expenses per day will be a minimum of £80 ($98). It’s not an astronomical amount, but not insignificant for the average traveler, especially if they’re from outside Europe.

3. The heavy-drinking lifestyle of Glaswegians

Scottish people love to drink, and that’s doubly true for Glaswegians.

Don’t get me wrong though, it’s not like the streets are strewn with drunkards — public drinking is actually banned in Glasgow. Still, there are many reasons why travelers might want to steer clear of the constant reminders about alcohol, and that’ll be impossible in this heavy-drinking city.

If you plan on going out at night or on the weekend, you’re bound to bear witness to some drunken behavior, especially during evenings in the city center. For most, this won’t be an issue. But if drinking culture is a big no-no for you, you might want to avoid Glasgow.

4. It’s rough around the edges

As I mentioned earlier, Glasgow has come a long, long way since its crime-ridden days. In fact, since 2006, crime has fallen by a whopping 43%! Like most big cities though, it has its rough neighborhoods, and both travelers and residents will need to follow common-sense rules in the downtown area.

To some, Glasgow might feel like it has a bit of an ‘edgy’ or gritty vibe (maybe that’s due to the Gotham-esque architecture!). But frankly, I’ve felt way safer here than in London, and I haven’t had any run-ins with crime for the year I’ve been here. If you’re looking for an Amsterdam level of safety though, I’ll be honest — you won’t find that in Glasgow!

Why is Glasgow worth visiting?

1. Breathtaking architecture

Turn a street corner in Glasgow and sometimes you find yourself thrown back into another era. It never gets old seeing a striking relic from the past, like a cathedral or an old government building, contrasted against the modernity of the city. You don’t need to be an architecture buff to appreciate it, either!

Whether it’s the severe and asymmetrical aesthetic of Gothic architecture or the arching, sensual designs of Art Nouveau, there’s always a touch of vintage beauty in this city, even when you least expect it.

2. You’ll make new friends

Glasgow’s city slogan is ‘People Make Glasgow‘ and nothing could be more true.

The people of Glasgow, often referred to as Glaswegians or Weegies, are the heart and soul of this city, and they’re exceptionally friendly! Known for their down-to-earth, assertive nature and wonderful sense of humor, Glaswegians will win you over with their unique charm in an instant.

Whereas natives in other cities might show some ambivalence towards a foreigner, I’ve only ever felt welcome by Glaswegians. It’s rare that you encounter the “I don’t know you” skepticism that is usually associated with big city residents. Just show them the same warmth and be willing to laugh, and you’ll get to know the locals pretty easily.

Really, it’s no wonder that Glasgow was voted one of the friendliest cities in the whole world.

3. Abundance of museums and art exhibitions

There’s a reason they call Glasgow the cultural center of Scotland. Art galleries, museums and art workshops, they all come in great supply in this fast-paced city.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is by far the most famous, displaying works by iconic artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and Rembrandt — but that’s the absolute tip of the iceberg.

There are also contemporary art galleries, a religious museum, a science museum, and even the Riverside Museum, which is dedicated to the history of transportation… Seriously, so many museums!

People who visit me for a weekend unfailingly struggle to fit everything that they want to see into the short time frame. Unsurprisingly, this historic place just has so much to offer to all types of people. And better yet, so many museums, including Kelvingrove, are completely free to enter.

4. It’s not as touristy as London and Edinburgh

During peak months, the streets of London and Edinburgh can feel as packed as a can of sardines. And constantly bumping shoulders and having to walk at a snail’s pace behind slow walkers… let’s be honest, that can really affect your experience of a new place, no matter how beautiful.

In Glasgow, travelers don’t need to worry about overwhelming crowds and stampedes of other travelers. While it does see a good amount of tourism, Glasgow is still an underappreciated destination. This means you can see all its best attractions without ever once feeling claustrophobic (or just impatient!) in a crowd.

5. Legendary music scene

Edinburgh may be known as a City of Literature, but Glasgow is recognized by UNESCO as a City of Music. Glaswegians are avid music fans, with over half a million residents (nearly one-third of the population) being active gig and concert-goers.

Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot of supply to meet this demand. You don’t need to look far to find great music or a show that appeals to your musical preferences. It’s home to famous bands like Franz Ferdinand, Belle and Sebastian, and the Fratellis, and of course, brand new bands come up all the time.

Whatever your favorite genre of music is, I guarantee you’ll have no problem finding a show that has you bopping your head and singing along.

6. The city is steeped in fascinating history

It’s true that Glasgow is Scotland’s most modern city, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its historical legacies and ancient sites.

Take, for example, the Govan Stones, which are displayed in a museum in the Govan district. These carved medieval stones date back all the way to the age of the Vikings.

In the City Center, there’s even the 17th-century Tolbooth Steeple, which used to mark the building where criminals and presumed witches met their demise. History is everywhere in this city. So many old buildings and landmarks have a great story to tell; it’s just a matter of learning what that story is.

7. It’s a convenient gateway to other Scottish destinations

Glasgow itself might not be that scenic, but some of the most captivating views you’ll ever see are right on its doorstep.

From here, travelers can easily make day trips to other beautiful Scottish sights like Stirling Castle or Loch Lomond. Just hop on a train at Glasgow Central Station and explore the surrounding landscapes to your heart’s content.

One of the most popular day trips is to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the bridge made famous by the Harry Potter movies. Even though the excursion can make you feel like you’ve entered another world, you can easily be back in Glasgow city by dinnertime.

8. The best shopping in Scotland

People tend to assume that Edinburgh offers the best shopping in Scotland, but it’s actually second-best to Glasgow. In fact, people from Edinburgh are known to come here during the holidays for their Christmas shopping.

While Edinburgh may be a great place to pick up souvenirs for friends abroad, it caters mainly to tourists. In Glasgow, you’ll find everything you need, from vintage stores and second-hand shops to modern boutiques, big brands, and much more.

In the city centre, you’ll at least want to take a stroll through Argyle Arcade, which is a prime location for some window shopping. In this 19th-century arcade, you’ll find a variety of luxury jewelers selling high-quality diamonds from all over the world.

It’s become one of the most popular places in the country to buy an engagement ring. Even if you aren’t proposing to anyone any time soon, it’s fun to wander and have a little peek!

9. Diverse and vibrant food scene

When it comes to food and gastronomy, Glasgow is a lot more than just the birthplace of the deep-fried Mars Bar. It’s home to many of the nation’s best restaurants, including Cail Bruich, Unalome, and Monadh’s Kitchen, all voted the Top 3 in Scotland by National Geographic.

However, if neither fast food nor fine dining are your thing, don’t worry. You’re spoilt for choice!

There are nearly 700 restaurants in Glasgow, which is the most per capita in all of the United Kingdom. Indie cafes, pubs, bistros, family restaurants, exotic cuisine, you name it, Glasgow’s got it. It was also voted the most vegan-friendly city in the UK, so it shouldn’t surprise you that the plant-based options are off-the-charts.

10. Incredible nightlife

The nightlife in Glasgow knows no limits, reflecting its creative, out-of-the-box attitude toward pretty much everything. It all comes down to one question: what are you in the mood for? Artisanal cocktails at a swanky bar? Game-inspired drinks at an underground bar-arcade with rooms full of retro video games?

You’ll find everything in this delightfully chaotic city — dance clubs, rock clubs, everything you’ve ever thought of, and everything you’ve never thought of… like competitive axe-throwing at a bar. Yes, that’s a real thing.

On a night out, I never have to wonder how to have a good time, but rather, what kind of good time I’m looking for. ‘Cause if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Glasgow will always bring the fun itself. Which leads me to my next point…

11. Glasgow is Scotland’s most fun city

Visit Edinburgh for the pretty scenery, but come to Glasgow if you want to have fun. That’s the rule.

Although Edinburgh does get very interesting during festival season in the summer, life in Glasgow is eventful all-year round. Whether it’s the Glasgow Burlesque Festival, the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the Glasgow Film Festival, or Scotland’s biggest whisky festivals… you get the point. They’re all here in Glasgow!

Coupled with the addictive nightlife, the fantastic museums, and the down-to-earth people… what more do you need?

12. The walkability

When traveling, an easy way to rack up expenses is by taking taxis or Ubers in order to get around. Luckily, in Glasgow, you can see a lot of the city on foot.

Without ever getting in a vehicle, you can walk the mural trail, see Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis, St. George’s square, the City Chambers, and even fit in some shopping in the city center. It all works out, because after all the haggis and other deliciousness you’ll gorge yourself on, you’re probably going to need that exercise.

13. It’s the football capital of Scotland

Glasgow isn’t just for artsy folks and music geeks. It was also recently voted one of the best cities for sports fans to visit.

This city is home to Scotland’s biggest football teams, the Celtics and Rangers, which are known collectively as the Old Firm for their long-standing rivalry. I’m not a sports fan personally, but I’ve heard that games between the two Scottish teams can be wildly thrilling and nail-bitingly intense.

After moving to Glasgow, one of the first pieces of advice I got from a local was to avoid wearing green or blue (the team colors for the Celtics and Rangers respectively) on match days. If you do, you risk getting heckled and teased in the street by fans of the opposing team! Talk about a passionate fan base.

So far, I’ve managed to heed that advice with no problem, which means that thankfully, I haven’t been heckled in the street by football fans just yet.

Conclusion

The magic of Glasgow far outweighs the potential downsides, but does that mean you should visit? Ultimately, it’s going to depend on you and exactly what kind of experience you seek.

Glasgow will never be able to promise great weather or the slickness of Singapore, but it can promise you unforgettable people, beautiful architecture, a unique culture, fun events, and a load of laughter.

You’ll experience the raw, real heart of Scotland, without the tourist traps and the chaos of crowds. You’ll get to know the Scottish city with the biggest personality of them all. Glasgow won’t be for everyone, but on the chance that it is for you… trust me, you’ll fall in love, and you’ll fall in love hard.