Glasgow is one of Europe's most exciting and beautiful destinations, which combines the energy and sophistication of a great international city with some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery.

The city's Victorian skyline - with its neo-classical spires and glowing sandstone - blends seamlessly with the 18th century Merchant City, sensuous art nouveau and the minimalist glass and titanium of contemporary Glasgow.

Glasgow built its wealth in the eighteenth century through the tobacco, sugar and cotton trade. Then in the nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth, Clydeside was the world's leading manufacturer of ships and locomotives and Glasgow became known as the 'Second City of the Empire'.

This wealth is primarily responsible for Glasgow's amazing portfolio of more than 20 museums and galleries such as the Art Galley & Museum, Kelvingrove and the unique Burrell Collection.

Lovers of the 'beautiful game' will enjoy the recently opened Scottish Football Museum at Hampden Park. This unique attraction houses an incredible range of football memorabilia including the oldest football ticket in the world and the 'Wembley Wizards' ball from 1928!

The area's maritime heritage is vividly brought to life at attractions such as the Museum of Transport, Clydebuilt in Renfrew and The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour.
The inheritance left behind by the city's two greatest architects is also much in evidence. A stroll round the West End or South Side will uncover some of the amazing and exotic buildings of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Glasgow however, is also a very modern city for the twenty-first century and at the vanguard of innovation in design and technology.

This is literally reflected in the new and exciting Glasgow Science Centre, which features the dazzling, titanium clad Science Mall with its hundreds of interactive exhibits, Scotland's first IMAX cinema as well as the 127-metre high Glasgow Tower.
The city's café culture encompasses the entire spectrum of wining & dining so whether you prefer traditional fayre, ethnic cuisine or the very latest in fusion and Pacific-Rim, you'll find something to sink your teeth into.

Glasgow is the largest retail centre in the UK outside London and the city's grid system is just made for shoppers and walkers! Giant high street malls such as the ultra modern Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre are just a short, latte-fuelled stroll from the elegance of the Italian Centre and the speciality shops of the West-End.

Be entertained in one of Europe's cultural capitals by its year-long calendar of festivals and special events and enjoy outstanding shopping, clubbing as well as superb bars and restaurants - all located within a stone's throw of some of the country's finest parks & gardens.

What's more, Glasgow, dynamic, energetic, and friendly also scores top marks for its ease of access by air, rail and road and lies at the gateway to areas of outstanding natural beauty.

With thanks to:
Moira Dyer
Manager - Public Relations
Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley Tourist Board