Hotels in Glasgow

Glasgow Hotels

Scotland’s largest city is a destination of glorious contrasts. As a major center of Britain’s industrial revolution, it’s home to some of the country’s most imposing, and impeccably well preserved, red brick Victorian buildings, which lend the place an air of gentility and refinement. But scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a hip, edgy, and youthful city, with wild nightlife, cutting-edge live music and performing arts scenes, and colorful street art scattered all over town. And with Britain’s only underground railway network outside of London, hopping between attractions is a breeze.

Things to see

The city boasts more than its fair share of breath-taking historical buildings, and Glasgow Cathedral is a clear highlight. It’s a majestic, medieval Gothic church – one of only a few in Scotland to have survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 almost entirely intact. Inside you’ll find a magnificent 15th century stone choir screen, glorious modern stained glass windows, and the fascinating St Mungo’s tomb, which Catholic pilgrims flocked to throughout the Middle Ages. The mesmerizingly atmospheric Glasgow Necroplis is one of Europe’s most significant Victorian cemeteries. It’s perched on a hill to the east of the Cathedral, offering spectacular views of the city – on a clear evening, it’s the best spot in town to watch the sun set. If you’re traveling with kids, the Glasgow Science Centre is a must-visit. It’s a state-of-the-art, thrillingly interactive museum, with fun live science demonstrations, a dazzling planetarium, and an awe-inspiring giant IMAX cinema screen.

Hotels in Glasgow

There’s a wealth of fantastic hotels in Glasgow, with something to suit every budget. At the top end of the price scale, there are dazzling 5-star hotels, equipped with every luxury facility you could hope for, such as full service health spas, rejuvenating saunas, and gourmet restaurants. Competitively priced mid-range hotels are plentiful – take your pick from slick, modern hotels run by top international chains, or stylish, independent boutique hotels. Either way, you can expect great perks like flat-screen TVs, modern business centers, and freshly cooked breakfasts each morning. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, there are also smart, no-frills hotels and backpacker hostels, which offer essential amenities like free WiFi, and coffee and tea makers.

Where to stay

Most major sights, attractions, and cultural venues can be found in the city center, which is characterized by opulent Edwardian and Victorian architecture, and an easy-to-navigate grid system. It’s the ideal location for an action-packed city break, with a wealth of quirky independent shops, innovative restaurants, and pulsing nightclubs to explore. The West End is the city’s hippest, most bohemian district, centered around the stunning, Gothic Revival style University of Glasgow. It’s a fantastic spot for nightlife, with shabby-chic craft beer pubs, stylish cocktail bars, and happening live music venues aplenty. If you fancy a dramatic change of pace, the banks of the hauntingly beautiful Loch Lomond are just a short drive from the city center. Here you’ll find stunning period hotels, cozy traditional pubs, and truly jaw-dropping mountain scenery.

How to get to Glasgow

You can fly direct to Glasgow Airport from major cities all over Europe, as well as long-haul destinations such as Newark, Toronto, Las Vegas, and Dubai. The airport is conveniently located around 10 miles from the city center. Efficient airport shuttle buses run 24 hours a day, and taxis and rental cars are also readily available. If you’re travelling by train, Paisley Gilmour Street station is a short bus or taxi ride away.