A Cheap Glasgow Break

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent cleanliness and daily care of rooms with hearty and delicious cooked breakfasts topped by great prices!

Description:

This is a two-star guest house set in a leafy terrace back from Great Western Road. It is close to all west end amenities and is especially handy for the BBC. Facilities are modest but the excellent location (which includes nearby public transport) makes this a decent choice and the rooms are comfortable and clean, if not the height of luxury. Nine of the 21 rooms have en suite bathrooms.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the UK's most visited galleries and museums, and its FREE!

Description:

This is one of Scotland's most visited attractions, and the most visited gallery/museum in the UK outside of London. The gallery and museum are set in a fantastic building, boasting 22 themed, state-of the art galleries displaying an incredible 8000 objects. The truly eclectic collections are extensive and wide-ranging, covering natural history, arms and armour, art from many art movements and periods of history. The art ranges from French Impressionists to Spanish surrealists.There are also areas dedicated to Scottish artists, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow style, which gives the place a real local feel.

The gallery is divided between Expression on the east side and Life on the west. It has also been designed with children in mind and there are lots of interactive displays throughout which will delight your kids.

Be sure to stop off in the cafés and shops, or use the Study Centre and Library to find out more about the museums in Glasgow, collections, or do some research on-line. For a laugh, be on the look out the furry haggis animal!

Description:

Glasgow's largest indoor flea market.

Shortly after the turn of the century a young woman created a trading situation in the east end of glasgow, which has now become renowned throughout the world as,
"the barras"

she thrived in this environment and saved up enough money to open a small fruit shop in bridgeton (east end glasgow). It was during one of her regular visits to the fruit market that she met james mciver, whom she later married.

Together they set up business at a yard in the district of calton where they rented out horses and carts to traders who hawked around the wealthier streets of glasgow. Soon they acquired more ground, this time in moncur street (glasgow east end) where they rented out static barrows to traders to trade to the public on saturday mornings.

This is now the present site of glasgow barrowland, a flea market.

Description:

Babbity Bowsters is an old style pub(restored historic building ) with very friendly staff and a great selection of beers in the heart of the merchant city. It is named after a Scottish country dance. It's an easy walk in one direction to the Glasgow Cathedral, St.Mungo Museum, and the Necropolis. In the opposite direction, there's down town Glasgow. The rooms have keys with big paddles on them, you just leave them behind the bar until you need them. Rooms are utilitarian , but not overpriced considering the central location and atmosphere.
Schottische, the Franco-Scottish restaurant on the first floor, is open in the evenings and the pub serves Scottish food such as stovies, haggis and Cullen skink until 10pm. The hotel is frequented by university punters. The Bowster is fun if you can forgo luxury and enjoy a great pub. It won the Cesar Award in 1995.

Description:

Located in various buildings of The University of Glasgow, The Hunterian Museum andArt Gallery is Scotland's oldest public museum. It opened in 1807 and is composed of four different collections: The Hunterian Museum (featuring items from Roman Scotland, Ancient Egypt and more), The Zoology Museum, The Hunterian Gallery (featuring watercolours by Charles Rennie Mackintosh) and the Mackintosh House (the former home of the aforementioned Scottish architect).

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Description:

Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1904 especially for temperance advocate Kate Cranston, the Willow Team Room was the only tea room building where Mackintosh had complete control over every aspect of the design. He modelled the exterior as well as the interior of the building and even designed the tea spoons and waitresses' dresses.

The Willow name comes from Sauchiehall, the street where it is situated, which in Scottish Gaelic means alley of the willows and the theme of willows featured throughout the building.

Of all the interiors created by Mackintosh, the Room de Luxe, with its silver furniture and leaded glass work, was the jewel in the crown of his twenty year partnership with Cranston and was so exclusive, customers willingly paid a penny more for their cup of tea.

he design of both the furniture and interior on the Gallery were very different from the Room de Luxe. While the Room de Luxe was bright and feminine, the Gallery was darker and masculine.

Description:

A hip minimalist design creates an aura of calmness and serenity here, totally unpolluted by cigarette smoke. Long bench tables are set out like a canteen with plenty of space in between. This is basically a fast food joint, Japanese and Hong-Kong style. Although most popular amongst a student crowd, it attracts anyone looking for convenience and value for money, although be warned-the queues can get rather long. Ichiban serves a variety of authentic noodle dishes, with a huge bowl of ramen full of vegetables, seafood and meat. Sushi, tofu, teriyaki, bento boxes and stir-fried noodles are also available. Ichiban is licensed and offers sake, Japanese beer and a concise wine list. Another reason why it's popular with students!

Description:

Created in 1817, the Botanic Gardens is known internationally for its impressive glass houses and extensive tropical and temperate plant collections from around the world (although perhaps not as impressive at Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens). The most notable of the glass houses is the Kibble Palace, which houses a large reflective multi-faceted mirror.

A variety of themes of horticultural and botanical interest are found in the grounds as well as attractive walks by the River Kelvin. Its formal gardens and arboretum provide a welcome break from the bustle of the West End.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great pub grub for £5 or less with music and occasional entertainment!

Description:

Nude is situated above bar Radio and close to Glasgow University ( popular with students) and make the best Mojitos in the West End, all for only £2 on Mondays . Daily cocktails( more than 20 variations) start from £2.50. They also share promos with bar Radio. You may have to wait a while at the bar, depending on who ordered what before you. Electro/chart music/RnB are on the menu and on the last Sunday of every month you can enjoy comedy night, with some of Scotland best up and coming acts.

Description:

Built in the in 1990s, the exterior of the House for an Art Lover has been realised, in materials, craftsmanship and dimensions, as closely as possible to the Mackintosh designs of 1901. Take a stroll around the House and into the nearby walled garden. You will see that the House sits comfortably in its parkland surroundings, almost as if Mackintosh himself had selected the setting.

Inside the House, Mackintosh designed the entire layout of rooms but he and his wife provided detailed interior designs for only the double height Entrance Hall, the Dining Room, Oval Room and Music Room*. This group of rooms have been realised in breathtaking detail together with the Main Staircase and Gallery and is referred to as 'The Mackintosh Suite', to which visitors are welcome at most times.

Description:

You won't find any subtle classics on the menu here, but it's busy and with good reason. There's a daily all-you-can-eat buffet involving pizza (obviously), garlic bread and salad, at the bargain price of about £5 (midday-9pm daily). You will occasionally find the price cut even further, to less than £4. Hungry shoppers, office workers, students and just about everyone else flocks to this place when it's time to refuel.

Description:

Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in Glasgow and dates from the end of the 13th century. It also contains features from earlier cathedrals of the 12th century. The former Roman Catholic cathedral (now part of the Church of Scotland) is is the only complete medieval cathedral in Scotland still intact. A modern feature of this magnificent building is the fine stained glass windows which were mainly installed in the 1960s. Since then, it has been regarded as one of the finest collections of modern stained glass in Europe. The focal point for many visitors to Glasgow cathedral is the Tomb of St. Mungo (the city's patron saint), located in the Gothic crypt in the lower church.

Sharing the cathedral's courtyard is the St. Mungo Museum, where you can experience art depicting the world's religions. Opposite the Museum stands Glasgow's oldest House known as Provand's Lordship. The cathedral patronage offers a wealth of musical and vocal talent and recitals are performed throughout the year. The guiding season starts on 1st May and runs till September. Guides are on duty to take visitors around the Cathedral. The bookstall is open and staffed. The Cathedral also has a Not... read more

Description:

Now a Glasgow landmark as an indoor market, the original name "The Cumming & Smith Building" derived from the warehouse owners who commissioned it from Henry and David Barclay in 1891. The current name comes from the Savoy Cinema, which was accessed through the centre's main door. Catering to the low end of the market, this is an excellent place to go if a visit to the bigger Barras frightens you. Eavesdrop in the Windows cafe, which offers an excellent view of Sauchiehall Street and hear plenty of Glasgow patter.

Description:

This place has an incredibly diverse selection of music and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The lounge bar and vegetarian restaurant provides plenty of space to chill out and chat over a few pints, while the dance floor in the basement throbs to whatever cool sounds the featured band or DJ is belting out. Every genre possible makes an appearance, like indie, psychedelic, 60's, hip hop, jungle, techno, experimental dub, rock, dance, soul, electronica and jazz. There has to be something here for everyone and it's particularly popular with students and members of the local indie aristocracy.

Description:

This phenomenal museum explores the significance of religion in people's lives across the globe and across time. Religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism are treated equally here, and the museum aims to promote understanding and respect between different faiths.

The building stands on the site of the medieval Bishop's Castle and was opened in April 1993. It's big treasure is Dali's "Christ of St. John on the Cross". The various displays cover three floors and are divided into four exhibition areas: the Gallery of Religious Art, the Gallery of Religious Life, the Scottish Gallery and a temporary exhibition space. The museum is adjacaent to the amazing Glasgow Cathedral and opposite Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in the city. On the top floor you can try on various religious head gear and make a rubbing of a Celtic cross.

Description:

A must stop on your shopping excursions. This vintage shop sells glorious antique pieces, from Victorian ball gowns and twenties and thirties cocktail dresses to retro accessories like feather boas, stockings, gloves, handbags, ribbons and laces. Even tuxedos, kilts, tweed jackets, cardigans with genuine embroidery and party frocks and dinner suits. Don't forget to peruse the various costumes and jewelries.

The shop is hidden down a little alleyway (head through the archway between the Oxfam clothes shop and Subway - opposite the Hillhead Subway). The atmosphere is charming. It definitely smells like a vintage clothing store and the items can be a bit pricey.

Our Local Expert Says:

Mouthwatering food in an intimate setting in the heart of the city. Food and prices to die for!

Description:

Just spitting distance from the Glasgow School of Art, The Wee Curry Shop in Buccleuch Street is serving up quality traditional home cooking using the freshest ingredients in an intimate atmosphere. A great place for lunch, a pre-theatre meal or a tour of the many attractions of Glasgow's city centre. On first glance it has the look of a closed up corner shop you wouldn't look twice at. But inside 7 tables, have a view of the kitchen, and witness mouthwatering food to die for, being freshly prepared. The Wee Curry shop has also opened in Ashton Lane and Byres Road. The portions are famously large and the prices cheap.

Description:

This is the home theater for the ambitious, well-respected Scottish Opera, as well as the recently ascendant Scottish Ballet. The Royal also hosts visiting companies from around the world. Called somewhat exaggeratedly by the Daily Telegraph, "the most beautiful opera theater in the kingdom," the auditorium does offer splendid Victorian plasterwork and some glittering chandeliers. However, it's not the decor but the daunting repertoire -- Wagner's Ring cycle, La Bohème, or Don Giovanni -- that traditionally has attracted operagoers.

Description:

Alla Turca, which opened in 2007, serves tasty and flavorful Turkish cuisine. The staff is very friendly and will work to give you an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant hosts live Turkish folk music every night at dinner, and on the week-end traditional belly-dancers perform. Alla Turca also has a private dining room, and can host wedding receptions, graduation parties, and other special events.

Description:

The original city bus tour takes you around on an open-top double-decker seven days a week. The 80 minute route goes from Glasgow University in the west end to the Cathedral and Glasgow Green in the east, and a knowledgeable local guide is on hand to explain the sights as you pass them. The buses run all day making frequent stops, and tickets allow you to hop on and off buses as you please so you can use it as a pre-paid taxi service between museums. A bus leaves George Square every half hour.

Description:

Rab Ha's is special because unlike some eateries that only serve classic meat dishes, this one also offers organic vegetarian meals. The food is highly praised, both in terms of quality and choice. It certainly tends to be favored over other establishments by the particularly health-conscious. A set two course menu is available daily. If you don't fancy that, you can order à la carte and try some great Scottish cuisine like haggis or venison, or perhaps be more adventurous and sample some of their imaginative fusion dishes. The decor is warm and welcoming, and it's a cozy place to linger over a drink or a good meal.

Our Local Expert Says:

Free passes for Viper and Wednesday £1.00 drink promo make Radio a NileGuide WINNER!

Description:

This west end bar on the trendy Ashton Lane offers a great weekly quiz on a Mondays to help you flex your brain matter. Selected drinks are a pound Monday-Wednesday with Wednesday offering ALL drinks at £1 ALL day. To boot on a Wednesday Friday and Saturday there is a DJ playing a mix of the best tunes of the moment with a touch of the old thrown in for good measure! Spend the whole day here or drop in for a pre-nightout warmer and nab some free passes to Viper club from behind the bar!

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful area with lots of water sports and shopping to enjoy.

Description:

It may not be able to boast a famous monster, but this unique loch is Britain's largest inland body of water with an area of 71 sq km. There's a treat in store for nature-lovers as around 200 species of birds and over 25 per cent of the nation's wild plants have been recorded in the area. Inside the visitors' centre, the main exhibit presents lots of fascinating information about the landscape, wildlife and heritage, including relevant literary descriptions from august personages such as Queen Victoria and Boswell. Luss itself is worth a look once you've had your fill of natural beauty. A pretty estate village dating back to the 19th century, it's now famous as the setting for STV's rural soap High Road.

Description:

With tremendous views of Loch Lomond, Balloch House is a traditional country pub with an ambient log fire. It has welcomed royalty and celebrities, and dates to the 1700s when it was used to run ferries across the River Leven. You can enjoy a menu that offers fresh seasonal produce and a cellar full of real ales and fine wines. The 14 bedroom Innkeeper's Lodge in Balloch is a member company with this hotel providing great accommodation for travellers.

Description:

The Viper Club in Glasgow is as chic as a club should be. It is perfect for trendy teenagers party space. The resident DJs and live bands keep the spirits high and various music events keeps attracting people. The Viper can also be hired for birthday parties, corporate events or social events, catering will be taken care of by the club.

Description:

The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is the most visited modern art gallery in Scotland. It opened is 1996 and is housed in a neoclassical building which it shares with the city centre library. The building once served as the Royal Exchange, a centre for business and commercial exchange where information and goods were traded.

GoMA's permanent collection includes works by the "new Glasgow boys" as well as John Bellany and Stanley Spencer.

The Library at GoMA, houses a café, free internet access terminals, and an extensive collection of art and design books alongside its general books for loan.

Description:

Housed above the popular Babbity Bowster pub in the small hotel of the same name, Schottische has a rustic feel with a coal fire at one end of the cozy room and hand-written menus. The ingredients are typically Scottish in origin, whether lamb, venison, or sea bass. But given that the chef was born in France, the cuisine usually displays hearty Gallic influences -- in addition to excellent wines. For simpler but tasty meals from the same kitchen, stick to the pub on the ground floor.

Description:

Located in Pollok Country Park, the Burrell Collection features a dazzlingly array of artifacts collected by the wealthy industrialist Sir William Burrell, who gifted it to the city in 1944. It features medieval art and Islamic art, ancient Egyptian and Chinese artifacts, Impressionist paintings, modern sculpture and much, much more.

Description:

The Tron has been a famous landmark in Glasgow's Merchant City area for centuries and a popular cultural venue for over twenty years. The theatre is situated just a stones throw from Glasgow Cross, and is easily spotted by the 16th Century church steeple.

Following completion of a multi-million pound overhaul in 1999, the Tron has risen from the ashes as a stunning collection of historical buildings with stylish new additions. Thousands flock every year to enjoy an eclectic range of performances. They also hold education and outreach workshops for young people.

As for refreshments and replenishment, you make up your own mind! Choose between the stylish front bar, the child-friendly area or the atmospheric Victorian Bar. You can eat in all three spaces, or just have a drink from the bar (both bar and dining have won awards from The List).

Description:

This stylish basement club has three distinct rooms, one of which is a rather posh cocktail lounge. The "Disco Badger" club, playing a mix of house and R&B, gets good reviews. It's open from 10pm to 3am.

Description:

Dating back to the 15th century, the Glasgow Green is the city's oldest park. It is located on the north bank of the River Clyde, and boasts several attractive landmarks including Nelson's Monument, the McLennan Arch, and the Doulton Fountain at the People's Palace and Winter Gardens on the green (a art museum and glasshouse respectively).

Description:

During the Victorian era, the city council refused planning permission repeatedly for this carpet factory because they didn't want to bring the tone of the neighbourhood down with such an unprestigious development. Eventually, the owner of the site gave in and hired William Leiper to design a building that would not be considered an eyesore and this extravagant piece of architecture is what he came up with. Some say that the frontage was to appear like a carpet laid out on Glasgow Green, others adhere to the story that when the building was commissioned in 1889, the owner wanted a replica of the Doge's Palace in Venice. Taking in the colourful tiles and decorative glasswork, either theory would fit. One thing is sure, there's nothing else like it in the city, or indeed Scotland, for its imagination and confidence. The building was extended in the 1930s when they added some glassy, art deco features typical of the time. It was then converted into the Templeton Business Centre in 1984.

Description:

The People's Palace in the Glasgow Green features an array of artifacts, paintings, photographs, film and interactive displays that explore the stories and social history of the people of Glasgow from 1750 to the end of the 20th century. Admire the exotic palms and plants of the nearby Winter Gardens and snap a picture in front of the restored Doulton Fountain, the largest terracotta fountain in the world.