Top Reasons To Visit Glasgow

Whatever your preference, there’s always something going on in Glasgow to take your fancy. Perhaps best known is the TRNSMT Festival, Glasgow’s biggest mainstream music festival. It’s held on Glasgow Green in July and attracts international headliners and tens of thousands of fans.

Something totally unique is the World Pipe Band Championships, which take place in August in the city, a spectacle to behold. Celtic Connections, in January and February, is Glasgow's annual folk, roots and world music festival. 

If jazz music is your thing, don’t miss the Glasgow Jazz Festival, which takes place in June. That’s also when the multicultural Glasgow Mela festival takes place, incorporating music, dance and arts. And you don’t want to miss the Glasgow Film Festival in February/March.

If you’re heading out for the night, there are loads of places to see live music or shows, including the Royal Concert Hall, Kings Theatre and  Òran Mór. You could attend a gig at the Barrowland Ballroom (or at least take in its amazing neon sign), which was voted Time Out’s best UK venue in 2023.

There’s pubs a aplenty for a pint, or a wee dram of whiskey. The Sauchiehall area is jam packed with lively bars and clubs, and Merchant City or the West End offer alternative vibes for your evening. 

The city has an impressive mural trail, so don’t be surprised to see them popping up loud and proud on buildings around the city. You can follow the trail as a whole, finding everything from a modern day St Mungo, to a floating taxi and the nation’s favourite comedian Billy Connelly. You can download the tour or follow an audio guide.

Glasgow is also well known for its connection to the famous designer and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh and you’ll see elements of his style all over the city. If you’re a fan, don’t miss House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park, created based on his drawings from 1900. Also check out Mackintosh House, a perfect replica of his home, which can be found within The Hunterian Art Gallery.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is home to the world famous ‘Christ of St. John of the Cross’ by Salvador Dalí, along with works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh. There’s also a breathtaking restored Spitfire. With 22 galleries there’s plenty to see, and it’s family friendly for visitors of all ages.

The Riverside Museum is based on all things transport-related and set in a spectacular building designed by Zaha Hadid. There are thousands of exhibits, covering everything from steam-travel to cars, but the main attraction has got to be the stunning Glenlee tall sailing ship, moored outside, which is almost 130 years old. The museum has lots to do for families, if you’re travelling with children.

The Glasgow Science Centre brings science to life for the next generation of engineers and scientists. But the Glasgow Tower is something very special, offering the best 360-degree views of the city. In fact it holds the world record for being the tallest fully rotating freestanding structure in the world! It only opens in the summer (and opening is weather dependent, so check in advance) but it’s well worth a trip if you’re happy with heights, to take in the whole city at once.

You’ll see the city’s strapline quoted all over, and it really is true: People Make Glasgow. We’re not just saying this because we’re biased, but Glaswegians are famed for their friendly nature.

It has been consistently voted one of the friendliest cities in the UK and even the world. You’ll find lots of people happy to strike up a conversation, so making new friends can easily become part of a visit to Glasgow!

Situated close to the hotel, Glasgow Cathedral was once the hub of the medieval city, and is a Gothic masterpiece. Audio and in-person tours are available to help you make the most of your visit. 

Not far from the cathedral is the Glasgow Necropolis. This is a hillside cemetery in the style of Paris’s Pere Lachaise. It’s fascinating to spend some time wandering around the spectacular cenotaphs and mausoleums built for wealthy merchants and industrialists, and the elevated location offers sweeping views over the city.

Just a short walk away, George Square - the city’s principal civic space - has been the backdrop to over 200 years of political, cultural, and social events, and is home to statues of prominent figures from Scottish history. You can also visit Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest house, dating back to 1471, which offers a rare glimpse into medieval life and architecture in the city.

From the ornate detail of Victorian city buildings to bold contemporary structures and the unique style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow’s architecture is a feast for the eyes.

Wander the city and you’ll discover everything from dramatic civic buildings and elegant terraces to repurposed industrial spaces that now house galleries, shops and restaurants.

There are loads of parks and gardens in Glasgow. Did you know, the word Glasgow in Gaelic is ‘Glaschu’, meaning ‘Dear Green Place’? Try Kelvingrove Park and Victoria Grove in the West End, Glasgow Green in the centre or Pollok Country Park to the East, if you’re craving some time in nature.

Set in 50 acres of leafy parkland, the Botanic Gardens have 12 Victorian glasshouses filled with everything from exotic ferns to rare orchids. You can feel like you’re in a tropical rainforest, whatever the weather is doing outside.

There’s plenty of mouth-watering places to grab a cost-friendly bite to eat. CHOP Grill & Bar, situated within the Sandman Signature hotel, offers a wide range of delicious food and some outstanding cocktails and beers. Whether you fancy fresh seafood, a juicy burger or a perfectly cooked steak, it’s all on offer. Along with a few special Scottish delicacies of course – like Haggis Bon Bons! Room service is also available if you’d prefer to chill in your suite after a busy day.

But outside the hotel, there’s a plethora of places to tempt your tastebuds. Glasgow offers an impressive and ever-evolving culinary scene that reflects its diversity. From award-winning fine dining to buzzing street food markets, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. You’ll find everything from authentic international cuisine, such as Indian, Korean, Middle Eastern, and more, to modern Scottish restaurants putting innovative twists on local ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful, and the city’s independent cafés, bakeries, and gastropubs add to its distinct flavour. Whether you’re after a traditional haggis supper or a cutting-edge tasting menu, Glasgow serves it all with style.

You’ll find everything from authentic international cuisine, such as Indian, Korean, Middle Eastern, and more, to modern Scottish restaurants putting innovative twists on local ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful, and the city’s independent cafés, bakeries, and gastropubs add to its distinct flavour. Whether you’re after a traditional haggis supper or a cutting-edge tasting menu, Glasgow serves it all with style.

Glasgow is a fantastic destination for a spot of shopping, and Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel is in a great base if you want to shop ‘til you drop! From the usual high street names and designer brands to some truly wonderful and unique independents, it has it all. 

Don’t miss the Style Mile, along Argyle, Buchanan, and Sauchiehall Streets, for some of the most well-known brands.

There’s some great vintage shops too, where you can pick up some pre-loved treasures. Try Starry Starry Night, Mr Ben Retro Clothing or The Glasgow Vintage Company for vintage attire and accessories.

There’s various weekend markets too, including the world famous Barras Market, where you’ll find everything you ever needed in the worlds of fashion, art, antiques and furniture (and then some). The Merchant Square Craft Market is ideal for arts and crafts lovers, and the city is also home to various food markets including local farmers markets and vegan goodies.

From Loch Lomond and whisky distilleries to nearby coastal towns, there’s plenty to explore just beyond the city, so why not make the most of it and extend your stay? Getting to and around Glasgow is nice and easy, with the city being well connected by road, rail and air, making it perfect for a spontaneous escape.

Glasgow has a great public transport system too with a subway and reliable bus service. You can also hire bikes to get around the city.