1) The River Clyde
For many years Glasgow had a reputation as a post industrial city, that had ‘seen better days.’ However in the past 3 decades the city has embarked on a programme of regeneration that has transformed the city and put to rest it’s once negative image. The River Clyde once home to busy docks and shipbuilding yards, is now a showcase for the ‘new Glasgow’ offering modern architecture and attractions.
The River Clyde, Transformed by Regeneration.
2) The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Originally built in 1778, it is hard to believe that this extravagant building was once someone’s home! The museum was once a townhouse belonging to William Cunninghame, a businessman who made his fortune shipping tobacco from the Americas. Today the building is home to art displays, a public library, and cafe (free entry.)
GOMA – Once Home to a Glasgwegian Tobacco Lord.
by Tony Webster
3) Royal Exchange Square
Situated in the heart of the city, Royal Exchange Square is home to a number of cafes/bars, restaurants and the iconic Gallery of Modern Art. On a summer’s day it makes the perfect destination for those seeking a pleasant beer in the sun.
Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow.
4) Glasgow Science Centre
This shiny object that looks like a crashed UFO is actually the Glasgow Science Centre. This popular visitor attraction located on the banks of the River Clyde contains a number of interactive science exhibits and IMAX cinema. To the rear is the Glasgow Tower, the tallest tower in the world in which the whole structure is capable of rotating 360 degrees. The tower has the rather unfortunate record of being closed to the public for extended periods of time due to engineering issues.
The Glasgow Science Centre.
5) Glasgow’s West End
Glasgow’s West End is a popular district packed with cafes, bars, restaurants, parks, and museums. Much of the area’s architecture is of Victorian origin, and many of the buildings are of ‘noted architectural importance.’ Major attractions include Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and Glasgow University.
Victorian Terrace, Glasgow West End.
6) Pollok House and Country Park
You don’t often find a country house within the boundaries of a large city, but Pollok House is an exception. The house was built in 1772 for the Maxwell family, who had owned the surrounding lands for over 700 years. In 1966, the house and it’s extensive grounds were donated to Glasgow City Council, and today the building is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Pollok House and its extensive gardens are now open to the public, and rightfully a major visitor attraction.
Pollok House, Glasgow.
7) George Square
Located in the heart of the city, George Square is Glasgow’s principal civic space, and home to the City Chambers (local council) building. The square has long been associated with political rallies, and is often used as focal point for Scottish independence supporters. In 1919, the square was the scene of ‘Black Friday’ when the British government had to send in troops to quell rioting which they feared could lead to a Bolshevist uprising.
Indpendence Rally in George Square.
8) Glasgow SECC
The SECC otherwise known as the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, is the largest exhibition centre in Scotland. This futuristic building lies on the banks of the River Clyde in a once industrial area that has seen extensive regeneration over the past 30 years. Due to it’s appearance the building is commonly referred to as the ‘Armadillo’ by locals.
Glasgow SECC, AKA ‘The Armadillo.’
by o palsson
9) Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Glasgow’s largest museum and art gallery which is well worth a visit (free entry.) For many years there was always an odd myth surrounding the building that it was accidentally built ‘back to front’ in error, and the architect jumped off one of it’s towers after realising his mistake! Let’s face it, this ‘urban myth’ is highly dubious!
Modern Art, Kelvingrove Glasgow.
by peterme
10) Buchanan Street
Buchanan Street is regarded as Glasgow’s main shopping throughfare, and is named after the wealthy 18th Century tobacco lord, Andrew Buchanan. The pedestrianised street is part of Glasgow’s ‘Style Mile’, an area comprising of countless shops, bars and restaurants.
Buchanan Street, Glasgow.
