Popular attractions in Glasgow
Glasgow reached the height of prosperity during the 19th and early 20th century and many of its most famous sights are architectural wonders from that time: elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings made out of stone and boasting of elegant interiors. Moreover, Glasgow also has a vast number of museums and art galleries that pay tribute to the city’s glorious past.
The following are some of Glasgow’s most popular tourist attractions.
City Chambers
Dating back to the 1880s, the City Chambers is an imposing structure that symbolized Glasgow’s great wealth. Currently the seat of the local government, this Italian Renaissance style building is renowned for its marble staircases, lavish halls and elegant lobbies. Daily weekday tours are available at the grand City Chambers, located at George Square in the city center.
Glasgow Cathedral
Built in medieval times, this amazing cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Its interiors are dark and imposing, with stained glass windows featuring images of the apostles and seven statues representing the Seven Deadly Sins.
Glasgow Cathedral is located at Cathedral Square in Central Glasgow.
Glasgow School of Art
Located at 167 Renfrew St, Garnethill, the Glasgow School of Art is one of the best buildings designed by Venetian architectural giant Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is also one of the leading schools of art, design and architecture in the UK. Tourists may want to consider enrolling here for evening classes or summer school.
Scotland Street School
Located at 225 Scotland Street, this is another amazing building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the last one he ever created. It has gleaming glass towers, Victorian classrooms and a marvelous museum.
House for an Art Lover
This building was constructed in 1996, based on a 1901 design by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife. It is acclaimed for its vivid use of space and light. The House for an Art Lover is located at 10 Dumbreck Rd, South Side within Bellahouston Park.
Gallery of Modern Art
Scotland’s leading contemporary art gallery houses some of the best modern collections of paintings and sculptures as well as a public library with free Internet access. The museum prides itself for bringing today’s social issues to light in a thought-provoking manner through displays such as its exhibit on marginalized people. The Gallery of Modern Art is located at Royal Exchange Square at the town center.
Glasgow Science Centre
Tourists with children should definitely visit the Glasgow Science Centre, an ultra-modern museum which is Scotland's flagship project for the new millennium. It houses hundreds of interactive science exhibits and a huge planetarium. There’s also an IMAX cinema showing popular films. Located at 50 Pacific Quay, the Glasgow Science Centre features the Glasgow Tower, the only tower in the world that can rotate 360 degrees from its base.
Burrell Collection
Located at Pollok Country Park, Pollokshaws, the Burrell Collection features over 9,000 artworks that were donated to Glasgow by Sir William Burrell. It includes paintings by Renoir and Cezanne, medieval furniture, elaborate tapestries and delicate Chinese porcelain.
Fossil Grove
Located at Victoria Park, Dumbarton Rd, West End, the Fossil Grove contains fossilized trees dating back over 350 million years. The Site of Special Scientific Interest traces back time to the very beginning and makes your existence feel like a mere blip on the history of the world.
Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are the best place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With hardly anyone around, the park’s lush grounds and wooded gardens make you feel strangely liberated. Located at 730 Great Western Rd, West End, the Botanic Gardens are also an ideal venue for a romantic picnic.
Howard Park Hotel
