Scotland is a beautiful country, probably mostly known for the Loch Ness monster and bagpipe-playing men in kilts. While the lochs (lakes in Gaelic or Scots), the green hills and the tartan kilts are what is the most emblematic, Scotland has beautiful cities and a lot of history to tell. The biggest city of the country is Glasgow- a bustling centre for music and art, home to one of the best universities in the country as well.
West End
Glasgow University
Glasgow University was founded in 1451, making it the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world. It’s worth visiting for its beautiful main building, fairy-tale like castle reminding a lot of people of Hogwarts. Standing on University Hill, the main building overlooks the West End of Glasgow and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Inside the main building you’ll find a beautiful patio and Hunterian Museum- holding a collection of artifacts given to the university by William Hunter, one of the Scottish leading 18th century scientists.
Kelvingrove Park
At the foot of the university building there is one of the locals’ favourite parks- Kelvingrove park. This is where all the students come to relax after exams with a beautiful view of the university. The hilly park was even converted into a ski and sled slope after a heavy snowfall this winter!
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Crossing the park you come to another beautiful building of Glasgow- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum:the oldest and possibly the most interesting museum in the city, holding exhibitions in art as well as natural history and technology. Not to mention the baroque building that all the Glaswegians love.
Ashton Lane
To relax after all day of sightseeing – head to Ashton Lane, a small lane just off the campus filled with pubs and restaurants. The lane is decorated with lights and comes alive every afternoon and evening with students and locals alike.
Botanic Gardens
Another green area in Glasgow West End, flooded with students and local families on a sunny day is the Botanic Gardens. You can go inside the greenhouses to see the unique species of plants or just relax surrounded by the flowers outside.
City Centre
Necropolis and Cathedral
The stunning, but grim building of Glasgow Cathedral fates back to the 12th century. The legend says that it sits where the patron of Glasgow, St Mungo, built his church. To the east of the cathedral, providing amazing views of the building and the city centre, is the Necropolis. This Victorian cemetery is no longer in use, but is frequently visited by locals and tourists for walks or even picnics among the tombstones from the 19th century.
Sauchiehall Street
It is the main street in the city centre and the number one destination for shopping and nights out. First part of the street is lines with the best pubs, bars and clubs in the city, such as Nice’n’Sleazy’s and O2ABC for the music fans or Mango and Garage for party animals. Farther on the street turns into the shopping addicts heaven and later merges with Buchanan Street going south towards the river Clyde. A great walk along the city centre, as the main part of Sauchiehall and Buchanan street is only for pedestrian use.
Glasgow School of Art
It is an emblem of Glasgow architecture, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Glasgow School of Art is internationally regarded as one of the best creative arts higher education institutions in Europe. Many of Glasgow-based artists, musicians and performers have passed through this school.
Edit: Glasgow School of Art has suffered a severe fire in June this year and is currently closed for students and visitors. The building has been seriously damaged by the fire and it is not yet known when it will be ready to reopen.
