Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (2023)

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (1)

A question I get asked by my readers often is ‘Is Glasgow worth visiting?’ or ‘Should I visit Edinburgh or Glasgow?’

I’ll be completely honest, my first trip to Glasgow wasn’t great. In fact, it was awful.

I booked a hire car and left Glasgow before I’d even given it a chance.

I’m not alone in this; a few members in my Scotland Facebook group said they were underwhelmed by Glasgow.

I’ve returned to Glasgow several times since, and I’ve learned some valuable lessons about what I did wrong during my first visit.

If you’re wondering is Glasgow worth visiting, read on so you don’t make the same mistakes as I did when visiting for the first time!

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (2)
Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (3)

Table of Contents

Why I disliked Glasgow so much

I spent one day in Glasgow during my first trip to Scotland.

My friend and I had just spent two fantastic days in Edinburgh and I fell in love with the gothic architecture and medieval feel of the city.

Walking through the streets of Edinburgh for the first time, I felt as though I’d been transported back to the Middle Ages.

Let me set the scene: Standing proudly overlooking Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle, a magnificent walled stronghold that sits on an extinct volcano that has been fortified for over 3,000 years. The Royal Mile, a bustling cobblestone street filled with pubs and tourist shops, runs between the castle and Holyrood Palace, a palace that has housed royalty including Mary Queen of Scots, and to this day is Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence in Scotland. Branching off The Royal Mile are discreet closes that are like keys, unlocking hidden parts of the city.

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (4)

Then there is New Town; the gothic spear of the Scott Monument pierces the sky, looking down on the manicured Princes Street Gardens below.

Edinburgh is a tourist’s dream- it’s exactly how you’d expect a Scottish city to look and feel. With Edinburgh, you don’t need to plan. You can simply wander the streets and be wowed.

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So, when I arrived in Glasgow, I had high expectations.

We booked our trip last minute and hadn’t done any research on what to do in Glasgow. Due to our spontaneity, the only affordable hotel available was far from the city centre. We were surrounded by dull grey and brown highrise apartments- it wasn’t exactly the most exciting view, but I learned a valuable lesson- book your accommodation in advance.

Then we caught a bus into the city.

My first impressions of Glasgow were this: wet, dreary, and depressing.

The buildings were Victorian-style, whereas I was expecting the architecture to be more gothic, similar to Edinburgh. There weren’t any castles or tall and rickety medieval buildings that I could see, nor were there any secretive closes. Glasgow looked like…a normal city.

I asked a bartender about things to do in the city. She told me that people mainly travelled to Glasgow for shopping or a night out. I’ve never really been into shopping while I’m on holiday [give me history and culture, thanks!] and I was nursing a two-day hangover, a parting gift from Edinburgh.

Those options were out. I now know she was describing the reason that Scots visit Glasgow. Locals travel their own country differently. They often take history or the big tourist attractions for granted. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve ignored tourist-friendly activities in my home of New Zealand!

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (6)

So when she said that shopping and drinking were the main things to do in Glasgow, I was bitterly disappointed.

I felt like I had this picture of how a Scottish city should look in my head, and Edinburgh fit that perfectly. Glasgow was too modern for my taste.

We ended up hiring a car and heading to the Highlands the next day, and my verdict on Glasgow was that it was a waste of time.

I’ll be honest- I still cringe about my first Glasgow visit, and not because it was a disaster. The real reason I disliked Glasgow after my first visit was because I was a horrible, ignorant tourist.

Glasgow isn’t the type of city where you can just show up unprepared and unannounced. You need to do your research, and you need to look closer because there is so much more than meets the eye in Glasgow.

While Edinburgh certainly has the wow-factor, Glasgow’s charm isn’t as obvious until you spend some time there. Glasgow has many layers, and you have to peel them back to experience this city fully.

Is Glasgow worth visiting?

If you’re wondering is Glasgow worth visiting, my answer is hell yes!

It wasn’t until I visited several more times that I began to fall in love with the city’s quirky charm and understand where I went wrong on my first visit.

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Glasgow does have a fascinating history, it’s history just isn’t as obvious as Edinburgh’s [which is quite frankly, Braveheart on steroids].

If you don’t have a scooby about what makes Glasgow special, here are five excellent reasons to visit:

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1. The Incredible History

I was totally wrong about Glasgow not having much history- it has some of the most fascinating history in Scotland!

It’s said to have been founded by the Christian missionary St. Mungo sometime during the 6th century.You can explore Glasgow’s earliest history on the Glasgow Medieval City Trail, which is a short walk from the centre of the city. At the heart of the medieval city trail is Glasgow Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Scotland which was built in the 1100s. St. Mungo is now buried there.

The Glasgow Necropolis is also fascinating; it’s a Victorian cemetery and has over 50,000 individuals buried there. Be sure to spend some time wandering around the tombs and gravestones, and book a guided tour to learn the stories about some of the folk buried here.

From the 18th century, Glasgow grew incredibly wealthy from importing goods such as tobacco, sugar and rum from the Americas. Glasgow became a hub for the working class and its population surged.

During the 19th century, Glasgow became even wealthier from shipbuilding, chemical manufacturing, coal mining and iron founding. The money was poured into the city’s infrastructure, and as you walk the streets you’ll see this part of history coming to life.

Glasgow has plenty of free museums where you can explore the city’s history. If you can see only one, I recommend the Kelvin Grove Art Gallery and Museum– one of Glasgow’s most famous buildings.

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (9)

2. The People

Glasgow’s slogan is ‘People Make Glasgow’ for a reason. The city is full of colourful, friendly and hilarious characters. Glasgow feels a lot more welcoming than other cities in Scotland and Glaswegians are always up for a good time.

You are far more likely to meet locals in Glasgow compared to Edinburgh, which is usually heaving with tourists. If you want to understand modern, everyday life in Scotland, you’ll certainly experience that in Glasgow!

A few famous names that hail from Glasgow include Billy Connolly, James McAvoy, Frankie Boyle, and Kevin Bridges. Google them if you’re not sure who they are, and you’ll understand why people really do make Glasgow!

Read More: 50 Travel Tips for Scotland

3. The Vibrant Art

I’m no art expert and you won’t often find me in an art gallery, however, Glasgow’s art scene is incredible. My idea of the perfect day in Glasgow [weather pending] would consist of walking the Glasgow Mural Trail and popping into funky pubs and bars along the way.

There are many other impressive murals throughout the city that aren’t on the official trail, and you’ll see murals in many pubs and beer gardens [particularly in the West End].

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (10)
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Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (11)

4. Abundant Restaurants & Bars

My future trips to Glasgow are almost certainly going to revolve around food- Glasgow has a huge selection of incredible restaurants to suit all styles and budgets.

I recommend going for lunch or dinner at Ashton Lane in the West End. Filled with great restaurants and bars, this area is one of Glasgow’s swankiest and looks particularly dashing at night when it is lit up by fairy lights.

If you’re on a budget, head to a chippy and try a Munchie Box. A Munchie Box is a box stuffed with an assortment of takeaway favourites including pizza, doner meat, chips, salad, onion rings, mushrooms and more. Be sure to share it with a friend as there’s a lot of food!

Glasgow also has some of Scotland’s best pubs and nightlife on offer. The city is even more alive when the sun goes down, and if you’re interested in hanging out in a pub to people watch or you want to go clubbing, Glasgow is one of the best places to raise your glass and let your hair down.

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (12)
Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (13)

5. Glasgow University

Glasgow University is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It’s also assumed by many to be the inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter series. I mean, come on- the resemblance is uncanny!

This university is magical and so much fun to explore. The architecture that I thought the city centre lacked? Forgotten when I explored the grounds of Glasgow University; it really does feel like you’re at Hogwarts.

I recommend checking out the cloisters– popular with Instagrammers- before walking to the car park located at the southern end of the university for gorgeous views of the Kelvin Grove Art Gallery and Museum and the city.

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (14)
Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (15)
Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (16)

Edinburgh vs Glasgow

I know Edinburgh pretty well; I spent one year living in Edinburgh when I first moved to Scotland.

As I mentioned earlier, Edinburgh is exactly what you’d picture a Scottish city to look like. They’ve got a castle, a palace, and the Royal Mile. Edinburgh is a smaller city, and easy to navigate on foot in one day. It’s also a great city for photographers; you won’t run out of impressive gothic buildings to photograph!

Glasgow didn’t take off until the 1800s, so the city is much more modern.

Read more: 10 Must-Sees in Scotland You Can’t Miss

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (17)
Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (18)

While Edinburgh is more eye-catching, Glasgow makes up for it with its cultural attractions, kind and colourful characters, and layers of history and hidden gems. It’s less touristy than Edinburgh and is definitely better for shopping and nights out on the town.

If Edinburgh is the smart, sophisticated, posh older sibling, Glasgow is the hip, charismatic and humble younger of the two.

So which city do I prefer now?

While I think Edinburgh is a fantastic city with gorgeous architecture, I’m going to be spending more time exploring Glasgow from now on.

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Glasgow is a city you can return to again and again. There is literally so much to see and do here, after 10 visits there are still a bunch of things to do on my bucket list!

Don’t just take my word for it; locals often say you cannot miss Glasgow, and they know Scotland best.

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (19)

Tips for visiting Glasgow for the first time

One of the main reasons I disliked Glasgow on my first visit was because I didn’t plan a thing. I was an awful tourist; Glasgow isn’t a city where you can rock up unprepared.

As I mentioned earlier, much of Glasgow’s charm is tucked away. There are layers and layers of history you need to peel back in order to truly appreciate Glasgow’s magnificence.

Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (20)
Why I Hated Glasgow The First Time I Visited + Why I Love it Now (21)

To avoid my original disappointment when first visiting Glasgow, here are some tips for visiting for the first time:

  • Do your research before arriving in Glasgow- don’t just show up unprepared as I did on my first visit! Come equipped with some general knowledge of Glasgow’s history, and choose some attractions you want to see in advance. While I’m all for spontaneous travel, Glasgow is a city you need to plan for. If you need help with your planning on paper, check out my Ultimate Scotland Bundle which features my printable Scotland planner. It’s a big shortcut to help you plan your Scotland trip!
  • Book a walking tour with a local– this is my best tip when planning a trip to Glasgow. There are so many hidden pieces of history in Glasgow you’ll miss otherwise. Trust me on this- you’ll thank me later!
  • Book your accommodation in advance. Don’t leave it to the last minute like I did, or you’ll be disappointed with what you end up booking. I’ve since stayed at the Ibis Styles near George Square and highly recommend it. It’s very central, and comfortable, and I love how the hotel has decorated the interior with the Glaswegian personality in mind!
  • If you are planning on visiting both Edinburgh and Glasgow, visit Glasgow first. You’ll appreciate Glasgow much more with fresh and curious eyes. Edinburgh’s architecture is much more dramatic- so it’s better to build up to it.
  • Research upcoming concerts or gigs happening in Glasgow in advance of your trip. Going to a gig is a great way to experience Glasgow’s culture!
  • Use the tube or the train to get around the city. Glasgow is huge, and some of the best attractions are spread throughout the city. You can purchase an all-day ticket for the tube at the station. You can purchase your tickets for the train at the station – there’s no need to book in advance.
  • Make sure you know what to pack for your trip. Wear comfortable walking shoes- you’ll still be exploring a lot on foot! Also make sure they have waterproof soles because, well, it’s Scotland.
  • Never ask for salt and sauce at a chippy [it’s an Edinburgh thing]. Have vinegar or ketchup like a true Glaswegian.

Question: What was your first impression of Glasgow? Did you like it? Do you prefer Edinburgh or Glasgow? Leave me a comment below!

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MY BEST TRAVEL TIPS FOR SCOTLAND

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Here is a list of travel resources that I always use that save me time and money. For more tips check out my ultimate guide on planning a trip to Scotland.
+ Booking flights: I use Skyscanner when researching and booking my flights as I find them to have the best deals. I also use Google Flights to compare flights I’ve found on Skyscanner.
+ Accommodation: I use Booking.com when booking my accommodation in Scotland. I also use Hostelworld to book hostels [pay a small deposit to book, free cancellation].
+ Travel insurance: I always recommend booking travel insurance for any trip you take. Personally, I use CoverMore– I used to sell this insurance when I was a travel agent and dealt with claims on behalf of my customers frequently and they were really easy to deal with. World Nomads is also another high-quality insurance provider I recommend.
+ Tours and Activities: I use GetYourGuide whenever I can to book tours and activities. I also recommend purchasing the Explorer Pass if you plan on visiting a few attractions.
+ Transport: When hiring a car in the UK I always use Auto Europe, a car rental comparison website that has great deals. For train times and bookings I use Scotrail [Scotland’s main network] and I also compare prices with Trainline. For bus travel, I use Megabus for cheap fares.
+ What to pack: The weather is changeable in Scotland and you can sometimes have four seasons in one day! I’ve written this comprehensive packing list for Scotland that will tell you everything you need to pack, whether you’re travelling from abroad or living locally and you’re planning a day trip to Scotland.

FAQs

Why do people love Glasgow? ›

Iconic music scene and live entertainment

It has a legendary music scene with many iconic venues and an exciting calendar of world-class festivals and events. As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow is a creative and cultural hub, home to all but one of Scotland's national performing arts organisations.

Is it worth visiting Glasgow Scotland? ›

YES! Glasgow Scotland is 100% worth visiting if you're touring Scotland. Staying in Edinburgh, we were debating on whether or not it was worth it for a long time but I'm SO happy we decided to go. The day trip there is very easy – it's a short bus ride.

What makes Glasgow popular with visitors? ›

No visit to Glasgow would be complete without a trip to one of the many museums and galleries, most of which are free to visit. Housed in an iconic red sandstone building that sits next to the beautiful Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is consistently one of Scotland's most popular attractions.

What makes Glasgow special? ›

Glasgow Is Scotland's Cultural Capital

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the National Theatre of Scotland, the Scottish Opera, the Scottish Ballet, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra are all based in Glasgow, offering many cultural events.

Are people from Glasgow friendly? ›

The friendliness of Glasgow has a great deal to do with exactly that kind of talk. Not quite everything, since acts of kindness or generosity may sometimes come into it too. But the verbal aspect is essential.

Which US city is most like Glasgow? ›

Yes: the central business district (CBD) of Houston, TX, has a remarkably similar 'vibe' to the CBD of Glasgow, Scotland. Not kidding. It's not so surprising when you think about it, though. Both cities have a remarkably similar background that has shaped their architecture and hence their 'vibe'.

Which is nicer Edinburgh or Glasgow? ›

Generally speaking, Edinburgh is a good choice for those interested in historic sites, traditional Scottish culture and Harry Potter fans. On the other hand, Glasgow is a great option for those after a modern, big-city vibe with great nightlife and live music.

What is the best thing about Glasgow? ›

Top Attractions in Glasgow
  • Glengoyne Distillery. 1,745. ...
  • University of Glasgow. 2,031. ...
  • Buchanan Street. 5,309. ...
  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens. 2,256. ...
  • Wellpark Brewery. 1,405. ...
  • Glasgow Cathedral. 3,042. Historic Sites • Religious Sites. ...
  • Glasgow Science Centre. 2,670. Science Museums • Children's Museums. ...
  • The Burrell Collection. 1,394. Art Museums.

What month is best to visit Glasgow? ›

The best time to visit Glasgow is between March and August, when temperatures reach their peak and daylight hours are long. On the flip side, the winters are characterized by bitter cold and short days.

How racially diverse is Glasgow? ›

Glasgow has the most ethnically diverse population in Scotland. In 2001, 5% of Glasgow's population were from an ethnic minority. This number rose to 12% in 2011. The non-UK born population of Glasgow rose from 6% in 2001 to 12% in 2011.

What did the Glasgow girls do? ›

The Glasgow Girls is a group of seven young women in Glasgow, Scotland, who highlighted the poor treatment of asylum seekers whose rights of appeal had been exhausted. In 2005, the group campaigned against dawn raids, raised public awareness, and found support in the Scottish Parliament.

What do you like about Glasgow? ›

Glasgow was voted one of the world's friendliest cities by Rough Guides in 2019 and took the number one spot in 2021. It is a warm and welcoming city with a strong community vibe thanks to its friendly and outgoing natives, or 'Weegies”, and its transport links are also second to none.

How would you describe Glasgow? ›

Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, and it forms an independent council area that lies entirely within the historic county of Lanarkshire. The city occupies much of the lower Clyde valley, and its suburbs extend into surrounding districts. Most important commercial and administrative buildings lie north of the Clyde.

What famous people live in Glasgow? ›

They include football legend Sir Alex Ferguson, architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Comedian Billy Connolly.

Why is Glasgow a tough city? ›

The city of Glasgow often gets a bad reputation from its critics. Being home to the largest population in Scotland and one of the biggest in the UK, with over 612,000 people, crime numbers will be higher than the national average which is to be expected with a bigger population.

What are people of Glasgow called? ›

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. The locals are called “Glaswegians” and they speak in a very distinctive way. It is called Glaswegian or Glasgow patter.

What are Glasgow peoples called? ›

People from Glasgow are Glaswegians, and from Paisley are Buddies, but no-one I have met know what those from Edinburgh are called. Edinburgers.

Do people speak English in Glasgow? ›

Glasgow Standard English (GSE), the Glaswegian form of Scottish Standard English, spoken by most middle-class speakers.

What place in America looks like Scotland? ›

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park is like Scotland's famous landscape, complete with its lush greenery and waterfalls as far as the eye can see. It's a beautiful spot to visit for a hiking adventure.

What is the most beautiful city in Scotland? ›

Some cities that are frequently cited as being particularly beautiful include Edinburgh, with its castle and historic Royal Mile; Inverness, located in the Scottish Highlands and known for its natural beauty; and St Andrews, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and historic university.

What is the most polite US city? ›

The most polite U.S. cities, according to residents

The most polite cities on the list include Austin, TX (3.91), San Diego, CA (4.17), and Fort Worth, TX (4.20).

Is Edinburgh dirtier than Glasgow? ›

As part of a national audit of Scotland's streets, known as the Local Environmental Audit and Management System (or LEAMS), KSB found that while 82.5 per cent of Glasgow's streets are considered 'clean', only 81.2 per cent meet that standard in Edinburgh.

Is Scotland or England more beautiful? ›

But the winner – making it the guide's most beautiful country in the world – is Scotland. It states: "And finally, the world's most beautiful country is revealed: Scotland. Who can deny that these wild beaches, deep lochs and craggy castles are some of the most wonderful and beautiful sights in the world?"

Is Scotland happier than England? ›

The Office for National Statistics data also provides evidence on the differences across the UK countries. However, that tends to show that average wellbeing scores in Scotland are similar to the UK as a whole. For example, in 2020-21 the average life satisfaction score for both England and Scotland was 7.38.

How is the life in Glasgow? ›

The city's big student population and friendly locals make Glasgow a great place to live, with excellent dining, shopping, and partying. Glasgow's West End neighbourhood is popular with students and young professionals alike, while in the centre you'll find a mix of modern and traditional homes.

What is the most famous street in Glasgow? ›

Glasgow is renowned for its shopping scene. The main pedestrianised street Buchanan Street, and surrounding streets, make up a square mile of fantastic shopping!

How many days in Glasgow is enough? ›

Glasgow in a day is barely enough to scratch the surface and there is a lot more to do and see all across the city. If you can, I highly recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Glasgow to visit more of Glasgow's fantastic museums and parks and explore further off the beaten track.

How many nights do you need in Glasgow? ›

And this can be a tough question to answer when considering how much this city has to offer, however, plan to spend at least 2 days in Glasgow if you want to get a good feel for the city and see a bunch of the main sites.

What is the coldest month in Glasgow? ›

The climate in Glasgow is considered to be a moderate sea climate with cold-freezing winters and relatively mild and sunny summers. Average temperatures in winter are around 3°C but that can reach as freezing as -8°C at night during the coldest month of the year (December).

Why does Glasgow look American? ›

Why is Glasgow often used as a lookalike for American cities in films? Central Glasgow was built on a grid system which resembles North America cities rather than European ones. By the time of WW1 Glasgow was the second largest city in the British empire.

What percentage of Scotland is white? ›

Statistics show that around 95.4 per cent of the Scottish population report their ethnicity as white and approximately 4.5 per cent from an ethnic minority.

What percent of Glasgow is white? ›

White: 88.3% (Scotland: 96% Asian: 8.1% (Scotland: 2.7%) Black: 2.4% (Scotland: 0.8%) Christian: 54.5% (Scotland: 54.0%)

Why does Glasgow smile? ›

The practice originated in Glasgow in the 1920s and 1930s among street crooks. Gangs would often use it to on others as a warning not to mess with them. Cut throat razors would commonly be used to create the smile.

When did slavery end in Glasgow? ›

In 1833 the UK Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act, which outlawed slavery throughout the British Empire, although it did not fully take effect until 1838.

Where did Glasgow Kiss come from? ›

What he labels 'a trench warfare Glasgow kiss' was used on German soldiers on the front line by the 18th Highland Light Infantry, a battalion that gained such a fierce reputation that they were nicknamed the 'Devil Dwarfs' by people in the city.

What is the trendy part of Glasgow? ›

Home to Queen's Park, Pollok Country Park and plenty of coffee shops and restaurants, Shawlands is officially Glasgow's coolest neighbourhood. Langside, Strathbungo and Govanhill have also contributed to the area's success recently as many residents are picking the Southside over the West End nowadays.

Is there a nice part of Glasgow? ›

Blythswood is a tiny area inside Glasgow's city center. The most affluent part of the heart of the city, it's known for rich residents, lofty prices, and lots of upmarket hotels.

What is Glasgow slang for crazy? ›

Bampot: Idiot, crazy person, silly or stupid person. Bampot is a dissaproving word normally used after someone has done something particularly stupid. Banter: Lively and humourous chat or conversation. Banter is a term used to describe lively humourous conversation, usually between friends.

What is slang for Glasgow City? ›

Speakers often add in the words 'pure' or 'pure dead' for emphasis. Example: "Oor Maureen wis pure dead gallus the other day". Glasgow itself is often referred to as 'gallus'.

How religious is Glasgow? ›

Religious orientation in Glasgow

More than half (54.4%) of the population of Glasgow reported Christianity as their religion in 2011. However, almost a third (31%) of the population, report that they belong to no religion.

What religion is Glasgow City? ›

Origin. From the 5th century AD, Scotland was a Roman Catholic country; however, after the Protestant and Scottish Reformations, Scotland adopted Presbyterianism (the Church of Scotland) as its state religion.

Is Glasgow safer than London? ›

A recent study by the Institute for Economics and Peace reveals that, while the UK is 11% less violent than a decade ago, Glasgow is the least peaceful of all the major urban areas, with London ranked as the second most violent. Scotland, according to the figures, has the highest homicide rate of the four home nations.

How many people sleep rough in Glasgow? ›

Throughout last year Glasgow had less than 10 people sleeping rough on the streets, often as low as 4 at any one time with the street team and partners actively working to prevent 30 people a week from having to sleep outdoors.

Is Glasgow a walkable city? ›

Glasgow is a very walkable city, especially the city centre, so you can easily explore it on foot whilst taking in the beautiful buildings and architecture around you – don't forget to 'look up' when you're in the city. Get your bearings by visiting our neighbourhood guides.

Why is Glasgow the UK's sickest city? ›

In the early 18th Century, Glasgow was described by the author Daniel Defoe as "the cleanest and beautifullest and best built city in Britain". But when the Industrial Revolution drew thousands of people from Ireland, the Lowlands and Highlands, the population exploded and for many it became a living hell.

Why is Glasgow the city of culture? ›

Thirty years ago, Glasgow was named European City of Culture, following places such as Berlin, Amsterdam and Florence to take the title. It spun Glasgow, long strained by decline and poverty but a place unflinchingly full of human spirit, on its axis with the many legacies of the year-long event still felt today.

Why Glasgow is Scotland's most exciting city right now? ›

Glasgow at a glance

Now scrubbed up and gleaming, Glasgow flexes cultural muscle, artfully burnishing its industrial cityscape. (Scotland's tourism scene is aiming for the stars.) As a UNESCO City of Music and the 1990 European City of Culture, Glasgow is applauded for its arts scene.

What is better Edinburgh or Glasgow? ›

Generally speaking, Edinburgh is a good choice for those interested in historic sites, traditional Scottish culture and Harry Potter fans. On the other hand, Glasgow is a great option for those after a modern, big-city vibe with great nightlife and live music.

What is the unhealthiest town in England? ›

  • The 2021 census has revealed the unhealthiest areas of England and Wales.
  • London's Tower Hamlets topped the list with 9.5% reporting being in poor health.
  • This was over three times higher than proportion in the City of London borough.
  • The nations healthiest area was Elmbridge in Surrey with 90% in good health.
Jan 19, 2023

Is Glasgow or London safer? ›

A recent study by the Institute for Economics and Peace reveals that, while the UK is 11% less violent than a decade ago, Glasgow is the least peaceful of all the major urban areas, with London ranked as the second most violent. Scotland, according to the figures, has the highest homicide rate of the four home nations.

What is the richest city in Scotland? ›

Bieldside is attributed as one of the wealthiest areas in Scotland, and is home to the most millionaires per postcode outside London. Its residents include former UK Open winner Paul Lawrie and Stewart Milne.
...
Bieldside
AmbulanceScottish
List of places UK Scotland Aberdeen Coordinates:57.11240°N 2.19811°W
10 more rows

Why is Glasgow so Irish? ›

The industrial towns of the west of Scotland saw large concentrations of Irish immigrants, with almost 29% of all Irish migrants settled in Glasgow. The Irish Catholic generally settled wherever physical strength was sought-after, and therefore became involved in coal mining, dock work and labouring of all kinds.

Is Glasgow more popular than Edinburgh? ›

Despite being the smaller city, Edinburgh attracts three times more visitors each year than its old rival and blows Glasgow out the water when it comes to places to stay.

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Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.