Glasgow's Gallery of
Modern Art Spire
Overview:
Sauchiehall Pedestrian
Shopping Street
If it
weren't for Edinburgh Glasgow would be the crown jewel
in Scotland. It offers great shopping, some of the most
unique restaurants in Scotland and wonderful parks,
historic areas, Victorian buildings, numerous museums
and a culture all of its own. Home to several
universities, Glasgow offers a very sophisticated
environment about it.
Cruise
Port Location and Information:
Freedom of the Seas
Cruise
ships dock at Greenock's Ocean Cruise Terminal, which
located some 25 miles from downtown Glasgow. While it is
quite possible to get to Glasgow by bus, taxi or train,
your best bet is to arrange to use the ship's transfers
into Glasgow to make the most of your day.
If you
have been to Glasgow before you could easily spend the
day exploring Greenock. This Victorian village is full
of surprises. Lunch at the famous James Watt Pub would
be a memorable experience, as would visiting Greenock's
wonderful parks and shops.
Exploring on Your Own:
Glasgow's HoHo Bus
Once in
Glasgow, it is quite easy to explore on your own. The
first thing I would recommend is to grab the HoHo bus
tour that circumvents Glasgow's main attractions. You
can see where you would like to return to and where you
would like to avoid. You will also see all of the main
attractions in a short period of time. Glasgow has a
very effective underground rail system that makes
traversing the city quite easy and affordable. But, you
can walk just about everywhere and that is the best way
to see Glasgow if you are looking to find the real city.
Shopping Tips:
Sauchiehall Pedestrian
Shopping Street
The first
place shoppers head in Glasgow is Sauchiehall Street.
This pedestrian street goes for blocks and block and
also contains some very interesting side street shops
and boutiques.
Clan Fabric
If you are
part Scottish, you will find your clan's fabric and tons
of information about your history.
Typical Scottish
Clothing Store
There are
dozens of stores selling traditional Scottish garb.
Sweaters and mittens are especially abundant.
Buchanan Galleries
The newest
shopping mall found at the foot of Sauchiehall Street is
home to the finest stores in Scotland. It is lined with
designer clothing stores and shops of all descriptions.
Buchanan Galleries
Shopping
This
modern mall is quite a contrast to the pedestrian street
it resides upon.
A Local Glasgow Market
We
thoroughly enjoyed visiting the local markets and
specialty stores. Offering every item known to mankind,
it made us want to buy food to cook.
Fresh Fish Market
The
fish looked fabulous, as did the cheeses, candy,
flowers, fruit, vegetables and so on. It was almost like
being in France.
Port
Highlights:
Glasgow University
While
there are several universities and colleges throughout
Glasgow, a visit to Glasgow University is well worth it.
Founded in the mid-1400s, the University of Glasgow is
considered one of the op universities worldwide..
Glasgow University
Courtyards
The
University covers a huge area and buildings are all
connected by coutyards and walkways. It is one of the
most beautiful universities that I have ever seen. The
student population is around 25,000 which gives the
"Westside" of Glasgow its sophisticated, yet eclectic
environment.
Restaurants and Pubs
Adjoining Glasgow University
The
"Westside" of Glasgow is where many of the students
reside and it is littered with quaint restaurants, pubs,
boutiques, shops and markets. While the Westside is
overlooked by most visitors, I would highly recommend
planning your day to be on the Westside mid day to take
advantage of the manu wonderful restaurants and pubs.
Kelvingrove Park and
the Kelvin River
Adjacent to the University of Glasgow and downtown is
Kelvingrove Park. This is a huge natural area that feels
very much like an old Victorian garden. The park's
mature landscaping is simply beautiful. While we didn't
do it, there is a heritage trail that follows the river
throughout the park and would definitely be something I
would plan on doing on my next visit.
Kelvingrove Museum From
the Park
The
main attraction of Kelvingrove Park is the museum.
Kelvingrove Museum
Entrance
While I
am not much of a museum buff, I loved this one!
Kelvingrove Art Gallery
and Museum Interior
The
museum is home to some of the most unusual displays you
can find anywhere. As an example, Joanie loved the high
heeled shoe display that captured the trends in high
heeled shoes during the 20th century. Some of the
displays were downright bizarre. If you enjoy the
unusual, don't miss this mnuseum. Admission is free.
Downtown Glasgow
Adjacent to Kelvingrove Park on the east side is
downtown Glasgow. Just like any other large city,
Glasgow is a thriving metropolis buzzing with activity.
Easily to walk, touring the downtown area leaves a bit
to be desired until you make your way to the main
shopping areas of Glasgow.
The Eastern End of
Sauchiehall Street
After
exploring Glasgow's shopping districts, one ends up near
the eastern termination of Sauchiehall Street and some
of Glasgowq's most famous sights.
Cathedral of St. Mungo
Dating
back to the 1100s, Cathedral of St. Mungo is a very
impressive structure well worth a visit.
Cathedral of St.
Mungo's Interior and Altar
The use
of leaded glass is awesome and the seven figures
surrounding the altar represent the seven deadly sins.
Again, notr much of a church guy here, but this one is
well worth a visit. The St. Mungo Museum & Religious
Life and Art is adjacent to the cathedral is you would
like to visit it , as well.
The Glasgow Gallery of
Modern Art
Located
on Queen Street the Gallery of Modern Art is another
museum worthy of a visit. Note that the library on the
lower level has free Internet access terminals if you
would like to go on-line.
Off the
Beaten Path:
Edinburgh's Castle
Walls
If you
have visited Glasgow before, but not yet visited
Edinburgh, you can grab a train from Glasgow and explore
Edinburgh for the day.
Edinburgh, Scotland Port Review
Dining
and Drinking Suggestions:
The Wee Pub and
Ubiquitous Chip
I would
travel all the way back to Glasgow just to have dinner
at this wonderful little restaurant / pub. Located quite
close to the University of Glasgow, this restaurant goes
back to about 1970. It serves ethnic Scottish fare in a
wonderful atmosphere. As an example, one entree that was
served was "Veretarian Haggis, Neeps n Tatties". Another
was "Orkney Organic Salmon Marinaded in Honey, Tamari
and Ginger with Mashed Potatoes and Spinach Sauce" This
place is to die for. Don't miss it. We were fortunate
enough to find it by stopping in for a glass of wine
(excellent list BTW) and then stayed for dinner because
the bar tender was so much fun. Check out their website
HERE.
Cafe Nero
While
we didn't dine at Cafe Nero, we did have a specialty
coffee drink and it was awesome! Maybe it is because
foods are more natural in Scotland, but the coffee
drinks were simply wonderful.
Scottish Pubs ROCK
There
are thousands of pubs in and around Glasgow, be sure to
make time to enjoy the variety of food served and the
excellent beverages that are available.
Must Do
List:
Pubs and Restaurants in
Glasgow
Yes, I would give having
lunch or dinner at The Wee Pub and Ubiquitous Chip a
"must do" rating. You can capture the entire flavor of
Glasgow in a meal. Awesome restaurant!
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