Glasgow is THE best city in Scotland for retail therapy. Bespoke boutiques, speciality shops, department stores, and a wide and eclectic mix to suit the most discerning and demanding shopaholic. Along Sauchie, down Buckie and into Argyle will leave
you breathless, and your credit card company delighted. Pop into Rogano on Exchange Place for a relaxing glass of champagne before making your weary way home.
2: FAMILY VALUES Transport Museum, Kelvin Hall, Burnhouse Road
0141 287 2720
www.glasgowmuseums.comChildren of all ages love the Transport Museum. There is a recreated street from the 1930s with cinema and examples of every mode of transport you can imagine, from horse and cart to penny farthings, and the much loved Glasgow trams. The famous Clyde-built ships are model size along with aeroplanes. It is a trip down memory lane for the grown-ups too as you could see every model of car you have ever owned. Entry is free.
3: CULTURE VULTURES www.glasgowmuseums.com Glasgow boasts world-class museums and galleries and is considered to have one of the richest collections of public art in Europe. Many of the artworks are legacies from wealthy benefactors during the city's heyday in the 1800s. The family favourite is the newly refurbished Kelvingrove. Contemporary art is found in GOMA, easily spotted by Wellington's statue that occasionally sports a traffic cone. If your interests lie in social history then the People's Palace is a must. Just outside the city is the popular Burrell Collection, housed in a modern, light building. All are free entry and most have a coffee shop.
4: ARCHITECTURE Glasgow's architects have historically enjoyed more artistic freedom than their Edinburgh counterparts and this is evident as you tour the city. From the modern harbourside developments along the Clyde to the exuberant Victorian architecture in the centre. The Mackintosh style is unmistakable too. For the ultimate architecture fix, choose a sunny day and enjoy an al fresco lunch at the House for an Art Lover (
www.houseforanartlover.co.uk). It was designed by Mackintosh and built many years after his death.
5: THE PATTER Enjoy the banter of the locals as you explore Glasgow's music scene, be it traditional, rock or classical. Or visit the numerous bars, pubs, restaurants or clubs in the city. You can experience the passion at the football, enjoy the opera and ballet and attend comedy, musicals and panto. Whatever takes your fancy, Glasgow has it in abundance and you can be sure of a warm welcome.
The full article contains 429 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
