Heading to Glasgow - Hoping for some help

[tazdev3225]

The title pretty much says it all. I am going on a tour in Scotland at the end of July with my husband. We land in Glasgow on a Saturday late morning and are staying at the Holiday Inn at the airport. Tour meets the next day at the airport so it is convenient. I want to head into Glasgow for the afternoon as I have only seen it by air and by coach.

I figure I have about 4 or 5 hours in the city and I do know that there is an airport express that will take me into the city and drop me off near the Glasgow Cathedral which is perfect as that is on my list of sites to see. Are their any other sites around there that are worthwhile? I am trying to keep the walking to a mile or so as my husband has had 2 strokes and is unsteady on his feet but insists we can walk. He will have his cane or walker with him for support. Also I know from google maps that there are some American restaurants in the general area but are there any local establishments for a decent meal?

My last 2 trips all started and ended with the tour but since we have the time I really would like to venture out into the city. I love history, stained glass and statues if that helps.

Thank you for any help offered.

 

[#1MMFan]

Glasgow Cathedral in the more easterly part of the city centre is not particularly convenient for some of the other sites, to be honest. It's worth seeing, but equally I think the University of Glasgow in the bohemian West End of Glasgow is stunning (the gothic tower, cloisters and quadrangles which some would say inspired JK Rowling's Hogwarts). I'm biased as I studied medicine there. The University is over 500 years old. There is also the world famous Burrell Collection (gallery/art/sculpture), The House for An Art Lover (Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed), several Greek Thomson style churches, Tron Gate, and the Provand's Lordship which is one of the oldest residences in the area (I believe dates from 1400's) and the latter is adjacent to the Cathedral, making it very convenient for you. Also a must see would be George Square (which is reasonably walkable from the cathedral) as it has lots of statues and the famous Glasgow City Chambers whose interior is filled with italian marble staircases etc.

There are lots and lots of eating establishments in Glasgow. A wide variety of global foods are covered. If you are simply venturing within the Merchant City part of Glasgow (which is really quite a trendy area for socialising) then places like Citation (which was the old court building), or the Fruit Market have good food. There are decent Italian restaurants in the area, and I have always like Panchos Villas for its decor and mexican food. There are some nice places to eat in George Square area too, but I would avoid Jamie's (Oliver) Italian as my one experience of it was very disappointing and they provided meagre portions.

I hope you enjoy Glasgow, and feel free to comment back any questions. Glasgow is bigger than Edinburgh and under-rated (but was previously European City of Culture) and it's nice to see someone actively looking to see more of it.

 

[Woodview]

I am sure that there is a " Hop On ... Hop Off " Bus that circles Glasgow .

They would supply Headphones & a commentary on points of interest .

Let the Driver do the walking . & you sit back and enjoy

 

[tazdev3225]

Glasgow Cathedral in the more easterly part of the city centre is not particularly convenient for some of the other sites, to be honest. It's worth seeing, but equally I think the University of Glasgow in the bohemian West End of Glasgow is stunning (the gothic tower, cloisters and quadrangles which some would say inspired JK Rowling's Hogwarts). I'm biased as I studied medicine there. The University is over 500 years old. There is also the world famous Burrell Collection (gallery/art/sculpture), The House for An Art Lover (Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed), several Greek Thomson style churches, Tron Gate, and the Provand's Lordship which is one of the oldest residences in the area (I believe dates from 1400's) and the latter is adjacent to the Cathedral, making it very convenient for you. Also a must see would be George Square (which is reasonably walkable from the cathedral) as it has lots of statues and the famous Glasgow City Chambers whose interior is filled with italian marble staircases etc.

There are lots and lots of eating establishments in Glasgow. A wide variety of global foods are covered. If you are simply venturing within the Merchant City part of Glasgow (which is really quite a trendy area for socialising) then places like Citation (which was the old court building), or the Fruit Market have good food. There are decent Italian restaurants in the area, and I have always like Panchos Villas for its decor and mexican food. There are some nice places to eat in George Square area too, but I would avoid Jamie's (Oliver) Italian as my one experience of it was very disappointing and they provided meagre portions.

I hope you enjoy Glasgow, and feel free to comment back any questions. Glasgow is bigger than Edinburgh and under-rated (but was previously European City of Culture) and it's nice to see someone actively looking to see more of it.

Thank you. I was hoping to try and head down to see the University also. I love the architecture of the Cathedral and what I have seen of the University. I really want to try and see the Cloisters. I had hoped for an hour at the Cathedral and then hop on a bus to the West End. Is that doable? I know I am under a time constraint but my husband is used to my fast tours. We did Boston in 4 hours and saw quite a few of the sights.

I am still looking at google maps but most likely will pick somewhere close to the bus stop back to the airport. I will remember to skip Jamie Oliver's restaurant though. My husband would be happy with McDonald's or 5 Guys. He is not very adventurous when it comes to food.

I am really looking forward to Glasgow and the sights.

I am sure that there is a " Hop On ... Hop Off " Bus that circles Glasgow .

They would supply Headphones & a commentary on points of interest .

Let the Driver do the walking . & you sit back and enjoy

I was hoping for a Hop On, Hop Off bus. We have them in Philadelphia and I took a tour once just to see if they pointed out something I missed, they did. I can take pictures from the bus too. I am quick with my camera. Thank you for the suggestion.

 

[#1MMFan]

There is certainly the Glasgow City Tour buses that you can hop on and off. They go past the University main gate, so that’s easy to do. Sorry, I thought from your original post that you were looking to walk mainly. I’m not sure where the closest location to pick up the bus is near to Cathedral. I have certainly done the city tour (as a local) and picked it up from George Square (which should be on your hit list anyway). It also takes in the People’s Palace which is another nice sight. I think you should be grand. Glasgow is about the same size as San Francisco if that gives you any idea of comparison.

Shoot me more questions if I can be of help!

 

[#1MMFan]

PS. Obviously there are Five Guys in the city, but also other burger joints, such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Handmade Burger Co which are slightly more upscale that Five Guys but still typical American fare.

 

[tazdev3225]

There is certainly the Glasgow City Tour buses that you can hop on and off. They go past the University main gate, so that’s easy to do. Sorry, I thought from your original post that you were looking to walk mainly. I’m not sure where the closest location to pick up the bus is near to Cathedral. I have certainly done the city tour (as a local) and picked it up from George Square (which should be on your hit list anyway). It also takes in the People’s Palace which is another nice sight. I think you should be grand. Glasgow is about the same size as San Francisco if that gives you any idea of comparison.

Shoot me more questions if I can be of help!

I do plan on walking but logistically some things are a bit far. I would like to see the cloisters at the University and that does seem to be a bit of a hike. The tour buses may be the answer to seeing a city in 4 or 5 hours. I did find a lovely site called Discover Glasgow so it has been helpful. George Square is definitely on the list. As I think of questions I will surely ask for more advice. I do appreciate the responses so far. I should add some of my interest is also seeing some of the sites where Outlander was filmed. I'm a huge fan although I fell in love with Scotland before ever hearing of the books or show. I also found out recently that I have some Scottish heritage on both my parents sides. I knew it was probably true with my grandfather, but I think it is why on some level I connect with the country so much.

PS. Obviously there are Five Guys in the city, but also other burger joints, such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Handmade Burger Co which are slightly more upscale that Five Guys but still typical American fare.

I would love to avoid burgers at all costs, especially Five Guys, and American fare. I get enough of that being an American. The Mexican restaurant mentioned earlier sounds wonderful and DH will eat that at least, though going to Scotland for Mexican food seems a trifle odd. I would love a local pub for a good stout and food, I may have to give in to him however.