Living in Glasgow
Enjoy living in Glasgow. Scotland is a country of incredible contrasts. From the rugged beauty of the Highlands to the vibrancy of our cities and towns, there is so much for visitors to see and do and all easily accessible because of our future transport and road networks.
Glasgow is renowned for excellent shopping as well as its burgeoning restaurant scene, eclectic nightlife, its range of accommodation is equally as impressive, embracing everything from boutique hotels to well-known chains.
Leisure
There is a lot of sport going on in Glasgow, with many great facilities that provide fantastic opportunities for people to get involved.
Sport is clearly a big part of Scottish life and with the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow in 2014 this will be a great way to showcase the wonderful venues Glasgow is lucky enough to have.
Culture
Glasgow as a city is culturally very strong the town is buzzing with energy and it is one of the most vibrant places to live. The contemporary music scene is legendary and nightlife eclectic.
Glasgow is home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the Citizens Theatre, as well as a plethora of annual celebrations including Celtic Connections and Piping Live!
The Arts & Culture scene provides lots to see and do from enjoying one of the many bands to see in the West End to listening to classical music in the City Halls. There really are so many things to see and do, any night of the week.
Glasgow is always an eventful experience. The unique style is also reflected in our year-round events programme which offers festivals, exhibitions, live performances and sporting fixtures.
Many internationally acclaimed museums and galleries, including the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, unique Burrell Collection and stunning Mackintosh House. The architecture, culture, museums and galleries all reinforce our reputation as one of the most stylish Scottish cities.
Architecture
Glasgow is an architectural dream, with Victorian red and honey sandstone, Italianate steeples and medieval spires, harmoniously juxtaposed with neo-gothic towers, the sensuous art nouveau of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and contemporary titanium, glass and steel.
The architecture around the city is incredible – just look at Glasgow University, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the Botanic Gardens, all within easy reach.
Style
A stylish, exciting city in an unforgettable country Glasgow is one of the most exciting and accessible destinations in Europe. Glasgow combines the energy and sophistication of a great international city with some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.
Glasgow is the second largest shopping centre in the UK. You can shop at many major UK high street stores, smaller boutiques, department stores and a wide variety of speciality shops, including craft and antique shops to suit every taste and interest.
The city centre has three pedestrian shopping thoroughfares: Sauchiehall Street, Argyle Street and Buchanan Street.
Parks and Countryside
The amazing countryside is within easy reach with Loch Lomond only 30 minutes away which is one of the most beautiful national parks.
With the number of parks in the city – Glasgow certainly lives up to its name ‘dear green place’ including Kelvingrove Park.
Transport
Mitchell Street can be found in the heart of the city centre between Buchanan Street, Glasgow’s main pedestrianised shopping street and Glasgow Central Rail Station.
The area is very well placed to benefit from the wide range of commuter networks with regular subway, railway and bus services operating to and from the city centre and beyond.
The largest suburban rail network in the UK outside London, a metro system, expansive bus routes, park and ride facilities and plans for even more river taxis. Our excellent public transport system means there is no need for cars.
A city that built its name on transport. Ships that were built in the famous Clyde shipyards travelled around the world for decades, providing the power for the industrial revolution. It’s no surprise that Glasgow, with this fine tradition, has built a transport network fit for the 21st century.
Whether you are walking, cycling or using public transport, getting around Glasgow is affordable, convenient and stress free.
Getting around the city is easy
By road, the M8 motorway runs through the city centre this connects to the M74 and the south as well as the M9 and the north.
Buchanan St bus station is in the heart of the city. Scotland’s biggest bus station and one of the busiest in the UK. Footfall has increased from 13,000 to around 40,000 passengers per day, and daily departures have increased from 600 to 1,700.
The Underground as known as the “Clockwork Orange” which has 15 stations dotted around the city.
There are 2 main line stations: Queen Street and Central Station with links all over the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and also all major cities in Scotland.
Glasgow has 2 international Airports linking destinations all over the world. Glasgow Abbotsinch Airport is 9 miles west of the city centre and Glasgow Prestwick International which is 30 miles south west of the city.
Working
Glasgow is one of Europe’s top 20 financial centres and is home to many of Scotland’s leading businesses.
The City Council works with partner agencies including Scottish Enterprise, the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board, Greater Glasgow Health Board, public sector organisations, educational institutions and the private and voluntary sectors to raise the profile of the city and make it an attractive place to live in, study in, work in, or visit.
