By Emma Ross
Scotland’s largest city oozes art and culture. With many museums and art galleries, and home to the Scottish Opera and Ballet, cosmopolitan Glasgow is known as the European City of Culture. The city is also rich in interesting architecture, and was chosen in 1999 as UK City of Architecture and Design. Yet discovering the art and architecture on offer doesn’t have to cost the earth – here are some ideas of how to enjoy Glasgow on a budget.
Visitor Attractions with Free Admission
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
This is one of Scotland’s most popular free attractions, with twenty-two themed art galleries, displaying 8,000 objects.
- The Burrell Collection
Set in the Pollok Country Park, The Burrell Collection is named after Sir William Burrell, who donated his collection of over 9,000 works of art to the city.
- Riverside Museum
Glasgow’s Museum of Travel and Transport is now housed in the Riverside Museumon the River Clyde. The museum has over 3,000 objects on display and you can even climb aboard some of the exhibits.
- The University of Glasgow
Take a walk around the grounds of the UK’s oldest universities and admire the beautiful architecture.
- Glasgow Cathedral
The spectacular Glasgow Cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and is the only medieval cathedral in Scotland to have survived the Reformation of 1560.
- Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)
The Gallery of Modern Art, housed in a neo-classical building in Glasgow’s city centre, is one of Glasgow’s top attractions, with a fantastic display of art by local and international artists.
Eating
There are many cheap eats in Glasgow offering good food at great prices. Glasgow has a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes – you’ll find many budget-friendly options on Byres Road in Glasgow’s West End. Or take a look at the Scottish website 5pm.co.uk for some great value dining offers available every day of the week.
Accommodation
A local holiday apartment is ideal for the budget-conscious visitor. Self-catering offers you fantastic value for money, an authentic experience of city life, and the freedom to really make the most of your holiday. You can also enjoy meals at home, without worrying about the cost of eating out every day. A holiday apartment in Glasgow’s city centre would make the perfect – wallet-friendly –base to explore this vibrant and stylish city.
Emma Ross writes for EmbraceScotland, a leading provider of self catering cottages in Scotland.
