Glasgow, the home city of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, is a destination bursting with activity and things to do. The work of the Art Nouveau genius is best enjoyed here, where the largest concentration of his work exists. More broadly, Glasgow’s architectural heritage strides the centuries - from the magnificent medieval Glasgow Cathedral marking the birthplace of the city to the futuristic arts and technology hubs of the riverside.

As Scotland’s cultural powerhouse, there is an abundance of unmissable experiences including art galleries, street art murals and programmes of world class theatre and performing arts.  Check out the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the cool and contemporary Gallery of Modern Art.  Indeed, Glasgow is a city where creatives converge. Embracing traditional and contemporary, the city is home to both Europe’s largest civic arts collection and to the highest concentration of Turner Prize winners.

The music scene is equally varied, with intimate jamming sessions in pubs, music festivals spanning all genres from jazz to bagpipes, and a full calendar of international artists playing at the SSE Hydro Arena –consistently ranked by Pollstar in the top three arenas globally.  Try a Glasgow Music City Walking Tour to find out more about the heritage of this UNESCO City of Music, or simply stroll along the Style Mile – the city’s main retail stretch, and enjoy the street performers and buskers.

Shopping is indeed a treat in the city with Glasgow offering the best retail in the whole of the UK outside of London. Giant high street malls such as Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre are just a short stroll from the elegance of Princes Square, the luxury of House of Fraser department store, the diamonds and sparkle of Argyll Arcade  and the designer labels of Ingram Street. For arts and crafts, be sure to visit the weekend  market in Merchant Square.  The cobbled mews and lanes of the city’s west end are also a treasure trove if you’re searching out artisan, quirky, vintage or independent labels.

Explore the city’s hidden gems – like The Britannia Panopticon - the world’s oldest surviving music hall, and  the wonderfully preserved  Tenement House, where you can step back in time and discover life as it was in early 20^th century Glasgow.

Glasgow’s food scene is vibrant and burgeoning . Head to the foodie area of Finnieston with its fantastic selection of eateries, or to the weekend indoor food market, Platform at The Arches. Explore great Glasgow  brand Tennents by taking a tour of their distillery; check out craft beers at Drygate brewery, or WEST brewery, savour a wee dram at one of the city’s whisky bars or combine food, drink and sightseeing in a Food Walking Tour.

In traditional Gaelic Glasgow means Dear Green Place and it certainly lives up to that reputation with its concentration of parks and gardens – you can  even spot a herd of Highland Cows in Pollok Park!  Whilst just beyond the city boundaries is the biggest of back gardens, with beaches, castles and a rugged coastline, all less than the average daily commute away!  The city is the perfect Gateway to Scotland.

For more information visit : peoplemakeglasgow.com