With its vibrant music scene, unique architecture and some of Scotland’s most intriguing history, it’s no surprise that Glasgow is on the bucket list for many a traveller. The Caledonian Sleeper takes you right into the heart of Glasgow City Centre, giving instant access to the adventure of this charming city. There’s never been a better time to visit Glasgow and we’ve rounded up four reasons why a trip to the ‘Dear Green Place’ is a must this year.
Trendsetting hotels
Over the next year, Glasgow is set to open a whopping eight new hotels providing some of the hottest new accommodation options for visitors. Virgin Hotels launched its second Scottish property on the city’s Clydeside and it has quickly become a favourite of the great and the good of Glasgow.
Right in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre is the new AC Marriot hotel. With 245 rooms the building has amazing panoramic views from its upper floors. As a former Victorian parish halls, the building itself is Grade A listed and that heritage is present throughout the refurbished building. There are 22 heritage suites, a sweeping stone staircase, period cornicing, a glass ceiling dome and a stained glass window. The hotel’s restaurant, Hazel, is already making waves on the culinary scene. Led by chef, Eric Avenier, it’s the perfect way to experience the best of the city’s food and drink.
And there’s a whole host of new hotels due to open in 2024; boutique hotel House of Gods is set to open a second Glasgow location – perfect for experiencing the city in true style; or to experience life in one of Glasgow’s surrounding neighbourhoods, the stunning Crossbasket Castle between Blantyre and East Kilbride is undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment transforming it into one of Glasgow’s most beautiful hotels.
Major events
Over the past two decades Glasgow has hosted some of the world’s biggest events, from the Commonwealth Games, MOBOS and MTV EMAs, the people of Glasgow definitely know how to put on a show. 2024 looks set to be no exception with two major events coming to the city. If sport is your thing, the World Athletics Indoor Championships take place from 1-3 March and will welcome thousands of competitors and spectators to the city and be packed full of thrilling track and field events.
If you’re more suited to the science fiction world then the city is also playing host to the 82nd Worldcon festival in August. This annual international gathering of science fiction and fantasy fans is the longest running science fiction convention in the world – so if you have a passion for the genre then August would be a great time to visit.
Glaswegians love a good laugh, so it’s no surprise that the city’s International Comedy Festival is so popular. Taking place from 13-31 March, this festival features world class comedy as well as Scotland’s hottest new talent. Likewise the Glasgow Film Festival is fast becoming one of the UK’s most anticipated events in the film world. Running from 28 February – 10 March, the line up film releases will not disappoint.
World class music
Did you know Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music? It’s easy to see why since the city has some of the most famous music venues in the world and according to some artists – the best crowds. The line-up for 2024 is star studded with major global acts scheduled to play in venues across the city. P!nk will play at Hampden as part of her Summer Carnival tour and both Girls Aloud and Take That will be making come backs on their tours at the OVO Hydro. Legendary band, Status Quo will be rocking the Kelvingrove Bandstand in May and American rock band the Foo Fighters will take to Hampden in June.
The city’s Celtic Connection festival is also a must-attend event for music lovers. Covering genres like traditional, folk and jazz & soul, this famous event spans some of Glasgow’s most famous music venues including; Barrowlands, The Old Fruitmarket and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
And if you want to see more traditional Scottish music then the World Pipe Band Championships is unmissable. Running from the 16-17 August this huge celebration of piping brings Pipe Bands from across the globe together to compete and entertain visitors and locals with the mesmerising sounds of the bagpipes.
A fascinating history
Glasgow is steeped in some of the most fascinating history in Scotland. Medieval influences can be seen all around from Glasgow Cathedral, the oldest building in the city to Crookston Castle, Provan Hall and Trongate, all of which played a fascinating role in medieval life. With a multitude of museums, many of which are free to enter, visitors can explore the city’s extensive history. The People’s Palace is a great way to see how Glaswegians used to live, or the city’s many heritage trails will take you through the early ages, medieval times, and local history of the built heritage of Glasgow’s landscapes and parks.
If you’d like to read more about Glasgow and why it should be on your wish list this year visit https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/.
