Glasgow

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Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, with a population of about 620,000 in the city itself, or over 1.8 million if the surrounding towns of the Clydeside conurbation are taken into account. Located at the west end of Scotland's Central Belt on the banks of the river Clyde, Glasgow's historical importance as Scotland's main industrial centre has been challenged in recent decades by decline and change. In recent years, however, Glasgow has been awarded the European titles of City of Culture (1990), City of Architecture and Design (1999) and Capital of Sport (2003). Also, Glasgow is now a desirable short break location (http://travel.guardian.co.uk/cities/story/0,7450,977554,00.html) (Guardian newspaper, 2003). Visitors will find a revitalised city centre, the best shopping outside London, excellent parks and museums (most of which are free), and easy access to the highlands and islands. However, for all its regeneration projects, Glasgow still contains some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the UK.

glasgow Travel Guide : 1 Understand 1.1 Dialect 2 City Centre Layout 3 Get in 3.1 By plane 3.2 By train 3.3 By car 3.4 By bus 3.5 By boat 4 Get around 4.1 By Subway 4.2 By train 4.3 By bus 4.4 By foot 5 See 5.1 Architecture 5.2 Museums and art galleries 6 Do 6.1 Music 6.2 Comedy 6.3 Cinema 6.4 Football 6.5 Parks 6.6 Other sites 7 Gay & Lesbian 7.1 Out & About 7.2 Health & Support 8 Learn 9 Work 10 Buy 11 Eat 11.1 Takeaway 11.2 European 11.3 Indian 11.4 Italian 11.5 Mexican 11.6 Russian 11.7 Veggie 12 Drink 13 Sleep 13.1 Budget 13.2 Camping 14 Contact 14.1 Phone 14.2 Internet 15 Stay safe 16 Get out 17 External links

Understand

Glasgow is almost completely unlike Edinburgh, 70 km to the east. You should visit both. Be patient with the local accent - it can be difficult to understand, even if you have had experience with English in other countries. The speed of the conversation tends to be quite quick in Glasgow. If necessary, ask people to repeat (even slowly!) what they are saying.

Dialect

As with all areas of Scotland , regional dialects are present in Glasgow. The Glasgow "patter" or "banter" as its known has evolved over the history of the city. As each wave of migration takes place , new words and phrases are added to the dialect. There is a strong Celtic language connection due to the Lowland Scots , Highland Gaelic and Irish Gaelic influences.

Some phrases

• "Bam" or "bampot" - an impolite term for a silly or annoying person.
• "Eejit" - another impolite term for a silly or annoying person.
• "Tumshie" - a silly person.
• "Pished" - drunk or intoxicated.
• "Steamin" - drunk or intoxicated.
• "Pure (brilliant)" - Very.
• "minging" - bad smelling or bad tasting; similarly a "minger" refers to an ugly woman. Can also be used to denote drunkeness; "Ah wis well mingin' on Friday."
• "Ching" - Cocaine.
• "Skag", "Smack" or "Gear" - Generic terms for heroin.
• "Haw" - roughly equivalent to "Hey" and used to attract someone's attention.
• "(to give) pelters" - to humiliate someone.
• "ned" - Allegedly, this stands for "non-educated delinquent", which sums it up nicely. Neds can be spotted often sporting tracksuits and "bling" jewelry, as well as bright white trainers or sneakers and a baseball cap, usually from the brand Burberry. Most neds are harmless but some are aggressive, particularly after some "Buckie".
• "Buckie" - Buckfast, a "tonic wine" (this indicates its fortified alcohol content and not any medicinal value.) Cheap. Purple.
• "glaikit" - If someone is glaikit, they look (or are) oblivious, stupid and out of it.

City Centre Layout

Glasgow city centre is laid out in a grid pattern with streets running from east to west and north to south. The Western edge of the city centre can be considered to be the sunken M8 motorway section that approaches the Kingston Bridge . This area is known as Charing Cross and Anderston, Anderston being on the river front. Both areas have railway stations of the same name.

Just to the North of Charing Cross station is the start of the famous shopping street Sauchiehall Street running east to west. Approximately half way down Sauchiehall Street vehicle traffic is diverted away and the whole street is given over to foot traffic. Sauchiehall Street continues eastwards until it ends at the junction with Buchanan St which runs north to south.

The Buchanan Galleries shopping centre sits on this junction and on the other side of that is the Buchanan St Bus Station. Heading south on Buchanan St you encounter Nelson Mandela Square with a small Church sitting in the centre.

If you turn eastwards along West George St you enter George Square. On the north side of the square is Queen St Railway Station, on the east side is the start of the Merchant City district and the Strathclyde University Campus. The square itself is populated by several statues of civic leaders and famous figures from history and is often used for outdoor events.

Continuing southwards on Buchanan St, you encounter Vincent St which leads to the south side of George Square. Further south leads to several major shopping areas and department stores. Buchanan St ends at the major east west street, Argyle St.

Argyle St starts on the west side of the M8 motorway, passes under the Kingston Bridge next to Anderston railway station heading east. Argyle St also passes the south entrance of Glasgow Central railway station and actually passes under the railway lines before joining Buchanan St. Continuing eastwards leads to St Enoch square and the St Enoch shopping centre as well as lots of major shops. Argyle St ends after a short section of pedestrianised street and becomes the Trongate.

The Trongate is the site of the Trongate Theatre just before the junction of the Trongate, A8 Saltmarket (north south), Gallowgate and London Rd (east west). At this junction is a Clock tower and hexagonal building.

Further east along the Gallowgate and London Rd is the famous Barras market area, leading to the areas of Carlton, Brigdeton, Dalmarnock and Parkhead (home of Celtic Football team). Turning south onto the A8 Saltmarket leads to the City Mortuary, High Court and the eastern entrance of Glasgow Green park before crossing the Crown St bridge into the Gorbals.

To the west of the city centre is the ever popular and dynamic Glasgow West End. This area is a truly happening part of town. With amazing architecture and tree lined streets this part of Glasgow thrives 365 days of the year. It has a high population of students with a number of universities close by. From the city centre it is best to travel west along Great Western Road (A82) and turn left on to Byres Road (http://www.byresrd.com/) - this is the heart of the West End (parking in this area can be difficult - take a taxi or public transport). While there, be sure to pay a visit to the very unique Ashton Lane (http://www.glasgowguide.co.uk/images_ashton_lane.html/) which is just off Byers Road. This part of the city is also the gateway to the amazing West of Scotland, from here you can easily travel to Loch Lomond and beyond.

Get in

By plane

Glasgow is served by two main airports close to the city:

• Glasgow International Airport 1 (http://www.baa.com/main/airports/glasgow/) (GLA) is the main airport for domestic and European flights and a few transatlantic routes. There's a frequent shuttle bus from outside the terminal building to the city centre, dropping off near both main railway stations (£3.30 single, £5.00 return; the journey takes about 20 minutes).

• Glasgow Prestwick International Airport 2 (http://www.gpia.co.uk/) (PIK), about 50 km away on the Ayrshire coast, is the Scottish base for Ryanair (see Discount airlines in Europe). The airport has its own railway station with two trains per hour to Glasgow Central (show your Ryanair paperwork to get a discount; the journey takes around 50 minutes).

By train

Trains from England and south west Scotland arrive at Central Station, while trains from Edinburgh and anywhere north of Glasgow arrive at Queen Street Station. There are four trains per hour between Edinburgh and Glasgow during the day; the journey takes 50 minutes. Both Central and Queen Street stations have left luggage lockers. The stations are an easy ten minute walk apart, or there's a frequent shuttle bus between them.

Most trains within Scotland, and sleeper services from London, are run by First ScotRail (http://www.firstscotrail.com/). Other trains from England are run by Virgin Trains (http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/) and GNER (http://www.gner.co.uk/).

By car

The main approaches to Glasgow are:

• from England on the M74 motorway; Glasgow is about 150 km north of the border
• from Edinburgh (east) or Glasgow Airport (west) on the M8 motorway
• from Stirling and all points north and east on the M80 motorway
• from the West Highlands on the A82 dual carriageway.

All routes converge on the M8 which carves through the city centre. Glasgow has no credible park-and-ride system, but some of the subway and suburban railway stations do have small car parks. There are several expensive multi-story car parks near the motorway in the city centre.

By bus

Long-distance bus services (http://www.travelinescotland.com/) arrive at Buchanan Bus Station (in the city centre, close to Buchanan Street Underground /Queen Street train stations). The main operator is Scottish Citylink (http://www.citylink.co.uk/), but Stagecoach also run a budget inter-city bus service called Megabus (http://www.megabus.com/).

By boat

For travellers arriving from outside Scotland, the nearest ferry ports are Troon (near Prestwick Airport), for ferries from Belfast (http://www.steam-packet.com/SeaCat/homepage) in Northern Ireland, or Rosyth (near Edinburgh), for ferries from Zeebrugge (http://www.superfast.com/) in Belgium. Each is about an hour's drive from Glasgow. Aberdeen, several hours' drive away, is served by ferries from Norway.

Get around

Strathclyde Passenger Transport (http://www.spt.co.uk/) (SPT) is the agency responsible for the local public transport network, which it describes as one of the most integrated and developed in the UK - but they mean by British standards, not European standards. There are no integrated tickets for single local journeys, although you can buy a one-day Roundabout ticket for either local surface and subway trains or buses. For information on public transport phone 0870 608 2608 (call charged at national rates).

If you are in town for a week or more then SPT's ZoneCard might be useful. It can be used on suburban trains, buses, and the underground. Prices vary depending on how long you want it for (1 week - 1 year) and how many "zones" you want it to cover. If you buy a three or more zones you can travel in the whole Glasgow area ( zones 1 - 8) for free.

By Subway

• Subway trains 3 (http://www.spt.co.uk/travel/underground.asp) run in a double circle around the Glasgow city centre and some inner suburbs. There are interchanges with surface trains at Buchanan Street/Queen Street and Partick stations. 06:30-23:30 (Sunday 11:00-18:00). £1 flat fare, or £1.90 for unlimited daily use after 09:30 or all day at the weekend. No bikes.

By train

Suburban trains (http://www.spt.co.uk/rail.html) radiate from Central and Queen Street stations to the suburbs and surrounding towns. There are only two trains per hour on many routes. Bikes go free, although many trains have no bike spaces.

By bus

Buses go everywhere. First Glasgow (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland/swscot/home/index.php) is the main operator. There's a bus every ten minutes on main routes during the day, making it easy to get into the centre of town, though getting out to a specific destination isn't so easy. So many buses go through the town centre that each bus stops only at every third stop, so check that you are waiting in the right place. The drivers are unlikely to wait for you to chase after them.

By foot

The center of Glasgow is very pedestrian friendly with major shopping streets given over to foot traffic. As you move out of the city center all areas have proper pavements and most major junctions have pedestrian crossings. The river Clyde also has several foot bridge crossings. The main difficulty with walking out of the centre of town is finding where the crossings over / under the M8 are. Heading west, some roads appear to go over Charing X only for the pavement to disappear. Heading North, the underpasses at Cowcaddens can sometimes feel unwelcoming.

See

Architecture

As befits a city that was at its richest through the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th, Glasgow has a fine legacy of Victorian buildings. Most of Glasgow is built in the salmon colored sandstone that is the trademark of the city and which positively glows on a bright day; none of Edinburgh's dour granite here.

Glasgow was also the home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of the "Glasgow Four" a group of leading proponents of art nouveau architecture. Indeed, during his lifetime, Mackintosh was probably better regarded abroad than he was in his native Glasgow, even apparently inspiring Frank Loyde Wright. However, recently resurrected as one of the cities most beloved sons. You will notice, along with quite a few of his buildings to see in the city, including his magnum opus, the Glasgow School of Art, many other knock-offs and impersonations exist.

The following list is a selection of significant buildings in Glasgow.

• The Clyde Auditorium (http://www.secc.co.uk/gallery/), affectionately known by Glaswegians as the Armadillo, is a stunning building which forms part of the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (train: Exhibition Centre).
• Glasgow Cathedral is a fine example of Gothic architecture dating from medieval times and built on a site first consecrated in 397 AD.
• Glasgow School of Art (http://www.gsa.ac.uk/), Renfrew Street (subway: Cowcaddens) is seen as one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's finest buildings and is one of Britain's pre-eminent schools of art, design and architecture. Guided tours of the building are available (you must book in advance), or if you want to create your own art in the building, you can enrol for evening classes or the summer school.
• Glasgow University (http://www.gla.ac.uk/), University Avenue (subway: Hillhead) contains the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, including a reconstruction of Mackintosh's house. The exterior is fine in its own right; the current main University building is of the neo-gothic and dates from 1870, although the University as an institution is much older, being founded in 1451. The front of the building commands views over Kelvingrove Park and the western fringes of the city.
• The House for an Art Lover (http://www.houseforanartlover.co.uk/), Bellahouston Park (train: Dumbreck or subway: Ibrox), was built in the 1990s to Mackintosh's original 1901 entry for a design competition. Opening times vary. £3.50.
• Scotland Street School (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=12), 225 Scotland Street (subway: Shields Road). Charles Rennie Mackintosh's last major building - thoughtfully designed, with an excellent museum covering both Mackintosh and the changing faces of schools. Open daily. Free.

If this just whets your appetite for information on Glasgow's architecture, try and get hold of a copy of Central Glasgow: An Illustrated Architectural Guide, by Charles McKean and others. There are various ions (ISBN:1873190220, ISBN:1851582002, ISBN:1851582010).

Museums and art galleries

The Victorians also left Glasgow with a wonderful legacy of museums and art galleries, which the city has dutifully built upon. The following list is only a selection. The city council alone runs 13 museums and galleries; for a full list of these see their Glasgow Museums (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/) website.

• Burrell Collection (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=1), Pollok Country Park (train: Pollokshaws West, then walk through Pollok Park), tel 287-2550. This is a collection of over 9000 artworks gifted to the city of Glasgow by Sir William Burrell and housed in a purpose-built museum in the Pollok Estate in the south of the city. Open M-Th,Sa 10am-5pm; F,Su 11am-5pm. Free.
• Glasgow Science Centre (http://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/), Pacific Quay (train: Exhibition Centre or subway: Cessnock) has hundreds of interactive science exhibits for children, an IMAX cinema, and the 125-meter Glasgow Tower (re-opened summer 2004), the only tower in the world which can rotate through 360 degrees from its base. Every day, 10AM-6PM. £10 adults, £8 children for any two of the main attractions.
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=4), Argyle Street (subway: Kelvinhall), tel 287-2699. One of the finest civic collections in Europe is housed within this Glasgow Victorian landmark museum. The collections include everything from fine and decorative arts to archaeology and the natural world. Open M-Th,Sa 10am-5pm; F,Su 11am-5pm (Note: Kelvingrove is now closed until early 2006 for refurbishment; see entry for McLellan Galleries). Free.
• McLellan Galleries (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=6), Sauchiehall Street, tel 565-4137. Normally used as a temporary space for visiting exhibitions, this grade II listed building in the center of Glasgow will, until Kelvingrove reopens, host the 'Art Treasures of Kelvingrove', an exhibition of the city's best-loved art works. Open M-Th,Sa 10am-5pm; F,Su 11am-5pm. Free while hosting the 'Art Treasures of Kelvingrove' exhibition.
• Museum of Transport (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=7), Kelvin Hall, Bunhouse Road (subway: Kelvinhall), tel 287-2720 . The museum uses its collections of vehicles and models to tell the story of transport by land and sea, with a unique Glasgow flavour. Besides the usual rail locomotives, buses, trams, cars and planes, the museum also includes a recreated subway station, and a street scene of old Glasgow. Open M-Th,Sa 10am-5pm; F,Su 11am-5pm. Free.
• Provand's Lordship (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=11), Castle Street (opposite Glasgow Cathedral), tel 552-8819. Glasgow's oldest remaining house, built in 1471, has been renovated to give visitors and idea what the inside of a Glasgow house was like circa 1700. Open M-Th,Sa 10am-5pm; F,Su 11am-5pm. Free.
• Sharmanka (http://www.sharmanka.com/), 14 King Street. Sharmanka is a Kinetic Gallery / Theatre. It consists of a number of strange machines created by the Russian artists Eduard Bersudsky. The machines perform stories and the light and sound during the performance adds to a really unique and amazing experience. Performances Thu, Sun 7pm or by individual appointment. £4, children under 16 free.
• People's Palace and Winter Gardens (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=9) on Glasgow Green. The People's Palace is a great folk museum, telling the history of Glasgow and its people, from various perspectives. Free. The Winter Garden, adjacent, has a reasonable cafe.
• Tenement House (http://www.nts.org.uk/web/site/home/visit/places/Property.asp?PropID=10051&NavPage=10051&NavId=5117), 145 Buccleuch Street, Garnethill. A National Trust for Scotland site, a middle class Glasgow tenement house preserved in pretty much the way it was in the early 20th Century.
• Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art St. Mungo's Museum (http://St), 2 Castle Street. Next to Glasgow Cathedral, the museum features exhibits relating not only to Glasgow's patron saint and the growth of Christianity in the city, but numerous exhibits pertaining to many faiths practised locally and worldwide. Free entry.

Do

There are many club nights, concerts and festivals in Glasgow.

Music

Glasgow's been famous for its music scene(s) for at least 20 years. There's plenty of venues where you're likely to see a good band (and lots of bad bands too). In no particular order, here's some pop/indie/rock-orientated places:

• Nice 'n' Sleazy on Sauchiehall St
• King Tut's Wah Wah Hut (http://www.kingtuts.co.uk) on St Vincent St
• 13th Note on King St
• The Cathouse on Union Street (outside Central Station)
• Barfly (http://www.barflyclub.com/whatson/default.asp?vn=6) on Clyde St
• Stereo (http://www.stereomono.info/) on Kelvinhaugh St (towards the West End, just off Argyle St)
• And Stereo's sister pub, resaurant and record shop Mono (http://www.stereomono.info/)
• Barrowlands (http://www.glasgow-barrowland.com/ballroom.htm) in the East End
• Carling Academy Glasgow (http://www.glasgow-academy.co.uk/glasgow/pages/index.cfm) on Eglinton St (south of the Clyde near Bridge St Underground)
• The Arches (http://www.thearches.co.uk/) on Argyle Street
• The Vale on Dundas Street (opposite Queen St Rail Station)

Comedy

There's two main venues for stand-up comedy in Glasgow.

• The Stand on Woodlands Road (West End)
• The Vault on Pollokshaws Road (Southside)

Cinema

The most interesting films in Glasgow are shown at:

• Glasgow Film Theatre (http://www.gft.org.uk/) (GFT), 12 Rose Street (tel: 332 8128)
• The Grosvenor (http://www.grosvenorcinema.co.uk/), Ashton Lane (just off Byres Road in the West End)
• CCA (http://www.cca-glasgow.com/) on Sauchiehall St shows films, though it's primarily an art gallery

Mainstream films can be seen at the Cineworld (http://www.ugccinemas.co.uk/reservation/ChoixResa.jgi?CINEMA=83) on Renfrew St, which is the tallest cinema in the World.

Football

Glasgow also has the 3 biggest football stadia in Scotland. The major events in the football season are the clashes between the two Premier league clubs, Rangers and Celtic. Known as the "Old firm" matches, these 90 minute competitions produce a profound effect on the city, often resulting in violent clashes during or after the game. Cup ties between these two giants are quite frequent, raising the tensions further. Be aware that getting tickets for "Old Firm " games can be difficult and cup ties near impossible.

• Hampden The national stadium (http://www.hampdenpark.co.uk/) Hosts many large sporting events and concerts and also houses the Scottish Football Museum.
• Celtic park  (http://www.celticfc.net/) Home of Celtic Football Club, also known as "the Celts" or " the Bhoys" (don't call them "Fenians" or "Tims", their more sectarian nickname). Capacity 60,832 seated.
• Ibrox (http://www.rangers.co.uk/) Home of Rangers Football Club, also known as "the Gers" (or "Huns", also a sectarian insult). Capacity 50,411 seated.
• Firhill (http://www.ptfc.co.uk/) Home of Partick Thistle Football Club, also known as "the Jags". If someone asks you what team you support in Glasgow, say Partick to avoid trouble. Capacity 14,538.

Parks

For a large city Glasgow has a surprising number of parks and green spaces. The most famous of these is Glasgow Green (http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Leisure_Culture/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/glasgowgreen.htm). Founded by Royal grant in 1450, Glasgow Green has slowly been enclosed by the city and evolved from grazing land into a modern public park. The highlights are

• Nelsons memorial (an obelisk or needle)
• The Peoples Palace Musem displaying details of Glasgow life (including one of Billy Connolly's banana boots)
• The Templeton carpet factory (now a business center) with its ornate brick work.
• The Doulton fountain (recently renovated, it's the largest terracotta fountain in the world).

Glasgow Green is also the home of the Glasgow Humane Society. The Society was founded in 1790 and is the world's oldest practical life-saving body. Until June 2005 the society volunteers were resposible for rescuing those unfortunate to fall into the River Clyde. Unfortunately modern heath and saftey regulations require two life boat men on duty and a lack of volunteers has forced the sole lifeboat man, George Parsonage, to stand down the service after 215 years. The rescue service is now performed by the Strathclyde Fire Brigade. "The Green" as its know to the locals is also one of the major venues for concerts and open air events in Glasgow. The best way to get there is on foot from either Bridgeton or Argle st railway stations or from the bus routes along London road. There is limited official parking in or around the green and the area is notorious for car crime. Be aware the council will tow away illegally parked vehicles and charge you up to 250 pounds to get them back !

Kelvingrove Park (http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Leisure_Culture/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/kelvingrovepark.htm) in the city's West End is also a very popular park, particularly with the students from the nearby University (http://www.gla.ac.uk). The most prominent landmark here is the Art Gallery and Museum (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=4) on the banks of the River Kelvin which runs through the park. It also contains a recently constructed Skate Park.

Other sites

• The Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre (http://www.secc.co.uk/) hosts many events in Glasgow. http://www.secctickets.com/ sells tickets for these.
• s1 Play (http://www.s1play.com/) lists what is on in Glasgow.
• Tickets Scotland (http://www.tickets-scotland.com/) lists events and ticket availability for Scotland, primarily Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Gay & Lesbian

Glasgow has a small but friendly scene with a number of popular local bars and clubs. Glasgow is not one of the most tolerent cities in the world and this is probably due to it's strongly religious historical ties. It is not a dangerous place for the LGBT community, but discretion in public is advised. Check out The Gay Glasgow Site (http://www.lgbt-glasgow.co.uk/)

Out & About

• The Polo Lounge (http://www.g1group.co.uk/content/default.asp?page=s45_1/)- 84 Wilson Street, Glasgow G1 1UZ. Tel. +44 (0)141 553 1221. Opening Hours: M-Th 5PM-1AM, F-Su 5PM-3AM. Entry Fee on Fri & Sat Night. The upstairs bar is tastefully decorated in a Victorian style and is a great place to relax with friends. Downstairs boasts two dance areas, one playing all your pop favourites, the other chart and dance tunes. The crowd here is very mixed.
• MODA (http://www.g1group.co.uk/content/default.asp?page=s42/) - 58 Virginia Street, Glasgow G1 1TX. Tel. +44 (0)141 553 2553. Opening Hours: M-Su 5PM-LATE! Speciality - Cocktails & Funky DJs!
• Revolver (http://www.revolverbar.com/) - 6a John Street, Glasgow G1 1JQ (Opposite the Italian Centre and downstairs nextdoor to the 'Gay Chippie' ). Tel. +44 (0)141 5532456. Opening Hours: M-Su 11AM-1AM! Mixed and relaxed crowd. Small and friendly bar with a great Pub Quiz on a Sunday afternoon.
• Bennetts (http://www.bennets.co.uk/) - 80-90 Glassford Street, Glasgow G1 1UR. Tel. +44 (0)141 552 5761. Opening Hours: W-Su 11.30PM-3.30AM. Entry Fee: £3-W,Th,Su £5-F&Sa. This venue is situated over two levels with all you could want from a gay club, dance tunes, lighting and sweaty boys.

Health & Support

• Strathclyde Gay & Lesbian Switchboard (http://www.sgls.co.uk/) - Free and Confidential Telephone Counselling in the West of Scotland. Gay & Lesbian Line - Tel. +44 (0)141 847 0447, M-Su 7PM-10PM. Lesbian Line - Tel. +44 (0)141 847 0647, Wed 7.30PM-10PM (Staffed only by women). Homophobic Crime Reporting Line - Tel. +44 (0)141 847 0647, M-Su 7PM-10PM.
• The Glasgow LGBT Centre (http://www.glgbt.org.uk/) - Support, Advocacy, Welfare and Learning. 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow G1 4AL. Tel. +44 (0)141 221 7203. Open: M-Su 11AM-MIDNIGHT. The centre is fully wheelchair accessible with a chairlift.
• The Glasgow Women's Library (http://www.womens-library.org.uk/) - Reading, Writing, Groups and Events. 109 Trongate Glasgow, G1 5HD. Tel. +44 (0)141 552 8345. Open: Tu,W&Fr 1PM-6PM, Th 1PM-9PM. The library is fully wheelchair accessible with a lift to all floors.
• The Steve Retson Project (http://www.sandyford.org/srp/) - A sexual health service for gay men in Glasgow. Tu&W 5.30PM-8.30PM - The Sandyford Centre, 6 Sandyford Place, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. Tel. +44 (0)141 211 8628. Also Th 5.30PM-8.30PM - The Glasgow LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street Glasgow, G1 4AL. Tel. +44 (0)141 211 8628.
• PHACE Scotland (http://www.phacescotland.org/) - Promoting Health and Challenging Exclusion. Top Floor, Rothesay House, 134 Douglas Street, Glasgow G2 4HF. Tel. +44 (0)141 332 3838.

Learn

Glasgow has three universities:

• University of Glasgow (http://www.gla.ac.uk). Located in the west end of the city, this university has served Glasgow since 1451 and is the fourth oldest in the United Kingdom.
• Universiy of Strathclyde (http://www.strath.ac.uk) is situated in the north-east of the city centre and was originally founded in 1796 as Anderson's University.
• Glasgow Caledonian University (http://www.gcal.ac.uk), to the north of the city centre, is Glasgow's newest university.

Work

Jobs in Glasgow can be found through the government-run JobCentres. Be aware that you will need a National Insurance number and, if you are not a citizen of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, the correct type of work visa to work legally in the UK. Your employer should require this to ensure you pay the correct rates of income tax. However if you ask around you'll find a lot of bars and nightclubs offer work cash-in-hand. Some of the many temp agencies in the city centre aren't too fussy about immigration niceties either.

Buy

Glasgow is positioning itself as an upmarket retail destination, the shopping is alleged to be better than in Edinburgh, this means that there's an increasing number of designer clothes shops in areas like the Merchant City. Alongside this, the Council is putting pressure on more traditional shopping centres like the Barras where you can get remarkably similar-looking clothes for a more sensible price.

• The Barras in the East End is the essential Glasgow shopping experience. Hundreds of market stalls selling everything you could possibly want and a load of other stuff too. Free entertainment available from time to time when the Police raid the place for counterfit goods.
• Also Paddy's Market under cover near Saltmarket.
• The Buchanan Galleries, Buchanan Street, is a large shopping mall in the heart of the city centre which has all the usual British high street stores.
• The St Enoch Centre is a large shopping centre facing onto Argyle Street in the centre of the city. It is claimed to be the largest glass-enclosed structure in Europe.
• Princes Square is an upmarket mall just off Buchanan Street in the city centre. Specialises in designer clothes shops, jewellery and audio equipment.
• The Argyle Arcade is a covered street housing Scotland's largest collection of jewellery shops. The arcade connects Argyle Street and Buchanan Street.
• De Courcy's Arcade is an unusual little shopping arcade with lots of second hand music and book shops and independent gift shops. Located just off Byres Road in the west end (subway: Hillhead)

Eat

Glasgow has won the title "Curry Capital of Britain" two years running and has a huge range of restaurants, Indian or otherwise. If you are looking for last minute deals on dining, 5pm.co.uk (http://www.5pm.co.uk/) lists many offers. It is possible to search for restaurants in Glasgow on the site. Note that this service requires you to register on the website. There are clusters of good restaurants in the West End and the Merchant City.

Takeaway

Glasgow has taken many different cultural foods and combined them into a unique dining experience. Most takeaways offer Indian dishes (pakora), pizzas and kebabs as well as the more traditional fish and chips or burgers. This has resulted in some takeaways offering a blend of dishes like chips with curry sauce, the donner kebab pizza, the battered and deep fried pizza to name but a few.

European

• Brel, Ashton Lane, Glasgow G12 8SJ (In the West End off Byers Road), Tel. +44 (0)141 342 4966, www.brelbarrestaurant.com. M-Su 12PM-Late. Located in the dynamic Ashton Lane in the West End of Glasgow, this restaurant is well known for it's Belgian fare particularly their Moules (Mussel) Pots in a variety of flavours. This Bar/Restaurant is set over 3 levels and sells a range of Belgian beers, including Banana and Raspberry, along with a few of the local Scottish favourites. During the warmer weather there is a large Beer Garden at the rear. It can't be denied this bar has a VIBE and is ideal for a delicious meal or just for a drink. There is often free live entertainment. Prices: à la carte menu, starters: £2.95-£4.95 and mains: £8.95-£15.50. Also great deals at Food Happy Hour M-Su 5PM-7PM!

Indian

Most of the good Indian restaurants are clustered together between Charing X & Berkely St. Take your pick from Panjea, Ashoka Flame, Mr Singh's India, Mother India's Cafe and more.

Also visit the award winning Killerment Polo Club on Maryhill Road.

Italian

• Eska near the Tron Theatre is good and inexpensive but often busy.

Mexican

• Pancho Villas, 26 Bell Street, Glasgow G1 1LG (in the Merchant City area opposite Merchant Square), Tel. +44 (0)141 552 7737, www.panchovillas.co.uk (http://www.panchovillas.co.uk/index.php?section_id=5/). M-Sa 12PM to Late, Su 5PM - Late. A variety of high quality and generious Mexican style dishes, including vegeterian meals. The restaurant which is split over two floors offers a welcoming and ambient environment, whether it be for a work related function, romantic meal or birthday party. It is often very busy of an evening especially towards the end of the week, so it is best to make a reservation. Prices: Set Meals are available Mo-Th between 12PM-5PM for 2Courses - £6.95 and 3Courses - £8.50. A-la-carte Menu, Starters: £2.50-£7.95 and Mains: £8.50-£12.95.

Russian

• Cafe Cossachok on King Street.

Veggie

For fab veggie food try...

• Grassroots, on St George's Road, near Woodlands Road (subway: St George's Cross). Great veggie breakfasts from 10am, and other meals from midday till late. Lots of vegan options, too. Grassroots also has one of the two best wholefood/organic shops in Glasgow, round the corner in Woodlands Road; the other is Roots and Fruits in Great Western Road (subway: Kelvinbridge).
• The Fast Food Shop, pakora place on Woodlands Road is ideal for guilt-free snacking on the way home from the pub.
• 13th Note, on King Street, looks like an anarchist squat when you walk in, and has a full bar, and serves very good veggie (mainly vegan) food. Try the vegan haggis, neeps and tatties, served with a pink-peppercorn cream sauce - fab.
• Mono, over the road in King's Court, is run by the people who established the Note. It has a lighter, airier feel but with an exclusively vegan menu, beers prepared on-site and two shops (food and records).

Drink

Glasgow has a lot of places to drink.

For single malt whiskies, try The Pot Still, on Hope Street - a few blocks north of Central Station. It stocks over 300 single malt whiskies (as well as other drinks, of course), and the staff really know their stuff. Its also an excellent example of a traditional British pub, with a great atmosphere. Other bars with a good selection of whisky are Uisghe Beatha on Woodlands Road and there's one on Argyle St towards the West End that I'm forgetting the name of.

Real Ale can be found at the Bon Accord on Charing X and Clockwork BeerCo near Hampden Park.

Republic BierHalle just off Buchanan St has beers from all round the world and a sister branch in the Southside.

Bath St has a constantly shifting array of "style bars", if that's your thing. Similarly Sauchiehall St. The quality varies wildly depending on your taste / tolerance.

If you want live music with your pint go to the See / Music section above.

Sleep

The Glasgow Guide has a section on hotels in Glasgow (http://www.glasgowguide.co.uk/hotels.html). Most hotel chains are represented in the City Centre, ranging from the stylish new Radisson SAS near Central Station, to the (relatively) cheap and cheerful Travelodge by the M8.

Budget

There are two cheap places on Berkely St near Charing X. Globetrotters and Blue Sky both do dorm beds for about £8 per night. The Scottish Youth Hostel Association SYHA (http://www.syha.org.uk) has a dorm beds -and limited family/private rooms- avaiable for around £13 per person per night at its hostel on Park Terrace. More centrally, there's EuroHostel on Jamaica Street, former student halls that has rooms for £10-20.

Camping

The Craigendmuir Caravan Park in Stepps, to the east of the city, is probably the nearest camp site and charges about £12.50/night for a two people in a tent. A train journey from Stepps to Glasgow Queen Street takes about 20 minutes. 4 (http://www.craigendmuir.co.uk/)

Contact

Phone

Glasgow's area code (for landline numbers) is 0141. When calling from outside the UK, drop the leading 0 and use the UK international dial code +44.

Internet

If you are travelling with a laptop then you will find broadband internet access in the rooms of most, but not all, medium to high end hotels. If this is important to you check before booking. Alternatively there are many wi-fi hot spots in and around Glasgow and WiFinder (http://www.wifinder.com/) provides a register.

There are also several places that offer web and other internet access if you are travelling without a laptop. These include:

• EasyInternetCafé (http://www.easyeverything.co.uk/map/gla.html) -- St Vincent Street (just west of Buchanan Street, five minutes' walk from Central or Queen Street stations). Every day, 08:00-21:00.
• th:at Internet Café (http://www.thatinternetcafe.net/) -- 8 Regent Street (one minute from Central station). Forty PCs. Wi-fi access. Every day, 08:00-21:00.
• Mortons Coffee Co. -- Byres Road (subway: Hillhead). Offers free wi-fi internet access and two PCs.
• "The Goat" is a nicely appointed bar which also offers free & unlimited wi-fi access & has a laptop available for loan. Excellent bar food also available. Argyll St. Near Kelvingrove Gallery & the Museum of Transport.
• Offshore Cafe -- Gibson Street, beside the River Kelvin in the west end. Offers free wireless access and has good coffee. It attracts a lot of smokers though, so if that puts you off you might want to wait until the public smoking ban comes in (March '06).

Stay safe

Travelling in Glasgow is mainly safe, however commonsense rules still apply. The City Centre of Glasgow is safe, however do watch out at night time at the closing time of clubs, especially in Queen Street and Sauchiehall Street, as it can get a bit rowdy at times. There are some areas of Glasgow which might not be as safe compared to the rest. However tourist areas should be well policed. The City Centre has many 'information officers' in red hats and jackets who should be able to assist you if needed.

Avoid football shirts, a Rangers or Celtic shirt worn in the wrong place has led to assault or murder, especially on an old firm match day. Many bars ban all football colours.

Although prostitution is illegal in the UK it is a fact of life in all major cities, Glasgow being no exception. The "Red Light" areas are as follows:

Around Anderson station and the Finnieston St area, the Carlton area of the east end (East of the "Barras") especially around the Tenants brewery, the eastern end of Glasgow Green from the Peoples Palace to Bridgeton Cross area. Although quiet during the day, there is a lot of business at night and especially at the weekends. Women walking by themselves have been known to be approached by men looking for prostitutes and people in vehicles have been known to be approached by prostitutes looking for business.

Strathclyde Police, the local police force, has a Stay Safe while Travelling guide (http://www.strathclyde.police.uk/index.asp?locID=85&docID=-1).

Get out

• Visit Loch Lomond and climb the nearby Ben Lomond (the most southerly Munro) for great views.
• Walk the West Highland Way from Milngavie (a suburb of Glasgow) all the way to Fort William.
• Take a day-trip to Isle of Arran. There are train and ferry combo tickets. Isle of Arran is a minature Scotland. There is a castle with beautiful gardens. Take one of the circle island busses to see it all, watch your time though- know the last bus and ferry of the day. There is a beautiful bay with a castle in the middle on the Northeast in a village called Lochranza.

External links

• See Glasgow (http://www.seeglasgow.com/)
• Glasgow City Council (http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/)
• Glasgow Architecture (http://www.scotcities.com/central.htm)
• Strathclyde Passenger Transport (http://www.spt.co.uk/)

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• Url Rewriting et referencement made by Atuvu
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