As Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow is also one of the UK’s main conference locations. Renowned for its architecture and world-famous art, it is also a vibrant music centre – it was the UK’s first UNESCO city of music – and is becoming known for its growing food scene. So, if in Glasgow on business this year, it’s worth staying for a few extra days to experience this year’s festival scene, writes Bristol Business News travel editor Anne Gorringe. 
Why visit now? Glasgow is celebrating 850th birthday with a year-long programme of activities. Kicking off a three-week long Celtic Connections music (until 2 February), Glasgow 850 will also add special events to many of the city’s annual festivals this year, – from the Glasgow Film Festival at the end of February to its comedy festival in March.
Pictured: The glass-walled bridge at Glasgow Central Station
Whisky lovers in the city on Saturday, 25 January, will be able to join in Burn’s Day tastings at the Scottish National Whisky Festival. Celtic Connections Scottish, National Whisky Festival
Getting there: Glasgow International Airport is nearly 10 miles west of the city centre in Paisley. Catch the frequent shuttle bus link from right outside Arrivals to the city centre for £10.50. Or get there by train from Bristol to arrive right in the heart of the city at Glasgow Central Station, known for its historic glass-walled railway bridge. This provides a ‘cover’ over nearby pavements, earning it the nickname of the ‘Hielanman’s Umbrella’ (Highland man’s umbrella).
Where to stay: The Radisson Blu hotel, where I stayed, has recently undergone an extensive £3m renovation. Conveniently located near Glasgow Central Station, it easy to stroll from there to the shopping areas of Princes Square and St Enoch Centre. But if Glasgow’s galleries prove more appealing, you can base yourself in the city’s leafy West End, near to University of Glasgow and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Near here is the former home of the Victorian shipping merchant, philanthropist and Glasgow’s most famous art collector Sir William Burrell, and now a Hotel du Vin. Radisson Blu, Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Get your bearings: Explore on foot – or try out the underground metro system, which first opened in 1896. It’s not extensive, but it does runs in a ‘loop’ around the central district.
Pictured: Beautiful Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
If you’re short of time, the quickest way to explore the city’s top attractions is with an open-top bus tour – there’s a stop right outside the Radisson Blu. There are two routes to choose from, with one going right around the city centre and West End. The buses are all electric – in fact, Glasgow was the first city sightseeing operator in the world to introduce a fully electric fleet. City Sightseeing
What to see: With 22 galleries to discover and works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh to Vincent van Gogh, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-see for any art lover. It’s also one of the stops on the open-top bus tour. Lesser-known galleries, such as the The Modern Institute and Transmission Gallery are worth popping into and, as with all Glasgow’s museum, are free to visit. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Discover a bit of Glasgow history: Enjoy afternoon tea in the Mackintosh At The Willow on Sauchiehall Street. 
Artist, architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who studied at Glasgow School of Art in the 1880s, designed the tearoom in collaboration with his wife Margaret Macdonald. Opened in 1903, this Art Nouveau masterpiece is now cared for by the National Trust. Mackintosh at the Willow
Pictured: Inside the Riverside Museum
Don’t Miss: The River Clyde runs right through Glasgow and the award-winning Riverside Museum sits at its junction with the River Kelvin in an area which has benefited from £6bn worth of regeneration in recent years. Designed by internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this transport and technology museum opened in 2011 and has more than 3,000 fascinating objects on display – everything from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams, and cars to a Star Wars Imperial Storm Trooper. It’s one of the stops on the open-top bus tour and is also within walking distance of another fascinating building, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) conference centre, which has a 3,000-seat capacity. Designed by another ‘starchitect’ Norman Foster, its shape has led to it being officially known as the ‘SEC Armadillo’ – and looks like a mini Sydney Opera House. Riverside Museum, SEC Glasgow
The Burrell Collection: South of the river in Pollok Country Park, this museum reopened in 2022 after a major refurbishment, during which sustainability was key to its transformation. Visitors can explore more of the world-class collection than ever before within this modern – and greener – museum. Burrellcollection.com
Take a wee dram: The Clydeside Distillery, also on the banks of the Clyde, is Glasgow’s first dedicated single malt scotch whisky distillery in more than 100 years. 
Book a guided distillery tour (with tasting) and go behind the scenes to discover the history behind Scotland’s world-famous spirit. Alternatively, just grab a coffee at the on-site café or check out the specialist whisky shop for great gifts to bring home. There are plans for a new whisky bar to open here in this spring so visitors can enjoy a wee dram while enjoying the fantastic views across the river. The Clydeside Distillery
Pictured: Behind the scenes at The Clydeside Distillery
Sample the food and drink scene: Take to the streets with the award-winning Glasgow Food and Drink Tour – a great way to explore the thriving foodie scene in the city’s West End. Enjoy some Glasgow patter as the guide walks you through the history and culture of the city with visits to some of its hidden gems. The Glasgow Food and Drink Tour
Discover great eateries yourself: From April, visitors will be able to try a new self-guided ‘Taste the Place’ tour. It’s a free digital trail which includes 40-plus eateries across the city, taking foodies on a cuisine heritage journey through stories shared by local businesses. Highlights will include a 100-year-old ice cream parlour, an Italian bistro housed within the UK’s only remaining tram shelter and an Ottoman-style coffee ceremony. Taste the Place
Pictured: Some of the sample dishes on The Glasgow Food and Drink Tour
Learn how to make pasta: Celentano’s Italian-inspired restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide and, having recently expanded, now offers pasta-making classes with Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded chef and owner Dean Parker. You’ll find it in Cathedral Square. Celentano’s
Catch up on work: While you’re out an about, you can catch up on your emails in the coworking hub at The Social Hub, a new hotel and events space. A certified B Corporation, it’s the perfect place for an eco-friendly city break. The Social Hub
City of music: Glasgow’s summer celebration of Scottish contemporary folk music, the Reeling Festival, will be back at Rouken Glen Park in June. Plus, new for 2025, a concert series taking place at both bandstands in Kelvingrove Park and Queens Park under the umbrella Big Nights Out. Running from May to July, acts will include indie bands Arab Strap and Camera Obscura. Reeling Festival, Big Nights Out 
Cool night out: SWG3 is a hip arts venue, bar and nightclub making waves with its green approach to energy. Its renewable heating and cooling system turns body heat from dancers into power for the venue’s lights, music and electricity. You’ll find it at 100 Eastvale Place, near the Riverside Museum. swg3.tv
Pictured: Street art, Glasgow-style
Coming in 2026: The Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August next year, making a return to the city after the hugely successful event in 2014. Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
