Planning Your Time

You could quite easily spend five comfortable days here, although in a pinch, two would do and three would be pleasant. The best strategy for seeing the city is to start in the center and work your way out. On the first day explore the core of historic Glasgow—the medieval area, dominated by Glasgow's cathedral, and Merchant City. Some fascinating museums are nearby, such as the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art and the Gallery of Modern Art. Shoppers should head for Buchanan Street. The Mackintosh sites can be seen one by one or as part of a full-day excursion on the Mackintosh Trail. Museum fans should make their way to West End to see the spectacular Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Hunterian Art Gallery. Another option is to make a beeline to the Burrell Collection and the House for an Art Lover, on the south side of the city.

With an extra few days, head out to Burns country in Ayrshire. It's a scenic 45-minute drive from Glasgow, and you can use the city as a base. Most destinations on the Clyde Coast are easily accessible from Glasgow. Direct trains from Central Station take you to Paisley, Irvine, Largs, Troon, Kilmarnock, and Lanark in less than an hour. These small towns need no more than a day to explore. To get the flavor of island life, take the hour-long train ride to Wemyss Bay and then the ferry to the Isle of Bute.