Glasgow, Scotland has become an up and coming hot-spot. Especially since 1990 when it was named the European City of Culture. Colin Cameron, writer for New York Times Travel, explores Glasgow in his article; Going to Glasgow.
“Over the last two decades, however, Glasgow has been on a steep, upward curve, first with a civic campaign, “Glasgow’s Miles Better,” which promoted hometown pride in the 1980′s, and then in 1990 when it was named the European City of Culture. Creativity and tourist-friendly businesses flourished, helped in part by a large student population. Today, neighborhoods like Merchant City and the West End are buzzing with new bars, clubs, restaurants and shops.
Haggis is avoided by most visitors, but this is a mistake. The peppery dish, made of minced sheep’s heart, lungs and liver — and usually served with mashed neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) — should be considered a rite of passage. One place to enjoy it is Babbity Bowster in Merchant City (16-18 Blackfriars Street, 44-141-552-5055), which serves a delicious plate of haggis for £4.95.
To experience Scotland’s beloved tea ritual, there are few places cuter than Miss Cranston’s (33 Gordon Street, 44-141-204-1122), a cafe that bakes some of the city’s best crumpets and cakes. Not surprisingly, it is packed around 4 p.m.
Most of the city’s museums are free. Among the best are the Burrell Collection, (Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws West Road, 44-141-287-2550; http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/), displaying more than 9,000 works of art collected by Sir William Burrell, and the Gallery of Modern Art (Royal Exchange Square, 44-141-229-1996; www.glasgowmuseums.com) with a growing collection of contemporary photography, multimedia and art installations. Likewise, open spaces like the West End’s Botanic Gardens and, to the east, Glasgow Green, don’t cost a penny to stroll. “
