The History

The city of Glasgow is more than 850 years old, with a history of settlements in the area since St Mungo established a church there. The city has been a religious and academic hub since the 1400s, and houses the fourth-oldest university in the UK.

Glasgow is now one of the largest commercial centres in Scotland. In the 1700s to 1800s, the city became a hub for transatlantic trade, dealing in tobacco, sugar and cotton from plantations in the Americas. During the 19th century, there was an industrial boom that led to shipbuilding, engineering and heavy industry, earning Glasgow the name ‘Second City of the Empire’.

The rising working-class population also led to the building of stone tenements – a recognisable style of housing rooted in the city’s social history. These distinctive Victorian buildings are often found nestled between a blend of ‘Glasgow style’ art nouveau structures and sleek modern architecture, creating a rich urban tapestry.

Today, Glasgow is alive with vibrant culture and boasts over 90 parks. It’s also a bustling hub for sports, music and innovation. You can explore mural trails, enjoy live performances in the UK’s ‘UNESCO City of Music’, and engage with its arts and literature in the museums and universities dotted throughout the city.

The Tourism

Discover the cultural sites, historic venues and local hotspots in Glasgow.

Clydeside Distillery

Distance from Connect venue: 2-minute drive/11-minute walk

Scotland is famed for its whisky – it’s their national drink – so what visit would be complete without tasting a dram? Take a tour of the Clydeside Distillery to learn more about how whisky is produced and its history in Glasgow before sampling their range of single malts.

City Centre Mural Trail

Distance from Connect venue: 8-minute drive/21-minute walk (closest location only)

Glasgow is also known for its street art. You can visit pieces from Ali Wyllie, Art Pistol and EJEK on the City Centre Mural Trail, which features more than 30 works in a range of styles and subjects – all within easy walking distance of the city centre. This display of public art is a point of local pride, and well worth a visit!

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Distance from Connect venue: 8-minute drive/22-minute walk

This museum is home to more than 8,000 exhibits, covering the art of Scottish colourists to natural history displays such as the taxidermied Sir Roger the elephant. You can browse the extensive galleries, visit pop-up exhibitions and even take an audio tour narrated by none other than Sir Billy Connolly.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Distance from Connect venue: 19-minute drive

Set in 50 acres of parkland, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens feature Victorian glasshouses, rare plants and a tree trail for you to enjoy at your own pace or on a guided tour. Founded more than 200 years ago, the gardens play a vital role in conservation and educational works in Glasgow.

The Burrell Collection

Distance from Connect venue: 23-minute drive

This charity-run civic museum is the preserved personal collection of its namesake, Sir William Burrell. More than 9,000 pieces are housed in Pollok Country Park, including works by master artists Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, as well as a treasure trove of medieval armour, tapestries and more.