When individuals consider Scotland they typically deal with the rugged panorama of the Highlands and the great thing about the islands. And whereas that space is effectively price a go to, there’s one other aspect of Britain bursting with nightlife, nice eating places and distinctive issues to do.
Glasgow and Edinburgh are two of the best cities on the earth. As Scotland’s largest cities individuals are typically confronted with the query: which one?! For my part, each are uniquely fantastic, and it is effectively price a go to to every. Nonetheless, I’ll share my information to every together with professionals and cons that may assist make your resolution simpler!
This publish will share a information to every, share how a lot time to spend in every vacation spot and provide help to select the precise metropolis for you. Which can simply be each!
Glasgow at a Look
Whereas Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, Glasgow is definitely the bigger metropolis. One factor, above all, that you will discover straight away is the individuals. They’re maybe essentially the most sort, most real individuals I’ve ever come throughout.
I’ve traveled to 52 international locations and there’s something concerning the Scottish individuals, and significantly the individuals in Glasgow, that set it aside. It truly jogs my memory of southerners within the states! They’re so proud, love good meals and music, and wish you to go away having loved a very good time.
Glasgow has a unbelievable mixture of historical past, eating places, pubs, and, in fact, music. Having visited as soon as earlier than, it appears to me Glasgow has added numerous enjoyable foodie experiences and explorations that may delight all kinds of vacationers.
Edinburgh at a Look
Whereas it is perhaps tough to say Edinburgh, it is definitely straightforward on the eyes. The structure right here is solely unmatched. An epic fort on a rock, winding, cobbled alley methods, and historical structure in one in all Britain’s oldest cities. However there’s a lot greater than magnificence and historical past.
Edinburgh additionally affords distinctive underground strolling excursions, whisky experiences, and trendy eateries.
Let’s check out what to do in every!
Glasgow Itinerary
Strolling round Glasgow is like going by means of an artwork museum. With stunning buildings and wonderful murals, it is a sensation for the eyes.
The town’s slogan is “Individuals Make Glasgow” and that could not be extra correct! Whereas we have been in a cab our driver advised us how the ladies he was dropping off booked the flawed dates for his or her resort. It was late at night time they usually could not discover anything. So he allow them to stick with him and his spouse! The individuals right here actually make the expertise.
Day 1
Taking a strolling tour is without doubt one of the greatest methods to see a metropolis. You study concerning the historical past and tradition, and discover recommendations on all one of the best locations to eat and drink.
We took a tour with Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that employs as soon as homeless locals to offer excursions of their metropolis. Our information advised us some fascinating historical past whereas sharing a number of the most essential structure and tales of town.
For instance, there’s fairly an odd story for why we use the time period to “earmark” one thing. Again within the day in Glasgow, there was a market the place individuals would promote items. In case you acquired caught stealing, you’d have your ear nailed all the way down to the wooden. The general public humiliation of being gawked at and kicked by passersby was typically too nice, and the thieves would actually rip their ear off! Therefore, you’d know if somebody was a thief based mostly on a lacking a part of their ear, aka, “ear marked!”
There have been loads of fascinating tales the information shared about Glasgow throughout our stroll taking within the websites.
Some of the iconic statues, as voted by Lonely Planet is the Duke of Wellington. Not solely is it a stupendous statue, it stands out from others as a result of it is at all times sporting an orange visitors cone! Regardless of town’s makes an attempt to take away the cone, it is now develop into an emblem of town for the Duke to be topped in orange.
After you’re taking a tour, you possibly can buy groceries on Queen road, additionally a great place for lunch.
In case you aren’t uninterested in strolling, an excellent choice is to discover the City Centre Mural Trail. This path leads you across the metropolis to a number of the coolest artistic endeavors. The murals are completely gorgeous and make town come to life.
Subsequent, loosen up within the shade at Pollock House. This hidden gem in Glasgow is a stupendous, working property with magnificent Georgian structure. The home itself has lot of artwork from the Hapsburg dynasty in addition to a restaurant. The grounds are pretty, and you may even discover Highland cows as you meander!
The proper spot for sundown is to go to the College of Glasgow. It isn’t solely Edinburgh that is paying homage to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts! With its uncanny resemblance, you possibly can’t assist however gaze on the structure. Began in 1451, the College of Glasgow is the fourth oldest college within the English-speaking world! Stroll the grounds and go to the chapel.
Make your method to Kelvingrove Art Gallery for unimaginable galleries that show all the pieces from animals to artwork in a stupendous museum.
Day 2
Kick issues off with the musical themed Hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour! Glasgow is the right metropolis for dwell music, in any case, it is a UNESCO Metropolis of Music! From conventional bag pipes to trendy pop, Glasgow affords a vibrant music scene that stretches again centuries. Hydro is without doubt one of the largest music venues and the second busiest venue on the earth simply after Madison Sq. Backyard.
Since you possibly can hop on and off the bus, we stopped on the Riverside Museum of Transportation and noticed the world’s oldest bike! There are all kinds of locomotives that time to the development of time and the way transportation formed our world. From double-decker buses to excessive velocity trains.
Simply exterior the museum you possibly can stretch you legs and stroll the Kelvin Walkway alongside the Clyde River for some scenic views.
For dinner, hit ups the Finnieston space and Hidden Lane for excellent bars, eating places, and pubs. The Finnieston is the right spot for the freshest seafood in Scotland, Porter & Rye for meat, and Hidden Lane Brewery for a sustainable, lady owned brewery. See under for all my prime picks for the place to eat in Glasgow.
Day 3
Nothing ignites the senses like bag piping! Begin the day with some classes and historical past on the National Piping Center. After we consider Scotland the picture that first involves thoughts is a person in a kilt enjoying the bag pipe. There is not any higher method to actually perceive its significance than having a go at piping your self! Be ready, it is a exercise and a lot enjoyable!
For lunch, have rooster tikka masala at Mom India Cafe, rumor is the dish was invented in Glasgow.
Take a look at Sharmanka Museum, a theatre of kinetic sculpture, the place a whole bunch of carved figures and items of outdated scrap carry out an unimaginable choreography to haunting music and synchronized gentle. The figures inform tales of affection, loss, and hope.
Then, have high tea on a 1966 double decker red bus, as you cruise town in type. The bus has been changed into a cellular tea room, and you’ll experience round and revel in tea and scones as you tour Glasgow!
Finish the day with a go to to Glasgow Cathedral, one of the vital stunning Gothic cathedrals in Scotland. The cathedral is free to enter! The Gothic construction was accomplished within the early 1500s and is the mom church of the Church of Scotland. It is also the burial place for St. Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint.
Then head to the cemetery, the Necropolis, for historical grave websites and epic views of town.
You may’t depart Glasgow with out listening to some music. Music is a giant a part of the draw to Glasgow. There is a cause ABBA sings, “After I known as you final night time from Glasgow” referring to enjoying the stage there. Roller’s Relaxation is a good pub for conventional music. Cap off the night with a scrumptious, refined eating at Ubiquitous Chip.
Whether or not you’re trying to discover Glasgow’s musical historical past or need to wander by means of stunning parks, this metropolis has one thing for everybody! See my guide to Glasgow here.
>To get from Glasgow to Edinburgh is really easy! It is an hour lengthy practice experience from every metropolis middle and tickets value round €14.
Edinburgh Itinerary
Edinburgh is without doubt one of the loveliest cities on the earth. Lovely structure, a fort on a hill and unimaginable historical past. Simply strolling round is a deal with! However there are such a lot of hidden gems, trendy delights, and numerous experiences to have in Edinburgh.
Day 1
We’ve got to start out with a Harry Potter tour! Better of all, it is free! There are lots of locations around the globe to see Harry Potter and the inspiration for the film and books. However there is no higher place than the place J.Ok. Rowling wrote the sequence. The tour is free and was unimaginable!
You may stroll round and see many highlights from the cemetery the place Rowling was impressed. From the varsity that impressed the Hogwarts’ homes and colours and the cafes she wrote in. I discovered a lot concerning the books and films!
Whilst you’re within the space be sure that to take a look at Greyfriars Bobby Statue, a Skye Terrier who guarded the grave of the proprietor for 14 years! The story goes {that a} man named John Grey died and his canine, Bobby, stayed by his grave for 14 years till he too handed away. There’s additionally the Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar close by as effectively!
Subsequent we’ll quench our thirst on the Johnnie Walker Experience! I’ve by no means favored the style of whisky, so it is a kind of drinks I used to be hesitant to seize. Till now! The Johnnie Walker Expertise helps you discover the right drink to your palette. You may study the historical past of the model and create a drink that’s suited to your style on this distinctive expertise totally different from any distillery or brewery I’ve ever visited. That is additionally probably the greatest views in all of Edinburgh!
You probably have time, head over to Arthur’s Seat for some contemporary air and fantastic views. Edinburgh is a small metropolis and it is easy to shortly get out of city. Arthur’s seat is an historical volcano that provides the right view of the water and metropolis. In response to legend, it was named for King Arthur. Some declare that it was the location of legendary Camelot, whereas others argue that it was so named as a result of King Arthur and his knights received a sequence of legendary struggles in Scotland and northern England.
Day 2
There is a hidden world in Edinburgh… and it is underneath your ft! Whether or not you are occupied with ghosts or historical past, the Blair Street Vaults illuminate the 18th century world of town. One stuffed with physique snatching and underground mischief of occasions passed by. This can be a nice method to get a glimpse of the historical past in Edinburgh that made it what it’s in the present day. In response to the BBC, that is essentially the most haunted place in Britain!
On your day in the present day I recommend getting your steps in and strolling across the metropolis. It isn’t a visit to Edinburgh with out seeing the Royal Mile. Peak by means of totally different “Closes” to search out distinctive views of town, particularly Advocate’s Shut. Stroll this stunning cobbled road and head to Edinburgh Castle.
Perched atop Fort Rock the fort has been occupied because the 1200s and is without doubt one of the oldest fortified locations in Europe. I like to recommend taking a guided tour of the fort to listen to the historical past.
Subsequent, head to the close by Camera Obscura, a museum of enjoyable illusions! I additionally suggest Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament in your sightseeing tour.
In case you’re searching for one thing off the overwhelmed observe, try Dean Village, a quiet and quaint spot that makes you are feeling such as you’re removed from the bustle of town. Or Circus Lane for an additional hidden spot.
For sundown, head as much as Calton Hill for an epic view of town. The sundown right here was completely magnificent. Then seize drinks at Cafe Royal, Scotland’s oldest oyster bar.
Dine at The Alchemist for loopy, cool cocktails and creative bites.
The place to remain in Glasgow
The Kimpton Blythswood Square is a powerful five-star Georgian townhose with luxurious facilities and a free spa! The spa and breakfast have been actually my highlights however the brown and white marble toilet was additionally beautiful. The employees have been pleasant and type, and the placement was good.
The place to remain in Edinburgh
The Kimpton Charlotte Square means that you can have Edinburgh at your ft! We might stroll almost in every single place and it is proper on the sting of a stupendous backyard. The beautiful, romantic particulars of the resort have been gorgeous such because the cafe strewn with crops that felt like a personal oasis. The employees went above and past and our room was cozy and cozy. The considerate particulars all through our keep actually made a distinction.
The place to Eat in Glasgow
The foodie scene in Glasgow is unmatched! There are such a lot of fantastic eating places with a deal with sustainability.
Bar Brett – Shareable plates with artistic takes and an in depth wine record. The restaurant is fashionable but laidback and ideal after a busy journey day.
Ubiquitous Chip– This restaurant is in a glass atrium, fairly string lights, and inventive type vibe. We cherished the Scottish dishes with a contemporary twist. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the haggis was excellent!
Mother India – Scrumptious Indian delicacies with hearty parts. The proper place for the legendary rooster tikka masala or their nice Scottish-Indian dishes.
Finnieston Space:
1. The Finnieston– Fashionable Scottish delicacies with a deal with seafood. This place was cozy but trendy and provided award profitable cocktails. Very impressed with their dedication to zero-waste!
2. Porter & Rye– The BEST place for steak in Scotland. This spectacular and classy restaurant is critical about steak. Curated meats and dry-aged beef paired with delectable sides like triple cooked fries and bone marrow mac and cheese.
3. Hidden Lane Brewery – A girl owned brewery with a deal with sustainable brews. I am not even a giant beer drinker and I cherished this place!
The place to Eat in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has no scarcity of nice eating places, however these are a few of my favorites.
The Alchemist – We all know Harry Potter is linked to Edinburgh, so get some effervescent, potion-like drinks on the Alchemist! This Instagram worthy restaurant additionally has unbelievable meals!
Bonnie & Wilde – Edinburgh’s first meals corridor boasts a buzzing ambiance with delicacies from everywhere in the world.
Oink – A very scrumptious pulled pork sandwich, proper on Victoria Road! This was one in all Michael’s favourite spots.
Piemaker – an excellent, informal and cheap spot for some conventional pasties!
Six by Nico – The identify says all of it, each 6 weeks, chef Nico creates a brand new 6-course reminiscence based mostly on a theme!
Issues to Know Earlier than Touring Scotland
Getting round could be very straightforward as each cities are very walkable. Nonetheless, there’s additionally Uber and taxis. I discovered taxis to be a bit cheaper. There’s additionally public transportation in every. Edinburgh is so small you’re doubtless to not need to take an excessive amount of transportation however there are buses and trams. In Glasgow the subway affords two round strains so you possibly can by no means get misplaced!
If you stroll round Glasgow, it seems like an outdated good friend. It is industrial in some areas but in addition has numerous appeal. With the revitalization of the Service provider Metropolis and the latest inflow of recent eating places and bars, Glasgow is unquestionably having a second. The individuals are pleasant and there’s at all times one thing to speak about. Edinburgh is stunningly pretty and affords no scarcity of historical past and sights.
Backside line: if in case you have 5 days to every week that is the right period of time to see each Glasgow and Edinburgh, so why not do each!
