If you have an interest in history and how certain cities came to boast the reputation and significance that they hold today, then Glasgow is definitely worth a visit.
Sitting alongside Edinburgh as one of Scotland’s most significant cities, Glasgow is a world-renowned city and one which you can explore easily via an efficient Subway system.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a closer look, we’ve listed some fantastic ways you can gain a better understanding of Glasgow, its roots, and its identity.
Learn About Glasgow’s Architectural Significance
Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a Scottish architect born in the 1860s who played a fundamental role in transforming the architecture of Glasgow from a Victorian and Industrial style to the ‘Glasgow Style’, which was linked to the Art Nouveau movement.
Many of the fine buildings you will see during your visit are heavily influenced by Mackintosh, and learning about him and his importance will educate you on a key part of the city’s culture.
Wander down to Bellahouston Park to check out House for an Art Lover, a famous building designed by the man himself. To find out more about the life and influence of one of Glasgow’s most famous names, visit the Glasgow School of Art and The Lighthouse.
Learn About Glasgow’s Finest Lager
You will probably know that Glasgow is a famous UK party city, but did you know that it’s home to the nation’s most popular beer?
Tennent’s Lager is Scotland’s best-selling drink, and you can get a closer look at how it’s made during your visit.
Take a tour at Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery, a location that has brewed beers since the 1500s! Tennent Caledonian was founded in 1740 and since then has achieved huge success, first introducing Tennent’s Lager in 1885.
Tours start from just £17 per person and offer an excellent insight into the brewing process and what makes the lager so special, with options available for sampling, pouring, and having a meal with a pint of Tennent’s.
Learn About Glasgow’s Shipbuilding Legacy
Glasgow’s shipbuilding prowess helped it gain global recognition and economic growth.
Towards the end of the 19th century, Glasgow was known as the ”Second City of the British Empire”, with its shipbuilding dominance being a key factor behind this.
Many of the biggest, most advanced ships were built on the River Clyde, including ones used in both WW1 and WW2. This provided thousands of jobs for residents.
A great way to learn more about the city’s shipbuilding roots is by visiting the Riverside Museum, which offers a detailed explanation of how Glasgow achieved so much success within this industry.
Learn About Glasgow’s Literary Greats
Many notable authors and poets were born in Glasgow or the surrounding areas, such as:
- Alasdair Gray: A playwright, poet, and artist whose work tied closely to Glasgow’s identity and social issues. He wrote Lanark, which is regarded as one of the greatest modern-day Scottish novels.
- James Kelman: Writing in Glaswegian dialect, he has created novels that address the tough working-class lifestyle in Glasgow, with How Late It Was, How Late among his finest work.
- Denise Mina: A crime writer who crafts narratives tied to Glasgow and its working class culture, well known for the Alex Morrow series.
If you’re a fan of literature and want to know more specifically about Glaswegian writers, the Mitchell Library is Europe’s largest public reference library, and has extensive archives on various authors.
Learn About Glasgow
Like any well-known place, Glasgow has a rich history that covers several bases.
Just casting your eye over the city at surface level can make for an enjoyable visit. But to really gain a better understanding of how it came to be what it is today, we recommended learning about its architecture, alcohol, shipbuilding, and literary history.
Thanks for reading; we hope you have a great trip!
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