Glasgow

Glasgow’s hotel scene has recently received a revamp courtesy of some luxe new offerings. But holding its own against the new crowd, the established Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens (1 Devonshire Gardens) boasts lavish decorations and a fabulous bistro, and is a hangout for famous names and the well-heeled. It’s rivalled by the contemporary Radisson Blue Hotel (301 Argyle Street), that’s housed within an award-winning building. At the budget end of the market, Ibis Glasgow City Centre (220 West Regent Street) provides cheap and cheerful accommodation in the city centre, while the Willow Guesthouse (228 Renfrew Street) is a cosy, family-run B&B.

Hit the boutiques and department stores of the ‘Style Mile’, as locals call the city centre, and check out how Glasgow mixes it with the big names of the international fashion scene. Buchanan Galleries (220 Buchanan Street) is to be found here, along with Princes Square (48 Buchanan Street) which is great for designer goods. Head to the West End for quirkier vintage shops like Circa Vintage (37 Ruthven Lane), or to the Blochairn Market Complex (130 Blochairn Road) for the Sunday car boot sale.

Curry lovers will be ecstatic to visit Glasgow, which is well-renowned for its Indian cuisine, with the Wee Curry Shop (29 Ashton Lane) and Shish Mahal (60-68 Park Road) among the best options. There aren't any Michelin-starred options in the city centre, but Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or (176 West Regent Street) is nearly there thanks to a creative and interesting menu. Head to the 78 (10-14 Kelvinhaugh Street) for a gastropub experience, or for a deli kitchen that churns out superb cakes and brownies try Delizique (70 Hyndland Street).

Celtic Connections

January

Enjoy the ceilidhs, workshops and traditional music performances as Glasgow celebrates Scottish culture in style. The festival lasts for 18 days and over 300 events draw plenty of crowds for this staple of the Glaswegian calendar.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival

March-April

This festival is sure to have you in stitches with the big names that it attracts, including the likes of Jimmy Carr, Al Murray Paul Merton and Sean Locke. It’s a good place to go talent spotting, with plenty of comedians having used the festival as a platform on which to build future success.

West End Festival

June

The West End makes use of over 80 venues to put on this diverse festival that is Glasgow’s largest cultural event. Enjoy the performances, exhibitions, workshops and screenings, in addition to parades and torch-lit processions.

Glasgow Jazz Festival

June

The Glasgow Jazz Festival is coming up to its 30th anniversary, and this longevity is built around the star names it can attract; ranging from Miles Davis to Benny Carter, and Sarah Vaughan to Chick Corea. One of the most incredible tickets in town for jazz enthusiasts is for the Late Night Jazz Club sessions, where the artists kick back and jam together in a relaxed setting.

Glasgay!

October-November

One of the UK’s largest LGBT celebrations, Glasgay! revels in cultural expressions encompassing everything from music and dance to comedy, theatre, art and literature.