Sauchiehall Street - The Artery of Glasgow and other Glasgow, United Kingdom Things to Do Tips

Sauchiehall Street is the very center of the City, linking the areas of George Square, Buchanan Street Bus Station and the 2 Train Stations (Queens Street & Central) with the western areas of the University, Kelvingrove, Hostels and the Botanical Gardens (West End).

As you can see from the map (see Directions below) Glasgow is built on a grid pattern, overlain on a hilly location. The city has now been divided by the M8 Motorway which cuts right through it - a mixed blessing.

Sauchiehall Street is a great relief for the weary visitor, being pedestrianised for much of its eastern section, and has many of the expected High Street shops. It makes a good marker for navigating and as it gently slopes uphill as you head west, it helps reorientate you.

The picture I have taken shows it "as it is", early in the day, as the council lorries and morning shoppers negotiate the rubbish.

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Address: Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow
Directions: Copy the following URL for a map of Glasgow City Centre:
http://www.multimap.com/map/places.cgi?quicksearch=sauchiehall+street&client=public&advanced=

This is the Duke of Wellington, astride his horse in front of the gallery of modern art.

Seems appropriate that he wears the traffic cone so often seen on statues throughout the land :-)

Look out for statues all over Glasgow, often little valued by locals and overlooked - but they are wonderful and contribute greatly to the sense of grandeur and pride of this historic city. Remember "The Empire" and the Industrial Revolution. Glasgow was there at the heart, and these statues remind us.

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Address: Queen Street
Directions: George Square, south side.

Away from the traffic, you can look up and admire the beautiful architecture of Glasgow's grand buildings, and nowhere is better to do this than George Square.

Its also got lots of information points (see picture), statues and tourist guides, and seats to rest on. Many times in the year it hosts events (like ice skating in winter).

Once you have found George Square and Sauchiehall Street, you can find your way around the centre faily easily. On its north side is the Queens Street train Station (for trains north and east) and Buchanan Street (leading to the coach station). Most of interest, is south and west of the Square.

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Address: George Square

I'm sorry, but Kelvingrove is Closed for a few years - they are spending milliions of pounds on it, with a total refurbishment - but for now, alas, it is closed.

However, if you are in Glasgow, I would still very much recommend you walk out this way, through the Kelvingrove Gardens, then turn right (north) over the bridge and pass the University with its amazingly beautiful stone architecture (like Edinburgh Old Town), and then over to the West End and the Botanical Gardens. Beautiful.

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Directions: West End

In Glasgow I soon tire of the noise, fumes and traffic, the blinding light off concrete and the relentless neon, shop signs and advertising - so then I head for calm and tranquility:

Go to the Botanical Gardens, whilst out in the West End. At the northern end of Byers Road is a messy road junction with the Great Western Road, and then opposite is a very unassuming gate into a wonderful garden and peaceful, soothing colours. Just 10 minutes there will rejuvinate you.

Good places to eat and shop in the west end too.

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Address: West End
Directions: Walk out via the University and Kelvingrove Park, or from the Youth Hostel on Park Terrace (only 10 minutes). Or, take a bus out on the Great Western Rd (not nice).

Sneaky free car parking in the Supermarket - if you're cheaky, but mind the attendant!

This hidden away secret of Glasgow is, in my mind, a Must See.

With your back to Hillhead Underground station, on Byers Road in the West End, turn left then left again, down a rather uninspiring back street, called Ashton Lane. Around the corner you'll see this.

Busy at night, and very popular, with good bars and food, it has a friendly, lively atmosphere.

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Address: Ashton Lane, of Byers Road, West End, Glasgow.
Directions: West End

See map from web link below ;-)
Website: http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=257000&Y=667500&width=700&height=400&client=public&gride=259174.95476465&gridn=665740.295311887&srec=0&coords

Thought provoking. Good to look at from the outside, as well as inside. An inspiring place to be.

Opened in 1996, and second only to London, the Gallery mixes modern with neo-classical architecture.

Famous for the statue of The Duke of Wellington outside, forever wearing an orange traffic cone (see my other picture for a good close up!) and sometimes other decoration, the site is a must see, for all its social commentary, the traffic cone, the buildings, the exhibits and the people.

Rooftop cafe. Also has a cafe with internet access and library, in the basement.

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Address: Queen Street
Directions: Exchange Square - Queen Street, just south of George Square and Queen Street railway station.

3 minute walk east from Central Station, via Buchanan Street.
Website: http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=3
Other Contact: www.multimap.co.uk

It is almost a relief to find spaces like the Botanical Gardens, having spent a morning or two walking the streets, museums and shops.

Take a picnic (there is a good supermarket nearby on Byers Road) and relax!!!

Free to go in, and is a sea of tranquility in a city of noise.

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Address: Great Western Road / Byers Road
Directions: West End / Kelvingrove / Hillhead

As in my previous tip, head for the Botanical Gardens to rejuvinate yourself after a morning of traffic, noise, bussle and buildings.

At the top of Byers Road, where it meets the Great Western Road, you'll see opposite these black gates. Rush to them like a caravan train to an oasis!

The West End is well worth spending half a day round, combining with exploring the University area. Of course, if you stay at Bunkums Backpackers or one of many hotels here, you'll be close by.

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Address: West End
Directions: Hillhead Underground Station.

Come out of station onto main street (Byers) and turn right, walk 2 minutes to junction, and cross over!

Only a very few chances to see unusual, special films when in Scotland, so if you are near Glasgow go to the GFT.

Good cafe bar, lovely decor, nice ambiance and unusual films.

Evening parking just to the south of Sauchiehall Street is very convenient. GFT is very central, with good pubs nearby. Easy to walk to.

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Directions: GFT - just off Sauchiehall Street