Exploring Glasgow and Scotland

Glasgow attracts 2.3 million visitors per year and, with over 64,000 students in higher education (that’s nearly 11% of Glasgow’s population), life in the city is perfect for students.

Glasgow is one of National Geographic Traveler's top 20 'Best of the World' destinations. The city was also voted ‘friendliest city in the world’ in a Rough Guide poll and described as a must visit destination by the New York Times, The Guardian and Wanderlust.

Despite being Scotland’s largest city, the centre of Glasgow is compact and easy to explore with hundreds of shops, restaurants and bars, not to mention main transport links, all within easy reach of the GCU campus. The people of Glasgow are famed for their warm attitudes and friendly disposition – which helps to create a fantastic atmosphere for students and tourists alike. To find out more visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk or www.peoplemakeglasgow.com.

Things to do in Glasgow

  • Go shopping! Glasgow is the second largest retail centre in the UK
  • Admire breath-taking architecture across the city centre
  • Enjoy art all over the city, from various galleries to our trail of amazing street art.
  • Visit one of the city’s 13 free museums
  • Take in the atmosphere at one of Glasgow’s impressive sports stadiums
  • Enjoy live music at one of the city’s quirky venues
  • Sample food and drink in some of our unique cafes, restaurants, bars and brew-pubs
  • Choose from 80 parks, including Botanic Gardens and eerie-but-impressive ‘Necropolis’

Scotland

Scotland is a country filled with historic and cosmopolitan cities, breath-taking beaches and some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, attracting more than 16 million visitors each year.

Glasgow’s location at the heart of Scotland means you’re ideally located to tour the country during your time at GCU. With so much open space, Scotland is Europe’s prime location for outdoors enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking, sailing, surfing, white-water rafting, kayaking and close to Glasgow. To find out more visit www.visitscotland.com.

Things to do in Scotland

  • Visit a Castle – Scotland is renowned for its iconic castles and there are hundreds around the Glasgow area
  • Attend one of the summer’s Highland Games or other world-famous events
  • Go for a walk! Scotland has a huge number of incredible walking trails with breath-taking scenery
  • Check out nearby Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and a big hit with tourists
  • Look for ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness Monster or visit some of Scotland’s other incredible lochs and glens
  • Learn about Braveheart – Scotland’s iconic hero William Wallace – and more of Scotland’s fascinating history
  • Try some Haggis with a glass of single malt Scotch Whisky