When folks consider Scotland they usually 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 facet 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 usually confronted with the query: which one?! In my view, each are uniquely fantastic, and it is effectively price a go to to every. Nevertheless, I’ll share my information to every together with professionals and cons which 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 enable you to select the correct 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’re going to discover straight away is the folks. They’re maybe probably the most variety, most real folks I’ve ever come throughout.
I’ve traveled to 52 international locations and there’s something in regards to the Scottish folks, and notably the folks 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 need you to go away having loved a very good time.
Glasgow has a incredible mixture of historical past, eating places, pubs, and, after all, music. Having visited as soon as earlier than, it appears to me Glasgow has added loads of enjoyable foodie experiences and explorations that can delight all kinds of vacationers.
Edinburgh at a Look
Whereas it is likely to be difficult to say Edinburgh, it is actually straightforward on the eyes. The structure right here is just unmatched. An epic fortress 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 provides distinctive underground strolling excursions, whisky experiences, and fashionable eateries.
Let’s check out what to do in every!
Glasgow Itinerary
Strolling round Glasgow is like going by an artwork museum. With lovely buildings and superb murals, it is a sensation for the eyes.
The town’s slogan is “Folks Make Glasgow” and that could not be extra correct! Whereas we had 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 evening they usually could not discover anything. So he allow them to stick with him and his spouse! The folks right here really make the expertise.
Day 1
Taking a strolling tour is without doubt one of the greatest methods to see a metropolis. You be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition, and discover tips about all the very best locations to eat and drink.
We took a tour with Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that employs as soon as homeless locals to present 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 a wierd story for why we use the time period to “earmark” one thing. Again within the day in Glasgow, there was a market the place folks would promote items. In the event 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 generally 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.
One of the crucial iconic statues, as voted by Lonely Planet is the Duke of Wellington. Not solely is it a gorgeous statue, it stands out from others as a result of it is all the time sporting an orange site visitors cone! Regardless of town’s makes an attempt to take away the cone, it is now turn 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 the event you aren’t uninterested in strolling, an awesome choice is to discover the Metropolis Centre Mural Path. 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 Home. This hidden gem in Glasgow is a gorgeous, 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 beautiful, and you will even discover Highland cows as you meander!
The right spot for sundown is to go to the College of Glasgow. It is not solely Edinburgh that is harking back 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 option to Kelvingrove Artwork Gallery for unimaginable galleries that show every little thing from animals to artwork in a gorgeous museum.
Day 2
Kick issues off with the musical themed Hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour! Glasgow is the proper metropolis for stay music, in spite of everything, it is a UNESCO Metropolis of Music! From conventional bag pipes to fashionable pop, Glasgow provides 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 nice bars, eating places, and pubs. The Finnieston is the proper spot for the freshest seafood in Scotland, Porter & Rye for meat, and Hidden Lane Brewery for a sustainable, lady owned brewery. See beneath for all my high 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 Nationwide Piping Heart. Once we consider Scotland the picture that first involves thoughts is a person in a kilt enjoying the bag pipe. There isn’t any higher option to really perceive its significance than having a go at piping your self! Be ready, it is a exercise and a lot enjoyable!
For lunch, have hen tikka masala at Mom India Cafe, rumor is the dish was invented in Glasgow.
Try Sharmanka Museum, a theatre of kinetic sculpture, the place lots of of carved figures and items of previous scrap carry out an unimaginable choreography to haunting music and synchronized mild. The figures inform tales of affection, loss, and hope.
Then, have excessive tea on a 1966 double decker purple bus, as you cruise town in fashion. The bus has been become a cellular tea room, and you’ll experience round and luxuriate in tea and scones as you tour Glasgow!
Finish the day with a go to to Glasgow Cathedral, one of the lovely 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’ll be able to’t go away Glasgow with out listening to some music. Music is an enormous a part of the draw to Glasgow. There is a cause ABBA sings, “After I known as you final evening from Glasgow” referring to enjoying the stage there. Roller’s Relaxation is a superb pub for conventional music. Cap off the night with a scrumptious, refined eating at Ubiquitous Chip.
Whether or not you’re seeking to discover Glasgow’s musical historical past or need to wander by lovely parks, this metropolis has one thing for everybody! See my information to Glasgow right here.
>To get from Glasgow to Edinburgh is very easy! It is an hour lengthy prepare 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 fortress on a hill and unimaginable historical past. Simply strolling round is a deal with! However there are such a lot of hidden gems, fashionable delights, and various experiences to have in Edinburgh.
Day 1
We have now to begin with a Harry Potter tour! Better of all, it is free! There are various locations around the globe to see Harry Potter and the inspiration for the film and books. However there isn’t any higher place than the place J.Okay. Rowling wrote the collection. 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 realized a lot in regards to the books and flicks!
Whilst you’re within the space be certain 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 Expertise! I’ve by no means favored the style of whisky, so it is a type of drinks I used to be hesitant to seize. Till now! The Johnnie Walker Expertise helps you discover the proper drink on your palette. You may be taught the historical past of the model and create a drink that’s suited to your style on this distinctive expertise completely different from any distillery or brewery I’ve ever visited. That is additionally probably the greatest views in all of Edinburgh!
When you’ve got time, head over to Arthur’s Seat for some recent 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 offers the proper view of the water and metropolis. Based on legend, it was named for King Arthur. Some declare that it was the positioning of legendary Camelot, whereas others argue that it was so named as a result of King Arthur and his knights gained a sequence of legendary struggles in Scotland and northern England.
Day 2
There is a hidden world in Edinburgh… and it is below your ft! Whether or not you are concerned with ghosts or historical past, the Blair Avenue Vaults illuminate the 18th century world of town. One crammed with physique snatching and underground mischief of instances passed by. This can be a nice option to get a glimpse of the historical past in Edinburgh that made it what it’s right now. Based on the BBC, that is probably the most haunted place in Britain!
In your day right now I recommend getting your steps in and strolling across the metropolis. It is not a visit to Edinburgh with out seeing the Royal Mile. Peak by completely different “Closes” to seek out distinctive views of town, particularly Advocate’s Shut. Stroll this lovely cobbled road and head to Edinburgh Fortress.
Perched atop Fortress Rock the fortress 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 fortress to listen to the historical past.
Subsequent, head to the close by Digital camera Obscura, a museum of enjoyable illusions! I additionally suggest Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament in your sightseeing tour.
In the event you’re in search of one thing off the crushed monitor, 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 one more 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 ingenious bites.
The place to remain in Glasgow
The Kimpton Blythswood Sq. is a powerful five-star Georgian townhose with luxurious facilities and a free spa! The spa and breakfast had been really my highlights however the brown and white marble lavatory was additionally beautiful. The employees had been pleasant and sort, and the situation was good.
The place to remain in Edinburgh
The Kimpton Charlotte Sq. lets you have Edinburgh at your ft! We may stroll practically in all places and it is proper on the sting of a gorgeous backyard. The beautiful, romantic particulars of the resort had been gorgeous such because the cafe strewn with vegetation that felt like a personal oasis. The employees went above and past and our room was cozy and comfy. 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 intensive wine listing. The restaurant is trendy but laidback and ideal after a busy journey day.
Ubiquitous Chip– This restaurant is in a glass atrium, fairly string lights, and inventive fashion vibe. We beloved the Scottish dishes with a contemporary twist. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the haggis was excellent!
Mom India – Scrumptious Indian delicacies with hearty parts. The right place for the legendary hen tikka masala or their nice Scottish-Indian dishes.
Finnieston Space:
1. The Finnieston– Trendy Scottish delicacies with a deal with seafood. This place was cozy but fashionable and provided award successful cocktails. Very impressed with their dedication to zero-waste!
2. Porter & Rye– The BEST place for steak in Scotland. This spectacular and trendy restaurant is severe 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 lady owned brewery with a deal with sustainable brews. I am not even an enormous beer drinker and I beloved 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 related to Edinburgh, so get some effervescent, potion-like drinks on the Alchemist! This Instagram worthy restaurant additionally has incredible 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 Avenue! This was one in all Michael’s favourite spots.
Piemaker – an awesome, informal and cheap spot for some conventional pasties!
Six by Nico – The title 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 may be very straightforward as each cities are very walkable. Nevertheless, there may be 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 probably to not need to take an excessive amount of transportation however there are buses and trams. In Glasgow the subway provides two round strains so you possibly can by no means get misplaced!
While you stroll round Glasgow, it seems like an previous good friend. It is industrial in some areas but in addition has loads of appeal. With the revitalization of the Service provider Metropolis and the current inflow of recent eating places and bars, Glasgow is unquestionably having a second. The individuals are pleasant and there may be all the time one thing to speak about. Edinburgh is stunningly beautiful and provides no scarcity of historical past and sights.
Backside line: when you’ve got 5 days to per week that is the proper period of time to see each Glasgow and Edinburgh, so why not do each!
