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A Beginner's Guide to Glasgow: One of the cheapest in Europe

If you are thinking about traveling to Europe, Glasgow is one of the cities to be considered as it caters to the needs of most travelers. 

Glasgow

Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands. It's famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city's 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. Today it's a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums and a thriving music scene.

Glasglow's vibrant city is considered to be one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe. Glasgow grew from a small rural settlement on the River Clyde to become the largest seaport in Scotland and tenth-largest by tonnage in Britain. Going out in Glasgow no more dangerous than anywhere else says an expert. The rate of violent crime has dropped dramatically, though sexual violence has increased by 4%. Violent crime in Glasgow has fallen in recent years.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a city of architectural grandeur, with a trademark flair for design. Start right in the heart of the city center and stumble upon one elegant street after another, each line with some of the UK's best-preserved Victorian architecture. In such a compact city it's easy to visit the neighborhoods, each bursting with its own character and charm. 

Here are some of the scenic in Glasgow

Glasgow is recognized as the best-preserved Victorian estate, and in 1999 it was named the UK city of architecture and design. Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the city's most well-known architect, and builder left his mark on the city with a collection of Art Nouveau buildings that inspire and delight. Glasgow's shopping credentials are second to none – from designer brands to high street favorites to trendy one-off boutiques, the area has it all. Pack your credit card and put on your most comfortable sneakers, then drive to the "Golden Z" of Argyle Street, Buchanan Street, and Sauchiehall Street for a shopping paradise. 

Glasgow has a little bit of everything when it comes to cooking. There's plenty to fit every palate, whether it's familiar chains, local eateries serving foreign foods, or hearty, traditional Scottish cuisine (go ahead, be daring and try the haggis – it's really alright). Tipping is appreciated but not expected in Glasgow, as it is in Australia. Assume you had a delicious dinner at a fine restaurant with excellent service. In this case, you could tip your server 15-20% of the total bill, but it's not necessary. It is customary to round up to the nearest pound when paying for a taxi service. 

Getting around

Glasgow transportation has long been among the finest in the UK, owing to its history as a manufacturing town and global freight center. There are several ways to travel around Glasgow, ranging from dependable mass transportation to uniquely curated city streets designed for biking or cycling. Furthermore, since Glasgow is not as big as, say, Sydney or Melbourne, you won't have to wait long for transportation. Most roads are short, and traffic is usually light. A friendly note to be cautious on the road after it has rained! 

Few things to know

  • 1. Language

    English (Glaswegian dialect)

  • 2. Money

    ATMs are widely available. There are also a number of Bureaux de Change. Credit and debit cards accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some smaller shops and guesthouse accommodation may only accept cash.

  • 3. Climate

    Spring (March-May) in Glasgow enjoys mild temperatures with the city’s parks and gardens filled with spring flowers. The summer months (June to September) can vary between mild and sunny with the advantage of up to 16 hours of daylight for visitors throughout the summer. Winters are colder, with a January average of 4.0°C (39°F) and occasional snow.

  • 4. Currency

    Pound Sterling (£) - £1.00 - $1.37 (USD) 

  • 5. Time Zone

    Glasgow's timezone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or one hour ahead of GMT, known as British Summer Time (BST), during the summer months.

  • 6. Telephone Codes

    The UK country code is 44, while Glasgow landlines start with a 141 area code, followed by a 7 digit number. To call abroad, dial 00 before the area code.

  • 7. Shopping

    City center shops are generally open Monday to Friday until at least 7 pm and from 10 am until 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Late night shopping is on Thursdays, with many stores open until 8 pm.

  • 8. Driving

    Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. To drive in Scotland, you must have a valid driving license. A foreign license is valid in the UK for up to 12 months. It is compulsory to wear seat belts in the front seat and if your car has seat belts in the back, they must also be worn.

  • 9. Electricity & conversions

    The standard voltage in Scotland is 240V AC, 50Hz. North American appliances need a transformer and an adapter; Australasian appliances need only an adapter. Plugs have 3 square pins and adapters are widely available.

  • 10. Emergency Services

    In case of an emergency the police, ambulance or fire brigade service can be contacted by telephoning 999.

  • 11. Health

    No vaccinations are required for visiting Scotland. When traveling to Scotland from outside of the UK, make sure you know what emergency healthcare you are entitled to, what medicines you can bring into the country, what to do in an emergency, and what travel insurance you will need. 

Transportation

Glasgow Bus

Taking public transportation in Glasgow is an excellent way to see the region on a budget. Although there is a prepaid travel card scheme in place, it is split into two different cards, equivalent to the Opal or Myki schemes in the United States. Smartcards allow you to ride the train, while ZoneCards allow you to ride the metro. Keep them close at hand at all times, and note which one is which! When you've slept past your alarm and are running late, Glasgow taxis are one of the fastest ways to get around town. There are plenty of taxi companies in Glasgow that are happy to pick you up and take you anywhere you need to go. They are quick, reliable, and never far away. 

Simply wandering through Glasgow allows visitors to calm down and soak in all the city has to offer. You never know what you'll discover along the way, whether you want to take an intriguing inner-city walking trail or just go for a stroll and get your bearings. But keep an eye on the forecast – you don't want to get rained on! Nextbike is the Glasgow city council's bike hire scheme, which allows riders to hire a bike online, pick it up from one of the city's multiple racks, travel to a destination, and return the bike to the nearest rack.
If you dislike being hurried, this helps you to explore the city at your own speed. 

Airlines that fly to Glasgow

Cheap flights to Glasgow Airport (GLA) are plentiful from around the UK. Glasgow Airport serves numerous international destinations, including European hotspots such as Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Ibiza, and Malaga. You can also fly direct to North American cities such as New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. The city’s second airport, Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) offers cheap flights from Glasgow to European destinations including Rome, Barcelona, Palma, Lanzarote, Malaga, Pisa, and Corfu. 
Glasgow International Airport has around 35 airlines flying to over 100 destinations worldwide. 

    Air Malta
    Air Transat
    Air Southwest
    BH Air
    Bmi
    British Airways
    Continental Airlines
    EasyJet
    Emirates
    First Choice Airways
    US Airways
    Virgin Atlantic
    Flybe
    Loganair
    Flyglobespan
    Free Bird
    Icelandair
    KLM
    LTE International
    Onur Air
    Pegasus Airlines
    Scandinavian Airlines
    Spanair
    XL Airways

How long do flights to Glasgow take?

How long does a flight take to Glasgow from major cities all over the world? If you are planning a trip to Glasgow, this are good to know information before you book a flight. To better plan, consider side trips as there are many countries in Europe that you can visit. 

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) - Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

    The flight time from Manila, Philippines to Glasgow, United Kingdom is:13 hours, 47 minutes
    Flight Distance: 6,642 miles or 10 689 kilometersTime Difference: Glasgow, United Kingdom is 7 hours behind Manila, Philippines.
    This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.
    If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between Manila, Philippines and Glasgow, United Kingdom.
    The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from Manila, Philippines to Glasgow, United Kingdom ("as the crow flies"), which is about 6,642 miles or 10 689 kilometers.
    Your flight direction from Manila, Philippines to Glasgow, United Kingdom is Northwest (-27 degrees from North).

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

    The flight time from Los Angeles, California to Glasgow, United Kingdom is:10 hours, 46 minutes
    Flight Distance: 5,130 miles or 8 256 kilometers.Time Difference: Glasgow, United Kingdom is 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles, California.
    This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.

    If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between Los Angeles, CA and Glasgow, United Kingdom.

    The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from Los Angeles, CA to Glasgow, United Kingdom ("as the crow flies"), which is about 5,130 miles or 8 256 kilometers.

    Your flight direction from Los Angeles, CA to Glasgow, United Kingdom is Northeast (32 degrees from North).

  • John F Kennedy International (JFK) - Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

    The flight time from New York, New York to Glasgow, United Kingdom is:6 hours, 57 minutes
    Flight Distance: 3,228 miles or 5 196 kilometersTime Difference: Glasgow, United Kingdom is 5 hours ahead of New York, New York.
    This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.
    If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between New York, NY and Glasgow, United Kingdom.
    The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from New York, NY to Glasgow, United Kingdom ("as the crow flies"), which is about 3,228 miles or 5 196 kilometers.
    Your flight direction from New York, NY to Glasgow, United Kingdom is Northeast (46 degrees from North).

  • Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) - Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

    The flight time from Moscow, Russia to Glasgow, United Kingdom is:3 hours, 43 minutes
    Flight Distance: 1,606 miles or 2 585 kilometers.Time Difference: Glasgow, United Kingdom is 2 hours behind Moscow, Russia.
    This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.
    If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between Moscow, Russia and Glasgow, United Kingdom.
    The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from Moscow, Russia to Glasgow, United Kingdom ("as the crow flies"), which is about 1,606 miles or 2 585 kilometers.
    Your flight direction from Moscow, Russia to Glasgow, United Kingdom is West (-72 degrees from North).

  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) - Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

    The flight time from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Glasgow, United Kingdom is:7 hours, 45 minutes
    Flight Distance: 3,625 miles or 5 834 kilometers.Time Difference: Auckland, New Zealand is 8 hours ahead of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
    This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.
    If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Glasgow, United Kingdom.
    The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Glasgow, United Kingdom ("as the crow flies"), which is about 3,625 miles or 5 834 kilometers.
    Your flight direction from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Glasgow, United Kingdom is Northwest (-38 degrees from North).

  • Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) - Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

    The flight time from Bangkok, Thailand to Glasgow, United Kingdom is:12 hours, 29 minutes
    Flight Distance: 5,995 miles or 9 648 kilometersTime Difference: Glasgow, United Kingdom is 6 hours behind Bangkok, Thailand.
    This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.
    If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between Bangkok, Thailand and Glasgow, United Kingdom.
    The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from Bangkok, Thailand to Glasgow, United Kingdom ("as the crow flies"), which is about 5,995 miles or 9 648 kilometers.
    Your flight direction from Bangkok, Thailand to Glasgow, United Kingdom is Northwest (-33 degrees from North).

  • Heathrow International Airport (LHR) - Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

    The flight time from London, United Kingdom to Glasgow, United Kingdom is:1 hour, 12 minutes
    Flight Distance: 346 miles or 557 kilometersTime Difference: Glasgow, United Kingdom is the same time as London, United Kingdom.
    This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.
    If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between London, United Kingdom and Glasgow, United Kingdom.
    The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from London, United Kingdom to Glasgow, United Kingdom ("as the crow flies"), which is about 346 miles or 557 kilometers.
    Your flight direction from London, United Kingdom to Glasgow, United Kingdom is Northwest (-28 degrees from North).

  • Auckland International Airport (AKL) - Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

    The flight time from Auckland, New Zealand to Glasgow, United Kingdom is:22 hours, 44 minutes
    Flight Distance: 11,116 miles or 17 889 kilometersTime Difference: Glasgow, United Kingdom is 11 hours behind Auckland, New Zealand.
    This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.
    If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between Auckland, New Zealand, and Glasgow, United Kingdom.
    The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from Auckland, New Zealand to Glasgow, United Kingdom ("as the crow flies"), which is about 11,116 miles or 17 889 kilometers.
    Your flight direction from Auckland, New Zealand to Glasgow, United Kingdom is North (-2 degrees from North).

Do you need a passport to enter Glasgow?

    From 1 October 2021, all EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (except Irish citizens) will need a valid passport to enter the UK. Your travel document should not expire during your stay in the UK. At the border, officials might ask for proof that you are visiting the UK for tourism, such as a hotel reservation.
    EU citizens can use their national ID card until then.
    Irish citizens may continue to use their national ID card after 1 October 2021.
    There are no changes in the rules for other foreign nationals.

Do you need a visa to visit Glasgow?

Do you need a visa to visit Glasgow?
    EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can stay in the UK as a visitor for up to 6 months without a visa.
    Irish citizens have no visa requirements and can travel to the UK as they did before Brexit.
    Other foreign nationals might need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. Check whether you need a visa or not when coming from these countries. 

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