Eight ways Glasgow surpasses Edinburgh

Once an industrial titan, Glasgow may not boast the picturesque beauty of Edinburgh, its elegant neighbor to the east.

While Glasgow may not have fairytale castles or pristine landscapes, it more than compensates with its bold attitude, unique style, and vibrant energy.

Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that Glasgow is leading the charge in Britain’s cultural and artistic landscape, home to world-class museums, architecture, and being one of just 31 UNESCO Cities of Music globally.

Its lively bars and nightlife are legendary, and its reputation as one of Europe’s most sport-obsessed cities is well earned.

Despite tourism statistics showing that roughly one million more people visited Edinburgh than Glasgow in 2016, it's clear many travelers to Scotland are missing out on these unique attractions.

We reached out to some well-informed Glaswegians to point out what visitors to Edinburgh are missing during their time in the Scottish capital.

As expected, many were quick to agree with the city’s iconic slogan from the 1990s: 'Glasgow’s miles better!'

History

Edinburgh is steeped in history, from the winding alleys of the Old Town to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence when she visits.

In Glasgow, visitors may need to search a bit more for their dose of history—but not too much. Over 1,800 buildings in the city are recognized for their historical value.

“Glasgow has a rich history that many might not immediately recognize,” says Bruce Cochrane from the Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA).

The oldest house in Glasgow, dating back to 1471, is a highlight of the city's many historical tours, while the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, offers a captivating glimpse into the city's medieval heritage.

Cochrane also points out the Govan Stones, a remarkable collection of Viking-era monuments from the 9th to 11th centuries, widely considered some of the finest surviving medieval sculptures in the UK.

Just outside Glasgow, the Antonine Wall once marked the northernmost edge of the Roman Empire and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. Meanwhile, a modest church in The Gorbals claims to house the bones of St. Valentine.

Conveniently, many of these historic sites are not overrun with tourists in the same way Edinburgh’s top attractions often are.

Music

Franz Ferdinand, Simple Minds, Mogwai, Primal Scream, Belle and Sebastian, Arab Strap, Chvrches, Teenage Fanclub, The Delgados, The Jesus and Mary Chain—Glasgow has been the birthplace for numerous bands that would go on to achieve international success.

The iconic Barrowland Ballroom continues to host top-tier acts, while intimate venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut – where Oasis were famously discovered by Creation Records founder Alan McGee – along with Nice N Sleazy, Stereo, and SWG3, showcase the most exciting emerging talent.

“The city has a vibrant alternative music scene,” says Fiona Shepherd, a local music journalist and co-founder of Glasgow Music City Tours.

The fact that it's hard to define exactly what the 'Glasgow sound' is only highlights its diverse and eclectic musical identity, she adds.

This musical variety is reflected in events like the Glasgow Jazz Festival, which takes place every summer, and the internationally acclaimed Celtic Connections, held every January.

Celtic Connections shines a spotlight on Scottish folk music, but also embraces global and world music genres. Over the years, major artists like Joan Baez, Bob Geldof, Sinead O’Connor, and Shane McGowan have graced its stage.

While Edinburgh may host exciting young bands like Young Fathers and established acts such as Idlewild, Glasgow has its own unique musical pulse.

Architecture, old and new

The shipyards along the River Clyde once employed thousands of skilled craftsmen, producing iconic British ships like the HMS Hood and the QE2. These shipyards also played a role in shaping celebrated figures like former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and comedian Billy Connolly.

Today, only a small portion of the old shipbuilding industry remains. However, the banks of the Clyde are far from empty, with a range of dazzling new buildings emerging in recent years.

The stunning Riverside Museum of Transport, designed by Zaha Hadid, was named European Museum of the Year in 2013. A short stroll away, the Science Centre and the Clyde Auditorium (affectionately called 'The Armadillo' for its resemblance to the armoured South American creature) contribute to the area’s futuristic waterside vibe.

The sleek Hydro, designed by Foster + Partners and opened in 2013, was among the top seven most visited arena venues in the world by 2016.

Admittedly, Edinburgh boasts an abundance of impressive historic buildings that are a feast for the eyes. Few landmarks in the world are as iconic as Edinburgh Castle.

However, Glasgow also has its own architectural treasures to be proud of. The works of the famous 20th-century architect, artist, and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh can be found scattered throughout the city.

Sadly, The Glasgow School of Art, one of Mackintosh’s masterpieces, was severely damaged by fire in 2013 and again during restoration earlier this year. Nevertheless, many of his remarkable works remain in the city, such as the charming House for an Art Lover on the south side and the stunning Scotland Street School closer to the city centre.

Sipping a dram

Scotland is renowned for its whisky, and both Glasgow and Edinburgh offer plenty for those in search of a fine dram.

Edinburgh is home to The Scotch Whisky Experience on the bustling Royal Mile, along with a variety of specialty whisky bars throughout the city.

Of course, Glasgow also pays homage to Scotland's iconic spirit. The city hosts two of the country's largest whisky festivals every year: The National Whisky Festival in January and The Glasgow Whisky Festival in November.

A number of classic whisky bars, meanwhile, offer tastings and events throughout the year.

The Pot Still bar in the city center boasts over 700 whiskies and was named Scottish Whisky Bar of The Year in 2017. Likewise, the Ben Nevis bar in the West End and the Bon Accord bar nearby feature an extensive selection from all over the world.

Geraldine Murphy of the Pot Still bar notes that there are now more whisky-related activities and attractions than ever before.

The Clydeside Distillery, which opened late last year, has brought whisky production back to the area after a century-long hiatus. In addition, the long-established Glengoyne and Auchentoshan distilleries are just a half-hour's journey from the city center by car, bus, or train.

Museums

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow’s West End has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene since 1901, and its significance is clear.

Over the years, it has acquired significant works from artists like Dali, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and Turner, alongside major collections in natural history and archaeology.

In the heart of the city, the Gallery of Modern Art is as famous for its collection as it is for the iconic statue of the Duke of Wellington at its entrance. Over time, locals have playfully adorned the duke with a traffic cone. When the council proposed raising the plinth in 2013 to stop the tradition, more than 10,000 people signed a petition to keep the cone, calling it an essential part of the city’s identity. The council eventually backed down.

In comparison, Edinburgh's top museums, the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland, feel a bit more conventional.

Across Glasgow, you'll find the Burrell Collection, Hunterian Museum, Tramway, Centre for Contemporary Arts, and Riverside Museum, all showcasing a diverse mix of local and global art.

Sports capital

While Edinburgh is known for its rugby, Glasgow is the beating heart of football, home to the fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers.

For those interested in the origins of the world’s most popular sport, a visit to the West of Scotland Cricket Club in Partick is a must. It was here in 1872 that the first official international match took place, a goalless draw between Scotland and England.

A quick drive along the West Coast opens up the iconic British Open golf courses like Royal Troon and Turnberry, the latter now owned by US President Donald Trump. Prestwick, the historic venue where the first ever Open Championship was held in 1860, is just a 30-minute train ride from Glasgow Central station and is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

Glasgow benefits from the legacy of the 2015 Commonwealth Games, with top-tier facilities now hosting global events. Formerly underdeveloped neighborhoods such as Tollcross in the south and Parkhead in the east now feature an Olympic-class swimming pool and velodrome, respectively.

Both venues played key roles in the 2018 European Championships, a major new multi-sport event co-hosted by Glasgow and Berlin.

‘Up the toon’

Every August, Edinburgh hosts the dazzling Edinburgh International Festival, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe.

Glaswegians will argue there's a genuine party vibe in their city all year long. The city center, Merchant City, and West End are packed with bars, restaurants, clubs, and live entertainment every night of the week.

Although Glasgow misses the legendary Arches venue, which hosted top DJs until it closed in 2015, the Sub Club continues to thrive. New dance and electronic music venues like La Cheetah have emerged, while SWG3 has become a central creative hub in the city's nightlife scene.

For a more rock-driven, punk-infused experience, places like The Cathouse are the go-to. Venues like Mono and the Glad Cafe offer a platform for emerging indie, electronic, and world music artists, and are known for their extensive beer selections too.

Mike Grieve, managing director of the Sub Club, believes that while Edinburgh offers a great party scene, revelers will tire faster there than in Glasgow.

Outside London, according to Grieve, there is no other place in the UK with as many club events, resident DJs, and guest performances as Glasgow. The city is undeniably a major player on the clubbing circuit.

'The Dear Green Place'

Scotland is blessed with an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty.

For those seeking quick access to nature, Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, is the starting point of the famous West Highland Way. This 96-mile hiking trail winds its way to the Highland town of Fort William, taking adventurers through historic roads and tranquil rural paths.

The breathtaking Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is only a 30-minute drive from Glasgow’s city center. Despite its reputation for rain, Scotland does experience sunny spells, and when the sun shines, few places in the country rival the beauty of Loch Lomond.

Glasgow is home to several beautiful parks, including the Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove Park, and Glasgow Green, each offering its own unique charm and easily standing up to any park in Edinburgh (with the possible exception of Arthur’s Seat. Fair play, Edinburgh).

As Cochrane of the STGA explains, many visitors are surprised by just how green Glasgow is when they tour the city.

It’s no wonder the city is affectionately called the 'Dear Green Place.'