Glasgow Subway Map
SIGHTS
Glasgow is a budget sightseer’s paradise, with splendid architecture, grand museums, and chic galleries that are often free to visitors. Your first stop should be to the Gothic GiGlasgow Cathedral, the only full-scale cathedral spared the fury of the 16th-century Scottish Reformation. (Open Apr.-Sept. M-Sa 9:30am-6pm, Su 2-5pm; Oct.-Mar. M-Sa 9:30am-4pm, Su 2-4pm. Free.) On the same street is the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, 2 Castle St. which surveys every religion from Islam to Yoraba. (Open M-Sa 10am-5pm, Su llam-5pm. Free.) Behind the cathedral is the spectacular Necropolis, a terrifying hilltop cemetery. (Open 24hr. Free.)
In the West End, KeMngrove Park lies on the banks of the River Kelvin. In the southwest comer of the park, at Argyle and Sauchiehall St. sits the magnificent Kelvin-grove Art Gallery and Museum, which shelters works by van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt. Due to renovation, the museum’s collection is on display at the new Open Museum, 161 Woodhead Rd. until construction is completed in 2006. (Museum open M-Th and Sa 10am-5pm, F and Su llam-5pm. Free.) Farther west rise the Gothic edifices of the University of Glasgow. The main building is on University Ave. which runs into Byres Rd. While walking through the campus, stop by the Hunterian Museum, home to the death mask of Bonnie Prince Charlie, or see 19th-century Scottish art at the Hunterian Art Gallery, across the street. (U: Hillhead. Open M-Sa 9:30am-5pm. Free.) Several buildings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland’s most famous architect, are open to the public; the Glasgow School of Art, 167 Renfrew St. reflects a uniquely Glaswegian Modernist style. (Tours July-Aug. M-F 11am and 2pm; Sa-Su 10:30am, 11:30am, and lpm. Sept.-June M-F 11am and 2pm, Sa 10:30am. &5, students S3.)
GOURMET GLASGOW
During Gourmet Glasgow, a two-week event beginning in mid-July, 19 popular restaurants open their doors to massive crowds, attempting to confirm Glasgow’s title as the UK’s culinary capital of the north. Each participating restaurant offers an inclusive prix-fixe meal, with at least four courses, wine, and a glass of local malt scotch. Several even include a champagne starter. Though the menus are pricey (most range from £35-60), they are a deal compared to the establishments’ everyday charges for similar fare.
In 2003 some of the swankiest participants ranged from traditional Scottish venues like the stylish City Merchant, 97-99 Candleriggs (553 1577), known for its seafood and sophisticated clientele, to French-influenced Rococo, 202 W. George St. (i?221 5004), whose wine list is regarded as one of the city’s best. Newcomer Saint Judes, 109 Bath St. (s-352 8800), offers modern European fare and is well-liked for its sleek, modern design, while L’Ariosto’s, 92-94 Mitchell St. (ss-221 0971), Italian dishes have been popular with Glaswegian epi-curians for over 30 years.
For more info or to make reservations, pick up Gourmet Glasgow (free at the TIC), call the individual restaurant, or visit www.gourmet-glasgow.com.
