There are few better places to enjoy a taste of Scotland's charm than in our largest city, Glasgow. With a population of 620,000 people situated in 68 square miles of west central Scotland along the banks of the River Clyde the city occupies much of the lower Clyde Valley incorporating suburbs - with an overall population of 1.4 million people - which extend into surrounding districts.
If shopping is your thing, you've come to the right place. Glasgow's reputation for retail shopping is well deserved - and, whatever your taste, you are sure to find something to suit. Buchanan Street, Buchanan Galleries, Argyle Street and St Enoch Centre are full of the big high street names. Princes Square, the Italian Centre and the Merchant City have a more design-led offering. And for something a little bit different, pop into the West End. Byres Road and surrounding streets offer an eclectic mix of the new and the antique - perfect for an unusual gift or a lazy afternoon's browsing.
Glasgow's cosmopolitan nature is steeped in the city's heritage. Glasgow's international reputation for shipping and industry brought considerable wealth to the city, as can be seen from stunning architecture - a rich tapestry of styles and influences, with Victorian sandstone rubbing shoulders with gothic spires, and classical edifices beside contemporary structures.
Unsurprisingly, a number of the city's museums celebrate Glasgow's architectural heritage or the cultural wealth amassed during the shipping heyday. The Museum of Transport, The Burrell Collection, Glasgow School of Art (and the city's many other Macintosh treasures) and Kelvingrove art gallery and museum contrast nicely with the more contemporary: The Lighthouse, Gallery of Modern Art and the Science Museum.
Forget those nasty rumours - Glasgow offers a wealth of different cuisines, to suit a range of different budgets. From award-
If you are just popping out for a drink, choose from coffee shops, style bars, wine bars or good old fashioned pubs. Many lay on music or entertainment, especially during one of the festivals, and Oran Mor (Byres Road) even offers one-hour plays at lunchtime!
Gyms and healthclubs are scattered throughout the city, as are facilities for racquet sports, field and track, swimming, football, rugby and ice skating.
If you enjoy skiing, there are dry slopes at Bearsden and Bellahouston, and the upcoming real snow slope at Xscape at Braehead. A few hours in the car will take you to ski resorts at Aviemore, Glencoe or Glenshee - amongst others.
Golf is also available throughout the city, and the world famous courses at Troon, Loch Lomond and St Andrews are within easy reach.
Some of the country's best sailing waters are just outside the city, with marinas at Ardrossan, Largs, Inverkip and Rhu.
Hillwalking, climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, windsurfing, clay pigeon shooting and other sports and activities can all be found in Greater Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Some of country's most beautiful scenery is within easy reach of Glasgow. Loch Lomond National Park and The Trossachs are within 30 minutes' drive, whilst the West Highland Way begins at Milngavie, just outside the city's northern limits. The Ayrshire coast or New Lanark make for good family days out.
Pop through to Edinburgh by car or on the train - the journey is less than an hour - to visit the castle, or travel further afield to explore the Highlands and Islands.
Whether you are interested in eating out, shopping, sports, architecture or art, Glasgow will have something for you to enjoy during your visit. A warm welcome awaits all the tourists.
This is my first guide covering all the places that a tourist should visit in Glasgow. In my second article I will provide more information as well as a little bit of history. Watch this space!
Paul Whyte Glasgow Glasgow News Glasgow Events
