Though Glasgow often plays second fiddle to Edinburgh, with the latter's famous castle and rich history, Scotland’s second city has plenty of its own stories to tell. Long a center of industry—the Queen’s Royal Yacht Britannia was built here in 1953—Glasgow today is experiencing a renaissance in design and culture. Graduates of the renowned Glasgow School of Art like Douglas Gordon have gone on to win the Turner Prize, exhibit at world-class museums, or set up their own studios and design-forward boutiques. They infuse the city with a palpable creative energy unique in Scotland, even if the school’s most famous graduate, Charles Rennie Mackintosh—the father of the Arts and Crafts movement—died decades ago. Partly because of the universities, Glasgow has a laid-back vibe, and locals tend to prefer casual gastropubs and craft breweries to Michelin-starred establishments. Go to Edinburgh for Scottish history, whiskey, and tartans. Visit Glasgow for its thriving contemporary culture and cutting-edge design scene.
Dakota DeluxeA moody gray color scheme pervades the recently opened Dakota Deluxe, from the team behind the U.K.’s boutique hotel brand Malmaison. Low lighting and plush furnishings lend the restaurant and bar a loungy vibe. The hotel’s designer, Amanda Rosa, cites an unlikely inspiration—Darth Vader—explaining she wanted to create a space that seemed “intergalactic on the outside but softer inside.” From $168/night; dakotahotels.co.uk
Crossbasket CastleA member of Small Luxury Hotels, this 17th-century castle on Glasgow’s outskirts will fulfill all your fairy-tale fantasies. Completely refurbished and opened as a nine-room hotel in 2016, Crossbasket Castle exudes classic charm. Antiques, floral drapery, and gold-framed paintings give the hotel an old-world air, while the lounge with its dark paneled walls, leather sofas, roaring fireplace, and formidable whiskey selection is the perfect place to warm up on cold winter nights. From $298/night; crossbasketcastle.com
The Drugstore SocialEating at this cozy gastropub feels like dining in an old Scottish apothecary, thanks to an abundance of dark wood and antique medicine bottles. “Prescriptions” include the Bright Eyes with rye, Calvados, Cocchi di Torino, green Chartreuse, ginger shrub, and carrot, while the fare exemplifies Scottish comfort food at its best. Try the gin-cured salmon with fennel or the tattie scone with bacon and a poached egg served in a cast-iron pan. drugstoresocial.com
AlchemillaAfter cutting her teeth with Yotam Ottolenghi in London, Glasgow local Rosie Healy moved home to open Alchemilla, which quickly became one of the city’s best new restaurants. The design skews Scandinavian, with blond wood and whitewashed brick walls, but the small plates—meant for sharing—are Mediterranean in flavor. Don’t miss the octopus with orange slices. 1126 Argyll Street; +44 141 337 6060
Drygate Brewing Co.Scotland may be best known for its whiskey, but craft beer is just as popular among Glaswegians. One of a handful of new-wave craft breweries, Drygate Brewing Co. has a convivial atmosphere and a full menu, so if you have one too many pints, you can sober up with some fish and chips. The walls are adorned with street art–style murals, and floor-to-ceiling windows let you see the vats and other brewing equipment. drygate.com
Gin71A tearoom by day and gin bar by night, this spot with locations in the City Centre and Merchant City is popular among locals. Crystal chandeliers, tiled walls, and elaborate ceiling motifs create an elegant atmosphere, whether you’re going for high tea with pastries or a classic martini in the evening. gin71.com
BluebellgrayAn alum of the prestigious Glasgow School of Art launched this design studio and boutique to showcase her love of color and all things floral. Inspired by English and Scottish gardens, each design is hand-painted upstairs in the studio, then printed onto bedding, oversize cushions, armchairs, sofas, and porcelain dishes. Stop by the showroom to pick up some home decor or order custom-made curtains. bluebellgray.com
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InstrmntOne of a handful of bespoke watchmakers, Instrmnt crafts sleek, minimalist timepieces with simple faces and leather straps that buyers assemble themselves. It also sells a curated selection of grooming products, clothes, and bikes in the chic pint-size shop. instrmnt.co.uk
Mackintosh House at Hunterian Art GalleryArchitect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh was Glasgow’s native son, launching the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 19th century. You can see his buildings and furniture throughout the city, including at the Glasgow School of Art. To see how he lived, stop by the Hunterian Art Gallery on the University of Glasgow’s campus, where his immaculate home has been re-created with his custom furniture. gla.ac.uk
Riverside MuseumThe city’s newest museum—Zaha Hadid’s first major public building in the U.K.—is the perfect place for families with children or anyone interested in British cars and industry throughout history. Kids can play on vintage double-decker buses and in re-creations of Glasgow’s historic cobblestoned streets, pubs, and subway cars while adults can learn about Britain’s industrial heritage. glasgowlife.org.uk
Pollok Country ParkGlasgow’s largest park is an oasis of greenery just a few miles from the city center. A ten-minute taxi ride will make you feel whisked away to one of Scotland’s large estates, with meandering paths, Highland cows grazing in a field, and the historic Pollok House, which gives visitors a glimpse into the Downton Abbey–esque upstairs/downstairs life of a wealthy Scottish family. peoplemakeglasgow.com
