Glasgow — Art, Music & Heart

Glasgow lives in Edinburgh's shadow — and that's unfair. Scotland's largest city (600,000 inhabitants) has more character, more warmth, and more cultural energy than its prettier rival. The Glaswegians are considered the friendliest people in Britain — a reputation they defend with the broadest accent in the country and a humor that makes you laugh within seconds.

Art & Architecture: Glasgow is Britain's art capital outside London. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (free, 22 galleries, Salvador Dalí's Christ of St John of the Cross) is one of the best museums in Britain. The Riverside Museum (free, Zaha Hadid building on the Clyde, transport and technology museum) is architecturally impressive. The Glasgow School of Art by Charles Rennie Mackintosh — Glasgow's most famous son and Art Nouveau visionary — was severely damaged by fire in 2018 but is being restored. His masterpiece The Lighthouse and the House for an Art Lover are visitable.

Music: Glasgow has more live music venues per capita than any other city in Europe. King Tut's Wah Wah Hut (where Oasis were discovered), Barrowland Ballroom (legendary venue), Nice 'n' Sleazy, and the Sub Club scene make Glasgow Scotland's music city. The indie rock scene (Franz Ferdinand, Belle & Sebastian, Mogwai, Chvrches) is world-famous.

Food & Drink: The Barras Market on weekends is Glasgow's flea market with street food. The Ashton Lane in the West End is a hidden alley full of restaurants, bars, and the legendary Grosvenor cinema. And yes, Deep-Fried Mars Bar really exists — try one at the Blue Lagoon Chip Shop.