An Urban Oasis of Art and Pubs
Glasgow may not have the romantic connotations of its rival to the east, Edinburgh, but the energy teeming through the city is reason enough to visit. While Edinburgh's cultural history is inseparable from its role as a fountainhead of the Enlightenment, Glasgow is rooted firmly in modern times. The multitude of galleries, museums, and theaters all point to an artistic liveliness that is unique throughout Scotland, while its impressive architecture raises eyebrows; indeed, Glasgow was recently named U.K. City of Architecture and Design. The West End in particular is the epicenter of the urban energy that characterizes the city, boasting several buildings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland's most famous architect, as well as numerous art galleries. But once the sun goes down, Glasgow's energy only becomes more fervent. The highest student-to-resident ratio in Britain guarantees a nightlife that equals other scenes around the world. Try a pub crawl down infamous Byers Road, and don't forget to hit the clubs once the pubs close. If football (what the Americans call soccer) is more your style, then you're in luck - Glasgow's Celtic and Ranger squads both have deserved, fanatical followings. No matter what you are looking for, Glasgow likely has it, and in a package that will surprise and please.
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