Glasgow flights and travel guide

The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow, is blessed with some of the greatest representations of Victorian architecture in the world, most notably the works of famed Glaswegian architects Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander Thomson. Eco-friendly travelers fly to Glasgow for the city's more than 70 stunning parks and gardens, earning it the Gaelic title of “the Dear Green Place”. Apart from its aesthetic beauty most Glasgow travelers are pleasantly surprised by the energy of the city, from its trendy bars to its artsy galleries and great shopping. In fact, the shopping is one of the main reasons visitors from all around Europe hop on a flight to Glasgow for a city break.  

While strolling through the city music seems to fill the air, seeping through the thick walls of its opera houses and concert halls. Stop into a pub on a weeknight and listen to a band looking to break into the scene, after all many award winning bands including Franz Ferdinand and The Fratellis first began their careers in this inspiring city playing at such gigs. But serious music lovers booking flights to Glasgow should definitely visit at a time when the city plays host to some great music festivals, particularly the Glasgow Music Festival.

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Glasgow climate

It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before booking your Glasgow flight. Glasgow winters are cold and wet with some snow and little sun. November through March, temperatures are typically in the 30s (Fahrenheit) and low 40s. Spring brings warmer weather and the sun. Summer days start off a little foggy but typically clear up and warm up. July and August days are often in the low 60s. There is a chance of rain year-round, but that also brings all the lush greenery. May and June typically have the least amount of rainfall.

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Best Time to Fly to Glasgow

Peak Season:

April to September is the tourist season for Glasgow, and the peak season is July and August. These two months are further inundated with visitors when the British schools are on vacation. For this time of year, reserve your accommodations before booking your Glasgow flights.

The best times to book cheap flights to Glasgow are late spring, early summer, and fall. All the attractions are open, accommodations are easy to find, and the weather is warm.

Off Season:

If wet weather doesn't dampen your spirits, visit in the spring. Cheap flights to Glasgow and discounts on lodging and attractions are often found.

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Getting downtown Glasgow

Buses leave regularly for Glasgow, stopping off at the main railway and bus stations. Before booking your Glasgow flight bear in mind that the journey to the city center takes 15 to 20 minutes. There are also trains to Glasgow Central Station, connecting to towns and cities throughout Scotland. Taxis are available outside the terminal 24 hours a day.

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Getting around Glasgow

Set out on foot to best explore Glasgow. If you’ve forgotten some good walking shoes, take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing bus to make your way around. You can also head out to the water for a cruise on Loch Lomond or to the islands in the Firth of Clyde. The city’s public transportation will help you get around very easily. The local rail network is great and the buses are connected to the subway and trains. There are only a few night buses, but the local buses cover the day service very well. To get between the city’s center and the West End, stick to the underground. A smart way to save money is to get a Roundabout Glasgow ticket, which allows unlimited underground and train travel for one day. Family passes are available too. Taxis are plentiful, but the rates will rack up quickly. You’ll find that taxi drivers have some of the best knowledge of the city though, so it may be worth it to you in the end. If you are driving into the city, leave your car at the park-and-ride stop located at the underground rail station outside Glasgow. When you’re in the city, you’ll wish you didn’t have a car. There are too many one-way streets, traffic jams and not enough parking to make it worth your while.

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Glasgow Travel Information

• George Square is right in the heart of the city, in the center of the old town. Surrounded by huge and spectacular buildings, this is the perfect place to start a tour. The square houses information points and benches where you can relax and take in the architecture. It is also the host to many festivals throughout the year. The piping festival in August is especially worth visiting if you are in town.
• The University of Glasgow is housed in a spectacular building, right next to the Kelvingrove Museum. The second oldest university in Scotland (to St Andrews), the original university was founded in 1451. The buildings used today date from 1870 when the campus was moved to its current location. The University is also home to the Hunterian Museum – the oldest public museum in Scotland. The art collection is impressive, including works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Whistler.
• The heavy Glaswegian accent can take some getting used. Don’t worry if it seems completely indecipherable at first...
• Whisky is one of Scotland’s biggest exports. The nearest distillery to Glasgow is at Glengoyne, 12 miles from Glasgow city center. It is also located close to Loch Lomond so you could combine a visit to both in one day out. The distillery is open for tours and tastings throughout the year. Rent a car and drive, if you want to visit Loch Lomond as well, or take a taxi from Glasgow – which will take around 35 minutes.
• Much of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s best work can be found in the city. Architect, designer and painter, he was a spearhead of the Art Nouveau movement. The Lighthouse is a museum dedicated to architecture and design, converted from his 1895 Glasgow Herald office. You can learn all you’ll want to know about the designer and architecture in the museum. There is also the Mackintosh Tower, with excellent views of the city.

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Glasgow airports

Glasgow Airport (GLA)

The airport is located eight miles (13km) west of Glasgow, off junction 28 of the M8 motorway.

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