Glasgow is a cultural powerhouse of music, creative arts and theatre

You’re always guaranteed a warm welcome in Glasgow — it’s no surprise that it’s regularly named one of the world’s friendliest cities. Artists and innovators have long called Glasgow home and they’ve made it a cultural hotspot bursting with energy and personality. In 2022, Glasgow was ranked world’s friendliest city and 4th best city in the world by Time Out. You are sure to make lots of friends here!

Named the UK’s top cultural and creative city by the European Commission (2019), you won’t be short of things to do in Scotland’s biggest city. The city boasts all but one of Scotland’s national performing arts organisations, so there’s always plenty to see and do. And Glaswegians’ love of live music? It’s legendary. From hotly tipped bands in tiny bars to global artists on arena tours, Glasgow is alive (and kicking) with the sound of music. No wonder, then, that it was named UK’s first-ever UNESCO City of Music (2008). 

Immerse yourself in art at world-class galleries and museums (most are free to enter) and discover why the city is dubbed the ‘Dear Green Place’ — you’re never far from one of Glasgow’s glorious parks. 

“The largest city in Scotland has a bustling atmosphere that combines well with the enthusiastic vibe of the city’s university life. It’s not just the classic architecture that makes Glasgow beautiful.”  The New York Times 

Weave your way around the oh-so-Instagrammable City Centre Mural Trail and find out why the food scene is firmly on the culinary map. 

  • World’s friendliest city (Rough Guides, 2021) 
  • Second most affordable student city in the UK (Unifresher, 2023) and the third best city to live in overall (QS Best Student Cities, 2023)
  • Over 90 parks and gardens to explore 
  • A gateway to the Highlands to explore Scotland’s awe-inspiring scenery 

A city that blends the traditional with the cutting-edge, Scottish heritage with multi-cultural influences, and the grit with the glamour, Glasgow is a place like nowhere else.