Staying in Glasgow for Tourists in 2026.

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From practical experience I've thought for over a decade that new arrivals visiting Glasgow might prefer to stay in the Anderston/ Finnieston area of the city rather than the city centre itself... or if you have stayed in Glasgow city centre before and this here is a new area for you... maybe give it a try. Like most city and town centres these days online shopping, outlying retail parks and other methods of buying goods have impacted many bricks and mortar stores hard in the UK. Also numerous bikes, city centre roads dug up for years, and various other things mean that I'm usually underwhelmed/ disappointed by Glasgow City Centre currently. And I do love my city. Mind you I am not a regular shopper. I get everything I need out of local charity/thrift shops often for a tenth of the price. I got the bus this time to St Vincent Street but you can also get off at Anderston Train Station for Glasgow's latest mural splurge under The Kingston Bridge. See above.

A map showing the footpath cycletrack from Glasgow City Centre to Balloch/ Loch Lomond, a small part of which I did on foot for this post. I am proud of Glasgow but no harm in cherry picking the best bits on offer within the city.

I noticed on Facebook that new murals I had not yet visited had been painted under the Kingston Bridge crossing the River Clyde so this offered a good walk along the river waterfront to either Partick, The Hydro and Govan, or Byres Road and Kelvingrove. Each only a few miles away and this is a scenic walk, or bike run. 

These pillars always did look a bit drab, although I liked the primitive bare mega structure quality of them. Now many are getting a makeover. As the latest Batman film was being made under the bridge, mostly at night,  they had to remove some then repaint them again later afterwards. I've zero interest in the numerous superhero films coming out of Hollywood at the moment so seeing elements of that here didn't appeal much only puzzled me, even though the artificial snow, the black crashed bat mobile etc.. surprised me and so did the security guard guiding me away. It was only later I realised why that was online. Apparently 100s of films/ TV productions have been made partly in Glasgow over the past ten years or so. It's pretty boring though most of the time as a spectator. I watched Brad Pitt film World War Z and Halle Berry film Cloud Atlas years ago but that mild interest only lasted 10-15 minutes each time. It was a doors open day in sunny September so I had plenty of other places to be that day. I prefer just watching the films.

Plenty to see mural wise.

They were still painting them using cherry pickers when I left. So loads I haven't photographed yet.

Made by the same group of local and international artists that do the murals at SWG3 near Partick.

This diving mermaid being my favourite here so far.

I like this part of the city as it looks like a modern city should look. Futuristic. The Anderston Centre. True there are many fine old buildings and brand new hotels and banks in Glasgow city centre currently but I've seen them all before... in better nick. Walking west from here along the north bank of the River Clyde inspires me more. Marriott and Hilton Hotels located here.

New buildings going up all over the place, yet ironically less dug up roads, less food bikes, less rough sleepers and much cleaner. City Wharf here. A proud walk for me personally as I like showing off the better bits of my city. And a flat easy walk full of interest.

Lancefield Quay and the remains of an old river ferry landing dock. Or boat dock. Glasgow could do far more with its river. Small slow low passenger ferries going down stream instead of speedboat ribs. They used to have one. I've been on it several times. This walk is also spectacular at night with the light reflections on a still evening.. In wintertime when its dark by 4-5-6pm it's still safe enough with workers going home along it.

And this is where the hotels come in. Radisson Red, The Courtyard, Moxy Hotel and a few others here all in Finnieston District. Finnieston Street. And right next to them 5 minutes walk away along the river path....

The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bells Bridge, an Imax Theatre, ...Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow Tower ( when it works) Festival Park...I spotted Dolly Parton here one time fixing my bike near her tour bus. Think she lives in it while on the road. Saves hotel bills and fan intrusion. Got a quick wave and a smile and waved back but didn't speak to her. Too busy repairing a puncture and celebrities deserve a break from attention, just like the rest of us. More my parents taste in music anyway. I like Miley though. Great singing voice and some good songs already. Probably get even better with age.

The Armadillo, seen here, The SECC, .... Crowne Plaza hotel....

The OVO Hydro... all a short distance apart. Most cost money though. 30 minutes walk further on up the same flat scenic river path you have the Tall Ship Glenlee and The Riverside Museum. ( Transport through the ages and an indoor period street.) Keeping the moths firmly enclosed in my pockets this time I carried on to the next set of murals at SWG3 a set of painted railway arches and a painted lane behind them. On Eastvale Place/ Pointhouse right beside the Clydeside Expressway.

Fish Bus. SWG3 Eastvale Lane.

Loads of new artworks here which change frequently in the back lane, every six months or so. SWG3 Yardworks. Art venues, small galleries, music etc...

Assorted Devils...

If the Statue of Liberty stood in the River Clyde this is probably what it would look like. Someone would find a way to get a traffic cone up there.

Superhero stuff.

Utility street box. I liked this one. I bought a pack of 3 pair walking socks last week. Been buying them for 30 years. Always the same type.... good quality. Thick and padded. This time twice the price yet half the padded thickness. JCB £7 a pack. Several other things from local Morrisons. Underwear etc. Twice the price- nothing like as good as even last years product was. I came out looking like these clouds. Such is modern life in 2026. Less is more.

The Radisson Red at Finnieston looks red straight on.... doing up the old rotunda tunnel entrance here.

Same building yet it turns green from another angle. Bar on the roof visible in both photos.

To finish this easy walk I went up Sandyford Street next to the mural lane at Eastvale Place then left into Yorkhill Park under Yorkhill Hospital. A green corridor that took me out at Partick. River Kelvin above.

West Village Student Flats. And in Partick you have modern buildings, old period buildings, Dumbarton Road and Byres Road independent shops. Byres Road lanes and bars district, The University of Glasgow Campus and Hunterian Art Gallery (free to get in.) Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery (suggested donations box entry) Kelvingrove Park, (free) Botanic Gardens ( free) Kelvin Walkway ( free gorge walk) U of G Modern art Gallery and C. R. Macintosh House. Oran Mor church venue, Cottiers church venue. Dozens of bars, clubs etc. Hundreds of shops... all of which currently appear to have bucked the trend of online shopping habits.  It's a busy vibrant place with bags to do. Bus, railway and underground hub in Partick also. 5 to 15 minutes ride into Glasgow City Centre if you really want to see it in all its glory. But you don't have to. This post is an alternative to that. 

I find music I haven't heard before in all sorts of different places. This 5 minute song just seems to perfectly suit the crew of The Normandy as they explore the star systems of deep space. Keeping up the modern theme. No Light No Light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGvCKZ04oFk&list=RDTGvCKZ04oFk&start_radio=1

Duntocher to Bearsden... and Beyond. A Fringe Walk.

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Walking friend Alan and I jumped on a number 2 bus From Glasgow to Faifley on the north west outskirts of the UK's 3rd largest city. A good 'fringe' walk can be had here running from Duntocher ( Get off the no 2 just past the A82 large Clydebank roundabout as it climbs the hill towards Faifley. Walk up the quiet and serene Cleddans Road and immediately find yourself surrounded by beautiful farmland scenery. With Clydebank and District Golf Course on one side....

Roadside verges bursting to life with colour and flying insects on the other. This is a walk we did in June 2026. It also follows the line of the Antonine Wall, a second buffer zone constructed across central belt Scotland from Old Kilpatrick to the East Coast, but even with that the Romans couldn't subdue the Celtic Highland tribes from frequently attacking it. Built of earth ditches and wooden ramparts not much is visible today on this section of it. Duntocher (goldenhill park) Croy Hill and Calendar Park in Falkirk have the best visible remains.

Six spotted burnet moth. A day flying jewel as it is iridescent in flight and unmistakable. A winged ruby dancing and flashing over the wild green meadows.

A dung beetle with small dung ball. This is Paradise for them.

Sexton beetle arrives at an animal corpse. It buries said corpse, a mouse or something small sized then it plus the mites on its head help pump preservatives into the body to slow decomposition until its young can feed and leave... restarting the life cycle. Is not nature thrilling....

Feral Cat. It likes a crunchy treat now and again.

Flying snacks are a better challenge...and totally tasty. Worth the extra effort.

Still walking beside the golf course, deep in the countryside yet only few fields away from Glasgow's sprawling urban outskirts, in this case Drumchapel. The minor Cleddens Road is tarmac but only goes up to a farm or two and does not see many cars on it. A delight to walk.

Further up fields of horses are encountered.

On green fields that rise slowly up in gentle ridgelines until they soar dramatically to meet the steep wall of the Kilpatrick Hills in the distance. Seen above.

Remarkable considering Drumchapel is one of Glasgow's big four council townships, same as Pollok is, 30,000 to 40,000 plus residents living in each one, (where I grew up) yet the landscape here is still intact, as it once was around Nitshill, instead of the way it looks now, (farms and fields there replaced by numerous new housing developments, more urban sprawl zones replacing abandoned field systems where sheep, cows, pigs and horses no longer wander. Yet here it is... still unchanged since the 1970s.

You follow the lane straight on passing no farms until it turns into a dirt one. Keep going straight and follow path down then up, still skirting the northern edge of Drumcapel. (Editors note. 'Fellow walkers. A caution here.... Never go into Drunchapel!!!!!!!!! ' )

So it is straight on, (never go down to the right!!!) until you reach the main footpath through Garscadden Wood. Follow this, still skirting Drumchapel, on the Drumchapel Way/ Garscadden Way footpath until you reach this small dam at Stonedyke on the boundary with Bearsden...

Then Colquhorn Park. In Bearsden...

Then visit the park pond, almost buried under mid June vegetation. The 'cream season' for me.

Coot and youngster.

From here you have a choice. Coming by bus you are free to return differently. Route one : you can take the path down the Kinfauns Drive side of Drumchapel but safe in the trees, still a green walk, then cross Drumchapel Road and near Essenside Avenue to go under the railway via a short tunnel then across canal to reach Trinley Brae (a green balcony trail found below Mace Road in High Knightswood) then end with a walk through Knightswood Park and the adjacent Wee Park. (Found beside the golf course beside Clarion Road. ) A 3 to 4 hour walk at an easy pace... with a lunch stop halfway round.

Route two involves Rubislaw Drive past St Germains Loch to reach the woodland paths beside Ravelston Road in Bearsden ( Cairnhill Woods) via Maxwell Avenue which woodland paths followed will bring you out either near Anniesland Cross ( bus and train hub) or walk further on through The West of Scotland Science Park, or Dawsholm Park then/or Maryhill Park. Ending on Maryhill Road. ( Bus and train hub. 3 to 5 hour walk.) Both walks linking up a necklace of pleasant green spaces running between or beyond/ above the urban sprawl.

A great day out exploring the wild margins of the city.

Is where you often find the quietest, most unexpected places.

And a tasty meal for me when I returned. 

Anyone who has not heard of this young singer, violin street player and her equally talented parents and family is really missing out. I think they are both/all brilliant yet I'd run a mile away from Britain's got talent, The Voice, X Factor type shows as I prefer zero judges antics and comments. Just the performers. I can make up my own mind if they are good... or not. Karolina Protsenko. Been a fan over the years since believer came out. Found loads of new songs/tunes/ bands through her and Alex Goot music that I've never heard before. And this is one. A violin duet. 1000 years. Growing up in public with a gift /curse of real commercial talent/fame is never easy so I hope she is happy finding her own path and a newly independent life as a professional musician and singer/songwriter. She has the knowledge and ability to do well. Hopefully. Already made a million busking on the street thanks to savvy parents.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yYkwxMrZNY&list=RD0yYkwxMrZNY&start_radio=1

A Glasgow Green Circular Walk.

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Greetings from the UK's 3rd most populous city. Glasgow. (Wiki info 2026.) Colourful streamers in a lane at Barclays Bank Complex. Alan and I met here as we arrived by bus from different areas where we lived. Alan mentioned on a previous walk that he'd never been along the south bank/ Adelphi Street side of the River Clyde in the Gorbals/ Hutchestontown districts and I hadn't walked there either for several years so that was our pick as we were both looking for new walks to entertain us. Given the high price of vehicle fuel and food at the moment travelling a long distance for walks when we don't have to seems sensible as neither of us has fat wallets/ spare cash to splash around at the present time. Most of the walks posted on here nowadays in the last few years are around 3 hours long at an easy pace. No 8 to 10 hour epic walking days anymore. Thankfully.

We passed by Glasgow Central Mosque built in 1984. I've been in it in the 1990s for a doors open day or some other event like that.

We then passed the City of Glasgow Nautical College and Training Centre....

Including this lifeboat launcher to practice on which shoots you into the river to bob about and learn rescue techniques. Might save the crew but it is not speedy once launched.

Old Glasgow bridges and spires.

Once you get to Glasgow Green, Glasgow's oldest park, where public hangings, city fairs, and public washing lines once stood, it's very green and lush. 

Semi green and lush on our side of the river with the hi rise flats of Hutchesontown  dominating the view here.

The last time I passed here I don't think I noticed the murals on these whisky storage tanks. Maybe I did but didn't feature them then. I didn't recognize any of the three faces however so thank you again AI. The nearest is Tom McGuire of funk/soul band Tom McGuire and the Brassholes painted by Michael Corr. Middle is Margaret MacDonald ( late 1800s/early 1900s 'Glasgow Style' Artist.) painted by Molly Hankinson. 

Third I thought might just be Ally McCoist with a beard ( probably the blue jacket made me go in that direction) but turned out to be Mark Coyle by Rougeoner. All folk from or living in Glasgow. As I was asking AI various questions I also asked it " If humanity messes up the world can AI save it- the climate, wildlife, and planet Earth? "  Boo Hoo! I was disappointed.  It gave a very honest and interesting answer. Not a glib politician answer.Try it yourself.

Looking back at the city centre from the blue suspension bridge into Glasgow Green.

Blue suspension bridge into the park. Built 1885.

Which took us out at the parsonage house.

They have a collection of boats nearby for saving life on the river/ body recovery.

After a walk around this large park we headed up to the former Templeton's Carpet factory, William Leiper the architect, inspired by the Doge's Palace in Venice. Multi coloured tiles inspired by the carpets made within. Now a small business centre/ enterprise type of thing.

Next to it stands the Doulton Fountain, built 1888 and still the largest terracotta fountain in the world. It is very impressive. Queen Victoria on the top with the countries/ nations of the Commonwealth depicted below. Canada, Australia, India, etc....

India detail.

Glasgow's coat of arms on the Doulton Fountain. A dry fountain now.

The 3rd big attraction in Glasgow Green used to be the People's Palace ( a vibrant museum about Glasgow history and life) and the attached Winter Gardens, ( hothouse trees/plants and a popular cafe under heated glass) both seen here, above, but they have been closed for years. I did read a funding grant had been raised so hopefully both will reopen again at some point. Many UK cities are strapped for cash in recent years. It is a changed world. Public services we once took for granted across the city either closed/disappeared or cut well past the bone. Local banks, libraries, free swimming pools, winter gardens, frequent park maintenance, etc.

On a gable wall directly behind the former Templeton's carpet factory is this mural of St Thenue ( also known as St Enoch and St Thenaw?) Mother of St Mungo. An ancient princess she was thrown off a cliff ( Traprain Law) by King Lot ( her father) after she got pregnant without his blessing ( where Lothian gets its name from) but survived and fled across the Firth of Forth guided by friendly fish. ( it is a half legend after all.) St Mungo patron saint of Glasgow was the result. I like to play around with the famous lines. 'The fish that could not fly. The bird that could not swim. The tree that never flew. The bell that never grew.' Which one is the odd one out/ true statement?

After that we ended up around the Barras Market for some further murals.

Silver Linings by Soleveins and Shaun Devenney. While the world burns around him at least he's still got a strong signal on his smart phone.... so he is happy.

Goose. Cabin Bar.

 Birds and flowers. Also Cabin Bar. Barras District. Both by Nikki K. and Little book transfers.

Clay pipe factory. Built late 1870s, B listed. Barras Market. The pipes were made from clay sourced locally- dug out from the river bank and other locations nearby. Old ones from that time period are still found occasionally in Glasgow in the earth/excavations. They were cheap, easily broken, and often mislaid, stood or sat on, or just tossed away for a new replacement... and made in the thousands back then. People smoked, chimneys smoked, even ships and road traffic had coal driven engines sometimes so I'd imagine the risk of fire was fairly high.

 Glasgow Cross. The  oldest part of Glasgow and the heart of the old city when it was just a dozen streets in total starting here at the High Street..

The Social Hub. A brand new hotel in grey with the much older building in white. Glasgow Cross/ Argyle Street. Where we got a bus home to our respective districts.

And a real treat. Glasgow/gorbals rock legends from the early 1970s. They were unique at the time and formed before USA band Kiss. Part musical theatre part edgy rock act. All styles of music covered with ease. Separate from Glam Rock but predated Punk. Nothing else like them- before or since.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8tyc9a