I was wondering why almost no tourists ever come to Glasgow. I've been whole days in Glasgow city centre without seeing so much as an English person let alone a foreigner, why is this? Are its attractions that badly known, that people would rather go to Mallaig or Oban? I would like to make a request that anyone planning a trip to Scotland checks out Glasgow instead of Edinburgh: Glasgow is closer to the Highlands, it is bigger, it is just as unique, and it is just as beautiful.
More on-topic, I may be moving to Edinburgh for university, and I was wondering if anyone has any experience of what living there is like. Is the quality of life really any better than other British cities? What is the nightlife like? Am I going to get bored of it in Winter, when it is cold and deserted of people without the Festival?
More on-topic, I may be moving to Edinburgh for university, and I was wondering if anyone has any experience of what living there is like. Is the quality of life really any better than other British cities? What is the nightlife like? Am I going to get bored of it in Winter, when it is cold and deserted of people without the Festival?
1
Much as I love Glasgow, and think we have cracking art and architecture, great nightlife and friendly people, I disagree with you.Edinburgh has a castle, stunning views, arthurs seat, the national galleries and is, historically, far more important.
If you've got time do both, but Edinburgh is world famous for good reasons- it's also a cracking place to be a student. And the pubs are open much later than Glasgow.
(I'm a glaswegian with an edinburgh degree - does it show?)
2
Lot's of stigma in Glasgow. Exceptionally low life expectancy, knife crime centre of Europe and all that. It's got a vicious gang-related past and maintains serious problems today. Much of it is limited to the poorer areas on the outskirts of the city though. Despite being a beautiful city with a fantastic music scene, a plethora of museums and a fair smattering of interesting historical features it's all about the image and despite working hard to shed it Glasgow hasn't yet.I've been to Edinburgh on nights out a few times and know a fair few folk at uni there. It's pretty spread out, whereas Glasgow has one big street where most clubs are situated Edinburgh has them dispersed through the city. In terms of clubs and pubs in much of a likeness I think, although the drinking on the street laws are laxer in 'burgh. I still wouldn't recommend it though.
3
I read this forum for tips as I'm going to the UK in 3 weeks, am spending time in Scotland and have decided to spend 3 days in Glasgow after Edinburgh. #2, thats the first time I've read of Glasgow as the knife crime centre of Europ and its vicious gang problems, is it that bad? who is the crime and gang violence directed to? I assume the centre of Glasgow is safe?4
Glasgow is perfectly safe, and there aren't vicious gang problems. Apparently we are doing better at shedding the image of the1950s, as you hadn't previously heard of it.There are some very poor housing estates in the city, but as a visitor, you are never likely to see them.
6
Intrigued as to how you'd know whether or not you'd 'seen' an English person ;)We had a fab weekend in Glasgow just before Christmas last year. Zaha Hadid's Riverside Museum is fab and I'll never forget having mince pies in Kelvingrove whilst a brass band played in the main hall... so Christmassy!
Glasgow has great shops and is quite edgy/buzzy. However, from my English perspective I don't think it's got quite the reputation Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds or Newcastle have as a city break destination. Neither does Birmingham - another city with reputation problems.
7
Edinburgh has a huge student population (in the region of 25,000) with several universities ( I work for Edinburgh University) and campuses in and around the city.It is a lively city all the year round with various festivals and events on including a big winter festival. It may be cold in the winter but certainly not deserted.I am no expert on nightlife as I well into my 50's though still trip the light fantastic now an then, plenty of things to do any time day or night.Only boring people get bored.
8
@br5968: It's really quite easy to see an English person, as most of the non-blind community are able to consolidate the information from their ears with that from their eyes. I have therefore been able numerous times to make the deduction that, if an English accent has its provenience in the larynx of a specific human being in my sphere of sensory perception, that person is probably English.
