Home to more than 100 cultural organisations and five of Scotland’s worldwide famous performing art companies, Glasgow is the epicentre of culture and a leader in design and architecture. The city was named the European Capital of Culture in 1999 and was awarded the title UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2009 thanks to its vibrant and multi-ethnic music scene. So, if you’re thinking of visiting Glasgow, you won’t go wrong. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend with your partner or a day trip with your family from Edinburgh or Stirling, we’ve shortlisted some of the best cultural attractions you cannot miss.
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
One of the largest halls in the UK, it was granted Royal status shortly before its opening in October 1990. It replaced the former St. Andrew’s Hall, which burned down in 1962, and today hosts international orchestras, soloists, opera and ballets. It is also the performance base of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the annual venue for the Celtic Connections Festival.The National Piping Centre
Passionate about bagpipes and drumming? Then the National Piping Centre needs to be on your itinerary when visiting Glasgow. The centre is home to the Museum of Piping, where you can find Irish uileann pipes, Scottish small pipes, as well as various memorabilia belonging to Robbie Burns and the 17th-century lain Dall MacKay chanter. The centre also hosts the annual World Pipe Band Championship every August.
City of Glasgow Chorus
Founded in 1983 by Graham Taylor, Glasgow Chorus has the purpose of presenting less familiar pieces in the choral repertoire by well-known composers, including Verdi, Holst and Beethoven. The Chorus has also performed overseas, for instance in Notre Dame Cathedral in Chartres, in Prague for the premiere of William Walton's Oratorio and Poland with a performance of Verdi’s Requiem.
Citizens Theatre
‘The Citz’, as known by locals, is the epicentre of Glasgow’s theatre scene. It is the brainchild of James Bridie and a point of reference for stage favourites and new talents alike. The theatre has seen some of the most famous names in the industry treading the boards or working backstage, including Rupert Everett, Gary Oldman and Pierce Brosnan.
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
Found on St Vincent Street, this live music venue and bar host all the gigs you want for a fun night. The founder, Stuart Clumpas, intended to create a space for promoting bands at a club level, showcasing new talents and offering them a platform to launch their careers. Some of the most prominent personalities that have walked the Tut’s stage include Fiona Apple, the Coldplay and Radiohead. The venue also hosts Scotland’s biggest annual festival – T in the Park.
OVO Hydro
This multi-purpose arena is Scotland’s largest, officially opened in 2013 with a concert by Rod Stewart. The arena hosts sporting, musical and global entertainment events and can accommodate up to 14,300 guests. The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award was presented here, as well as the fictional 2020 Eurovision Song Contest.
Glasgow is all about music and entertainment, and good fun abounds no matter where you head to. Our elegant collections of 3 bedroomhomes on Thornton View development is located just a short walk from Glasgow city centre. And if you’re looking to be close to the M80, don’t miss out our upcoming Wallace Fields