Glasgow is full of exciting experiences whether your taste is for Mackintosh or Modern Art, Dinosaurs or Dali, Tall Ship or Tearoom, Science or Scottish Football, Glasgow’s got it all!

And with a great network of tourist transport, why not see it all on an open-topped tourist bus and hop on/hop off as many times as you like?

Glasgow’s Leading Attractions can promise you a fantastic day out for all the family!

www.seeglasgow.com

48 hours in Glasgow: Scotland with style

If you love the idea of an easy meander as a way of getting to the heart of a city, Glasgow is ideal, not least because its New York-style grid system makes it simple to walk around. So get ready to discover some fabulous shops, cafes, stylish bars and friendly neighbourhood haunts. 

Also, as one of Europe’s premier cultural capitals, you’ll always find Glasgow an eventful experience whether you’re a clubber, concert-goer, opera aficionado, theatre lover or dance fan! No matter when you arrive you’ll find live performances, festivals, exhibitions, sporting fixtures and entertainment fifty-two weeks of the year!  

Day 1 

– City Centre, Merchant City and south side

Take a relaxed brunch at Babbity Bowster, a wee gem of a Scottish restaurant in an old townhouse, with a fabulous atmosphere and a soupçon of French character. Wander around the boutiques of the arty Merchant City quarter leading down to some of the city's best one-off independent stores including Brigitte, Mr. Ben and Che Camille.

For a truly unique interiors experience, take a hop across the river to the south side and experience the sumptuous House for an Art Lover.    

Return to city centre and get a feel for the ornate art nouveau that ‘Glasgow style’ at Princes Square, one of the most elegant British high street shopping experiences. This gem offers a vibrant fusion of cool, contemporary brands, hip lifestyle store Fifi and Ally and confectioner Kschocolât, and covetable international labels like Jo Malone, Space NK, Hugo, Lacoste, Calvin Klein Underwear and Reiss Womenswear.

City centre is home to Buchanan Galleries, one of Scotland’s largest shopping malls which houses high street names, including John Lewis, Mango, Miss Selfridge and Gap. It leads onto Buchanan Street's busy stream of shoppers, where you'll find hip high-street favourites Topshop, Zara and Urban Outfitters, and classic brands like Russell & Bromley and L'Occitane.

Take a detour along Mitchell Lane to The Lighthouse, Glasgow's centre for architecture and design. Step in and see it unfold over five floors. A viewing platform allows memorable panoramic views of Glasgow. A design fix can be found at Apple's first Scottish store. His and hers iPods, anyone? 

In Ingram Street’s glittering array of designer stores, pick up hip gear at All Saints, or push the boat out with a sleek piece by Vivienne Westwood, Gucci or Prada at design emporium Cruise. Recent additions to this fashion menagerie include Mulberry, Agent Provocateur and Replay - joining Ralph Lauren, Benetton and Emporio Armani.

Later have a drink in the opulent confines of One Up, where white and silver interiors are beautifully reflected in glittering chandeliers. Then a stylish dinner looking through the full-length Georgian windows with views of Glasgow's beautifully elegant Royal Exchange Square. 

The City Halls and Old Fruitmarket, a restored 19th century warehouse with a wealth of decorative features, is one of Glasgow’s top concert venues, and always satisfies most tastes – from Nanci Griffith to Calvin Harris. 

Day 2 

– The West End 

Next morning, head for the West End and enjoy walks along tree-lined streets and pop into boutiques and experience a friendly neighbourhood vibe - an ideal place to mosey around for a day. 

Refresh with some Italian-style coffee and killer ricotta and honeycomb pancakes at Kember and Jones, voted Scotland’s most stylish food and wine retailer, before pottering around shops and delis there. 

West End is home to its own selection of boutique shopping. The enchanting Ruthven Lane and the new Ruthven Mews retail development, situated near Byres Road, is an undiscovered treasure trove. Creswell Lane hosts the Bohemian-vibed De Courcy’s Arcade, selling everything from records to local T-shirt labels and books. 

The Botanic Gardens is a delightful natural haven in the city’s heart and backs onto the River Kelvin and offers some great short wooded walks. 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is the jewel is Glasgow's cultural crown. Return to Byres Road and you’ll find Heart Buchanan and Demijohn, two of Glasgow's top foodie haunts and a cornucopia of delicious Scottish delicacies. 

Time for a refresher –  step out onto the cobbled Ashton Lane and enjoy a drink in the heart of Glasgow's university district. Always a buzzy atmosphere here, most of which spills out onto the Lane from the typically characterful bars and restaurants like Bar Brel. If there's a nip in the air, sit by the fireside Upstairs at the Chip – a true West End tradition.

Laughter is the best medicine – and so on to The Stand Comedy Club for a taste of that infamous Glasgow humour. The quality of the acts is top-notch, and you'll have the chance to heckle many a fledgling comedy star. Only, remember, if you sit at the front, you can guarantee the joke will be well and truly on you. So arrive early! 

For further information on what to do and where to stay in Glasgow: Scotland with style, visit  http://www.seeglasgow.com