12 Step Planet: Glasgow

How do I get there?
Aer Lingus and Ryanair fly daily from Dublin and Shannon. Prices vary depending on the time of year. But you can pick up some great deals if you book in advance (a quick check at the time of writing finds flights at just €19.99 each way). From Galway, Aer Aran flies to Edinburgh – bus or train transfer between the two cities takes just over an hour, with both buses and trains running every 15 or 20 minutes.

When should I go?
Summer is probably the best time to visit as all the popular venues and tourist attractions have extended opening hours. However, Glasgow’s weather is similar to Ireland’s. Sunshine is never guaranteed. You’re advised to bring a raincoat and brolly whatever time you visit.

Where should I stay?
Obviously that depends on the size of your budget. Like all big international cities, Glasgow has a wide range of hotels, guesthouses and hostels. Hot Press laid its weary head down at Saint Jude’s Hotel on Bath Street, right in the heart of the city (www.saintjudes.com). A renowned boutique hotel, St. Jude’s has an excellent restaurant and a great cocktail bar. The room service could be a bit better but, in fairness to them, it was almost 6am when we ordered a complicated round of drinks.

Is it expensive?
Not particularly. Glasgow is a university city. There’s plenty on offer within a typical student shoestring budget. Anyway, let’s face it, compared to Irish prices, everywhere is cheap.

Is it safe to walk around?
Although the city once had a reputation for ghettos and violence – a “Glasgow kiss” was once a worldwide euphemism for a head butt! – times have changed and the city has long since cleaned up its act. While there are areas that are best avoided at night (as there are in every big city), the city centre is a very safe place to be, even more so since the authorities installed citywide CCTV monitoring. Glaswegians are generally quite friendly, laid back and approachable, with a genuine concern for the safety of tourists. So don’t be shy about stopping someone on the street to ask for directions. However, be warned that pickpockets are everywhere. Keep an eye on your belongings in pubs, restaurants and malls.

Getting around?
The streets are laid out in an American city-style grid system – so getting around Glasgow is very easy, except for those damned hills! Free maps are available from the tourist information office in George Square. A great way to get your bearings and learn about the city when you first arrive is to hop on the city sightseeing bus tour that leaves from the self-same George Square. Most of what’s worth seeing is within walking distance. But if it starts to rain, get a bus, taxi or use the underground. Unlimited full day bus and underground tickets are available.

What’s the food like?
In a word . . . great! Glasgow has a wide range of restaurants catering to all tastes (and there seems to be a decent curry house on every second street). The seafood is generally fresh and highly recommended. Local delicacies include haggis, square sausage and . . . deep fried Mars Bars! Actually, not just Mars Bars. You can also get deep fried Bountys, Twix, Snickers or just about any other confectionary. A Scottish innovation, deep-fried chocolate tastes a lot nicer than it sounds. However, it’s absolutely terrible for your cholesterol levels. Try and limit your consumption.

Can you recommend a decent bar for celeb-spotting?
The Corinthian on Ingram Street is a favourite of local heroes Ewan McGregor and Robert Carlyle. When in town, members of Snow Patrol hang out in Stravaigin (meaning “to wander”) on Gibson Street.

What are the touristy things to do?
Between art galleries, museums and parks, there’s loads to see and do in Glasgow. Architecturally, the city is absolutely beautiful, with lots of grand, imposing granite buildings and cathedrals. Take a tour of the Glasgow School of Art. Considered to be Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterpiece, the GSA is the old alma mater of members of Franz Ferdinand and Travis. The guided tour takes about an hour. The Kelingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses one of the finest civic collections in Europe. The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are also worth a look.

Anything for fashion lovers?
Check out Che Camille on the sixth floor of the Arygll Arcade. The brainchild of 32-year-old New Yorker Camille Lorigo, Che Camille is part shop, part workshop and part photography studio. Well worth checking out. (www.checamille.com).

And for music fans?
Glasgow has long punched above its weight in the rock ‘n’ roll stakes. In recognition of this, last month the city hosted the 2009 MOBO Awards in the SECC (the first time the awards were ever hosted outside London). To name just a few successful bands that have originated in the city . . . Simple Minds, Travis, Belle and Sebastian, Orange Juice, Del Amitri, Franz Ferdinand, Glasvegas, Camera Obscura, Deacon Blue, Mogwai. There are live gigs happening every night almost all year round. Check local magazine The List for details.

Any big musical events coming up?
On November 28, Scotland will be celebrating St. Andrew’s Weekend and the vibrancy and passion of Scotland’s music scene with Homecoming Live – The Final Fling at the SECC (Scotland’s largest indoor venue). Bands performing include Deacon Blue, Lloyd Cole, Hue and Cry, Midge Ure, The Bluebells, James Grant, Kevin McDermott, Tommy Reilly, The Vaselines, Idlewild, The View, The Law and King Creosote. Tickets are priced between £20 and £35 and are available from www.gigsinscotland.com/homecominglive.

Any good websites where I can get some information before visiting the city?
For further information on visiting Glasgow and great accommodation deals see www.visitscotland.com/autumnglasgow or call the national booking and information line on 0845 22 55 121. For more information on where to stay and what to see in Glasgow visit www.seeglasgow.com