Glasgow is an excellent base for exploring the west of Scotland. A former industrial giant and global shipbuilding center, the city is extremely well connected by the M8 and M74 highways, while a series of A-roads will lead you out to the Firth of Clyde and the coast.

Unusually for the UK, the center of Glasgow is built on a grid pattern much like the cities of North America, and several of its streets have one-way systems in place. Some areas are pedestrianized, and there are a number of residential 20mph zones in place including the area between Newton Street in the west and High Street and Saltmarket to the east. These zones are clearly marked by road signs along the way.

The major driving difference is that you’re on the left hand side of the road throughout the UK, and you overtake on the right. All speed limits are in miles per hour, with a maximum speed on highways of 70 mph. Distances on signs are also in miles.

As well as driving in the city, car rental in Glasgow gives you the chance to explore some of Scotland’s finest natural wonders including Loch Lomond, which is less than an hour’s drive away via the M8 and A82. Set in the surroundings of the Trossachs National Park, it’s a tranquil retreat and offers some spectacular scenery too.

Glasgow is also just over an hour’s drive across the M8 motorway to the Scottish capital Edinburgh, a city swimming in history and home to the world famous Edinburgh Festival. Take a walk up Arthur’s Seat or explore the ancient castle, before enjoying a well-earned meal at one of the city’s renowned restaurants.

Glasgow is one of Britain’s biggest cities and has amassed a reputation as a proud place with a rich cultural heritage and an impressive, intoxicating combination of Victorian and modern buildings. This former industrial giant, once an epicenter of the shipbuilding trade, has transformed itself into a city of entertainment and art, filled with shops, galleries, museums and much more. 

Gothic Glasgow and gorgeous galleries

Glasgow has a long, diverse history and one of the oldest buildings in the city is its cathedral, the High Kirk of Glasgow, which dates back to the 12^th century. Its Gothic architecture and impressive stained glass windows dominates the skyline and makes it one of the most eye-catching buildings in the city.

Entry is free, although you can make an optional donation. Another of Glasgow’s most celebrated buildings is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a beautiful red sandstone structure situated in the surroundings of Kelvingrove Park.

With artefacts ranging from a Salvador Dalí painting to antique armor and items from Ancient Egypt, there’s plenty to get your teeth into. The museum is the perfect way to while away an afternoon, especially since entry is free.

If you’re spending time in the city, it’s also worth keeping your eyes peeled for the designs of its most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His influence can be seen all around, including at the Glasgow Art Club, which is filled with fireplaces and fittings designed by the architect as a young man.

The Glasgow School of Art also showcases some of his works, which you can see when you attend one of the daily tours led by students.

The beautiful game

Glasgow is home to not one, but two world famous soccer clubs, fierce rivals Celtic and Rangers - no surprise in a city that’s intensely passionate about sport. In the East End you can take a tour of Celtic Park, where you can learn all about the history of the club and explore the changing room and tunnel.

To the west of the city is Ibrox stadium, home to Rangers, where you can also book a tour and visit areas including the dugout and trophy room. Glasgow is also home to the national soccer stadium Hampden Park, which boasts the Scottish Football Museum.

If you’re more of a golf fan, you’ll find a number of championship courses just a short drive out of the city including Mar Hall, Gleneagles, Royal Troon and Turnberry. Scotland’s love affair with golf has been a long and glorious one.

The great outdoors

If you fancy exploring the wonderful countryside of Scotland, you can drive just a few miles out of Glasgow to find a number of parks, lochs and wide open spaces. Seven Lochs Wetland Park, less than 10 miles away, is a peaceful and relaxing green space spanning the border between Glasgow and North Lanarkshire.

The seven lochs are home to a huge variety of wildlife and wetland birds, so you may see kingfishers, buzzards or even catch a glimpse of roe deer around Bishop Loch.

If you travel for less than an hour along the M8 and A82 you’ll find Loch Lomond. Adventure fans can have a go at watersports such as canoeing or water skiing, while there are also several golf courses, or you could simply take a stroll along the shoreline with views of the water and the surrounding Trossachs National Park.

Renting a car for your trip to Glasgow makes it possible to explore not only the city but all these attractions in the surrounding area, in a part of the world you’ll be desperate to return to.