Lately, Edinburgh folk have been moving to Glasgow to live more cheaply – and found themselves surprised by the cultural riches on offer. It’s a similar experience for the visitor; your Scottish pounds will go further here than in the capital. The incredible range of free attractions includes Degas and Dali at the Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Gallery; industrial history at the Riverside Museum; and the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art. And while the food is more elevated (and healthier) than in decades past, the Glasgow ethos of high calorie-to-cost ratio endures. Not to mention the music scene; you can still catch intimate gigs by Mercury Prize-nominated artists for little more than a tenner.
Appropriately, there are plenty of budget accommodations, and most are in the centre of town, so you won’t compromise on location. Neither will you compromise on aesthetics. Far from being generic chains, Glasgow’s budget hotels are a showcase of the clever design the city is famous for, whether that’s in refurbishing a much-loved heritage building or making the most of a tiny space.
