The Art Nouveau influence of Charles Rennie Macintosh marks Glasgow with a unique, elegant style. Imposing sandstone tenements and formal gardens surround the lively, art-rich centre. Glasgow is also a shopper's paradise, not just for the traditional tartans and shortbread of the tourist trade, but across the spectrum from original art to high fashion.

The city is easy to navigate. Built on a grid system, it has a business district, known as Merchant City, based around George Square. The university lies to the north west, while the main shopping and leisure streets are centrally located in Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street. South of the river lies the eclectic Burrell Collection, housed in a purpose-built museum within the Pollok Country Park.

If you are looking to spend some time outside of the city, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit. Climb Ben Lomond, on the edge of Loch Lomond for an awe-inspiring view, or take a ferry over to the Isle of Arran to visit the beautiful Broddick Castle, walk the West Highland Way out of the city and along to Fort William, passing some of Scotland's finest scenery en route, or take a sedate trip along the River Clyde, which cleaves the city in two, in a paddlesteamer heading for the Isle of Bute.

Glasgow's principal airport is just outside the city and a second airport, Prestwick, is 30 miles away, which means transfer times to central Glasgow are minimal.