Amid Glasgow's streets, where Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s ‘Glasgow Style’ Art Nouveau buildings stand alongside sleek, modern architecture, you'll discover a city bursting with natural beauty, history, culture, and world cuisines.
There’s always something new and exciting to enjoy in this Dear Green Place, and, with CrossCountry, you can visit again and again. Catch a train to Glasgow and explore Scotland’s largest city today.
Train tickets to Glasgow
CrossCountry runs trains to Glasgow Central from Edinburgh Waverley every day of the week, stopping at Haymarket and Motherwell. We recommend booking an Advance Ticket before your journey so you can plan your adventure with no hassle. More of a last-minute traveller? Explore our ticket types to find what works for you.
If you’re eligible for a Railcard, you could save up to 1/3 on travel. With options like the Senior Railcard and the 16-25 Railcard, there are savings available for all kinds of passengers. Take advantage of your discount and explore everything Glasgow has to offer.
Experience Glasgow
Places to eat in Glasgow
Pay a visit to Glasgow and you’re guaranteed to eat well. For a hearty Scottish breakfast with Stornoway black pudding, potato scones, bacon, sausage, and the rest, head to Café Gandolfi. It’s a beloved eatery in an old cheese market that has been satisfying diners since 1979.
Prefer to start the day with a lighter option? There are myriad coffee shops in the city serving silky espressos and luxurious lattes. Particular favourites include Dear Green Coffee Roasters on East Campbell Street, with their ethically sourced high-grade coffee beans and Gordon St Coffee, with their tantalising taste blends.
There are many places to eat in Glasgow, from established favourites to exciting newcomers, that are doing some really special things with food. The Buttery is a beloved institution on Argyle Street that has been feeding hungry appetites since 1870. Savouring a bowl of Cullen skink, a Scotch beef fillet, or a veggie haggis while surrounded by the restaurant’s classy décor and tartan-accented chairs is definitely a bucket list experience. Alternatively, relax into a Mediterranean-inspired menu at friendly and easy-going Lobo. Their cocktails are innovative and delicious, and their food is so good you won’t want to share.
Places to stay in Glasgow
Looking to spend the night in Glasgow? There are lots of great options within walking distance from Glasgow Central. Voco Grand Central occupies an impressive building accented with ornate gables and turrets. In its time, the hotel has welcomed musical legends like The Beatles and titan political figures like Winston Churchill. Alternatively, catch a bus to the luxurious Hotel Du Vin in the West End. Its idyllic green setting is a short walk from the Botanic Gardens, and it promises a comfortable and elegant stay.
There are also plenty of budget-friendly places to stay in Glasgow, including B&Bs and backpacker hostels. To get the best of your first visit, book a stay in the West End for trendy cafes and bars, independent shopping, and a great nightlife, or the Merchant City for the best of the city’s beautiful architecture and tourist hotspots.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Culture and heritage in Glasgow
There’s so much of Glasgow’s past and present to uncover during a visit here, so make sure to make time to explore the heritage in Glasgow. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum can be found in the stunning Kelvingrove Park. Its collection of fine art and historical artefacts is over 120 years old, featuring Ancient Egyptian sarcophagi, a Spitfire from WW2, and Sir Roger the Elephant, who toured Scotland in the 1800s.
Additionally, Glasgow’s Riverside Museum explores transport and technology throughout the city’s history. One highlight is the expertly recreated street scene that hurtles you back to Glasgow of old, between 1890 and 1930.
The Old Fruitmarket is the go-to spot for live music, comedy, fashion shows, and club nights. It began as a wholesale fruit market in the Merchant City quarter and has since transformed into an exciting, modern space while preserving its old-school charm. For a real Glasgow gem, Barrowland Ballroom is one of Scotland’s most iconic concert venues, having been a hub for music and dance since 1934.
Glasgow is a true city of culture, embracing global influences and making cultural experiences accessible to all. Its mission is to be an inclusive, creative, and innovative destination where every story is celebrated and valued.
Shopping in Glasgow
People from all over Scotland flock to the city to enjoy shopping in Glasgow. Buchanan Street is the perfect destination for your favourite brands and high street stores. It’s completely pedestrianised and is steps from Buchanan Galleries, home to more than eighty shops, and Argyll Arcade. Argyll Arcade is worth a visit for its gorgeous Parisian detailing alone, but it’s also one of the best places to go for jewellery and watch shopping in the city.
At the weekend, there are a range of regular markets to explore. The Merchant Square market occurs every Saturday and offers the chance to browse crafts, fashion, homeware, and more. In the West End, the Barras Market has been a melting pot of bargains, antiques, creative crafts and more for over 100 years.
Glasgow is a great place to support small businesses too. Voltaire & Rousseau is well-loved for its chaotic mishmash of second-hand books, perfect for browsing all day. Monorail Music on King Street is heaven for vinyl enthusiasts, and Mr Ben Retro Clothing has been catering to all fashion tastes since the 90s.
