WHILE Edinburgh is known worldwide, Scotland’s biggest city has often flown under the radar.
But Glasgow is ‘having a moment’, as the kids would say.
This week, the country’s urban hotspot has been named in the top 10 trending travel destinations in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026.
Glasgow has beaten the likes of Vienna and Abu Dhabi to take the seventh spot – and is one of only two UK mentions in the ranking (the other being Belfast at number 24).
And that’s no mean feat for our ‘no mean city’.
But while it might surprise the rest of the world, it doesn’t really surprise me – I’ve always known my hood is a hidden gem.
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The city of Glasgow is massive with much of the outskirts dedicated to residential pockets that have their own identities and thriving communities.
But the real action for visitors takes place in the city centre and the areas surrounding it.
It’s an over-used phrase, but there really is something for everyone.
The centre itself is ideal for those who want to shop ‘til they drop, grab a tasty brunch or frequent one of the many boozers.
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But there’s also culture, in the form of the Gallery of Modern Art or the many incredible graffiti murals dotted around.
There’s stunning architecture – all you need to do is look up on any street and you’ll see the sandstone marvels that make up much of the buildings.
And there’s history everywhere from a traditional tea house designed by world-renowned artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh to the ornate, Victorian St Mungo’s Cathedral.
Hop on the tube – or the Clockwork Orange as it’s affectionately known – and you can head over to the west end.
A word of warning, our subway is not like London’s.
It’s one wee loop with 15 stops and you can do a full circuit in about 25 minutes. Like Scotland itself, it’s petit but perfect.
Get off at Hillhead or Kelvinbridge and take in university land. Here visitors will find the imposing Kelvingrove museum and gallery.
Dating back to 1901, it’s a favourite with locals and tourists alike with 22 collections to get lost exploring, whether you’re a kid or an adult.
The botanic gardens is a stunning park slap-bang in the heart of the west end with the Kibble Palace glasshouse meaning you can enjoy the green space whether it’s dry or pouring down – and let’s be honest, it’s more likely to be the latter.
Because it’s the heart of student life, there’s also quirky shops and food from every corner of the globe on offer.
And while the west end is the established posh part of Glasgow, the south side is hot on its heels.
Here you’ll find another stunning green space, Queen’s Park, where an amphitheatre hosts bands and cinema screenings in the summer.
There’s brunch spots as far as the eye can see for daytime catch-ups while there’s cool cocktail bars for night owls.
Finally, there’s the east end, the next big thing in Glasgow.
It’s still up-and-coming but definitely worth exploring, with new restaurants and bars popping up all the time.
No matter which part of the city you visit, one thing is always the same – the warm welcome.
And it’s not just me saying that – Glasgow was named the UK’s friendliest city by Conde Nast Traveller in October last year.
Pull out a map to work out where you’re going and I guarantee within a couple of minutes, someone will ask if you need help.
Sit on the bus or the subway and someone will start chatting to you.
Pop into a cafe for a roll on square slice sausage with a non-Glasgow accent, and staff will ask where you’re from and what you’re up to.
Weegies love to gab (translation: people from Glasgow love to talk) – and it’s what everyone remembers when they visit.
And while I’m not encouraging visitors to leave the city, it’s a brilliant base to explore the rest of the country.
You’re 50-minutes from Edinburgh so you can take in its fancy castle and cobbled streets.
Or take the train for an hour to Balloch and you’re right on the banks of Loch Lomond.
It’s a very Scottish trait to be self-deprecating and do ourselves down.
But when it comes to Glasgow, I’m happy to buck the trend and extol its virtues ‘til the coos come hame.
Here are the top places to go if you’re booking a trip to Glasgow…
HERE’S Lynn Kernan, Scottish Sun Features Editor’s top spots for a trip to Glasgow:
WHERE TO STAY:
If money’s no object, the Blythswood Hotel in the city centre is my top pick.
It’s a stunning, grand hotel with a phenomenal seafood restaurant, plush rooms and the best spa in the country, in my opinion.
For something more quirky, try the Alamo Guest House in the west end.
Dating from the 1880s, the family-run B&B is warm and welcoming.
WHERE TO EAT
For a fancy and trendy meal, go to Margo in the city centre.
This small plates eatery is fast becoming a fave with foodies – Will Ferrell even ate there recently.
If you’re looking for cheap and cheerful, you cannot beat Shawarma King.
Winner of the best kebab house in Scotland four years running, there’s always a queue – and there’s no better sign of top scran than that.
WHERE TO DRINK
Whisky drinkers should pop into the Pot Still. It stocks more than 1,000 bottles.
You don’t have to be an expert either, just tell the knowledgeable bar staff how much you want to spend and the flavours you like, and they’ll sort you out.
If you’re more of a cocktail fan, try the Devil of Brooklyn.
There’s plenty of signature concoctions to try but they’re also versed in the classics.
Tripadvisor declared London as the best city in the world to visit – and here’s Sun Travel’s top things to do at every age.
And read more from on Travel Reporter who headed up to Scotland on the famous Caledonian Sleeper from London.