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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.

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.

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WHEN choosing where to head for some winter sun, popular destinations that crop up include Thailand and the Maldives.

But what if I told you there was a cheaper alternative, where they love Brits, that is booming this year?

Sri Lanka has been named a trending destination for 2026, with demand soaring.

According to TravelSupermarket, searches for holidays to Sri Lanka are up 605 per cent (only behind Gozo, which saw a surge of 1,900 per cent).

According to Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket: “Sri Lanka has rocketed up as the UK became its second-largest visitor market, with improved connectivity making the destination far more accessible.”

Having welcomed nearly two million tourists last year, the UK is the biggest market in Europe – only beaten by Indian tourists.

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Direct flights from the UK take just under 11 hours, starting from £634 return with Sri Lankan Airlines.

And the current $50 (£37.81) 30-day visa is also set to be scrapped for Brits this year.

So with all that, what can you actually expect from the island?

Being under British rule for more than 100 years (1815 to 1948), you can expect to see a lot of UK influence.

Locals drive on the left side of the road, with a huge tea and cricket culture as well.

It certainly makes conversations easy with locals too, who always want to talk about the sport.

Sri Lanka was also named the most family-friendly island last year, as well as the world’s best island by Big 7 Travel.

Off the coast of India, the tiny island is the size of Ireland, so is manageable to explore.

It is also known for its world-famous beaches, with Goyambokka Beach often named one of the best in the word, as well as Mirissa Beach.

And the island is home to the huge population of Sri Lankan elephants, one of the largest in the world.

With around 6,000 roaming across the island, there are a number of ethical safaris you can go on, although the best are found in the southeast of the island.

During my visit, one of the standout highlights was a sunrise tour of Sigiriya, a 5th century fortress “in the sky,” built on a huge ancient rock.

With a 6am wake up and 1,200 steps, it is certainly a challenge, but worth it for the breath-taking views of the forest and mountain landscape.

When it comes to bucket-list hotels, there are also amazing ones to stay at too.

Jetwing Vil Uyana, named one of the best eco-hotels in the world, starts from £266 a night (with breakfast).

Or there is Cape Weligama, named one of the world’s best, which starts from £542 with breakfast.

The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor went on a Sri Lanka-Maldives combo holiday – here’s who to do it.

A city in the UK has seen a rise in demand for holidays – and it is surprisingly affordable.

Despite its nickname the ‘Granite City‘ Aberdeen is filled with pretty shopping streets as well as sandy beaches.

Booking.com revealed it to be the biggest hotspot for UK travellers in 2025 with an increased search of 36 per cent – and it will no doubt continue to be visited next year.

Union Street was once used to connect medieval streets to the Scottish countryside, but now it’s filled with shops and restaurants and is close to the train station.

One writer who visited Aberdeen recommends heading to Thistle Street for boutique and trinket shops.

And you must try a buttery for breakfast – which is a crispy, flat, flaky pastry, rich in salt, and one great spot to pick one up is Ross Bakery on Chapel Street.

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Other impressive spots nearby include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, art gallery, Duthie Park and St Machar’s Cathedral.

Despite it being a big city, Aberdeen actually has very impressive beaches too and they are just 20 minutes away from the city centre if you walk – and even quicker by car.

If you’re lucky enough, there’s a chance of spotting a Bottlenose dolphin which live off the coast in the north east of Scotland.

Aberdeen Beach could soon get a new attraction too with a ‘play factory’ for kids and an outdoor performance area.

As part of a multi-million pound project called the ‘Beach Masterplan’, Aberdeen Beach is set to introduce a huge play area for kids called The Rope Factory, with images showing climbing structures, swings and slides.

There will be interactive displays as well as activities and events taking place at the park.

For places to stay, check out UK’s best value hotel which you’ll also find in Aberdeen.

Earlier this year, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Scotland was crowned ‘the best ever we’ve ever stayed at’ by Which? thanks to its rock bottom prices.

The luxury Aberdeen hotel opened in 1993 and was given top praise, thanks to its value for money.

Which? sent in an undercover inspector to scope out the hotel, where they anonymously scouted out everything from cleanliness, to room quality, facilities, location, customer service and value for money.

The five-star hotel is found on the outskirts of Aberdeen and is a huge Victorian manor house.

Inside, the hotel has 40-rooms and suites, gym, an on-site spa and even a billiard room where guests can try their hand at snooker.

It has two restaurants, the Conservatory and the Drawing Room Bar and Lounge – both of which have over 300 wines and 100 whiskies.

Marcliffe impressed Which? with its “value”, “elegance” and “exceptional staff” as well as  “locally caught” food from langoustines to steak – the start from £25.

A stay in one of Marcliffe’s ‘classic’ rooms costs £180 per night.

For more on Scotland find out one man’s favourite of the 100 Scottish islands – and the ones that rival Skye.

Plus, Scotland’s most unmissable places according to a local – from lesser-known lochs to ‘magical’ islands.