Maia Gifts Guide to Glasgow
The best part about visiting a new city is to explore its unique features! Luckily Glasgow has plenty of that. You will not want to leave!
To help you find Glasgow's architectural gems, beautiful nature and great places for food & drinks, we have put together some of the best spots in the city.
The official motto on the Arms of Glasgow is 'Let Glasgow Flourish' but we think the iconic phrase 'People make Glasgow' truly captures the city's identity and charm. In that spirit, here are Team Maia's favourite places & things to do in Glasgow (apart from our No.1: visiting our lovely shop!).
SITES TO SEE:
The Duke of Wellington Statue has become an iconic image of Glasgow. It stands in front of the Gallery of Modern Art and often features a traffic cone on the Dukes head (every time it gets removed a new one appears!). The placement of the cone has become a symbol of of the humour & resilience of the people of Glasgow. The act of 'vandalism' was described by Banksy as his 'favourite work of art in the UK'.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most popular free attractions. It is the home of 22 galleries that hold art from Salvador Dali to Glasgow's own 'The Glasgow Boys'. If you time your visit right, you can catch an organ recital from the impressive Kelvingrove organ. There is an urban myth in Glasgow that it was accidentally built back-to-front, so make sure you go around the whole building. Let us know if you think it's true or not!
Botanic Gardens This one is a favourite of all our nature loving team members. The Botanics provide so much to see. The Kibble Palace with its fern & carnivorous plant collections is so beautiful. You can also embark on a riverside walk down by the River Kelvin and enjoy the areas of woodland in addition to the tropical and sub-tropical plants in the main glasshouse.
The Burrell Collection Not only is this a stunning exhibition space it also situated in the beautiful Pollock Country Park in the South Side of Glasgow. Best of all you can visit the Highland Coos living in the park! The Burrell's eclectic collection (from Chines, to Islamic & Medieval art), the generous architecture and the calming surroundings are definitely worth a trip!
The Necropolis is especially popular with the hobby historians in our team. The city of the dead is such a unique cemetery, overlooking The Glasgow Cathedral & parts of Glasgow. It also has made several appearances in films (notably Matt Reeves' Batman). While you're there, visit the cathedral too, the magnificent building is the oldest cathedral on the mainland of Scotland & is closely linked to the history of the city.
House for an Art Lover This is a must for lovers of the architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The house was originally designed for a competition for an architectural design for a 'Haus eines Kunstfreundes' (Art Lover's House) in 1901, set by a German design magazine. Due to late entry and unfinished sketches it was disqualified but still managed to be awarded a prize for its quality. Between 1989 and 1996 the Art Nouveau house was built in the Bellahouston Park in the Southside of Glasgow, as closely as possible to the original design. It is an awe-inspiring site full of Charles Rennie Mackintosh' and his wife's, Margaret MacDonald stunning interior designs.
FOOD:
Food is generally a big topic here at Maia! We just love to try new things and find great places to share a meal with friends, have dinner with the family or a fun staff night out.
Maki & Ramen Our lovely upstairs neighbours! It is so convenient to have tasty food so close to our door. Whether it's for a staff dinner or take away orders for when we work late in the evening to make the shop look as good as possible, Maki & Ramen have provided us with plenty of Ramen, Sushi & amazing little side dishes time and time again!
Hanoi Bike Shop Another staff night favourite...we admit there may be a pattern in our food section! Hanoi Bike Club is bringing the spirit of Vietnam to the West End of Glasgow. Their bowls of pho (with traditional tofu, which they make in house everyday) is an absolute must-eat!
Stravaigin This cosy restaurant has such a relaxed atmosphere. The warm wooden panels & furniture as well as the bar/restaurant combo make it really lively and charming. Their range of Botanical Gins, the classic plate of Haggis, Neeps & Tatties and their delicious desserts (that you won't want to share), make it a great choice.
Shish Mahal It might come as a surprise to you that one of the UK's most popular dishes was invented right here in the West End of Glasgow. Chicken Tikka Masala was first created in Shish Mahal by it's owner in the 1970s. Still served to this day we can't recommend it enough.
The Willow Tea Rooms The perfect place to experience High Tea and marvel at the interior design of Glasgow's most famous architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Tea Rooms were established by Kate Cranston and her brother, the famous Glasgow entrepreneurs, around 1880. Kate Cranston was one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s biggest supporters.
DRINK:
Glasgow does not lack a spot for a good drink. You'll find we have bustling night life especially on Sauchiehall Street and in Merchant City. There are also plenty pubs if you want a nice place to sit and wet your whistle.
The Ben Nevis Bar is a great pub in the west end. Known for it's live traditional music and great atmosphere, it's a wonderful place to soak up some Scottish flair. It's also dog friendly so you might spot a cute pup.
The Pot Still It would be a crime for you to visit Scotland and not sample some of our famous Whisky. Boasting a range of over 100 different Malt Whiskies, The Pot Still is the place to try a tipple... or ten. Whether you like your Whisky smooth or smoky, the staff are skilled in finding the perfect match based on your preference and budget!
Ashton Lane This small lane in the heart of the West End has so much to offer! Bustling bars with live music, amazing food & a cinema, the Grosvenor Picture Theatre! The cobble stones, beautiful buildings and fairy lights give it a unique charm & atmosphere.
A Play, A Pint and A Pie If you are more of an early bird and rather get a good night's sleep than staying out till the wee hours, then 'A Play, A Pint and A Pie' at the Òran Mór might be the thing you're looking for. This lunchtime theatre offers a new play every week! As the name suggests, the ticket includes a Scotch pie (or a vegan sausage roll) & a drink.
We hope some of our favourite places in Glasgow will become yours as well and that you will find many more during your stay.
Don't forget to visit us while you're here!
With lots of love for you & our city, Team Maia xxx
