Cheap holidays to Glasgow

The river Clyde flows through the heart of Glasgow. Although shipbuilding here only employs a fraction of the workers it did in the past, the city's maritime history is evident everywhere. You can't miss the massive 53-metre Finnieston Crane just west of the city centre, a lasting symbol of the 20th-century shipyards. Stroll through the Merchant City, and you'll be transported back to the 18th and 19th centuries, where trade through Glasgow's port was so busy it was known as the second city of the British Empire. Glasgow was also home to a thriving art scene, and the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh is strongly linked to the city and its buildings.

When you opt for a flight and hotel package in Glasgow, your trip will starts at the airport, 10 miles west of the city centre. Regular buses run from the airport to the city bus terminal along the motorway, and the journey takes just 15 minutes. Alternatively, jump into a taxi outside the terminal after your flight to Glasgow arrives. Whereas you won't need a passport when arriving from other parts of the UK, most airlines will require photographic ID. There are regular flights from London, and you can also fly to Glasgow from Manchester, Belfast and Birmingham.

While Scottish weather is notoriously fickle, you're most likely to get warm, sunny days between May and September. Long evenings in June and July means it doesn't get dark until after 10pm, and the city makes the most of the better weather with annual festivals in the Merchant City, and the Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green. Hogmanay is a party time of year all over Scotland, with festivities in Glasgow centring on George Square. September city breaks to Glasgow are also popular as this is the month of the Doors Open festival, which offers visitors the opportunity to see buildings that are usually closed.

City breaks in Glasgow have one main problem – squeezing everything in. History fans could start their package holidays to Glasgow with a morning in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to world-class art, examples of Mackintosh furniture and a popular natural history section. Close by is the Riverside Museum, dedicated to the city's history of transport. Outdoor types can spend their weekend break in Glasgow in the city's many parks. Pollok Country Park covers 146 hectares and combines both formal gardens and woodland. Shoppers are welcome as well – if your visit is all about retail therapy, Buchanan Street, referred to as 'the Style Mile', is where you can hunt down some fashion gems.

City breaks to Glasgow should probably start on the riverside. Take a stroll along the side of the Clyde from Pacific Quay to Glasgow Green, passing the iconic Finnieston Crane and old merchant mansions along the way. Also not to be missed is the famous Glasgow School of Art in Renfrew Street, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and a template for the Glasgow style of architecture. Glasgow University and Kelvingrove Park, in the city's west end, offer great views and lots of independent shops, restaurants and bars in the Byres Road area.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Glasgow.

Eating out in Glasgow

Package holidays in Glasgow will surely include excellent cuisine – the city has a vibrant and eclectic restaurant scene worth checking out. Head to Byres Road or Ashton Lane for top-end brasseries, curry houses and tapas bars catering to diners of all ages and budgets. The city centre is dominated by major chain restaurants (safe and reliable choices when eating with kids), as well as artisan burger restaurants, pubs and sandwich shops. The arrival of many Italian immigrants to Glasgow in the 20th century means that pizza, pasta and ice cream restaurants are well represented across the city. Many restaurants make the best of local seafood, beef and fish on their menus, and you're bound to find haggis – a visit to Scotland wouldn't be complete without it.

Glasgow souvenir shopping – what to buy?

Whereas something made of tartan is the obvious take home gift after a weekend in Glasgow, there are other options as well. Why not invest in some traditional Scottish handknit sweaters, or handmade silver jewellery, whisky or candles? With the Mackintosh style and his "Glasgow Rose" design so popular in the city and found on everything from mugs to tea towels, taking a memento of this city home with you is very easy.