Glasgow, whose name means either "green hollow" or "dear family," is the largest of Scotland's cities. It lies along the River Clyde in Scotland's west central lowlands. Although inhabitants of Glasgow are officially called "Glaswegians," other Scots often refer to them as "Keelies" or "Weedgies." Glasgow has been an important center of transatlantic trade since the 18th century and is currently one of Europe's top twenty financial centers.



The City of Glasgow has its own coat of arms that was awarded to the city on October 25, 1866 by Lord Lyon. The elements of the crest symbolize aspects of the life of Kentigern, Glasgow's patron saint. If Saint Kentigern doesn't sound familiar to you, you may be more familiar with his nickname, Saint Mungo. The elements represent miracles Saint Mungo performed in his lifetime.

The city is divided into several districts. They are: 1) City Centre; 2) The West End; 3) The East End; 4) The South Side; and 5) North Glasgow.

The boundaries of City Centre are High Street to the east, the River Clyde to the South, and the M8 motorway to the west and north. City Centre is comprised of the retail and theater district, Merchant City, and the Financial District.

Within the retail and theater district are the shopping areas of Argyle, Sauchiehall, and Buchanan Streets. Also within City Centre are many of Glasgow's cultural sites. Among these cultural sites are The Theatre Royal, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Mitchell Library, and Cineworld, the world's tallest cinema.

Merchant City in City Centre holds many cafes and restaurants as well as sites like Old Tolbooth, Tron Theatre, and the Old Fruitmarket. It is also the area where Glasgow's Arts Quarter is located.

The Financial District of City Centre is officially known as the International Financial Services District, or IFSD. It's also been called "Wall Street on Clyde."

The West End is Glasgow's bohemian district and is home to numerous cafes, tea rooms, bars, boutiques, hotels, clubs, and restaurants. It also contains Kelvingrove Park, the University of Glasgow, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and BBC Scotland's Headquarters. It's also the area where Glasgow's biggest annual festival is held each June. The festival is called The West End Festival.

In the East End is the famous Glasgow Barrowland Market, commonly called "The Barras." It's a scenic area that still contains many of the areas original sandstone buildings. One of the must-see sites of the area is the Glasgow Necropolis Cemetery.

The South Side is the largest area and lies to the south of the river Clyde. In this area are important public buildings like Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Scotland Street School Museum and House for an Art Lover and The National Football Stadium Hampden Park in Mount Florida.

North Glasgow is a residential area of the city. It contains many of the city's poorest residential areas.

Regardless of the area for which they are interested, visitors to Glasgow will find numerous vacation accommodations to meet their needs, including both hotels and holiday apartments.

Examples of hotels in Glasgow, Scotland are:

Fraser Suites Glasgow: One look at this hotel and you'll swear you're staying in a castle. That's because it's located in a renovated 1850s Baronial building. There are 102 large rooms ranging from one or two bedroom apartments to deluxe suites. Includes fully equipped kitchenette in each apartment, cable television, DVD player, and Internet access.

Tulip Inn Glasgow: This hotel is in a brand new building and has 114 rooms. Each of them is equipped with wireless Internet access, satellite television, and a power shower.

Thistle Glasgow: This modern hotel is located in the heart of Glasgow near shopping, entertainment, and the Business Centre. It boasts large bedrooms and a choice of bars and restaurants.

Examples of holiday apartments in Glasgow, Scotland are:

Streets Ahead Self Catering: There are two apartments available in this complex. One of them, Icon Apartment, sleeps 4 to 6 people and the other, Belmont Apartment, sleeps 2 to 4 people. Icon Apartment is located next to the St. Enoch shopping centre and just a short walk from Central Station. Belmont Apartment is near Glasgow's Great Western Road and Byres Road, near great shopping, bars, and restaurants.

Glasgow House: This beautiful apartment is in a three story townhouse and sleeps 7 to 8 people in its four spacious bedrooms. It's decorated in a contemporary style with beautiful hardwood floors. The apartment is located in Glasgow's West End and is within minutes of the Botanic Gardens.

Beresford Apartment: This luxurious apartment is in a very impressively styled art-deco building. It sleeps two in one bedroom with a huge leather bed. It is located on the western end of Sauchiehall Street and includes a flat screen digital television, leather sofas, and a well-equipped kitchen.

You'll enjoy a visit to Glasgow regardless of which area of the city you choose to stay in. And, rest assured, there will be plenty of beautiful vacation accommodations to rest your head!