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This project was born from work, humility and experience in order to make people who visit Scotland feel part of its history and its legends.

If you would like an experience tailored to you, we offer personalized packages with a variety of options. You can choose the duration of the tour, focus on specific aspects of the city’s history, and explore the locations that are of interest to you.

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**Glasgow** is currently one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom and not many decades ago it was one of the most important cities of the Industrial Revolution, although today only remnants of that past remain.


Glasgow catedral.jpg

Glasgow

Guide tours and free tours in Glasgow

Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of the forefront figures in the history of Scottish architecture and design. Not only his work proved fundamental to the development of the renowned Glasgow Style, but it also influenced European artistic movements as important as Symbolism and Modernism, leading British Art Nouveau alongside his wife, Margaret MacDonald.

![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_1_37d07a3bc1.jpg)

## Biografía temprana

Son of Margaret MacIntosh (maiden name Rennie) and William MacIntosh, a local police superintendent, Charles Rennie Mackintosh **was born in Glasgow on June 7, 1868**, within an extensive family. His early education took place in public schools and institutions in the city. At some point during his youth, without knowing exactly why, **the spelling of his surname changed from MacIntosh to Mackintosh**.

**In 1884**, Charles **started working as an architect’s apprentice, and thus began his higher education at the Glasgow School of Art**, where he always stood out among his peers. Only six years later, he was already an associate of one the best architecture bureaus in the city, the same one where he had carried out his design and delineation internship.

His inspiration would always be rooted in Glasgow itself, as the city where he spent most of his life, and where he would become infused with Modernist and industrial ideas, as well as a new Asian style called Japonisme, since Japan held a close relation with the Clyde dockyards at the time. **Mackintosh loved the simplicity, pragmatism and use of natural materials** that such style boasted, being so **similar to Modernism** regarding its purity of lines and rejection of the pompous and the intricate.

![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 3.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_3_4514bdf8a3.jpg)

## Glasgow Style

**As a combination of Japonisme, Modernism, Art Nouveau, and the influence that his vibrant hometown always exerted on him**, Charles Rennie Mackintosh gave birth to a new, original form of architecture and design: **the Glasgow Style**. Marked by its strong, **right angles and a liking for floral motifs**, Mackintosh would stand by it throughout his entire career.

But **no genius works alone**, and Charles was fortunate enough to closely surround himself with other brilliant personalities from contemporary arts and architecture. **Such is the case of Herbert MacNair, a peer from the Glasgow School of Art** and his subsequent internships, and an **inseparable friend of Mackintosh’s**. Both were fatefully introduced by the art school **dean to the sisters Margaret and Frances Macdonald**, whose artistic styles were strikingly similar to theirs, therefore, not only **they got married**, but they also collaborated throughout their whole lives by means of a **well-known group called The Four**. 

![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 6 rosa.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_6_rosa_0edd8af83d.jpg)

## Main works by Mackintosh

Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s designs were highly popular in Scotland and, to a certain extent, also abroad in the early 1900s, at the height of his career.

Some of his main architectural works include:
- **the new Glasgow School of Art (1897-1909)**, which cemented his reputation internationally, and which sadly caught fire several times.
- **The Willow Tearooms (1903)**, an elegant tearoom that Mackintosh designed for the reputable entrepreneur Catherine Cranston. 
- The offices for the Glasgow Herald (1895), known nowadays as **The Lighthouse**.
- and **Hill House (1902-1904)**, which he erected for Scottish publisher Walter Blackie.

In almost all of his projects, **the creative mastermind in charge of the wondrous decoration would be his wife, Margaret MacDonald,** as both gave birth to designs as well-liked as the so-called “Mackintosh Rose”.  
    
    
![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 4 Hill House.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_4_Hill_House_6cf326ed46.jpg)

## Personal life of Charles Rennie Mackintosh

As mentioned before, Charles Rennie Mackintosh **married a brilliant artist called Margaret Macdonald in 1900**. **The Mackintosh couple** would be one of the greatest, **most successful art tandems of their generation**, as both influenced each other’s styles, and their projects became their legacy and offspring. Charles himself would claim that his wife’s work always comprised three quarters of his architectural projects, and that he only had a dash of talent, but Margaret was a genius.

Even though the works of Margaret MacDonald were at that time, alongside her sister Frances’, as famous as her husband’s, nowadays she has somewhat fallen into worldwide anonymity, and only Art Nouveau and Scottish painting connoisseurs know and appreciate paintings as wonderful as **The May Queen or White Rose and Red Rose**.

![Margaret MacDonald.jpg](/uploads/Margaret_Mac_Donald_ea8c6b0ba1.jpg)

## Legacy and recognition

The legacy of Mackintosh and his colleagues exerted a far-reaching influence on Europe’s contemporary, Modernist architecture, and it poses one of the most relevant examples of Scottish architecture and design in history. His fame would grow ever larger after his passing in 1928, and **it experienced a remarkable revival in the 1990**s.  

Indeed, between November 1996 and February 1997, the **New York Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted a monographic exhibition to him**, accompanied by a series of symposiums and conferences convened by Scottish scholars such as Pamela Robertson. 

**Mackintosh’s face has also appeared on Scottish £100 notes**, and it has also been **immortalized in a dazzling piece of urban art in Glasgow by graffiti artist Rogue One**. If you wish to discover this painting and more incredible urban art, as well as some jaw-dropping Mackintosh buildings in the city, join one of our [Glasgow free tours!](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow/glasgow-free-tour)

If you are also going to visit Edinburgh, you should know that a branch of **The Willow Tearooms inspired by Mackintosh's architecture and design has recently opened its doors**. Stop by to have something and then take a walk with our free tours through the capital of Scotland!
    
![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 2.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_2_87a292d691.jpg)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* Who was Charles Rennie Mackintosh and why is he important?

Mackintosh was one of the most remarkable architects and designers in Scottish history, and one of the leaders of British Art Nouveau.

* Which are some of Mackintosh’s most famous works?

His most renowned works include the Glasgow School of Art, The Willow Tearooms, The Lighthouse and Hill House.

* How did Mackintosh’s style influence modern design?

Mackintosh designs influenced artistic trends such as Modernism and Symbolism, infusing modern architecture with his elegant, straight lines.

* Did Mackintosh take part in any notable collaborations throughout his career?

During his career, Mackintosh always collaborated with his wife, Margaret MacDonald, and frequently, with his sister-in-law Frances and her husband, Herbert MacNair, in a group known as The Four. 

* Where can I see Mackintosh’s works in the present?

Some buildings designed by Mackintosh can currently be visited in Glasgow and its surroundings, such as The Lighthouse, The Willow Tearooms, Hill House or the posthumous House for an Art Lover. 



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Charles Rennie Mackintosh: The architect who revolutionised Art Nouveau



Glasgow Cathedral, also **known as St. Mungo’s Cathedral**, is one of the most unique and important monuments in Scotland. Not only is it the oldest building in the entire city, but it is also **the most ancient cathedral in mainland Scotland**, and the only one, alongside St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, in the Orkneys, **whose ceilings are originally Medieval**.
All of this makes Glasgow Cathedral **the most representative Gothic building** in Scotland, as well as one the most beautiful and interesting landmarks to visit in the entire country!

![Catedral de Glasgow 4.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_4_613729cf0b.jpg)

## History of Glasgow Cathedral

The history of Glasgow Cathedral dates back to **the first centuries of Christianity in Scotland**, when St. Mungo (also called St. Kentigern), patron and founder of the city, **carried the first sacred relics in the 500s**, building a hermitage and a church where he would be buried upon his passing, in the early 600s.

This early, modest foundation would **become an important pilgrimage site throughout the Middle Ages** and would give rise, in the 1100s, to the construction of Glasgow’s imposing cathedral right above St. Mungo’s burial place. Even though this **first cathedral was consecrated in 1136**, it had to be **rebuilt and consecrated once again in 1197**, after it was ravaged by a harrowing fire.

Glasgow Cathedral grew steadily throughout the following centuries under the oversight of different bishops, who also had to manage the restorations that the building occasionally required. One of them, William Turnbull, would also be the founder of the renowned Glasgow University in 1451, as its first lectures took place in the cathedral’s chapter house. 

**With the advent of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, Glasgow Cathedral was stripped of all its Catholic symbology**, as well as its sculptures, altars, and adjoining buildings. Luckily enough, **the main venue was adapted and remained operational for the new faith**, this being the reason why it has reached present day in an admirable state of preservation, since **the new Protestant ministers protected it against vandalism during the earlier years of the Reformation**, and also from falling into disrepair as time went by.

![Catedral de Glasgow 1.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_1_84014ed209.jpg)

## Monumental architecture

As we mentioned before, the **Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral** is among the most beautiful and complex in all landmarks of this kind in Scotland.

Most of the building dates from the 1100s and 1200s, displaying some remarkable Gothic features such as rows of pointed arches, slender tracery windows and three domed corridors surrounding the presbyterium and the choir. The 1400s would witness further additions as stunning as the stone-carved pulpit and the imposing Blackadder corridor (named after the bishop who commissioned it), and, during the 1500s, the installation of delicate Flemish stained glass in the rose window.

**Speaking of stained glass**, it is also worth mentioning that some of its unique pieces were placed in the cathedral windows as late as the 1950s, including some notable examples such as **The Creation** or **The Evangelists**, by Francis Spear, or another one by Sadie McLellan depicting **Christ**.

![Catedral de Glasgow 2.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_2_03680a3bd2.jpg)

## Religious and cultural relevance of St. Mungo’s Cathedral

The first genuine remnant of the construction of Glasgow Cathedral in **this site lies within the crypt of the Lower Church**, where St. Mungo’s grave, patron of the city and noteworthy missionary during the expansion of Christianity in 500s Scotland, can be found. It is a holy place for Christians which has drawn pilgrims since the Middle Ages, and it can still be visited today alongside the rest of the building.

Therefore, St. Mungo’s cathedral not only encompasses several centuries of city history and Scottish Gothic architecture, but also a feeling of belonging to the Christian community whose spiritual services, Catholic at first, and then Protestant, have been administered since its foundation.

![Catedral de Glasgow 6.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_6_34f1d15a7b.jpg)

## Visiting Glasgow Cathedral

**How to get there:**

- If you are spending a few days in Glasgow, you may visit its cathedral easily, since it can be reached in just a 15-minute stroll from the city center. 
- Should you be in Edinburgh, you just need to board one of the countless trains departing from Waverley Station, joining both cities in just under an hour.

You can even take this chance to get to know the rest of elegant, history-rich Glasgow with one of our [free tours] (https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow/glasgow-free-tour)! 

**Schedule:**
Glasgow Cathedral is **open from 09:30 to 17:30** (on Sundays it opens at 13:00) from April to September, **and from 10:00 to 16:00** (starting at 13:00 on Sundays) between October and March. You might find that the monument **is closed from 12:00 to 13:00 due to staff breaks**.

**Price:**

Admission to the Cathedral **is completely free of charge**, although donations are welcome. Audio-guides are available for just £2.

Find further information here, at [the official website](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/glasgow-cathedral/overview/)

## Fun facts about St. Mungo’s Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is home to many secrets and fun facts which are worth mentioning.

1. Even though it is a Christian place of worship, violence was rampant in the Middle Ages and there were different moral standards; owing to this, **the head of Somerled**, Lord of the Isles, half Norse and half Gaelic, who perished in the Battle of Renfrew (1164) attempting to invade Scotland, **was kept for a long time within the cathedral as an offering to St. Mungo**, to whom the citizens ascribed their victory. 
2. The Wars of Scottish Independence also brought about some curious facts, such as **Edward I of England visiting the Cathedral in 1301 to pay his respects to St. Mungo**, or also **Robert the Bruce in 1306, seeking the protection of the Bishop of Glasgow**, his friend Robert Wishart, after he murdered John Comyn, who contested his claim to the throne of Scotland.
3. Leaving trivia aside, Glasgow Cathedral might also strike visitors as familiar due to its plentiful appearances in cinema, since it was used as a filming location for movies such as **The Batman** (2022) or **Outlaw King** (2018), as well as series as popular as **Outlander**.

![Catedral de Glasgow 3.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_3_c40b33f9c1.jpg)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

- **Is Glasgow Cathedral an actual cathedral?**
_Even though it has not served as the seat of a bishop since 1690, it is still referred to as a cathedral due to its historical and architectural importance._

- **What makes Glasgow Cathedral unique compared to other Scottish cathedrals?**
_It is the only Medieval cathedral in mainland Scotland to survive Scottish Reformation almost unscathed, which makes it a living testament of the country’s history._

- **Which are its most remarkable architectural features?**
_The cathedral is renowned for its spire, an addition from the 1800s, as well as its stained glass and the fact that it has been a coveted filming location for several Hollywood films._

- **When is the best time to visit Glasgow Cathedral?**
_The Cathedral is open to the public all year round, with specific opening times from April to September, and October to March._

- **Is there an admission fee?**
_Admission to the cathedral is free of charge, which makes it accessible to all visitors._


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Glasgow Cathedral: Everything you should know, and then a bit more

We will introduce you to the history of this medieval city, which is more than 3000 years old. We will walk through its most picturesque streets, such as the Royal Mile, Chambers Street or Victoria Street. Learn about the alleys where people lived in the 17th century. We will tell you how they died during the Black Death and about the beaked doctors who tried to cure them. Exciting stories await you!


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Edinburgh

Best Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Walking Tours

Valentine’s Day is marked **every February 14**, an originally **Catholic festivity** that commemorates the good deeds performed by this saint in 3rd-century Rome, thus replacing pagan Lupercalia. Even though many of the legends and traditions surrounding Saint Valentine, as well as his relation with romantic love, were created much later, it’s still a thoroughly charming date for couples wishing to indulge in a romantic getaway.  
**Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh is ideal to celebrate this date!**

## Why Edinburgh for Valentine’s?

To celebrate **Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh is one of the most romantic ideas** you can surprise your partner with for a variety of reasons: the Old Town’s ancient and mysterious vibe, the picture-perfect wintry light in the city, the abounding restaurants and charming pubs in the centre and **the ideal cultural activities for couples**, among many other things.
**Few romantic plans in Edinburgh** beat a wintry walk through the Royal Mile, Grassmarket Square or the Water of Leith, finishing with a pint in a warm, cosy pub and a **candlelit dinner** in a New Town restaurant.

## Romantic accommodation in Edinburgh

Edinburgh features plenty of **ideal romantic lodges for a Valentine’s getaway**. Some of the best ones include the following:

### The Witchery by the Castle  -> [Book now](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-witchery-by-the-castle.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

If money is not a problem, this gothic and luxurious hotel placed in the Royal Mile, right beside the castle, is your best chance. There are only nine suites, so book in advance!

[![The-Witchery-by-the-Castle-habitacion.jpg](/uploads/The_Witchery_by_the_Castle_habitacion_e66d3371e4.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-witchery-by-the-castle.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)


### The Balmoral Hotel -> [Book Here](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-balmoral-edinburgh.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

An all-time classic of romantic lodging in Edinburgh, you can’t go wrong with this!

[![Balmoral.jpg](/uploads/Balmoral_e48844fdea.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-balmoral-edinburgh.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

### Prestonfield House  -> [See more](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/prestonfield-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

Placed beside Arthur’s Seat, this 1600s hotel has the most amazingly romantic and dazzling atmosphere in this selection. Peacocks, dreamy views, and candlelit dinners, what else could you wish for?

[![Prestonfield-House.jpg](/uploads/Prestonfield_House_da94e16d46.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/prestonfield-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)


## Foodie experiences for lovers

Although you can enjoy the best romantic supper in Edinburgh in any of the previously mentioned lodges and their corresponding restaurants, here are a few alternative options to **surprise your partner for Valentine’s** with a **brilliant foodie experience**:

- **The Kitchin**: this excellent, **Michelin-star restaurant** only uses exclusive local products and features several menu choices depending on your budget. It is considered as **one of the five best restaurants across the United Kingdom**!

![the-kitchin.jpg](/uploads/the_kitchin_d1f9596e58.jpg)

- **Fishers in the City**: this is **one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Edinburgh**, and for good reason. You can pick between their venues in the New Town, Leith or even The Shore, their avantgarde cuisine eatery. It’s a safe choice!

![fisher-in-the-city.jpg](/uploads/fisher_in_the_city_228b0a7151.jpg)

- **Origano Café & Pizzeria**: should you prefer a less costly experience with a humble and intimate charm, there’s no going wrong with this pizzeria in Leith. Candlelit pizza and wine, the best romantic supper!

![Origano-cafe-and-pizza.jpg](/uploads/Origano_cafe_and_pizza_402718e888.jpg)

## Romantic walks through Edinburgh

One of the** best romantic plans to do in Edinburgh** for Valentine’s is to **stroll some of its historic streets and avenues, or also its parks and green areas.**

If you are a history and architecture buff, nothing beats a lengthy walk through the best of the Old Town, Medieval Edinburgh’s beating heart: take your partner on a trip across its streets, discover its closes, take a break in its cute cafés, buy some gifts in its shops, or visit the castle. **Watching the sun set upon the old town** from the window of a quaint, traditional pub is an ideal way to wrap up your day.

![edimburgo-4.jpg](/uploads/edimburgo_4_4410dccf10.jpg)

The same applies to the elegant **New Town**, where you can **stroll Princes St. and its jaw-dropping gardens**, or walk down to adorable **Dean Village**, a village frozen in time in the midst of the city, from which you can enter the lovely waterway of Water of Leith. A dusk at the monumental **Calton Hill is the perfect finishing touch to your Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh**!

![calton-hill-san-valentin-scotland.jpg](/uploads/calton_hill_san_valentin_scotland_51343f2dcc.jpg)

If it’s your first time in the city, there’s nothing better than joining a [free tour to explore both areas and master all of their secrets](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour). 

## Cultural activities for couples

As for couple experiences in Edinburgh, one of the best cultural choices is to **visit some museums or art galleries**. Most of them have **free admission**, and there’s plenty of them catering for all tastes. Don’t leave them as a last-ditch option for a rainy day, you will love perusing them!

**You mustn’t miss a visit to the National Museum of Scotland**, which deserves a whole day on its own just to wander its premises, packed with natural and historical trivia. If your partner is an art buff, you have got to take them to emblematic landmarks such as the National Gallery or the Portrait Museum.

Finally, it is paramount to book your tickets to some of the **Candlelights Concerts** taking place at **St. Giles’ or St. Mary’s cathedrals**. I can’t think of anything more romantic to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh! **On February 14, two of these concerts will be held: **Moonlight Sonata, featuring classical music at St. Giles’, and a Tribute to Queen for rockers at St. Mary’s. **

![candlelight-edinburgh-concert.jpg](/uploads/candlelight_edinburgh_concert_b1a6362234.jpg)

## Romantic getaways near Edinburgh

If you have a couple of extra days, you may wish to complete your Edinburgh Valentine’s with a memorable getaway around its surroundings. We suggest you choose a nearby place in order to fully enjoy your experience without transport being a problem.

You can pick destinations as incredible as **Stirling**, teeming with history and charm throughout its **beautiful castle and old town**. Or [Glasgow](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow), featuring **refined museum** and **elegant architecture**. **Dunfermline**, with its mind-blowing abbey and church, and **the romantic Pittencrieff Park**. Or also **South Queensferry**, a lovely seafaring town **with a view on the Forth Bridge**. 

You can reach any of these places on your own, by train or, should you pick Stirling or Glasgow, also with our [walking tours](https://scotlandcitytours.com/)! 

## Tips to prepare your perfect Valentine’s in Edinburgh


My first tip to plan a proper Valentine’s in Edinburgh is to **book** your flight, accommodation, restaurants, tours, and activities **as early as possible**. Even though February is off-season, this city, with its lovely wintry atmosphere, is perfect for a romantic trip and you will find a laidback feeling, but it is not off the beaten path.
So, wait no longer, **pick a beautiful lodging, a couple of nice restaurants, and some tours, walks and concerts, and give your partner the surprise of their lifetime with a magical Valentine’s in Edinburgh! **



calton-hill-san-valentin-scotland.jpg

Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh: a guide to an unforgettable romantic celebration

# Introduction to the Christmas markets of Europe
The European Christmas market, as a modern phenomenon, is a long and historical tradition, with its origin being found during **The Middle Ages** in The Holy Roman Empire (more specifically in what is today’s Austria and Germany). 
During the 13th and 14th centuries, **the Holy Roman Emperor** would give his permission to various cities, such as Vienna and Munich, to hold **special markets at the start of winter** with the aim of stocking up on products for the rest of the season. Bit by bit, these markets became more sophisticated, more complicated, and it was **the market of Dresden in 1434** that would become the first market that we could consider as a **mirror of the Christmas markets** that we see dotted around Europe today. 

Nowadays, these markets are usually held **from the end of November until the end of December** and are the perfect places to wrap up warm on a cold winter’s day, whilst losing oneself amongst the various stalls that sell all sorts. **Whether that be eating something sweet or drinking a nice mulled wine or warm cide**r. Perhaps you’re there to do a bit of shopping where there are no shortage of artisanal products and Christmas themed presents. You might be there for the fun and games, so why not have a go on the attractions, or perhaps you’re there for the biggest attraction of them all; the man in the big red suit himself, Santa.

![mercado de Navidad de Manchester.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Manchester_adcea3018d.jpg)

## Selection of the best Christmas Markets throughout Europe.

Each and every year, **there are thousands of these Christmas markets** being held the world over. However, if you want to know which are the best in Europe, here is a list of those that you simply cannot afford to miss, with particular attention being paid to those in the UK. 

Some of the best Christmas markets in the UK are found in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and York. However, it must be said that amongst these, without a shadow of a doubt, the Edinburgh Christmas market is the most charming and one of the most extensive and visited that there is. For this reason, the Edinburgh Christmas market is widely recognized as one of the best and usually takes top spot in the annual lists of best Christmas markets, not just in the UK, but throughout Europe as well. As if that wasn’t enough, the Scottish capital also comes to life with Christmas spirit and endless entertainment with many magical events, one such being the special illumination spectacular of Edinburgh Castle.

Throughout the continent, there is still plenty to see such as the amazing markets of Budapest, Cologne, Salzburg, Essen and, of course, those of Viena and Munich which as previously mentioned, are bound in history and tradition. It would be remiss of us to not mention those of the capitals of the Baltic countries, such as that of Riga, which even though generally smaller in size, their iconic snowy urban landscapes more than make up for it.
![mercado de Navidad de Budapest.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Budapest_be1b7054f3.jpg)

## Christmas Markets 2023: New Attractions and Events
The European Christmas markets of 2023 are full of new and exciting attractions that you don’t want to miss, such as the **Christmas carol concert in Salzburg**, the **Christmas tree with** more than **2000 LED lights that will light up Vienna**, or the impressive **Christmas parade in Manchester** that will take place on the 3rd of December.

**The Scottish Christmas markets** aren’t exempt from the list of places with captivating and original activities, such as the **Santa race and the dog show “Santa Paws”** that will take place on the 9th of December in Edinburgh. These aren’t the only attractions in Edinburgh where you can also take in a spectacular view of the city from the ferris-wheel, ride the daring Starflyer with its flying seats, have a go on the ice-rink, try some traditional food and drink and of course, the previously mentioned **light show spectacular of Edinburgh Castle.**
![mercado de Navidad de Colonia.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Colonia_fd1569b33c.jpg)
This winter, to top off your visit to Edinburgh and this enchanting Christmas market, why not take part in a wonderfully special Christmas walking tour of Edinburgh, a city which dresses itself up to the nines during this magical time of year.

## Guide to taking advantage of the Christmas Market on your trip to Edinburgh.
Visiting Christmas markets throughout Europe in December is an ideal activity for a short city break, whether it be just a couple of days, or a cheeky 5-day weekend. In such a short space of time, it’s not unreasonable to think you could discover a number of exciting different cites such as Viena, Budapest, York, Glasgow or Edinburgh. 
If the latter is what tickles your fancy, and a visit to the Christmas markets of the UK is on the cards, a enticing proposal could be as follows: Why not spend three days in Edinburgh getting to know everything that the city has to offer through its walking tours, and then just a short train ride away you have Glasgow, where you could spend a fourth, and perhaps fifth, day becoming acquainted with its own market, its monuments and its elegant architecture.


## Economical Options: Low-cost European Christmas Markets
For the traveller in search of a more budget friendly Christmas market, a great option could be the markets of the Baltic countries, amongst which stand out the **Christmas market of Riga,** or those of Eastern Europe such as **Budapest or Gdansk**. 
With this being said, any other European destination could become a relatively economic option if the right choices are made.
If your goal is to visit the Christmas markets in places like Germany, Austria, England or Scotland, don’t deprive yourself of the opportunity, plan well and opt for cheaper accommodation options, such as hostels. Or else stay for fewer days but take full advantage of them by organising yourself well.
![mercado de Navidad de Viena.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Viena_c4f3f7616b.jpg)

## Conclusion: Preparations for an Unforgettable Christmas Experience.

The best piece of advice that I could give you for an unforgettable Christmas experience, is to let yourself be guided by the destination that excites you the most and then adapt your trip and your budget to that destination. **Christmas is there to make dreams come true!**

In terms of everything else, try to book your flights and accommodation as soon as possible, or if you’re a little late to the party, have a good look at the last-minute deals on offer from the airlines and have at it. 
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, make sure you book early whatever special Christmas events you want to go to, and **take advantage of the city’s walking tours** to really get to know the city you’re visiting. After all, you chose that city for a reason!

Last, but certainly not least, enjoy to the fullest your trip to **the best European Christmas markets of 2023!**


mercado de Navidad de Viena.jpg

The European Christmas Markets that you cannot afford to miss

This great metropolis is a city where one day is just not enough hours to see everything it has, since the distances are relatively large. Two days would be better to get a snapshot of the city. I would also like to point out that it is nothing like its neighbour and rival city, [Edinburgh](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-do-and-see-in-edinburgh). That's like saying that all beers from the same country are the same; all refresh you, yes, but the difference is in the flavour, just as it is with these two cities. And in this case, Glasgow might be thought of as the ugly duckling of the two, but I assure you that it has plenty of beauty.

People from **Glasgow** are known as **Glaswegians**, and their accent can be somewhat challenging to understand. Legend has it that there are times when they don't even understand each other! So I hope to make your life a little easier, and here you will find everything you need to get to know **Glasgow**.


## 1. [Glasgow Cathedral](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/glasgow-cathedral/)

Construction of this **cathedral** began in 1136, and today it’s currently the only intact cathedral in all of Scotland. It has a **13th-century crypt**, where you'll find the tomb of **Saint Mungo**, Glasgow's patron saint. It’s a 15-minute walk from Queen Street train station, and admission to both the cathedral and the crypt is free.

![Glasgow catedral.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_catedral_5341559e28.jpg)
_<center>Glasgow Cathedral</center>_

## 2. Necropolis

This **Victorian cemetery** is situated on a hill just behind the cathedral and has spectacular views of the city. It is estimated that 50,000 people are buried there, even though there are only about 3,500 monuments or graves. **The Glasgow Chamber** of Merchants began formally planning the cemetery in 1831 but didn’t officially open it until April 1833.

![Glasgow necropolis.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_necropolis_85192f6e94.jpg)
_<center>Necrópolis</center>_

## 3. [The Clydeside Distillery](https://www.theclydeside.com/)

The distillery opened its doors in 2017, located on the banks of the **River Clyde**. The distillery is very original in its design; some of its facades are made of glass, allowing you to see part of its interior from the same street. You can take a tour that lasts approximately [1 hour and costs £15.](https://www.theclydeside.com/book-a-tour/)


## 4. Glasgow University

The university is a bit further away from the city centre, but you can easily reach it on the subway (the stop is Hillhead). It’s a beautiful building to visit and is one of my personal favourites in **Glasgow**. Founded in 1451, it’s one of the oldest universities in Scotland. It’s world-renowned and follows the Bologna model, being of **great European tradition**. There are almost 16,000 undergraduate students and 4,000 postgraduate students. It has ten faculties: Arts, Biomedical and Life Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physical Sciences, Medicine, Social Sciences, Engineering, Law and Financial Studies, Veterinary Medicine and Education. Its many illustrious former students include **Adam Smith** and Nobel Laureate **John Boyd Orr** (Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1949).

![Glasgow universidad.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_universidad_faa85bb672.jpg)
_<center>Glasgow university. Picture "[Scotland In My Pocket](https://www.instagram.com/scotland_in_my_pocket/?hl=en)"</center>_

## 5. [Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum)

This museum is just a short walk away from the university. Opened in 1901, it comprises 22 galleries where you will find everything from furniture exhibitions by the famous **Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh**, to an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, through works by influential artists, including **Botticelli and Rembrand**t, and even extraordinary medieval armour. Admission is free.

![Glasgow kelvingrove.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_kelvingrove_dbcfa3c465.jpg)
_<center>Kelvingrove Museum</center>_ 

## 6. [Riverside Museum](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/riverside-museum)

The European Museum Forum (dedicated to developing the quality of museums) considers **this transport museum one of the best in Europe**. Inaugurated in 2011, it now has more than 3,000 objects inside. Not only is the exhibition of cars, locomotives, trams, motorcycles and much more worth visiting, but also the building itself is stunning. **Admission is free**.
 
![Glasgow Museo.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Museo_d5d9c3e79e.jpg)
_<center>Riverside Museum</center>_
 
## 7. [People's Palace and the Winter Gardens](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/peoples-palace)

Inside this 18th-century palace, now converted into a museum, you can **discover the history of Glaswegian life**. It’s filled with photographs, objects, paintings and a film about how people used to live in **Glasgow**. At the rear of the museum is a large, beautiful Victorian conservatory.

The palace is in **Glasgow Green** in the east of the city, Glasgow’s oldest park, dating back to the 15th century. Here you can find monuments built from then up until the present. Access to both the park and the palace is free. 

![Glasgow Palacio cristal.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Palacio_cristal_91bea1db94.jpg)
_<center>People's Palace</center>_

## 8. [Botanical Garden](https://glasgowbotanicgardens.co.uk/)

A little over 200 years old, taking a walk through this garden in spring or summer can be very pleasant while the flowers are in bloom. Although in autumn, with the leaves changing colour and falling, it can also be stunning. It has several greenhouses, but the main one is the 2,137 m² Kibble Glass palace, housing plants and trees from around the world.

|Edinburgh Walking Tours |
|---|
| Book your [Edinburgh Free Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) |
| Book your [Edinburgh Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| BEST TOUR [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book your [Outlander and Jacobites Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|
 

## 9. [Museum of Modern Art](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/gallery-of-modern-art-goma)

Located in the heart of **Glasgow**, the museum opened in 1996, although the building dates from 1778 and is neoclassical in style. Before becoming a museum, it was the **Bank of Scotland** or **Chamber of Commerce**.
 
Among its exhibitions, you will find works by David Hockney, Andy Warhol, John Bellany, Ken Currie and Sebastião Salgado.
 
In front of the museum, you can see a statue of the **Duke of Wellington** and, most likely, he will have a construction cone on his head. This is no accident, as he’s been wearing it for about 30 years, and it has become a local tradition. The cone is perennial, as no one ever removes it. Sometimes he even has several cones, one inside the other! There is no clear theory about the reason for this particular tradition, but it has spread throughout **Scotland**, and it’s no longer just Wellington crowned with a cone. You may also find statues wearing cones in Edinburgh; luckily, they are usually removed quickly there! My theory is that this is a national sport for drunks because they usually always appear on the weekends; what a coincidence!

![glasgow arte morderno.jpg](/uploads/glasgow_arte_morderno_3e1cdb9e2f.jpg)
 
 
## 10. [The Barras](http://www.theglasgowbarras.com/)

 
If you spend more than one day in **Glasgow** and it happens to be a weekend, I recommend visiting this peculiar place. It's a **Glaswegian** favourite, a time-honoured flea market, here since the 1920s and located in Glasgow's East End. You can find all sorts of second-hand items here: antiques, handicrafts, vinyl and much more!
 
 
## 11. George Square

**The main square of Glasgow** is very close to **Queen Street** train station and **Buchanan Street**. It was built in the 18th century as part of the city’s grid layout, with the roads forming right-angled blocks, typical of the **Scottish Enlightenment**. In the square, you will find the town hall, a beautiful Victorian-style building, where they offer [guided tours](https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/19136/City-Chambers-Tours) from Monday to Friday at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.
 
You will also find a magnificent selection of statues of the Scots who helped improve humanity during the **Scottish Enlightenment** in the square.
 
 ![Glasgow Council.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Council_b8fde256e3.jpg)
_<center>George Square</center>_
 
## 12. Buchanan Street

If you like going shopping while you are on holiday, this is considered one of the best shopping streets in the country!
 
![Buchanan Street Glasgow.jpg](/uploads/Buchanan_Street_Glasgow_565b5750d2.jpg)

## 13. [The Willow Tea Rooms](https://www.willowtearooms.co.uk/)

After an exhausting day of sightseeing and shopping, there’s nothing better than having afternoon tea in this famous tea room. The decor is spectacular, designed by **Mackintosh**, and all the teas, sweets and sandwiches are delicious.
 
 
## 14. Ashton Lane

This cobbled street, located in the heart of the West End, is one of **Glasgow’s jewels of entertainment**. Since it’s not in the city centre, it’s not overcrowded with tourists. The area is full of life, with restaurants, bars and the occasional small shop. People have even compared it to the **Temple Bar** area of ​​Dublin, the Irish capital.
 
![glasgow Ashton Lane.jpg](/uploads/glasgow_Ashton_Lane_33c91dcae4.jpg)
_Ashton Lane. Picture "[Scotland in My Pocket](https://www.instagram.com/scotland_in_my_pocket/?hl=en)"_ 
 
## 15. [Murals (Street Art)](https://www.citycentremuraltrail.co.uk/)
(insert website)

**Glasgow's murals or graffiti** are world-famous and result from a 2008 project created to rejuvenate streets and revitalise empty buildings and sites. They enrich the city and give it a more modern look. Currently, there are **30 murals scattered around the city**, each one beautiful. Although it is somewhat difficult to see all of them, I recommend that you visit at least some of the ones in the city centre.
 
![Glasgow Mural.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Mural_a97c884615.jpg) 
 
**Glasgow is a beautiful city**, although it may not seem so at first glance. It has a vibrant atmosphere and hundreds of things to do, including nightlife like few other cities in the United Kingdom. This is a place to spend at least two days since most people probably don’t know much about it!
 
Another good option to explore the city is to take the tourist bus that leaves from George Square.
 
I hope this article gives you some ideas for how to spend your time in Glasgow, and please leave your comments or questions below!
