This is what New York must have looked like in the industrial age. That is the first thought that comes to mind as we walk down from the bus station towards George Place. If you close your eyes for a moment and imagine steam and smoke pouring out of chimneys and old cars rumbling along, you feel transported back to old New York.
The reason is simple: Old New York was home to many people who had immigrated from Glasgow. Before, some friends told us that they didn't find Glasgow as beautiful as Edinburgh. However, I have to say that Glasgow grabbed me more. The old houses in Glasgow and the narrow streets are inspiring. Every little alley and the many old buildings have their charm.
Add to that the unique street art in Glasgow. In the historic old town, however, there are also ugly buildings from the 1960s that spoil the cityscape. Of course, not everything in a city is beautiful. We also noticed the many gloomy figures in many an alley.
But that is the case in many larger cities. The many homeless people in Glasgow are also part of the normal street scene (actually, no one should have to live on the street).
Glasgow Streetlife. The scene reminds us a lot of New York 
Narrow streets like this give the city flair 1 George Square
On our visit to Glasgow, George Square - our first port of call - presented a very special side. The Christmas market was set up in the large square. Colourful stalls offering food or mulled wine and alcohol and many rides enlivened the central spot. In the evening, it was almost impossible to drive around it.
George Square was named after King George the Third. There are several monuments on it. Placed around the square are various statues of famous Scottish men. Thomas Graham, for example, a famous chemist and many more. There is also a white war memorial commemorating those who took part in the war.
During our stay, it was decorated with wreaths and crosses. By the way, at the end of George Place is the town hall. It is also a very impressive building, lined by two lions. The former post office was also located there. You can see. George Square is the central square in Glasgow. If it used to be a place for gatherings, it still is. Because there was really a lot going on in the hustle and bustle.
But why is there no statue of King George in George Square? Well, it's because George lost the Scottish colonies in the USA. Not only did he risk fame and honour in his home town of Glasgow, but he also lost a lot of money.
So he was ostracised, so to speak, by not having a monument erected to him. But at least Glasgow's most central square bears his name.
The Christmas market on George Square is definitely one of the top sights during the cold season. Museum of Modern Art
The general rule in Glasgow is that admission to all museums is free. After all, art should be accessible to all. That alone made us excited. Unfortunately, we only made it to three museums on our speed sightseeing tour. However, we really recommend them to you.
The Museum of Modern Art offers insight into modern art on various galleries and floors. It is located in the centre of the city and cannot be missed. The building is insanely impressive. From Andy Warhole to other artists, you can see really exciting works here.
What we liked most were advertising prints, modern photography as well as cynical text compositions that were especially projected. So definitely worth seeing. There is also a nice café in the museum.
The Museum of Modern Art is not only impressive from the outside, but is also worth a visit. 
There are always great exhibitions to see at the Museum of Modern Art. And best of all: admission is free Recommended travel guides for Glasgow
I love to read up on a new country in advance and explore it with a travel guide. Here are some great reads for you that are definitely worth checking out.
3 The Lighthouse
The name The Lighthouse(website) alone made us so curious that we had to pay a visit to the museum. This is not really a museum, but rather a creative composition of exciting exhibitions.
Already in front of the entrance, large illuminated letterings point to The Lighthouse, the famous designer Macintosh and other parts of the exhibition. These are placed between the narrow alleys and guide visitors directly to the entrance.
To mark Macintosh's 150th birthday in 2018, The Lighthouse is also dedicating an exhibition to the famous creative. Our path led us through the Macintosh area directly to the real lighthouse. Via a narrow spiral staircase - typical for lighthouses - the visitor reaches a platform.
From here you have a fantastic view of the whole city. Photographed from below, the staircase looks like a snail. From the top, you have a clear view of the great city with its winding streets, the old towers, buildings worth seeing and the River Clyde in general.
"The Lighthouse not only offers interesting exhibitions, but also this great staircase. 
The view from the tower over Glasgow is unique 
Historic buildings dominate the image of the city centre
Our hotel tips for Glasgow
4 Central Station
Scotland's largest railway station is not to be missed. When you enter Central Station, you suddenly feel like you've been transported back to the year it opened - 1879. The shop fronts and the old tracks all seem to have stood still in time.
A patisserie has obviously been at this spot in the main station since 1926. The old clock, centrally located on the ceiling of Central Station, also dates from this time. It is also a very popular photo motif with tourists.
But also the complete ceiling and roof construction of Central Station with its steel girders and glass surfaces resembles an ancient building on a sunny day. So it's definitely worth taking a look. It is very impressive there.
Central Station is one of the top attractions in Glasgow. 
The old roof construction is impressive 
The station takes us back to a bygone era. The large station clock is also a highlight 5th Caledonian Railway Bridge
The Caledonian Railway Bridge is a particularly great photo opportunity. Especially shortly before sunset. When the light breaks on the bridge. The old bridge and the tracks lead directly into Central Station.
Only a stone's throw away is the Caledonian Railway Bridge - here in the most beautiful evening light. South Portland Suspension Bridge
Also on the river, right next to Central Station and the Railway Bridge is the old pedestrian bridge, the Suspension Bridge. With its pink struts and steel structures, the bridge is well worth seeing for photo freaks.
The South Portland Suspension Bridge is for pedestrians only. 7th Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew
Close to the Suspension Bridge on Clyde Street on the north bank of the River Clyde is the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew. It is worth taking a look inside the church, which was built between 1814 and 1816 amid great opposition, if you are in the vicinity.
Unfortunately, the immediate surroundings of the church are not particularly beautiful. Clyde Street is a busy main road and the church is situated between some building sins.
The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew is impressive, but a little lost in the surroundings. 
Inside the church 8 Tolbooth Steeple
We continue along Clyde Street until we reach Saltmarket. Here we turn left. Soon the Tolbooth Steeple comes into view. The bell tower of the former customs house has a long history. Construction began in 1626 and the building was handed over eight years later.
In 1921, the structure was demolished, with the exception of the tower. Today, of course, the Tolbooth Steeple is a listed building. Unfortunately, you can't get to the top, but the tower is an impressive monument from below as well.
The Tolbooth Steeple bell tower is a must-see when in Glasgow. 
Sunset over the city 9 Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Probably the biggest highlight for us in Glasgow was the Kelvingrove Art Gallery - and we're not alone in that. It is the most visited museum outside London. The large hall alone, which the visitor enters first, overwhelms you. At the top of the side is a huge organ that is played daily.
Children then dance in front of the organ in the great hall and adults listen to the organ playing. The organ is played daily at 1 pm (as of November 2017) and on Sundays at 3 pm. In the next hall is a magnificent installation by Sophie Cave with giant heads illuminated with different colours. At Kelvingrove Art Gallery, it will be the 150th anniversary in 2018.
The giant organ at Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Birthday of Macintosh, there will be an unprecedented exhibition on the artist worldwide. However, we had the opportunity to view his first tea house designs on site. He was a Scottish architect, interior designer, craftsman, designer, graphic artist and painter.
In the next large hall on the ground floor are the museum's two oldest exhibits: a large elephant and an aeroplane. Here, children in particular can embark on an exciting journey through time to different continents.
In the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, modern art meets historical works. Here the floating heads of the Scottish artist Sophie Cave.
On the first floor there are exhibitions of the famous Salvador Dali as well as Scottish paintings. However, Dali's famous painting "The Christ of St. John of the Cross" is not currently in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. But you can learn a lot about the artist on site.
Many Scottish paintings also deal with the history of Scotland. The art exhibition is also well worth seeing. Architecturally, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery is also a mecca for photographers. This place was really beautiful.
The portrait shows George Villiers, the first Duke of Buckingham. The painting was only recognised as a genuine Rubens in 2017 and is a visitor magnet 
But the Kelvingrove Art Gallery is not only about art 10. University of Glasgow
Right next to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery is the main campus of the University of Glasgow on Gilmorehill. You should take a look if you can find the time. Unfortunately, we only drove past at night and didn't manage to get a closer look at the building. What is very special about the university is, for example, the gate.
Here, the names of famous, special and important people for the university are displayed in gold. Also noteworthy: there is no female name on this gate. The university has an excellent reputation and therefore many students apply to study here every year. The university was founded in 1451, making it the second oldest in Scotland. The oldest university is the University of St Andrews.
For the Outlander fans among you (for those who don't know: this is a well-known series): the main character Jamie lives around the corner from the university. It's quite possible that you'll find the Scotsman in one of the cafés around here, provided he's not filming for his series again. You can hope and look ;-).
11 Tennent Brewery
The Tennent Brewery(website) is also well worth a visit - you can also taste the brewery's various beers and take a guided tour of the brewery. If you have some time left - a visit is definitely worthwhile.
The brewery was founded in 1740 by Hugh and Robert Tennent. The brewery achieved its fame from 1885 with the bottom-fermented "Tennent's Lager". This beer is the market leader in Scotland.
12th Street Art Tour
What we unfortunately didn't get to do, but highly recommend is either taking a street art tour or walking through the alleyways ourselves. The artwork we got to see was all great and exciting. From giant panda bears, tigers to large artist portraits, you can admire everything in Glasgow's streets. So looking at the artwork on the walls is definitely worth it.
Huge graffities are part of the street scene in Glasgow 
Street art at its best 13 The Burrell Collection
Since the end of March 2022, The Burrell Collection in Glasgow has been open again. You'll find stunning art in Glasgow Pollok Country Park. The museum had been closed since 2016. After a long renovation period, it is finally open again.
There are 9,000 objects including tapestries, glass, ceramics, sculptures and paintings from Europe and the Far East, including works by Manet and Degas. Originally the private collection of Sir William Burrell, it has belonged to the city of Glasgow since 1944. The extensive 19th century paintings are particularly great.