So many of us are far too quick to flock to London when we travel to the UK. Sure, there’s a lot to see when you visit London for the first time, but there’s so much more to the United Kingdom than just the big smoke. If you want to enjoy the big city atmosphere of London, but with a much smaller price tag and a charming accent to boot, then Glasgow might be a better choice. Whilst Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, Glasgow provides a bigger city feel and has a fascinating history all of its own. If you’re flying into London then it’s easy to get a connecting flight or a direct train to Glasgow, so this shouldn’t scupper your travel plans at all. So, if you’re ready for a slice of Scottish hospitality then pack your bags, we’re off to Glasgow.

Lose Yourself in the Botanic Gardens

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Glasgow when the sun is shining, or even just when it isn’t raining then make a beeline for the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The gardens have been here since 1841 and were made open to the public around forty years later. There are, of course, lots of beautiful plants here, but there’s also some fascinating architecture too. The stunning Kibble Palace is a huge domed greenhouse that’s filled with exotic plants from tropical rainforests. Architecture nerds and horticulturists alike will have a true field day wandering around its steamy interior. Even if you do happen to catch a cold or rainy day then a stroll through the greenhouses is probably one of the warmest places you could be in the city. The glass and plants really trap the heat, so whilst you might not feel quite like you’re in the Amazon rainforest, you certainly won’t feel as chilly as those exploring the lawns or the arboretum.

Explore the Finnieston Strip

The Finnieston strip, as it’s now been dubbed, is one of the coolest eating spots in the whole of Glasgow. The area used to be a little run down, but in true hipster style, the bearded, bespectacled crowd moved in, brought a whole lot of great food with them, and now it’s one of the hippest streets around. there’s a great deal of choice for food here and the vast majority of it is really good. However, there are two restaurants that we feel deserve a special mention. First up is The Gannet, a restaurant that focuses on Scottish produce with a New York Deli-style twist. The food is super contemporary in presentation but always puts flavour at the center, a great spot that’s just earned a well-deserved Bib Gourmand. Ox and Finch is the final choice, a small plates restaurant that actually sits just behind the strip, but is still close enough for a mention! It’s been open since 2014 and has a big reputation, so you’ll definitely need to book in advance. Like The Gannet, Ox and Finch also focuses on Scottish produce, but with a small menu of tempting and relatively tiny dishes, there’s the added bonus that a couple of you could try just about everything in one dinner.

An Evening At The Alea

There’s a whole lot of nightlife to be enjoyed in Glasgow, but if you’ve got a competitive streak then there’s maybe nowhere more enjoyable than the Alea Casino. Set right on the banks of the River Clyde, this modern casino features floor-to-ceiling windows that boast incredible waterfront views. A meal in the restaurant or a cheeky cocktail in the Long Bar is a great treat, but we’re really here for the games. Inside the casino proper, you’ll find plenty of electronic games and slots, but better still there’s a proper selection of table games too. You can play blackjack, poker, roulette, and variations on all of these, so it’s worth getting to know the rules before you go. Vegas Slots Online has a selection of UK casino table games that you can play for free if you want to squeeze some practice in ahead of time. Getting to grips with how each game works online means that you can practice at your pace with nobody around to comment on your skills. Once you’ve got the hang of a couple of table games, you’ll be able to walk into the casino feeling cool, calm, and confident.