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Frommer's Favorite Experiences
- Visiting a Pub: In Edinburgh, there are a good number of traditional British pubs, many of which serve hand-pulled, cask-conditioned ales made in Scotland and England. Glasgow's scene is overall more modern, with several so-called "style" bars. As the evening wanes and you've established common ground with the locals (easier done in Glasgow than Edinburgh), you'll realize you're having one of your most authentic Scottish experiences.
- Savoring the Cuisine: No, I'm not joking. Fresh fish and seafood harvested from Scotland's icy lochs and seas are world-class. Then there are lamb and Aberdeen Angus beef. If you believe the food in Scotland is rotten, you've not been there in some time. It has made leaps and bounds in improving the reputation of its cuisine.
- Enjoying Art Galleries & Museums: Edinburgh is the home to the National Galleries of Scotland, and the country's collection (held in five different buildings) ranges from Renaissance painting to pop art. Meanwhile, Glasgow has one of the best municipal holdings of art in Europe. The crowning glory for many critics is the Burrell Collection, a host of art and artifacts bequeathed to the city by an industrialist, but the Victorian Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has the soul of the city's collection.
- Playing Golf: Sure, most people think only of St. Andrews, which frequently hosts the Open in Britain. But both Edinburgh and Glasgow (and the regions nearby) have fine courses. The birthplace of the sport's rules is Edinburgh, and its historic short course, Bruntsfield Links, can be played during summer for free -- and all you need is a ball, pitching wedge, and putter.
- Strolling in Parks or Gardens: In the capital, you have the option of the splendid Royal Botanic Gardens, Holyrood Park, and Arthur's Seat, the Meadows, or Calton Hill. Glasgow (which many believe means "Dear Green Place") has a host of options from Glasgow Green along the River Clyde to Kelvingrove Park in the salubrious West End.
- Shopping: Glasgow has become the second biggest shopping playground in Britain after London. And, as no self-respecting city likes to be upstaged when it comes to retail therapy, Edinburgh is giving chase. There is a combination of posh department stores, such as Harvey Nichols; old favorites, such as the House of Fraser or Jenners; and plenty of trendy designer shops.
- Admiring Victorian Glasgow: Glasgow actually contemplated tearing down its Victorian-built heritage after World War II. It was perceived as old fashioned. Thank goodness it didn't happen. Though a lot of buildings have been knocked down, the Victorian builders were to the U.K. what ancient Romans were to Italy: masters at the craft.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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