Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide
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West End Backpackers is a laid-back, chill hostel with clean dorms (the sheets smell so lovely) and a great lounge area. Guests receive free computer and kitchen use and breakfast. Choose between the larger, sunnier rooms upstairs or the more private basement dorms.
Just off Great Western Rd. 4 blocks from University of Glasgow campus. Linens and towels provided. 10-bed dorms £14, 6-bed £15, 4-bed £16. Reception closes at midnight. Breakfast 8-10am.
THE WILLOW GUESTHOUSE
228 Renfrew St.
GUESTHOUSE
0141 332 2332
This is probably the best deal among the guesthouses in terms of quality for money. The rooms in the Willow are tastefully decorated and spacious. Come down in the morning for breakfast, which has been jovially described as “a scorcher.”
Large TVs in the rooms. Singles £35; doubles £50.
MCLAY’S GUESTHOUSE
264-276 Renfrew St.
GUESTHOUSE
0141 332 4796 www.mclays.com
A good, closer-to-budget guesthouse, McLays has a full Scottish breakfast included in the price of the room. There are several standard rooms which, though lacking private baths, do have sinks and mirrors. Relax out on the patio under the umbrellas in rain or shine.
Singles £28; doubles £48; family £70. Reception 24hr.
SYHA
7-8 Park Terr.
HOSTEL
0141 332 3004 www.syha.org.uk
Like any hostel that is part of a chain, this hostel is full on beds (around 140) and short on character. It’s good if you need to book something at the last minute. They do have their own cafe downstairs where you can get coffee or beer and use the internet or book exchange.
From St. George’s Rd., turn onto Woodlands Rd. and then left onto Duff St. Follow on Lynedoch St. and turn left and then right onto Woodlands Terr. until it becomes Park Terr. Follow around the circle. Kitchen and lounge use available. Non-members will pay approx. £2 more. 6-8 bed dorms £20-25.
THE HERITAGE HOTEL
4 Alfred Terr.
HOTEL
0141 339 6955 www.theheritagehotel.net
Heritage has a “Best Western” feel and rooms with all the accoutrements—table, chairs, TV, tea and biscuits, soap and shampoos, the whole nine yards—so you can already anticipate the somewhat higher prices.
Off Great Western Rd. Full Scottish breakfast included. Singles £40; doubles/twins £60.
THE BOTANIC HOTEL
1 Alfred Terr.
HOTEL
0141 337 7007 www.botanichotel.co.uk
A comfortable and well-decorated (framed photos of palm trees, anyone?) hotel just off Great Western road, the Botanic features large suits, all with windows and TVs.
Off Great Western Rd. Singles £30-35; doubles £55; family £75.
ALBA LODGE
232 Renfrew St.
GUESTHOUSE
0141 332 2588 www.albalodge.co.uk
If you enjoy long, hot showers, take a room at the Alba lodge. Ensuite rooms have enormous bathrooms. A family-run place, this guesthouse benefits from a helpful and friendly staff. Look for the flowers on the front stoop.
Discounts for extended stays. Singles £35; doubles- £45-60.
HAMPTON COURT GUESTHOUSE
230 Renfrew St.
GUESTHOUSE
0141 332 6623 www.haptoncourtguesthouse.co.uk
All the rooms are pink. Pink. Still, this guesthouse with a funky red-patterned carpet and winding staircase has nicely-sized and comfortable rooms. Tourist information is available downstairs.
Singles £28, with bath £33; doubles £52.
VICTORIAN HOUSE HOTEL
212 Renfrew St.
HOTEL
0141 332 0129 www.thevictorian.co.uk
With 59 clean but somewhat bland rooms, the Victorian hotel has ensuite baths, Wi-Fi, 24hr. reception and plenty of closet space.
Renfrew St. Breakfast included. Singles £32, with bath £35; doubles £55-60. Reception 24hr.
THE RENNIE MACKINTOSH HOTEL
218-220 Renfrew St.
HOTEL
0141 333 9992 www.rmghotels.com
The lobby of this hotel has been modeled after the interior design of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The rooms are small but carefully furnished, with glossy furniture and desks in the rooms. Wi-Fi available in the lobby.
10% discount for stays of 3 nights or more. July-Aug singles £35; doubles £55. Sept-May singles £30; doubles £48.
BUNKUM BACKPACKERS
26 Hillhead St.
HOSTEL
0141 581 4481 bunkumglasgow@hotmail.com
The hostel is located next to a nursery. But that’s okay, because you’ll be out during the day, right? The dorms in this high-ceiling establishment win the prize for largest rooms and fewest beds, which means you can really spread out and get comfy.
Traveling west on Great Western Rd., turn onto Hillhead St. and walk down 2 blocks. July-Aug dorms £14, doubles £36; Sept-Jun dorms £12, doubles £16 per person.
SIGHTS
KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM
Argyle St.
MUSEUM
0141 276 9599 www.glasgowmuseums.com
Built to be a museum and opened in 1901, the gallery is a beautiful red brick structure that looks more like a cathedral than a museum. In fact, if you come around at 1pm, you can hear the giant organ above the main space being played. Oh, and the stuff inside the building is cool too—works by Cézanne, Monet, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Christ of St. John of the Cross by Salvador Dalí.
5min. walk from Kelvinhall subway station and 10min. walk from Kelvinbridge subway station.
Dalí’s Christ of St. John of the Cross on loan until Feb. 2011. £1 suggested donation. Open M-Th 10am-5pm, F 11am-5pm, Sa 10am-5pm, Su 11am-5pm.
HUNTERIAN MUSEUM
Gilbert Scott Building
MUSEUM
0141 330 4221 www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk
Founded in 1807 to display the collections of William Hunter, prominent physician and Scotland’s foremost collector of weird crap, the museum exhibits everything from human organs in formaldehyde, the death mask of Sir Isaac Newton, and the side-by-side comparison of the penis bones of a walrus and weasel. (Gents, one of these will boost confidence; the other will not.)
Glasgow University. The main display room for the Hunterian Museum will be closed for roof construction until approx. Apr 2011. Free. Open M-F 9:30am-5pm.
GLASGOW CATHEDRAL AND NECROPOLIS
Castle St.
CEMETERY
0141 552 6891 www.historic-scotland.gob.uk
A Glasgow must-see, the cathedral is just as stony, gothic and impressive as the castles from your adventure books growing up. Head into its bowels to view the tomb of the city’s patron saint, St. Mungo. The Necropolis, across the bridge from the Cathedral, is even better and spookier. A climb to the peak of the cemetery will give you some of the best views in Glasgow.
From High St. Rail, follow High St. north until it becomes Castle St. Volunteer guides give tours of the cathedral during opening hours in the summer. Cathedral open Apr-Sept 9:30am-5pm, Su 1-5pm; Oct-Mar M-Sa 9:30am-4pm, Su 1-4pm.
SAINT MUNGO’S MUSEUM
2 Castle St.
MUSEUM
0141 276 1625 www.glasgowmuseums.com
St. Mungo’s offers a small exhibit of religious artifacts from all over the world, including Catholic stained glass, Greek pottery, statues of Buddha, and religious artifacts from Scotland. Note that the top floor is also the kids “discovery centre,” so you may be stepping over construction paper scraps up there.
Souvenir shop downstairs accepts credit cards. Open M-Th 10am-5pm, F 11am-5pm, Sa 10am-5pm, Su 11am-5pm.
GLASGOW GALLERY OF MODERN ART
Royal Exchange Sq.
MUSEUM
0141 287 3050 www.glasgowmuseums.com
The GOMA, four stories of rotating exhibitions of the most modern (and often the most confusing) works from both Glasweg
ian and international artists, is so funky inside they’ve even got the windows painted with a swirling blue. Keep an eye out for the room with the flashing sign that shouts out fun facts like, “the soldier eats your stomach.” We can’t tell if they’re kidding.
From Glasgow Central Low Level Rail Station, walk east on Gordon St. Turn right onto Buchanan St. and then make a left onto Exchange Pl. Free. Open M-W 10am-5pm, Th 10am-8pm, F-Sa 10am-5pm, Su 11am-5pm.
SAINT GEORGE’S SQUARE
City Center
PLAZA
An enormous, red-paved, statue-filled plaza in the center of town, St. George’s square is lined with wooden benches where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine. Carefully consider your plan to feed the pigeons, as those birds have become drunk with power and think nothing of flying just inches past your head. Those statues of Scotland’s greats didn’t get their white hair from getting older.
Take subway to St. George’s Cross.
GLASGOW CITY CHAMBERS
82 George Sq.
CITY HALL
0141 287 4018 www.glasgow.co.uk
Opened in 1888, the Glasgow City Chambers beats out St. Peter’s in Vatican City for largest marble staircase by one flight. Other than that, it’s got a giant banquet hall with three different murals depicting different aspects of Scotland’s culture. In the portraits hall, look for the depiction of Lord Provost Pat Lally who, judging from the portrait, must have been Glasgow’s first resident supervillain.
From Glasgow Queen St. Rail Station, walk west on George St. Free. Tours 30min., M-F 10:30am and 2:30pm.
GLASGOW BOTANIC GARDENS
West End
PUBLIC PARK
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/residents/parks_outdoors
With lots of lawn space for laying out, if and when it’s ever sunny, and public greenhouses where you can examine all sort of flora, the Glasgow Botanic ardens is a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Keep an eye out for an ice cream truck at the entrance, which scoops out delicious cones (£1).
At the intersection of Byers and Great Western Rd. Botanic Gardens visitor’s center open daily 11am-4pm.
UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
Glasgow University, University Ave., Gilbert Scott building
UNIVERSITY
0141 330 5511 www.gla.ac.uk
You’ll see the heavily Gothic hollowed spire from a distance, but head to University Drive and the visitor’s center to pick up a brochure for a self-guided tour. Voted by Times Higher Education as having the best campus in Scotland, the U of G is full of cathedral archways and great photo opportunites.
Located in the West End of Glasgow, 3 mi. from the city center. Self-guided tour pamphlet £3. Visitor’s center open M-Sa 9:30am-5pm.
FOOD
Glasgow may look like a big, gritty city (who are we kidding, it is a big gritty city), but you will eat like royalty here. The dining options are endless, and cover about as wide a range of tastes as you can imagine. From chippies to bistros and everything in between, you’ll be able to take your significant other out for a fancy dinner and then satisfy your drunken 3am craving all on the same block.
MANCINI’S
315-321 Great Western Rd.
ITALIAN
0141 339 5544 www.mancini-restaurant.co.uk
Two round chandeliers sit above high wooden tables at this Italian ristorante. With generous portions of pasta (£3.50-7.50) and soup and sandwich options for just a fiver, you’re not going to have to bust your bank to get great food here. However, if you’re not hungry, you can simply stop in to grab a glass of champagne or a cocktail.
Between St. Mary’s Cathedral and Napiershall St. All wines sold by the glass. Open M-Th 8am-1am, F-Sa 10am-1am, Su 8am-1am. Restaurant open until 10:30pm.
NAKED SOUP
6 Kersland St.
SOUP
0141 334 8999
Offering a big cup of great soup, a huge chunk of fresh buttered bread, and your choice of fruit (£3), this place is delicious and cheap. It’s so good you’ll want to keep a Naked Soup menu along with your dirty magazines.
Just off Great Western Rd. Open M-Th 9am-8pm, F 9am-6pm, Sa 10am-6pm, Su 11am-5pm.
BIBLOCAFÉ
262 Woodlands Rd.
CAFE
0141 339 7645 www.biblocafe.co.uk
To put it bluntly, this place is the bomb. A cozy, sit-down coffeeshop and secondhand bookstore, Biblocafé is made really special by the people who frequent it. Lou Munday and her crew of coffee “minions” are some of the most instantly likeable people on the planet. If you enjoy sarcastic humor and witty banter, step in and get hooked.
Kelvinbridge. Take S. Woodlands Rd. toward St. George’s Rd. Coffee from £2. Flavored mochas and lattés from £3. Open M-F 8:30am-8:30pm, Sa-Su 9:30am-8:30pm, holidays 10am-6pm.
BEANSCENE
40-42 Woodlands Rd.
CAFE
0141 352 9800 www.beanscene.co.uk
Nobody coming to Beanscene plans to take their coffee on the go—the plentiful couches and welcoming creaky wood floor make it hard to tear yourself away. You’ll see people studying, chatting or even sleeping (didn’t get to the coffee quick enough) at this cafe. Smoothies are also available.
Kelvinbridge. Take S. Woodlands Rd. toward St. George’s Rd. Live music once a month, but inquire within. Coffee £1.50-3. Open M-Sa 8am-10:30pm, Su 9am-10:30pm.
O’NEILL’S
453 Sauchiehall St.
IRISH
0141 353 4371 www.oneills.co.uk
O’Neill’s is a self-proclaimed Irish restaurant in Scotland, and the schtick feels a bit forced (those Guinness signs are just too clean!). Still, the food is hot and hearty and you can score some Guinness-battered fish and chips (£6).
Cowcaddens. Vegetarian options available. Open M-W noon-midnight, Th noon-2am, F-Sa noon-3am, Su noon-2am.
WILLOW TEA ROOMS
97 Buchanan St.
CAFE
0141 204 5242 www.willowtearooms.co.uk
With the high-backed chairs based on the original, influential designs of Charles Rennie Macintosh, the Willow Tea Rooms create a dainty, scone-filled paradise for the passing wanderer. Sit by the windows upstairs and enjoy one classy tea experience.
Buchanan. Cakes £12.25. Open M-Sa 9am-5pm, Su 11am-5pm. Last orders 30min. before close.
BRADFORD’S BAKERY AND CAFÉ
245 Sauchiehall St.
CAFE
0141 332 1008 www.hrbradfords.co.uk
The downstairs of this cafe has two rows of pastry shelves in a rainbow of colors. The upstairs, with tables and window views of Sauchiehall St. below, offers full meals as well as coffee and sweets.
Cowcaddens. Wheelchair accessibility limited to downstairs pastry shop. Entrees £5-10. Desserts up to £4. Open M-Sa 8am-5pm.
THE LEFT BANK
33-35 Gibson St.
ETHNIC
0141 339 5659 www.theleftbank.co.uk
One of Glasgow’s most varied eateries, you can get everything from chips and salsa to cayenne-dusted squid with homemade lime mayo here. Come during the week for the prix-fixe menu if you want to save a little dough.
Kelvinbridge. Walk south to Gibson St. Vegetarian and vegan options available. 2 courses £11, 3 courses £13. Open M-F 10am-midnight, Sa-Su 10am-midnight.
BIER HALL REPUBLIC AND PIZZA BAR
9 Gordon St.
PIZZA
0141 204 0706
Bier Hall offers a two-for-one pizza deal every day noon-10pm, when you can score two big pizzas for £7-11. They do have an extensive international beer selection, though, so you’ll be paying back all the money you just saved, on the £3-4 bottles.
1 block from Glasgow Central Low Level Station. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Pizza £8-11. Kitchen open M-Sa noon-10pm, Su 12:30-10pm. Bar open M-Sa noon-midnight, Su 12:30pm-midnight.
PARADISE RESTAURANT
411-413 Great Western Rd.
PERSIAN
0141 339 2170 www.persianparadise.co.uk
In Paradise, water streams down the windows into pools with goldfish below and ornamental decorations are everywhere. Now if only the food were as exciting as the decor. Student lunch deal provides a decent two-course meal (£6).