The West End

Glasgow's West End is a neighborhood of museums and art galleries, having benefited from the generosity of industrial and commercial philanthropists and from the deep-seated desire of the city founders to place Glasgow at the forefront of British cities. The neighborhood is dominated by Glasgow University, founded in 1451, making it the third oldest in Scotland, after St. Andrews and Aberdeen, and at least 130 years ahead of the University of Edinburgh. It has thrived as a center of educational excellence, particularly in the sciences. The university buildings sit amid parkland, reminding you that Glasgow is a city with more green space per citizen than any other in Europe. A good way to save money is to take a picnic lunch to the park (weather permitting, of course). You can buy sandwiches, salads, and other portable items at several shops on Byres Road.