I will be in Scotland for a business trip during the second week of June. I will have less than 2 days in Glasgow by myslef. I've never traveled outside the US before and was hoping someone could give me some tips of what to do, where do go or where to stay. Weather looks rainy and cool.
Thanks for the help!

What kinds of things do you enjoy? That will help with recommendations.

Here's a previous thread about Glasgow that might give you some ideas:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34831838

And here's a Glasgow tourism site that's pretty nice:
http://www.seeglasgow.com/seeglasgow/whatson

There are TONS of things to do in and around Glasgow. Much more than you'll have time for in your two days.

So if your just want to stay IN the city - there are the cathedral, Kelvingrove, Charles Rennie Mackintosh sites, terrififc shopping, Burrel Collection, transport museum and more.

http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=1
http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=4
http://www.willowtearooms.co.uk/

oops - hit post too soon (and was posting the same time as noe)

You can also take the train to Ardrossan and then a ferry to the Isle of Arran

great- thanks so much. I want to get a good sense of the culture. I probably won't return so I want to take in as much as time allows. Anywhere great to go shopping?

Or take a coach / train to Edinburgh - it's only an hour away

Edinburgh is actually where my week long conference will be. I will be returning to Glasgow after the conference for convenience flying from the airport in Glasgow. I don't have reservations yet- are there any nice places to stay in the "middle of it all" that is recommended? Looks like the weather is mild too. Is it also easy to exchange US currency? Can you tell I've never traveled! Thanks so much for your help.

You don't need to exchange currency, really. You can easily use ATMs to get local currency. If you want, you can exchange a nominal amount at your departure airport, so you have SOME cash when you land, but otherwise ATMs are the way to go for cash.

Glasgow shopping:
Sauchiehall and Buchanan are the two pedestrian shopping streets in Glasgow. They have lots of different kinds of shops and great people watching. Also there are downtown malls - Buchanan Galleries, St. Enoch Centre, and Sauchiehall Centre. Additionally there are lots of stores along Argyle St.

I'd say definitely visit the Kelvingrove in the West End, and the transport museum is right across the street. The Mackintosh sites are unique to Glasgow. I enjoy the Glasgow Green the People's Palace, a museum of the people of Glasgow. Here's a link to my trip report from last summer, with many of these Glasgow sites:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34870457

I think Glasgow is a great counterpoint to Edinburgh - enjoy both!

Here's kind of a fun map of central Glasgow, which shows the streets and main attractions. You can click on the stars and get a description of each site:
http://www.glasgowguide.co.uk/maps-full.html

Not sure what sort of shopping you want; but in addition to the streets mentioned by noe847, the Italian Centre on Ingram Street has some of the designer shops.

What is your budget for accommodation ? If you want somewhere moderately-priced, the Travel Inn in George Street is very convenient for the city centre, shopping and train/bus stations - I've stayed there a few times & the rooms are quite a decent size and nicely decorated. You can get an undeground train from Queen Street to the attractions in the West End like Kelvingrove.

Two years ago we were in Scotland in July and they were having a record heat wave. (so don't let the weather channel fool ya!) It was well over 90F and we absolutely roasted because so many of the B&B's don't have a/c and/or windows that will open. So if you book a B&B be sure and take that into consideration!

Our first night was spent in a wonderful, relaxing hotel in Glasgow... the Radison SAS. The price was very reasonable and, regarding the staff and the acommodations ... well I simply can't say enough good things. The staff was friendly and helpful. The bed was unbelievably comfortable. The room was so quiet. The restaurant was cozy and had great food. I could go on and on. Needless to say we had a fantastic night's sleep and it was the perfect way to start our vacation. It's at 301 ARGYLE STREET and their phone number is 44-141-204-3333.

For one or two-day mini tours try Rabbies Tours. You can look up the various tours that they offer on the Internet www.rabbies.com or their phone # is 011 44 131 226 3133.

Nothing in Scotland is very far away and the people are amazingly friendly so don't be afraid to rent a car or jump on a train and go off on your own. My husband was working most of our trip so I toured by myself and I always felt safe. The East Coast is where St. Andrews is. So if you are a golfer that is a mandatory visit. But I found the West coast to be much prettier and scenic. It was more what I had envisioned Scotland to look like.

There's so much history in this country. Even if you aren't a history-buff and have no idea who Mary Queen of Scots was, the castles are fascinating. Or if you read The Da Vinci Code perhaps you'ld like to see the Rosslyn Chapel. I thought it was really interesting and it's just outside of Edinburgh (which is about an hour from Glasgow).

Have Fun and Congratulations on getting the first stamp in you passport!

thank you so much for all of your help-I'm even more excited now! Visiting a castle is a must!!

Head to the Merchant City area of the city for the best restaurants, also great for shopping here during the day. The West End is great for wandering around the wee vintage type shops also and up here you can see Kelvingrove and the gallery. The weather is unpredictable for sure but don't assume it'll be cool or showery, Glasgow has had a couple of cracking summers in the past few years, last year was particularly warm for most of June. Don't expect much from our riverside area, the Clyde is horrible and puts Glasgow to shame. Enjoy!

thanks for all of the guidance. Is there a tour of a castle that I shouldn't miss? I really don't know what to pack - I hear a lot of different things about the weather. Now, how do I handle money?

I gave some info about the money question above.

The weather can (and most likely will) vary. Bring one of everything and layer! You will want an umbrella, a light jacket, short and long sleeved shirts. I wouldn't bother with shorts. Few adults wear them, even in warm weather. Bring two pairs of comfortable shoes for walking.

All of the business people we saw were wearing suits - the women were all in black suits and heels. Everyone else was in jeans.

"Now, how do I handle money?" The easiest way is to get cash out of ATMs and pay larger bills like hotels & restaurants by credit card or debit card. Mostly here we have a combined ATM & debit card. There are ATMs at airports so just get cash for incidentals when you arrive.