Glasgow: Adding a Scottish flavour to the Olympics

Glasgow is well-equipped with the culture, attractions, restaurants and stadia for an amazing break

The third-largest city in the whole of the United Kingdom, it would have been a travesty if Glasgow wasn’t taking part in hosting the football for the 2012 Games.

Thankfully though, the venue Hampden Park has 50,000 seats to offer for football enthusiasts who want to enjoy some jam-packed games from the 25th of July to the 11th of August.  If you are desperate for Olympic fever to set in early, football is the sport to watch; the preliminaries start a whole two days before the opening ceremony at Olympic Park in Newham!

If you want to watch both men’s and women’s football matches take place, Hampden Park in Glasgow is the place to choose. Normally used as the national area for the Scottish football team, this stadium is going to host eight matches during the two-week international football contest. Thanks to a £70 million investment, this five-star venue is well-prepared to host.

Everything you need to know about football during the 2012 games

A total of 26 teams are going to be battling it out, representing six confederations in the process. Out of the men’s teams you will see, all but three of the players have to be under the age of 23 according to the rules. There are no age limits for the women’s teams.

Over 500 footballers are going to be battling it out in 11-player teams over two weeks. Even though football has been an Olympic sport for over 100 years since its introduction in 1908, anything can happen. For example, the gold medal could be decided on penalties if a play-off comparable to the 2000 Sydney Games football final between Spain and Cameroon was to take place. Indeed, following on from a draw between Uruguay and Argentina in 1928, a replay took place – just showing the countless possibilities of how football in the 2012 games could make history.

Best summer 2012 holiday accommodation

What to do during your spare time in Glasgow

For visitors to Glasgow who adore city breaks, cramming your itinerary with visits to leading attractions doesn’t have to be an arduous task.

Why not visit the Gallery of Modern Art, who are purveyors of the finest masterpieces and sculptures from recent years; or the Babbity Bowser, a pub that purveys rare real ale for you to savour?

Restaurants to try when you’re in Glasgow

Tourists who love their food will find their home from home in Glasgow – and trying the local cuisine doesn’t have to mean deep-fried Mars bars! For example, restaurants like Tiger Tiger offer classics such as fish and chips in a striking glass building which overlooks the city’s streets – sparkling in the night time. Meanwhile, if you are looking for an ‘east meets west’ fusion of flavours, their special dishes such as a katsu chicken curry may be a better choice.

Attractions to visit

Don’t forget than in addition to Glasgow’s many tourist attractions, Edinburgh is another cultural hub that’s easy to explore. All it takes is a single train journey before you will be able to enjoy the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, an event full of vibrant comedy and the freshest unsigned talent from around the world. The event, which takes place every summer, will allow you to enjoy world-class culture in addition to world-class sport, and isn’t to be missed.

Kick off your holiday in Glasgow: Plan your transport

Travelling in and around Glasgow is a breeze, and if you want to split your time between Scotland and London, the home of the 2012 Olympics, you can do so through a four-and-a-half-hour train journey on the West Coast Main Line from Glasgow Central direct to London Euston.

Indeed, if you don’t want to spend time on your holiday travelling, the Caledonian Sleeper allows you to travel from London to Scotland while you sleep!

If you are travelling by car, there are plenty of different motorways at your disposal – and two of these flagship highways are the M8 from Glasgow to Edinburgh, and the M74 from Glasgow to Carlisle.

Glasgow Airport is also available for international visitors, and there are close to 30 flight companies offering worldwide services to over 90 destinations. Alternatively, Edinburgh Airport also offers long-haul flights to America, Europe and the East. By booking in advance for your flights, accommodation and extras such as car hire, you can enjoy a luxurious holiday for less.