Glasgow the only UK city to make it into Lonely Planet's global top 10

Thursday, 16th October 2008

Written by Francesca Cookney

The recent publication of Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2009 revealed Glasgow as the only UK destination to make it into the travel guide company's top 10.

A grand achievement for Scotland's biggest city, it will surely dispel once and for all its gloomy reputation of heavy drinking culture and crime-ridden streets. And you can banish those stereotypes as well. "Forget castles, kilts, bagpipes and tartan," says the Lonely Planet, "you come for the cocktails, cuisine and designer chic." Glaswegian highlights include a cruise of the Clyde, pan-fried scallops, and even the actor James McAvoy (should you happen to bump into him).

"The time has come for Lonely Planet to let one of its worst-kept secrets out: Glasgow's got everything," said editor, Tom Hall. "We're delighted to highlight such a fun, stylish city." With Glasgow set to host the Commonwealth games in 2014, the revelation comes not a moment too soon.

"The Lonely Planet guide is yet another resounding vote of confidence in Glasgow, establishing itself as a city with a worldwide reputation for tourism, big events, shopping and having a good time," said city council leader, Steven Purcell. Other cities to make it onto the hot list included Antwerp, Beirut, Chicago, Lisbon, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Warsaw and Zurich.

London managed to get a brief mention though, as the guide described the morning walk over London Bridge as among the world's most "spine-tingling commutes".

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