Glasgow, City of Music UNESCO Creative City
It doesn’t take long to realise that music is the beating heart of this city. Get ready for a warm welcome from half a million residents who have access to over 100 music events every week. You’ll soon discover that music can do much more than simply put a smile on your face.
Glasgow is a vibrant city with a legendary music scene across a variety of venues, that stretches across the whole spectrum from contemporary to classical, and Celtic to country. It’s famed for the enthusiasm and energy of its audiences, which is no surprise when you hear it’s regularly voted one of the friendliest cities in the world.
- Scotland’s cultural hub.
Why you should visit
There’s no real substitute for the magic of a live event, whether you end up tapping your foot to a Scottish ceilidh band in a traditional pub, feeling the swell of a world-class orchestra at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, or waving your hands around to a major international act at The OVO Hydro arena. We’d recommend taking in each and every musical experience you can soak up in Glasgow, with music tours to join, architecture to admire, and record shops to browse.
There is a large clock at The OVO Hydro just before the stage which says 'It’s time to meet the best fans in the world.'”
When you visit
Glasgow’s grassroots music scene is just like the city itself. A welcoming, co-operative and vibrant place, where anyone can stand side by side and make a personal connection through a shared love of music. However big the venue you choose, sit back and take your time to soak up the sounds of music and conversation as they grow around you.
Support local businesses
Scotland's UNESCO Trail is an opportunity to explore the country in a sustainable and responsible way. Browse our Green Tourism businesses in the area including accommodation, attractions, tours and food & drink. These businesses are assessed in a range of criteria from energy efficiency to biodiversity and awarded bronze, silver or gold accreditation.
Best in class
How to visit
When you arrive in the city, there are plenty of ways to explore. You can easily explore the city centre on foot or take the bus or train around the city to travel further. But the best option is the Subway, the city’s underground metro system. It’s known in Glasgow as ‘the Clockwork Orange’ as it circles the city.
There are also over 800 Ovo Bikes available for hire in Glasgow at 79 different locations. Check out the Ovo Bikes Green Route for a curated cycle route around some of the city’s sustainable businesses.
Find out more on getting to and around Glasgow.
Journeys
Discover & Experience UNESCO in Central West Scotland
The west of Scotland is highly accessible and a great place to start Scotland’s UNESCO Trail. Arrive into one of Glasgow’s two major rail stations, then use the fantastic public transport network including trains, buses and coaches, which make exploring this UNESCO City of Music and the nearby World Heritage Sites of New Lanark and the Antonine Wall easy. Find practical guidance on getting around and tips on attractions, accommodation and food and drink.
View JourneyLearn more about UNESCO
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action of a global partnership of countries. They recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations works hand-in-hand with strategies to improve health and education, reduce inequality and encourage economic growth, alongside tackling climate change.
All of our UNESCO designations work towards the UN SDGs – this is looking at their work towards three in particular.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Glasgow is now one of 19 UNESCO cities of music in Europe and 47 across the world on the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This network enables Glasgow’s world class music to be advocated for internationally and places Glasgow at the heart of global musical discussion and promotion.
- Find out more from UNESCO about Glasgow City of Music.
- Check out all of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Read more about Scotland's UNESCO Trail and watch UNESCO: Explained.
- See how to be a responsible visitor to Scotland.
GLASGOW'S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Here’s how Glasgow is working towards three of the goals.
Goal 3
Good Health & Wellbeing
Music is used as a tool for health and well-being from inclusive contemporary music ensemble, Sonic Bothy, to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s dementia-friendly and education concerts.
Goal 4
Quality Education
The Glasgow City Council CREATE initiative provides opportunities for children and young people to gain experience in performance ensembles, bands and choirs.
Goal 8
Decent work & economic growth
Music tourism is key for Glasgow’s night-time economy, creating a range of career opportunities for young people who come to study or live in the city.
Useful links
More information
People Make Glasgow Glasgow UNESCO City of MusicVisiting the area
Glasgow Glasgow iCentre
