Glasgow
The one-time industrial powerhouse of northern Britain, Glasgow now presents itself as a city blessed with wonderful art-nouveau architecture courtesy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, complemented by seemingly innumerable stylish shops, bars and restaurants. The city plays host to over twenty art galleries and museums, and fans of music of many stripes can be satisfied with an International Jazz Festival, the World Pipe Band Championships and gigs by up-and-coming and established bands at the Barrowlands venue. Shopping in Glasgow is also a pleasure, the main thoroughfares of Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street catering for all tastes.