Lately, I’ve really been enjoying what I consider to be the “second cities” of Europe, such as Naples in Italy, Marseille in France, and Hamburg in Germany. These places often have a rough, Industrial Age heritage and a rust-belt vibe that keeps them honest, unvarnished, and nonconformist. Even though Glasgow is Scotland’s largest and most populated city, I consider it to be that country’s second city behind Edinburgh, which wins first place for its capital status and tourism appeal.
A century ago, Glasgow was one of Europe’s biggest cities, an industrial powerhouse producing 25 percent of the world’s oceangoing ships; but in the mid-20th century, tough times hit the city, giving it a run-down feel. Today, Glasgow is on the rise again. Many tourists give Glasgow a miss in favor of Edinburgh, but that’s a shame; Glasgow is both a workaday Scottish city and a cosmopolitan destination, with an energetic dining and nightlife scene, unique modern architecture, top-notch museums, a flair for art, and unpretentious friendliness.
