Glasgow in 'top 10 world cities'...

Aventinian

"cocktails, cuisine and designer chic (plus the legendary native wit)."

I'm not sure if Buckfast and vodka mixed in the bottle constitutes a cocktail by traditional definitions, but I hear there is an excellent market for designer sports clothing in the East End and, as one can see quite plainly, the Weegies love their, erm, cuisine.

On a slightly more serious note, Glasgow's rebranding, usually characterised by vague platitudes like 'stylish' and 'chic' has always found itself rather wide of the mark for me. For some reason, they seem to think it is entirely novel to have identikit 'stylish' bars and restaurants - it isn't. Indeed, what really stands out for me is that the service culture in Scotland is terrible: the number of frankly incompetent hotel, restaurant and bar staff I've encountered in Glasgow is quite atrocious - and I've heard foreigners remark on it too.

Yes, Glasgow's quite pleasant. It doesn't even nearly deserve its reputation as a Bosnia of the North that I've found is often the impression of many in southern England. But top ten world cities? No. Just no. For one, there's a considerably better world city a mere half hour down the road...

Blackleaf

How does Glasgow make it into the Top 10 cities in the world?

In my opinion, Bath is the most beautiful British city. It should have been Bath (with its Roman baths and gordgeous Georgian architecture) in the Top 10, not a dump like Glasgow.

Aventinian

I imagine Lonely Planet were trying to be a bit edgy.

Either way, I'm sure we could furnish you with some pictures of Glaswegian cathedrals and houses as grand as the ones you've posted from Bath. I can't even say I've visited Bath actually.

Dave Coull

Aventinian wrote "I can't even say I've visited Bath actually".

I have.

I lived quite near it for some time.

Yes, it has the historic Roman baths, some fine architecture, and a pleasant setting.

I haven't seen this list of "world cities", and I have no idea what criteria were used for deciding on the list, or which other places may have been left out while Glasgow was included. I am at present visiting San Francisco, which quite a few folk would think deserves a place in a list of "world cities". Did you know that the "Golden Gate" was given that name, not just because of the California Gold Rush, but because it was seen as the gateway to the Pacific and to Asia? A gateway which has worked both ways, as a stroll around SF can confirm. Now, I have no idea whether San Francisco has been been included in this list of world cities or not. But as for Bath........be serious, Blackleaf. A nice enough provincial English town, but "world city" it ain't.

Cymro

I like Glasgow and can see why the place was chosen, it's the right kind of place for Lonely Planet - not too obvious like the likes of Bath.

Would have expected Belfast to be on it too.

will live from Glasgow

glasgow rocks,that is all

azzuri

...have you ever been to Glasgow Blackleaf?

mairead

Glasgow's a great place and some of the architecture is stunning. It deserves it's mention.

Blackadder

I'm NOT a fan of Glasgow ... and Lonely Planet reviewers tend not to be the sharpest knives in the drawer. On the other hand ... Blackleak is an idiot ...

Discuss ....

Celtic Indian

Probally the reason Glasgow is rated higher than Bath is because Glasgow is more accessable.If your a backpacker or tourist this will be important to you.Glasgow is slightly off the beaten track when it comes to global travel,therefore Bath isn't even on the radar.No offence like.Also,Glasgow is more recognised than Bath.What I mean is that more people have heard of Glasgow than Bath.

Corby Boy

May be Blackleaf should take a Bath!