Here at Time Out, we already know that Glasgow is one of the most exciting cities in the country right now. In fact, we reckon it’s one of the best city breaks in all of Europe. And, it turns out, the Scottish city is also one of the hottest places to visit in the entire world this year.
Glasgow just been named one of the top trending destinations in the world for 2026 in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. The awards are based on the site’s review data from the last 12 months, honouring places that get consistently high volume of ‘above and beyond’ feedback from TripAdvisor users.
The site said: ‘Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, but Edinburgh gets all the love. Now, the once-industrial city is shedding its gritty reputation, thanks to the reimagined Arthouse Glasgow hotel opening this year, updated public transport, and a packed calendar of music, sports, and cultural events.’
As well as the Arthouse hotel opening this year (which will be the new home of beloved Glasgow restaurant Celanteno’s), Glasgow is also getting a new walking trail about slavery and colonialism, welcoming a new version of WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festival and hosting the 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games.
Photograph: cornfield / Shutterstock.com
Some of Time Out’s favourite things to do in the city (any time of the year) include catching a gig at Barrowlands, seeing a production at Citizens Theatre, exploring the exhibits at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (watch out for this year’s Barbie show) and sampling premium whiskey at Clydeside Distillery. Hop on the trend and plan your trip to Glasgow with our guides to all of its best things to do, best restaurants, best pubs and best Airbnbs.
The only other UK city to make TripAdvisor’s hotlist was Belfast. The reviews site said of the Northern Irish capital: ‘Last year brought a sleek new airport terminal, the sprawling Halt food hall at the central station and three fresh bars that turned the historic Haymarket into the city’s nightlife epicentre.’ You can see TripAdvisor’s full roundup of trending destinations, for 2026 here.
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