Lonely Planet rates Glasgow as world-class

Lonely Planet has tipped Glasgow as one of the top cities in the world to visit in the coming year in a new book published this week. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009 captures the world’s hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead, bringing together the expertise of Lonely Planet authors, staff and travellers.

Glasgow is listed in the book’s “Top 10 Cities” section, the only UK destination which makes the cut.

The city was chosen because of its exciting, contemporary image: “Forget about castles, kilts, bagpipes and tartan – you come to Glasgow for the cocktails, cuisine and designer chic (plus the legendary native wit).”

The book also cites world-class designers, snazzy architecture and even actor James McAvoy as elements which make the city a “capital of cool”.

Lonely Planet Travel Editor Tom Hall said: “The time has come for Lonely Planet to let one of its worst kept secrets out: Glasgow’s got everything. When we put together Best in Travel 2009 we were looking for the best places to go and things to do in the world right now. We’re delighted to highlight such a fun, stylish city.”

Along with the top 10 cities, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009 identifies 10 regions and 10 counties which should be on your list of places to visit next year.

Elsewhere in the book there is a section about water and travel which includes a look at top trips that can be taken on water along with the impact of climate change. Another chapter contains 30 inspiring travel lists from the “Happiest Places” and “Best Ecotrips” to the more bizarre, such as “Top 10 Places to steal a Kiss”.


Top 10 Cities

Antwerp, Belgium
Beirut, Lebanon
Chicago, USA
Glasgow, Scotland
Lisbon, Portugal
Mexico City, Mexico
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Shanghai, China
Warsaw, Poland
Zurich, Switzerland

*note the cities are not ranked