Glasgow has excellent options for eating, drinking and shopping; it’s also surprisingly green. Here's how to spend a day in Scotland’s largest city – we challenge you not to fall in love.

9am

Exit Hillhead subway on to Byres Road in the heart of Glasgow’s West End, saunter up to leafy Hyndland and grab a window seat at Epicures for some serious people-watching in stylish surroundings over an espresso and poached eggs.

10am

Walk off that delicious breakfast with a stroll around the beautiful Botanic Gardens, or for a more challenging workout, join a hot and steamy class at Bikram Yoga (though you might have to cut breakfast short – check the timetable), then cool down with a refreshing smoothie, bursting with locally sourced fruit, at nearby Juice Garden.

11am

From handbags to glad rags and from florists to jewellers, the independent shops on Byres Road in the West End are a great place to find the perfect gift or simply to browse.

1pm

Walk over to up-and-coming Finnieston and have lunch in one of the many bars and restaurants in this extension to Glasgow’s trendy West End. Share a lobster at the Crabshakk in Argyll Street, or tuck into contemporary-style tapas at the Ox and Finch in Sauchiehall Street.

2.30pm

As you are in the area, why not have a free game of bowls at Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre, the wonderfully refurbished commonwealth games bowling venue.

If you are feeing more culture vulture than sports nut, visit the renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum where ancient artefacts blend with cutting-edge interactive displays – and it’s all free.

4pm

Jump on a subway train to Buchanan Street station in the city centre for afternoon tea. The innovative style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh is apparent throughout the city and The Willow Tea Rooms is another beautiful building designed by Glasgow’s most famous son.

Glasgow is second to London for shopping so if you’re after serious retail therapy, now's your chance to head for Ingram Street and take your pick of designer outlets, including Cruise, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Armani and Boss.

6pm

Time to relax. Treat yourself to a spa treatment in stylish Blythswood Square hotel, or skip the Scottish seaweed massages and move straight onto cocktails in the hotel’s glamorous Art-Nouveau salon.

8pm

Scottish food with an elegant twist is on offer at Martin Wishart’s well-reviewed restaurant, The Honours – and its relaxed atmosphere is just the place for a debrief on your day in Scotland’s first City of Culture.

10pm

You're in the city that rarely sleeps so a night cap is in order. King Tut's Wah Wah Hut is the showcase venue for new and emerging bands.You’ll find live music and perhaps even spot the odd celebrity. For a slightly quieter evening, visit The Corinthian Club on Ingram Street in Glasgow's grand Merchant City, where you can experience a range of top quality food and drink in a stunning setting.

Further information

Contact Savills Glasgow for more details or view available properties for sale in Glasgow.