Glasgow and Edinburgh are Scotland's biggest cities, and while Edinburgh is the official capital, many see Glasgow as the financial and cultural hub of the country. Some people argue that there is a lot more going on in Glasgow, particularly on the music scene. Edinburgh does have its fair share of museums, galleries, restaurants, pubs and bars, not to mention excellent shopping, but if it's an authentically Scottish cultural experience you're after, grab a cheap flight and head up to Glasgow.

It's also ideally located as a base from which to explore the rest of Scotland – the Highlands are but a train ride away; the West Highland Way and the Western Isles are nearby with good ferry and air links. Scotland can be a great holiday destination, particularly if you want to take a short city break, and Glasgow has long topped the bill of people's favourite destinations.

The best thing about Glasgow is the vibrant music scene, and whatever your taste there is something for you. From the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's concerts, which, under the direction Stéphane Denève, has gone from strength to strength and is a real showcase of the best musical talent from Scotland and beyond; to Scottish Opera, which puts on several events in Glasgow and in other Scottish cities; to the contemporary music scene. It's this for which Glasgow is probably most famous, and at the flagship SECC you are guaranteed to see all manner of top acts.

For up and coming bands, check out the ABS and of course the Barrowlands, which has attained cult status. Like Liverpool, which saw bands such as the Beatles rise from local obscurity to international stardom, Glasgow also has its fair share of success stories, and often you'd be well advised to watch these bands just starting out on their careers before they're famous: firstly it's much cheaper but secondly the atmosphere of such backstreet venues can be much more intimate and give you a better flavour of what the band's all about. A whole subculture has built up around the local scene, with artists making posters for bands, musicians providing the soundtrack for art openings, promoters putting on nights and t-shirt printers getting a slice of the action from all directions. It’s a unique scene, with no single style or approach, but rather a melting pot of influences, from sleazy rock and roll bands for the people, to the uber-hip stylings of the art-pop scene.

Many airlines now operate cheap flights to Glasgow. For cheap flights to Glasgow visit Cheapflights. For merchandise of your favourite band, try glasgowbadges for badges and t-shirts.