Glasgow West End, Glasgow

Glasgow's West End has experienced growth in phases, initially centered around Blythswood Square and Garnethill, then expanding towards Woodlands Hill and Great Western Road. This district boasts elegant townhouses and tenements, along with various establishments such as cafes, tea rooms, bars, boutiques, upscale hotels, clubs, and restaurants. It is situated near Kelvingrove Park, the University of Glasgow, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. Notably, the area's primary streets, including Argyle Street (Finnieston), Great Western Road, and Byres Road, are focal points of activity.

A prominent landmark in the area is the spire of Sir George Gilbert Scott's Glasgow University main building, the second largest Gothic Revival building in Great Britain. This university, the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world, contributes to the West End's cultural vibrancy by hosting a significant portion of the city's student population.

The West End is also home to cultural institutions like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Kelvin Hall museums and research facilities, stores, and community sports venues. Adjacent to Kelvin Hall was the Museum of Transport, which relocated in 2010 to a new site at Glasgow Harbour, designed by Zaha Hadid. Additionally, the West End Festival, one of Glasgow's major events, takes place annually in June.

Notably, Glasgow is home to the SECC, the largest exhibition and conference center in Great Britain. In September 2013, a significant expansion of SECC facilities, the 13,000-seat Hydro arena, designed by Foster and Partners, was officially opened at the former Queen's Dock.