Glasgow - Traveling around Glasgow's famous drinking holes by public transport

However, Glasgow’s Clockwork Orange - so called because of the colour of its trains and their frequency - is also an excellent way for those on a day trip to see the city.

BUCHANAN STREET will be the first station that most visitors encounter, as it is close to the bus station, and linked to the intercity Queen Street station, which itself is a drop off point for the Glasgow Airport shuttle bus.

The street is a must for shoppers. There are no fewer than four arcades leading off the long, wide street that slopes south to Argyle Street and The Clyde. These include the Buchanan Galleries, with a good selection of high street names, and Princes’ Square, a many-levelled precinct with designer stores and an in-house jazz band.

At the top, is the Royal Concert Hall, which plays host to opera, orchestras, and concerts from artists as varied as The Bootleg Beatles and the Buena Vista Social Club. For these events, advanced booking is advisable, and ticket prices are around £20 per person.

Heading northwest, COWCADDENS is next. A hundred yards right of the station, stands The Glasgow School Of Art. Designed by Charles Rennie MacIntosh, the building is work of art itself. Inside, there are student exhibitions open to the public, and admission is free.

Like Buchanan Street, nearby Sauchiehall Street it is essential for shopping. It also boasts the best run of pubs, clubs and restaurants in the city. From Russian theme pubs (Babushka) to Italian cuisine (Paperino’s) to cool, exclusive nightspots (Reds), every taste is catered for.

ST. GEORGE’S CROSS and KELVINBRIDGE mark the start of the Glasgow’s West End.

For television fans, the former stop is of interest, as a short walk north leads into Maryhill, where Rab C. Nesbitt and Taggart are filmed. Unfortunately, there is as yet no official tour for either.

The latter station stands on Great Western Road - the longest stretch of road in Glasgow - that leads out to the suburbs, as far as the start of the West Highland Way.

Within reasonable distance of the station, is The Botanical Gardens. A pleasant and well-kept park, it is popular with people of all ages, and has a series of greenhouses displaying exotic trees and flowers from all over the globe. Among its highlights, are one hundred varieties of orchid. It is open all year round and greenhouse entry is free.

This leafy part of Glasgow also has a wealth of art cafes, antique dealers, and specialist book and record stores - making it a popular stop with students.

Glasgow University itself is easily reached from HILLHEAD.

One of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the world, the university grounds and buildings challenge those of Oxford for splendour. Take a walk through the cloisters to the south face of the main building, and quiet surroundings couple with great views of the city. There’s more to see. The Hunterian Gallery, also in the main block, houses exclusive paintings and sculpture from artists like Jack Vettriano.

Byres Road - where the tube station is situated - is busy with independent shops, making it a popular alternative to the city centre. De Quincy’s Arcade, just behind Byres Road, is typical. In here, unique, quality fashions, accessories and furnishings are to be found - making it great for finding the perfect Christmas or Valentine gift.

KELVINHALL is close to two museums: the Museum of Transport, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

The latter has art of all periods and styles, and was where Dali’s Christ of St. John on the Cross was infamously slashed. (The restored painting remains in the city, in a small collection in Glasgow’s oldest house on Duke Street - northeast of Buchanan Street.)

The former houses cars, buses and trains from all eras. Of particular interest, are the trams - at one time the most common way of commuting around the city. As well as being able to see the vehicles, a 1940s style cinema shows documentaries on their rise and fall from use. As with the gallery, there is no charge for entry.

The Kelvinhall itself was a former host to trade fairs and Christmas carnivals. When the SECC opened in the early 80s, and took to holding these events, the Kelvinhall was refitted with stands, and had its halls turned over to sports. Since then, it has grown to be a premier venue for athletic meets. For a few pounds, those with an interest in fitness can use its facilities for training, including its international standard track.

Others may prefer to relax in the nearby Kelvingrove Park.

Unfortunately, there are not activities at every underground stop, and PARTICK, GOVAN and IBROX will have limited interest to visitors. But Glasgow’s most famous wedding shop - Catherine’s of Partick, Bellahouston Park, and the home of Rangers Football Club, are worth respective mentions.

On the Southside, CESSNOCK and KINNING PARK are equidistant to Pacific Quay, where the Glasgow Science Centre, Imax and Glasgow Tower are located. All three are ideal for a family outing.

The Science Centre has been a hit with children and adults alike since opening in 2000. Part of its charm is in how colourful and interactive it is, allowing people to wonder for themselves, and providing kids with an easy entry into the often off-putting fields of Physics and Chemistry.

Annexed to the centre, is the Imax theatre. Its 3D films are shown throughout the day, and tickets for a family of four costs less than £15.

The Glasgow Tower offers the best panoramic views of the city but current restructuring work means it will be out of action until early 2005.

Like the Art School, Charles Rennie MacIntosh designed the school facing SHEILDS ROAD station. It is now the Scotland Street Museum. Inside, there are restored classrooms showing films on the unique history of the school, and an exhibition that features the artist’s original designs for the building.

Parking in city centre is often difficult and expensive, and those driving to Glasgow may wish to start their trip at WEST STREET or BRIDGE STREET, where park and ride is available at a reasonable price.

This particular circuit stops at ST.ENOCH.

Although good for shops, the close by Argyle Street becomes more interesting as it leads east. Firstly, there is the Trongate, a small district consisting of galleries of contemporary art, jazz bars and the famous Tron Theatre.

Ten minutes further on, Glasgow’s famous Barra’s Market can be found. It is worth visiting for its atmosphere alone - a distillation of true Glaswegian spirit and humour.

If none of this appeals, and you are seeking to sample Glasgow’s reputation as a hospitable, drinking city, then there is the challenge of the unofficial Clockwork Orange Pub Crawl, where a round of drinks is to be had at every stop on the circuit.

However, a word of warning: do not fall asleep on the tube train, its continuous circling may make you queasy. That is, if the carriages - their orange colouring as shocking as Burgess’ novel - don’t already.

An all-day discovery underground pass costs £1.70