Glasgow has been named as one of the world’s top 10 cities by the travel guide, Lonely Planet.

The city was chosen for its exciting, contemporary image.

Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2009 booklet says: "Forget about castles, kilts, bagpipes and tartan. You come for the cocktails, cuisine and designer chic (plus the legendary native wit).

"Scotland's biggest city has shaken off its shroud of industrial soot and shimmied into a sparkling new designer gown."

Actor James McAvoy and pan-fried scallops are included in the "what's hot" in Glasgow list.

"Defining experiences" include cruising the Clyde by powerboat and "adding your voice to the Hampden roar" at the football ground.

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."

The guide lists the city alongside Antwerp, Beirut, Chicago, Lisbon, Mexico City Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Warsaw and Zurich.

Earlier this year, Lonely Planet produced a guide for prospective students from around the World who are interested in studying at the University of Glasgow.

“Study Glasgow” highlights all that Scotland’s largest city has to offer, from its friendly people and buzzing nightlife, to adventure sports and cultural gems, enabling those who are considering undertaking a course at the University to get a taste of what the city is like to live in.

Lonely Planet author and University of Glasgow graduate, James Bainbridge, researched and wrote the majority of the book.

He said that he was “blown away” by how much the city had changed since he graduated in 1998, adding: “Of course, everyone has pride in the university they went to, but I really can’t think of anywhere I would’ve rather gone. The West End is such a beautiful area with all its parks and hills covered in sandstone tenements, and there’s always something to do at night in the City Centre.”

The guide is also interspersed with “Student Voices”. These brief interviews give a personal insight into what some of the university-goers get up to when they’re not studying as well as all their favourite hangouts.

First published: 15 October 2008

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