The best views in Glasgow, truly stunning!

These days, it's hard to argue too much with the assertion that many of Britain's cities are beginning to feel similar to one another, with the same chain stores lining the high streets. So what exactly is it that makes a stay in a Glasgow hostel feel so unique? Well it's partially the city's amazing history and impressive monuments, as well as the local residents that call Scotland's largest city home. But there's something else too.

While it's easy to list the venues, shops, cafes and restaurants in a city, most people would probably agree that these lists don't ever really give you a full sense of what a place is like. Think about some of your favourite places in the world. Much of what makes them so special to you might be almost imperceptible to others… it could be a fleeting moment with friends and loved ones, or a glimpse up at the skyline just as the sun starts to sink into the horizon.

Wow, just got a little bit deep there. Ahem. Anyway, in the spirit of such musings, we here at Euro Hostel would like to share with you a little of the 'je ne sais quoi' that makes Glasgow such a magical city. Sure you can try the city's fantastic foods and shop in its trendy boutiques. But if you come across any of these stunning sights, it might perhaps be more enjoyable to take a minute for yourself and just appreciate the view.

The Lighthouse

Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture, the Lighthouse is a multipurpose visitor centre situated right in the heart of the city. It is also the first public commission of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of the nation's most celebrated architects, designers and artists. Constructed at the end of the 19th century and formerly serving as the office of the Glasgow Herald, the Lighthouse was renamed and reopened to the public in 1999 as part of Glasgow's status as UK City of Architecture and Design that year.

The building itself is something to behold and inside, you'll find plenty of exhibits befitting of such an impressive venue. But the real magic happens when you travel up the spiral staircase to the viewing platform at the very top, where you'll be taken aback by the most magnificent 360-degree panorama of Glasgow city centre and the surrounding area - as far as the eye can see.

11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow, G1 3NU. 0141 276 5360. Open Monday to Saturday, 10.30am - 5pm; Sunday, 12pm - 5pm. Twitter: #The_Lighthouse

Ruchill Park

A beautiful space that was opened in 1892 to provide Glasgow's burgeoning population with somewhere to enjoy themselves if they didn't have their own gardens. Spread across 53 acres, Ruchill Park, in the north of Glasgow, boasts beautiful flower beds, as well as all the usual luscious green spaces you expect to see in a park.

Arguably its best feature is the vantage point that you'll find at the base of its impressive old flagpole. Standing here, you'll be able to enjoy splendid views of the city, as well as the Campsie fells to Glennifer and the Cathkin Braes. This is also a great spot from which to gaze up into the sky and watch the planes as they make their descent into Glasgow airport.

221 Firhill Road, Glasgow, G20 7SQ. Open daily from dawn to dusk.

John Lewis, Buchanan Street

Situated opposite the Buchanan bus station, the John Lewis store isn't on this list as some sort of stealth advertising. In fact it's not really the store itself that we're interested in for the purposes of this discussion. No, it is rather the views of Buchanan Street to be had from the department store's cafe.

There's nothing like watching the throngs of shoppers go about their business on one of Glasgow's most famous shopping streets with a steaming cup of coffee in your hand. After you're finished, you'll also be well placed to indulge in a spot of shopping yourself - Buchanan Street has plenty of popular shops. If you wait until dusk and look down the street southward from the Donald Deware statue, you'll also be treated to a magical sight as all the lights come on.

Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow, G1 2GF. 0141 353 6677. Open Monday andTuesday, 9am - 6pm; Wednesday, 9.30am - 6pm; Thursday, 9am - 8pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am - 6.30pm; Sunday, 10am - 6pm.

Queen's Park

Another of Glasgow's beautiful open spaces, Queen's Park is positively huge, covering 148 acres. One of the most impressive sights is the walk up to the Nursery and Display House, which features a collection of sub-tropical plants, a zen garden and ponds filled with exotic fish. Close to the main walkway, you'll also be able to marvel at an impressive oak tree, which was planted by Belgian refugees after the First World War.

Looking out at the city, you'll be greeted with an extensive view of the skyline from the flagpole, as well as clear sights of Ben Lomand and the Campsie Fells. On the first and third Saturdays of the month, you'll also be able to peruse dozens of stalls at the Queen's Park Farmers Market.

520 Langside Road, Queen's Park, Glasgow, G42 9QL

Bell's Bridge and the SECC's Clyde Auditorium

The swing bridge over the River Clyde that leads to the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) offers truly fantastic views of the venue's impressive Clyde Auditorium, which stands proudly as one of Glasgow's most iconic modern buildings. Known affectionately as the Armadillo, the purpose-built auditorium has become a Scottish landmark, thanks to its unique design. Particularly after dark, you'll be able to gaze in awe as the venue's exterior is illuminated and peer from the bridge into the reflections that dance across the surface of the water below.

Exhibition Way Finnieston Glasgow G3 8YW. Opening times dependent on events.

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