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Do You Have Italian Ancestry? You Can Rediscover Your Roots to Visit Italy

Do You Have Italian Ancestry? You Can Rediscover Your Roots to Visit Italy

One of the most visible European-American ethnic groups in the United States is Italian-Americans.

Whether or not you’re imagining a reel of Jersey Shore scenes and fist-pumping, you might be aware of other Italian-American traditions. From Sunday dinner with the family to gatherings for major Catholic holidays, they’re a fairly familiar cultural quantity throughout the US.

In fact, most cities also have an Italian-American neighborhood, from Little Italy in Manhattan to the Hill in Saint Louis. (Saint Louis even has its own spin on the term guido; in the Lou, they’re called dagos.)

And in many parts of the US, Italian-American communities like these work to keep their ancestral knowledge alive. If you have an Italian-American friend, you’ve probably heard where they come from in the Old World.

And if they’ve made the trip across the Atlantic to their place of origin, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ve seen the pictures and heard the highlights of their visit.

But what about Italian-Americans who have lost touch with their roots?

Given that the majority of immigrants came over during the late 1800s into the early 1900s, millions of Americans are losing track of their ancestral roots. And although they want to visit Italy, they might only have a vague idea of which region to explore—no village names or family records.

That’s where the National Italian American Foundation comes in. In 2023, they penned an official partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to help more Italian-Americans trace their roots.

In 2024, they launched a ‘2024 – Year of Italian Roots’ campaign—and it’s still going strong.

Here’s how you can join to rediscover your Italian ancestry and use that knowledge to visit Italy.

Meet the NIAF

The National Italian American Foundation was founded in 1975 with the goal of uniting Italian-Americans, keeping heritage alive, and promoting the advancement of Italian-American achievements. In other words, it’s a cultural club with tens of thousands of members across the US.

The NIAF mostly works with young adults and youth by raising money for scholarships, sponsoring ‘voyages of discovery’ trips to Italy, lobbying for Italian-American causes, and expanding cultural initiatives.

Speaking of expanding cultural initiatives, one of NIAF’s greatest accomplishments was an official partnership with the Italian Foreign Ministry of Affairs. Over the last year, they’ve worked together to promote Italea, a service that is helping diaspora Italians learn about their ancestry. (More on this below.)

Inside the Roots Tourism Initiative

Last year, the NIAF announced a Roots Tourism Initiative, which was rolled out with the purview of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the goal of promoting a new program, Italea.

The initiative builds on one of Europe’s most booming travel trends: roots tourism.

Roots tourism is huge for Americans who are looking to reestablish ties with their heritage; it’s also a big win for small communities in Europe that could use an economic boost via tourist dollars. (It’s also viewed as a sustainable form of economic growth.)

So, what does all of this mean for Italian-Americans?

In short, rediscovering your Italian-American roots is simpler than ever before, even if you have little information to go on.

On top of that, you don’t need to join NIAF to research your Italian roots and plan a trip (back) to Italy. Instead, you can use Italea, the program that NIAF was helping promote.

(By contrast, if you’re interested in joining NIAF, they can help you take your ancestry research to the next level, and also hand you the keys to joining an Italian-American community.)

How to take part in the Root Tourism Initiative with Italea

As mentioned above, Italea is the official travel program from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is a robust ancestry resource and travel guide.

You can use the website to research your roots and put together a meaningful, memorable trip—even if your ‘hometown’ is out in the boonies.

I can’t recommend Italea enough. Though I didn’t end up using it (I know where my family comes from), Italian-Americans who have more questions than answers are likely to find helpful pointers.

Even if all you have is your surname to point you toward Italian ancestry, Italea can help you uncover your past and visit Italy to see where your ancestors came from.

From there, you can learn more about life in that village or region, along with how to put together a bucket list trip. Best of all, the website is used by Italians around the world—meaning you could find a long-lost relative who immigrated to Argentina way back when.

Urban Green Travel: 10 US Cities with the Most Park Space

Who says urban travel can’t include plenty of greenery?

Off the top of my head, I can name two destinations in the dead center of a city that are worth a visit. The first is the Highline in New York City. This West Village park is located atop defunct train tracks, letting you lounge amid greenery a few floors above the madness of those NYC streets.

The second is Vertical Forest, a residential skyscraper in the heart of Milan. The building’s exterior is laden with potted plants and trees, which come to life each spring. They’re a master class in eco-centric design.

Though the latter isn’t a park that you can visit, both projects highlight the fact that traveling to a city doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll skip out on nature.

That’s doubly true in the United States, where many cities were developed during or after the car boom. With longer streets and plenty of space for expansion, city planners had added flexibility to transform fields and forests into walkable green spaces. (Or cemeteries… looking at you, Green-Wood.)

But which cities come out ahead in terms of green space?

ParkScore has the answer for you.

Every year, ParkScore takes data from the Trust for Public Land to rank which cities have the most acres of free park space, how easy it is to access, what types of amenities are available, how spread out the parks are across the city, and investment based on public vs non-profit spending.

In short, ParkScore isn’t just ranking cities based on their total park acreage; they’re also taking a qualitative look at whether locals can actually take advantage of those spaces. Here’s the top ten in order of highest score.

Cities with the most park space

Washington, DC

A whopping 99% of DC locals live within walking distance of a public park. Every year, citizens spend around $345 on maintaining these parks, along with recreational activities. Just keep in mind that some of Washington’s larger landmarks are getting clumped in here, such as the National Mall. Explore the parks.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

As with Washington, DC, 99% of locals in Minneapolis are within ten minutes of a park on foot. The city is laced with biking and walking paths, and its parks are home to play areas and athletic courts.

There are just two points worth mentioning. First, Minneapolis comes in a bit low in equity, meaning its parks are focused around specific neighborhoods. Second, intense winters mean you won’t be enjoying these parks year-round. Explore the parks.

St. Paul, Minnesota

Though residents only have a short walk to local parks, they won’t have quite as many acres to explore. That being said, there’s a trade-off: because St. Paul’s parks are slightly smaller, they have more amenities than in many other cities.

Unfortunately, winters are on par with Minneapolis, meaning you won’t be able to use (most) parks for half the year. Explore the parks.

Irvine, California

When it comes to access and acreage, Irvine, California, sneakily rises above the competition in terms of total park space. Locals spend a massive $643 a year on local parks and land trusts, many of which have basic amenities. Equity is also rated slightly lower, meaning certain neighborhoods in Irvine have more parks than others. Explore the parks.

Arlington, Virginia

Arlington, Virginia, is the most unique case on this list. The city has one of the lowest acreage scores in the ParkScore study, but one of the highest in terms of amenities. Though its parks are smaller, they include more resources for residents, from public restrooms to playgrounds to trail markers. Explore the parks.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle has one of the oldest and most active Parks and Recreation departments of any US city, meaning it’s been protecting its green spaces longer. Though it doesn’t top the list in terms of acreage or amenities, its parks are evenly spread for a high equity score and are regularly funded by public dollars with high investment numbers. Explore the parks.

San Francisco, California

Similar to Seattle, San Francisco’s Parks and Recreation department has been adamant about preserving green spaces throughout the city. In fact, it’s home to some of the US’s most famous parks, from Golden Gate Park to Hippie Hill. Explore the parks.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Less than 90% of locals live within a ten-minute walk of a park, leaving Cincinnati with one of the lowest access scores on the list. The same is true for its total acreage. However, its parks are well-loved by residents and are kept up by the Parks and Rec department, offering top-notch amenities. Explore the parks.

Portland, Oregon

In terms of access, acreage, and amenities, locals in Portland have a lot to love about their local parks. Unfortunately, it has a very low equity score, meaning some parts of the city are more or less cut off from its amazing park systems and land trusts. Explore the parks.

Chicago, Illinois

Similar to New York City, Chicago city planners have done an excellent job of offering a green escape in the heart of its downtown area. In fact, its access and equity scores are incredibly high, meaning locals anywhere can find a park to relax in. Unfortunately, they’re likely to be small parks, and Chicago has the smallest number of acres dedicated to parks. Explore the parks.

St. Petersburg, Florida

Despite its urban sprawl, you won’t find many large parks in St. Petersburg, Florida. That being said, you’ll find them spread out throughout the area, meaning one is always in reach. With high investment from local entities, parks are also well-maintained and have plenty of amenities. Explore the parks.

Go Here First: Best Countries for Your First International Trip

Dreaming of a bucket list trip outside the country, but aren’t sure where to get started?

You aren’t alone. Millions of Americans dream of an exotic adventure abroad, but are intimidated by the idea of encountering a new culture, interacting with people who don’t speak English, and venturing long distances from home.

After all, the list of possible mishaps is long, and questions related to important topics like health and finances aren’t always quickly answered.

Travel requires a surprising amount of patience and fortitude, in other words. That’s true even if you’re simply heading from the airport straight to a resort. The simple truth is that you’re going to encounter something unexpected along the way.

But that’s only one side of the coin.

On the other hand, getting out of your comfort zone is one of the best ways to experience personal transformation, discover new interests, and learn more about the world. Most importantly, travel doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or stressful.

If you’re a little hung up about traveling great distances, navigating a foreign language, and coming face-to-face with vastly different cultural traditions, don’t worry—there’s no need to jump in the deep end.

I’ve rounded up eight popular destinations that are close to the United States, are proficient in English, and are very similar to our culture. One of them doesn’t even require a passport to visit.

Ready to set off on your first international trip? Here’s where to go.

Best countries for first-time international trips

  • Tropics: US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Belize
  • Europe: London, Edinburgh, & Dublin
  • Europe-ish: Iceland & Montreal

Top countries for your first international trips

US Virgin Islands

A man walks past leaning palm trees on Cormorant Beach. Saint Croix, United States Virgin Islands (Getty)

The US Virgin Islands are an overseas US territory, meaning you don’t need a passport to visit. (But you do need your real ID!)

This gorgeous chain of islands is home to dozens of well-known and boutique resorts alike, making it easy for you to arrive and get settled with a familiar vacation setup.

That being said, you can still get to know unique elements of Caribbean culture while on the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, from the food to live performances. Only a few hours south of Florida, the US Virgin Islands is the most accessible ‘international’ destination for Americans to explore.

British Virgin Islands

Aerial view of the Indians, British virgin islands (Getty)

Just east of the US Virgin Islands are another great choice for your very first international trip, the British Virgin Islands. Compared to the US Virgin Islands, the islands are more remote and rugged.

Usually, sailors and boating enthusiasts stick to the British Virgin Islands, while more traditional resort-style vacationers stick to the US side.

The choice is yours, but you can expect a similar experience in terms of beachy activities, tropical hikes, and chances to soak up Caribbean culture. As with the USVI, English is the main language in BVI. Just expect a quieter trip with fewer resort-style amenities.

Belize

Mayan ruins in Belize (Getty)

Belize is a tropics-lovers paradise. The small country is renowned for its scuba diving and snorkeling experiences thanks to its proximity to the Great Blue Hole.

The Great Blue Hole is second only to the Great Barrier Reef, just to clue you into the sites that you can expect on its unspoiled beaches. On top of that, you can also explore Mayan ruins.

Though surrounded by Spanish-speaking countries, Belizeans speak English. That being said, you’ll notice plenty of Caribbean cultural markers, plus Mexican influences. Americans can also expect plenty of small talk; just like us, Belizeans love a little back-and-forth while waiting in lines.

London

Getty

There’s little reason to sell you on a trip to London if you’ve never left the country before. Not only will you recognize plenty around the city (assuming you paid attention in history class), but you can also get a feel for the origin of American culture—from the love of pubs and sports to an appreciation for hearty food and great entertainment.

Just know that this is the priciest destination on this list by a long shot. If you go to London, expect to pay top prices for basic hotels, meals, and tours. Plus, the plane ticket.

Edinburgh

The sun shines on the beautiful old houses that make up scenic Dean Village in Edinburgh Scotland. (Getty)

If London isn’t quite right, head further north to Scotland. Edinburgh is a top pick for Americans on their first international trips thanks to its rich history and moody streets. If you’re into the Middle Ages and gothic architecture, look no further. Edinburgh also hosts some of the UK’s most popular music and cultural festivals, in case you love a good party.

Just beware that you’re going to pay a lot to explore Edinburgh. Though not quite as pricey as London, it’s still an expensive destination. Also, it’s pronounced edd-en-burr-owe.

Dublin

Formally Liffey Bridge, the iron-made Ha’penny Bridge, built in 1816 (Getty)

Like London, Dublin is high on the list for many Americans who want to visit Europe. Given how many Irish-Americans want to explore their ancestry, it’s also a popular jumping-off point for roots tourism.

If you fit into that category, kick off your international travels in Dublin. It’s a modern-but-ancient city that you’ll be able to explore at your own pace.

Just keep in mind that you might not want to spend too much time in Dublin. During my time in Ireland, I wrapped up my visit to the capital within a few days, then headed out west to County Kerry, Cork, and Galway. Those were my favorite parts of the trip, so make sure you have a pathway into the country if you visit the Emerald Isle.

Iceland

Vik i Myrdal Church in Iceland (Getty)

I labeled Iceland as a Europe-ish destination because, although it’s technically in Europe, it’s got its own distinct feel. (The same for Montreal, below.)

Similar to the United States, the country is spread out across a large distance, meaning you’re most likely going to be renting a car and driving a lot.

For many Americans, you’ll feel right at home as you cruise around the country to explore natural wonders like the hot springs, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches. In other words, the road trip vibes in Iceland will be familiar enough.

Still, the rest of the experience should be pretty novel, from the food to the language to the liquors on bar shelves. (Don’t worry, English is widely spoken.)

Montreal

Tourists enjoying the sites in downtown Montreal in the summer (Getty)

Quebec is Canada’s French-speaking zone and, as such, has a distinctly French flair. That unique culture is best soaked up in Montreal, a gorgeous city that feels European-ish thanks to its architecture and lifestyle.

Though locals don’t speak English quite as much as in Iceland, you won’t be isolated if you don’t know French.

Best of all, Montreal is only a short flight away for Americans on the East Coast. And while winter temperatures are known for dropping well below freezing, people in Quebec know how to enjoy winter in style.

Packing Tips for Business Trips, Destination Weddings, & More

Figuring out how to pack for a regular vacation is one thing—but even those smaller trips can be just as difficult to figure out.

In fact, I’d argue that figuring out how to minimize your packing list for a weekend trip is one of the toughest travel feats out there. Only minimalists will find the task fun.

Toss in travel factors like black-tie events, hyper-cold temperatures, solo travel concerns, and even stressful events like meeting the in-laws, and packing gets a whole lot harder.

My standard packing advice still applies for these types of speciality trips; I recommend using compression packing cubes, taking a minimalist approach, and relying on the right types of travel products.

Beyond that, here are even more packing tips for life’s most common specialty trips.

Packing tips for all types of trips

Business trips

When you’re packing for business trips, you have two main priorities. First, keep your most important tech and documents with you in a personal item—don’t check them and risk losing vital business information. Second, rely on wrinkle-resistant clothes to keep your formalwear in good shape during transit.

Aside from that, remember that you should always hang or fold your suits, blazers, and formalwear. You can roll other items, like denim, to keep them less wrinkled. Toss ties and pocket squares into shoes so they keep their shape.

If you’re crossing multiple time zones, consider getting ahead with these business traveler jet lag tips.

Meeting the in-laws

This isn’t a packing hack so much as a reminder that you need to leave space for gifts and make sure to bring along any gifted items, like a watch or a hat. It’s always good form to bring a gift (or five) when meeting your in-laws for the first time.

And if you’ve received any gifts from them prior to the meeting, don’t forget to pack them—they’ll be touched that you showed up wearing the items they’ve gifted you before.

Destination weddings

The vast majority of destination weddings are formal, meaning you need to get your suits and dresses to the venue without getting them dirty or wrinkling them.

Unsurprisingly, that means you need a solid garment bag that will protect your formalwear during the long flight and/or drive. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Call ahead to your lodging to make sure they offer dry cleaning. If not, this is one of those times I actually recommend bringing a steamer. I also advise bringing a spare set of clothes, even if they’re not quite as formal. That protects you in case of a total wardrobe disaster, and prevents you from overspending on a replacement in a pricey resort.

Lastly, if you’re expected to show up with a gift, don’t forget that you can always mail it ahead of time. No need to lug around a heavy and luxurious gift with you to the destination. There’s a courier service that can handle it for you, like FedEx or UPS.

Concerts/sports events

You might already be aware, but many large stadiums and arenas that host major concerts and sports events have bag size limitations.

Remember to pack a small and efficient bag that you can stuff the basics into—and consider bringing a collapsible water bottle if you don’t want to splurge at the concessions area.

My last packing tip for concerts and sports events is to bring along a charging bank for your phone. The larger the event, the more likely it is that you’ll get separated from friends. The more excited you are about the event, the more likely you are to spend your phone’s battery taking pictures and videos. I’m sure you see where I’m going with this.

Winter travel

Want to dive into the ins and outs of winter travel? Start here. If not, here’s a quick summary of how to pack for winter travel: wear your heaviest gear on the plane, take fewer items and make plans to do more laundry, and try to purchase a few heat-smart pieces of clothing to keep your overall packing weight at a minimum.

Multi-week trips

The longer your trip, the more tempting it is to stuff your suitcase to full capacity. My advice is to keep it simpler than usual if you’re heading abroad for more than a few weeks. There are two key areas to focus on: shoes and layering.

Of all my packing tips, this is the simplest and most powerful: Don’t overpack shoes. You only need one comfortable, functional pair and one semi-formal pair. That’s all. You can buy a pair of flip-flops at your destination if needed.

Aside from shoes, look for pieces of clothing that you can mix and match. Usually, that means avoiding bright colors and statement pieces. Keep it simple so that you can mix and match every item—it’ll give you more flexibility between laundry days.

Solo vacations

If you’re heading out on a solo trip, it might be a multi-week adventure. In that case, the above advice stands: bring as many mix-and-match clothing pieces as possible, and limit how many pairs of shoes you bring.

I also recommend bringing along a few security-focused gadgets and a portable charging bank just in case your day trips take a little longer than expected.

However, the most important packing tip for solo vacations is to focus your energy on finding a lightweight and functional carry-on. Many solo vacationers stick to bus and train transportation, which is when an overly heavy suitcase or backpack will get you into trouble. (You’ll tire out fast lugging an overweight piece around.)

6 Best Motel Chains for Your Budget Road Trip Needs

Road trips are perfect for last-minute escapes. Best of all, you can swing one on a budget—especially if you’re okay holing up in a motel for the night.

Even if you aren’t looking to string together a budget road trip, you should still know a thing or two about popular motel chains. After all, the distances between many smaller US towns are longer than you might think. It’s not uncommon to find yourself looking for roadside lodging when the refill tank light comes on or the sun sets.

Let me paint a picture for you. I went on an off-the-cuff road trip with a friend from Saint Louis, Missouri, south to New Orleans, Louisiana, then to Asheville, North Carolina, before cruising back west to the Lou.

We didn’t make a single arrangement beforehand. When the sun would start to set, we’d start looking for accommodation.

Our best motel stay was a Super 8 in downtown Asheville. It put us straight in the city center where we could walk to bars and restaurants.

The worst was off a two-lane highway in Tennessee, called the Plantation Inn. The only thing worse than the couple screaming at one another in the parking lot was when they decided to head inside to make up later on. Both were hours-long ordeals.

Here’s my point: You never know when a little motel knowledge will help you find a comfortable, safe place to stay after a long day cruising across the country. Consider this your road map to avoiding stays like mine at the Plantation Inn.

[Pro tip: Avoid mom-and-pop motels unless you’ve actually heard good things about the property or have combed through reviews. On the other hand, always look into new boutique hotels that use the word ‘motel’; it’s trending at the moment.]

Best motel chains for budget road trips—at a glance

  • Motel 6 is (usually) the cheapest (plus, it’s pet friendly)
  • Travelodge (usually) has an onsite restaurant
  • Super 8 Motels include a continental breakfast and indoor rooms
  • Econo Lodge also includes a basic breakfast—at a cheaper price
  • InTown Suites is long-stay ready
  • Microtel Inn and Suites is a good hotel substitute

Best motel chains for budget road trips

Motel 6 is (usually) the cheapest

Ontario, CA, USA – November 30, 2023: Signage for Motel 6 (Getty)

Motel 6 should be top of your list for cheap, reliable motels. Their goal is to keep prices as low as possible, meaning you won’t find a more affordable room. That being said, you’re walking into a very basic arrangement.

As in, Wi-Fi isn’t included, there’s no shower gel in the bathroom, and the only thing you can expect in the way of breakfast is filtered coffee. Still, this brand goes a long way in maintaining its hotels, meaning you can expect a clean stay every time. As an added bonus, it’s pet-friendly!

Travelodge (usually) has an onsite restaurant

Keystone, South Dakota, USA – April 1, 2013: The Travelodge in Keystone (Getty)

Travelodge should be your top pick if you’re showing up hungry. The name ‘lodge’ in the title refers to the old-school lodges and taverns that served travelers centuries ago. Today, that means you can find a restaurant (sometimes with a bar) on the premises, letting you fill your stomach before heading off to bed.

Super 8 Motels include a continental breakfast

Bakersfield, California, USA – June 17, 2023: Exterior and sign of Super 8 Worldwide, formerly known as Super 8 Motels. (Getty)

Super 8 Motels are the most elevated pick of the bunch. First, because Super 8 Motels are (almost always) built like a hotel—not a door-opens-to-the-parking-lot traditional motel setup. Second, they also offer a continental breakfast, letting you get a little bit more for your buck at a Super 8.

Econo Lodge also includes a basic breakfast—at a cheaper price

Hershey, USA – August 13, 2011: A sign stands outside the EconoLodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania (Getty)

Econo Lodge hits a lot of the same notes as Super 8 Motels in that you can expect a few standard hotel amenities, including a continental breakfast. On to of that, Econo Lodges are usually centrally located, putting you close to any attractions you want to see. Despite the breakfast and central locations, Econo Lodges are still affordable.

InTown Suites is long-stay ready

Courtesy of InTown Suites

InTown Suites is a hotel rather than a motel, but it’s one of the cheapest options you’ll have if you need to hole up for a week or two, as InTown accepts long-term lodging. I’m including it here just in case you need to take your car into the shop during your road trip. Who knows when you’ll need cheap room rates for a longer period of time, in that case?

Microtel Inn and Suites is a good hotel substitute

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA – June 3, 2012: A Microtel Inns + Suites location just outside of Pittsburgh (Getty)

Microtel Inn and Suites is also a hotel, but it’s so affordable that its room rates won’t raise eyebrows. If you’re a little on the fence about staying in a traditional motel, Microtel Inn and Suites is a fantastic substitute.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Glasgow for Your Scottish Adventure

As the most populous city in Scotland, you might think Glasgow takes the crown when it comes to tourism. In actuality, most visitors head straight to Edinburgh, leaving Glasgow for their second romp across Scotland.

While Edinburgh isn’t shabby by any stretch, these visitors are missing out on Glasgow’s stunning sites, from the famous Necropolis cemetery to Buchanan Street to its elevated brewery tours.

They’re also missing out on Glasgow’s tastiest eats (including Turkish and Indian delights), fantastic live music scenes, must-see museums and art galleries, and plenty more.

Here’s my point: Don’t underestimate Glasgow.

If you’re gearing up for a visit, you can shop around for the eleven best boutique hotels in Glasgow below. Each selection is centrally located, highly rated by recent guests, and offers a unique twist that will make your trip more memorable.

Best boutique hotels in Glasgow at a glance

Best boutique hotels in Glasgow at a glance

Best modern pick: The Social Hub Glasgow

Sleek, clean, and designed with incredible shared spaces, The Social Hub Glasgow offers a comfortable landing pad, plus tons of other modern hotel perks. From the game room to the vegan dining options to the lighting, it’s a crisp and effortless contemporary hotel.

Most convenient: Motel One Glasgow

Located right next to Central Train Station and close to George Square, Motel One offers a convenient and central location. Similar to The Social Hub, this is a tasteful and modern hotel with well-appointed communal areas. Thanks to its central location, it also has fantastic views.

Cozy and convenient: Babbity Bowsters

Babbity Bowster is a boutique hotel located inside a gorgeous, historic building. With a quaint courtyard and cozy rooms, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you set your bags down. The restaurant-pub is also highly rated by guests, so make sure you come hungry.

Bougiest amenities: The Address Glasgow

The Address Glasgow is a four-star hotel that feels more like a five-star location. Its high design lures you in, while its spa and bar will keep you happy for hours. Despite how high-end the Address feels, it’s not exorbitantly priced.

The Most Scottish pick: The Pipers’ Tryst Hotel

The Pipers’ Tryst Hotel is located on the grounds of the National Piping Center, the headquarters of Scottish Bagpiping. For fans of Scottish culture and traditional music won’t find a better way to dig into local heritage. As a bonus, all proceeds go to a charity that teaches bagpiping around the world.

Stylish & affordable: Point A Hotel Glasgow

You can save a bit on your room rates at Point A Hotel—but you won’t feel like you’re getting a discounted stay. The property is simple but stylish with a trendy check-in area. The dining options are also simple, designed to let guests buy a fresh or packaged snack any time of day.

Bed and breakfast vibes: Argyll Hotel & Sandyford Hotel

Argyll Hotel

Both the Argyll Hotel and Sandyford Hotel are small, family-run operations that you’ll adore if you like bed and breakfast setup. Uniquely, they’re also both located just outside the city center bounds, letting you choose which times you’d like to enter Glasgow’s busiest streets. I’ll let you pick which atmosphere you prefer.

Hostel vibes: Revolver

To describe Revolver as a hostel is a little reductive because it downplays how gorgeous the design is. From the rooms to the free-standing tubs, there’s a pleasant surprise around every corner. Still, Revolver puts a big emphasis on its shared spaces, which are full of things like ping-pong tables. Also, there are affordable bunkbed rooms

Best for long-term stays: Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central

Looking to set up shop in Glasgow for a while? Aparthotel Adagio is ready to host you for months on end. Condo-style rooms come with coffee makers, kitchenettes, and all the other basics you need. You can also expect great views and friendly, responsive staff.

Moodiest architecture & coolest design: Native Glasgow

A few hotels on this list are located in grand, historic buildings—but Native Glasgow is truly something special. It’s located inside an Edwardian building that was once home to the Anchor Line Shipping company. The hotel has maintained those original 1906 features, then upgraded them with a warm, modern design. From just about every angle, it’s a cool, moody project.