Glasgow has made its way onto a top ten list of rising European destinations for cultural experiences.

The Scottish city rounded out the top ten rising European destinations for cultural experiences as calculated by TripAdvisor, which saw Copenhagen (+751%), Brussels (+535%), and Verona (+286%), rank among the top three, respectively.

And in the UK, the city is leading the way as a rising destination for cultural experiences as bookings for cultural tours in the city show a 148% increase so far in 2018, compared to 2017.

Jim Clarkson, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “Glasgow has long had a reputation as a major cultural centre thanks to our Charles Rennie Mackintosh heritage, UNESCO City of Music credentials, contemporary art talent and world-class public art collections – many in free museums in galleries – so I’m delighted to see us recognised as among the fastest growing cultural destinations in Europe.

“Glasgow’s cultural offering is central to the city’s Tourism and Visitor Plan to 2023, which sets out a clear direction for building the city’s global profile as a successful tourism destination. This recognition is a great sign that the strategy is working for Glasgow and that our cultural experiences really are wowing visitors.”

Travellers are showing a growing desire for cultural experiences, new TripAdvisor data reveals. According to the travel planning and booking site, bookings for cultural experiences have risen sharply, with a 45% increase this year, compared to 2017.

Bookings by UK travellers for cultural experiences jumped by 32% in the first half of 2018.

Cultural experiences, from classic activities centred on architecture, history, and art tours, to emerging cultural experiences, like pub, movie-themed, and food tours, provide travellers with a new perspective on a city, whether it’s the first visit or it’s a hometown stay-cation.

Fastest growing destinations in Europe for Cultural & Theme tours

Copenhagen, Denmark  751%

Brussels, Belgium  535%

Verona, Italy  286%

Berlin, Germany  198%

Bucharest, Romania  197%

Orvieto, Italy  192%

Cognac, France  184%

Moscow, Russia  162%

Bratislava, Slovakia  150%

Glasgow, Scotland  148%