Widely regarded as Scotland's second city, Glasgow offers excellent road links – both in the city centre and beyond.

The city has two motorways running either side of the River Clyde (the M8 and the M74) to help you easily navigate your way to your destination in your Glasgow hire car. Following the M74 south leads you to the English border at Carlisle, whereas taking the M8 east out of the city takes you to Edinburgh and Livingston, while heading in the opposition direction will lead you to the west coastline.

The beautiful Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is within driving distance, taking around an hour to reach when you head north on the A82. Continue further north if you're looking to head into the Scottish Highlands, or to visit Aberdeen or Inverness.

As well as the motorways that take you through inner Glasgow, there are a series of ring-roads so you can conveniently navigate the city. The A804 and A803 are your best option for taking in the northern area of the city – where Glasgow Cathedral can be found. You can take High Street and Saltmarket to work your way down to the River Clyde. From here, follow Clyde Street and Broomielaw to reach the commercial parks and leisure hotspots on the recently renovated waterfront.

You'll need to cross one of the city's bridges – such as the Clyde Arc, Tradeston or King George V – to take in the south of the river. There's a one-way system in operation in the heart of Glasgow's busy shopping quarter, as well as large pedestrianised areas.

Glasgow's heady blend of history and culture make it one of Britain's liveliest cities – a bustling hub of world-famous attractions, conversation-starting architecture and a year-round offering of events and attractions. Cut a dash through this wonderful city with a car rental in Glasgow.

A capital of culture

Since being named European Capital of Culture in 1990, the city has truly embraced the arts and is widely regarded as one of the international performance leaders. Organisations such as Royal Orchestra of Scotland, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland have all boosted Glasgow's contemporary arts scene.

You won't be disappointed if you prefer your arts on canvas or in exhibits, with Glasgow home to a wide range of fantastic galleries. Head to Royal Exchange Square and you'll find the Gallery of Modern Art, while if you take Argyle Street west out of the city centre you can explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum's historic collection.

The Old Firm

Sporting heritage is one of Glasgow's major passions, and the city is home to the two most successful teams in Scottish football. You'll find the white and green hoops of Glasgow Celtic playing at the aptly named Celtic Park, and a five-mile drive over the river via the M74 and M8 takes you to Ibrox Stadium, home to the ‘Gers’, Glasgow Rangers. These Old Firm teams have won 100 league titles between them, so if you're a football fan then catching either of these clubs in action is a must.

On the waterfront

Regeneration of the city's waterfront has turned this once industrial landscape into an energetic centre for both business and leisure. Situated on either side of the River Clyde, the Glasgow Science Centre and the Riverside Museum are two of the larger additions, or you can enjoy some riverside retail therapy at intu Braehead, easily accessible from the M8. The Greater Govan & Glasgow Harbour now boasts a range of commercial projects and business parks, and the Broomielaw-Tradeston Bridge, opened in 2009, has created a thriving urban quarter.

Glasgow's architectural backdrop also offers much for visitors. The mixture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's pioneering art nouveau works and the modernistic designs of today like the city's SSE Hydro Arena, juxtaposed against the buildings of Glasgow's industrial past, creates one of Scotland's finest urban landscapes.

Glasgow and beyond

If you're hiring a car in Glasgow, you'll find that it's well worth getting out and about and exploring the Clyde Valley and coast too. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark, a village that sits a mile from the market town of Lanark, or journey to the picturesque Argyll sea lochs, known for fishing and oysters.

Alternatively, if rest and relaxation is on your agenda, the beautiful shoreline of Largs is on Scotland's west coast, less than an hour's drive away from Glasgow. Wander the Victorian promenade, treat yourself in one of its many ice-cream parlours, or hop on board the famous Waverley Paddle Boat if you're visiting in the summer months.

Scotland's second largest city has a unique story to tell, and it's one of growth and reinvention. Take in the fascinating history – it's all around you – when you hire a car in Glasgow and see for yourself how it broke free of its largely industrial past to be the much-visited and thriving tourism hotspot it is today.