Glasgow is a wonderful West Central Scotland city, combining rich history, modern energy, and easy access to the stunning Scottish Highlands.
The city has plenty to offer whether you’re interested in architecture, history, culture, or exploring nature.
If you’re planning to visit this great city, make sure to read these 22 things to do in Glasgow first!
22 Top Attractions in Glasgow You Cannot Miss
Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the most famous museums in Scotland.
Housed in a magnificent Victorian building, it hosts diverse art, history, and natural sciences collections.
Some popular attractions inside include the Salvador Dali painting “Christ of St John of the Cross,” and the portrait of Alexander Reid painted by Dutch impressionist Vincent Van Gogh.
Like all museums in the United Kingdom, The Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum is free to visit.
Visit The Hunterian Museum And Gallery
The Hunterian is the oldest museum in Scotland. Opened in 1807, it’s named after physicist and anatomist William Hunter, a former student at Glasgow University.
The Hunterian is actually a complex of museums covering the Hunterian Museum, the Hunterian Art Gallery, the Mackintosh House, the Zoology Museum, and the Anatomy Museum, all located in various buildings on the campus of the University of Glasgow.
The Hunterian Gallery is free to visit. For the other museums, you must pay an entrance fee.
Visit Glasgow University
Take a tour of The University of Glasgow, one of the oldest English-speaking universities, established in 1451.
The main campus at The University of Glasgow is Gilmorehill. The majestic Gilbert Scott building, with an iconic bell tower and one of Glasgow’s most prominent monuments, is located in the heart of the campus.
Book a guided tour and discover more about the University’s architecture and 550 years of history. Walk through the courtyards and cloisters where brilliant minds of the past once wandered.
After visiting the University, The Hunterian Gallery, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, go for a walk in Kelvingrove Park.
Visit The Tenement House To Learn About Glasgow’s History
Step into Glasgow’s past at the Tenement House, a beautifully preserved Edwardian property.
This time capsule of a house offers a glimpse into the daily life of Glaswegians in the early 20th century.
With period-authentic furnishings and insightful exhibits, it provides a unique perspective on Glasgow’s history and social evolution.
Visit The People’s Palace
The People’s Palace, in Glasgow Green Park, offers a glimpse into the lives of Glaswegians over the years. It showcases the city’s social history through artifacts, photographs, and personal stories.
If you wish to know more about how the locals used to live, then this is the place.
Note that you won’t be able to visit the greenhouses (Winter Gardens). They’ve been closed for quite some time, with no news of their reopening.
Go Shopping At The Barras Market
For some second-hand shopping, head to the Barras Market.
This bustling marketplace has been a local institution for decades, offering vintage finds, antiques, old toys, and second-hand clothing.
Note that the market is only open on the weekend.
Get To Know The People of Glasgow
The people in Glasgow, The Glaswegians, or simply Weegies, are friendly, welcoming, and genuine.
You’ll have no problem connecting with the locals. In fact, you’ll always find a Glaswegian willing to help you.
In my experience, all Scottish people are friendly. But I’ve met the kindest Scottish people in Glasgow.
So, head to the nearest pub and start conversing with a Glaswegian! You might end up making friends for life.
Visit GoMA, The Gallery Of Modern Art
The Gallery Of Modern Art, GoMA, is housed in an 18th-century townhouse in the middle of the city. GoMA is a relatively small but interesting gallery with a mix of new and old art.
Inside, you’ll find works from Picasso, Hockney, and Andy Warhol, to name a few.
In addition to its permanent collection, it offers temporary exhibitions and artists’ talks.
In front of the museum, you’ll also find the Equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington. The statue is known as one of the city’s most recognized landmarks. Mainly because it’s nowadays capped with a traffic cone.
It’s even said to be artist Banksy’s favorite work of art in the UK.
Discover The Riverside Museum
The Riverside Museum on the River Clyde pays homage to Glasgow’s industrial and transport heritage.
Its extensive vehicle collection includes cars, trams, trains, planes, and ships from different eras.
The museum is known for its interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. You can sit in the driver’s seat of some of the vehicles, explore the history of shipbuilding, and learn about the role of transportation in Glasgow through the years.
You’ll even get to visit a restored Victorian sailing ship.
The Riverside Museum is one of the most beloved museums in Glasgow. It has something for everyone, even if you’re not into transportation!
Visit Glasgow Science Centre
If you’re ready for scientific exploration, visit the Glasgow Science Centre. Inside the futuristic building, interactive exhibits make learning fun for all ages.
Catch the planetarium show for a journey through the cosmos.
Wander Through The Botanic Gardens
Glasgow Botanic Gardens offers an escape into the world of plants and nature.
Spend the afternoon here exploring the meticulously designed gardens featuring various flora worldwide.
There are several walking and cycling lanes along the river and beautiful wooded areas to enjoy.
Visit the Victorian cast-iron glasshouses and greenhouses filled with the most amazing plants from around the world.
Attend A Football Game At Celtic Park or Ibrox Stadium
Like elsewhere in Scotland, football is the number one sport in Glasgow.
Two teams, both from Glasgow, dominate Scottish football: Celtic and Rangers.
In addition to being the biggest clubs, the two are each other’s biggest rivals, too.
In fact, their rivalry is considered to be one of the biggest and most intense football rivalries in the world, often referred to as the “Old Firm” derby.
So pick a side and attend a game at Celtic Park, home of the Celtic Football Club or visit Ibrox Stadium and watch the Rangers play.
Taste Traditional Haggis
No Glasgow visit is complete without tasting haggis! This traditional Scottish dish is made from minced sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs blended with oatmeal and spices.
You can enjoy haggis for breakfast or dinner (anytime, basically) served with roasted tomatoes and fried eggs.
You’ll often find it paired with “neeps and tatties” (mashed turnips and potatoes).
If you don’t eat meat, then try vegan haggis. There are several restaurants in Glasgow serving vegan haggis. Try the Glasvegan on St Enoch Square.
Explore The Glasgow Cathedral
The Glasgow Cathedral is a medieval cathedral in the heart of the city.
Dating back to the 12th century, its Gothic grandeur and stained glass windows will amaze any visitor.
Some may recognize the cathedral from movies like “Batman” or the hit series “Outlander”. For instance, one of the crypts was used as a filming location in Outlander.
The cathedral’s surroundings, including the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, offer further insights into Glasgow’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
The staff at the cathedral are very knowledgeable and helpful. And the best part is that the cathedral is absolutely free to visit!
(Note that there is no toilet inside the church. The nearest restroom is two streets away and won’t open till 10 AM).
Experience The Glasgow Necropolis
Overlooking the city, the Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery next to the Glasgow Cathedral.
It’s a fascinating place to wander, with elaborate monuments and statues dedicated to Glasgow’s prominent figures. For instance, inside the Necropolis, you’ll find the memorial statue of Sir William Wallace, a Scottish knight and prominent leader during the First War of Scottish Independence.
There was a massive storm when I visited the cathedral so I couldn’t visit the cemetery. If you can (and if the weather is more cooperative than when I was there), I suggest you visit The Necropolis. It’s definitely on my list for my next trip to Glasgow!
Visit Pollok Country Park
Pollok Country Park is an expansive park a 10-minute train ride from Glasgow Central.
Spanning 146 hectares, it’s one of Europe’s largest urban green spaces, offering many attractions and possibilities for outdoor activities.
Take a walk or cycle through the park’s many trails, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the gorgeously green surroundings.
You might even spot some Highland cattle grazing in the fields. Like this one here:
How to get to Pollok Country Park
The best way to get to Pollok Country Park is by train. Take the train from Glasgow Central to Pollokshaws West.
Visit The Pollok House
One of the park’s highlights is the Pollok House, a grand mansion with a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
Pollok House is an elegant Georgian mansion with an impressive Spanish art collection.
Now open to the public as a museum, it showcases the life and times of the wealthy Maxwell family who once owned it.
While the grand rooms upstairs are impressive, the downstairs staff’s quarters give a glimpse of what it looked like behind the scenes.
The surrounding gardens are stunning. You can spend hours walking here.
Visit The Burrell Collection
Another must-see attraction in the park is the Burrell Collection, a world-renowned museum dedicated to art and antiquities.
The museum is housed in a modernist building and features over 9,000 objects, including European paintings, Greek sculptures, and Egyptian artifacts. The lush and green Pollok Country Park is the perfect backdrop for the centuries-old artifacts displayed inside the modern building.
All of the items on display used to belong to the private collection of art collector Sir William Burrell and his family.
In 1944, Burrell donated all of his belongings to the city of Glasgow with specific instructions on how and where the items should be displayed. He wanted the museum to be located somewhere people could appreciate art in a countryside setting.
After years of searching for the perfect location and some setbacks, the museum was opened in 1983 by Queen Elizabeth II.
I must say that the Burrell Collection is in my top 3 museums (after the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and probably the National History Museum in New York). It’s absolutely impressive and so incredibly well curated!
A must-visit if you’re in Glasgow.
And like all museums in the United Kingdom, the Burrell Collections is free to visit.
Learn About Whisky At The Glengoyne Distillery
If you’re a fan of whiskey, then there’s no better place to learn about it than in Scotland!
The Glengoyne Distillery, situated just outside Glasgow, is a distillery that offers informative tours walking you through the whisky-making process.
Gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind this iconic Scottish drink.
Or better yet, book an exclusive whiskey-tasting experience.
Day Trips From Glasgow
Visit The Scottish Highlands
If you’re in Scotland, you must visit the Highlands.
The Scottish Highlands, located in the northwest of Scotland and a short drive from Glasgow, are a mountainous region full of rugged mountains, dramatic glens (valleys), peaceful lakes (lochs), and wild natural beauty.
The area has a rich history with castles, clans, and tales of Scottish folklore, all adding to the appeal.
There are several day trips from Glasgow to the Highlands. I highly recommend taking the trip to Glenfinnan, Mallaig, and Glencoe.
On this trip, you’ll explore the Port of Mallaig, see the breathtaking landscape of Glencoe, pass the Loch Lomond, and witness the Jacobite Steam Train (Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express) cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
There are many places I’ve been to that I find amazing. Visiting the Highlands has been one of the highlights for me.
No photo or video does the scenery justice. You have to see it for yourself.
Take A Day Trip To Edinburgh
Take a day trip to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.
It takes just an hour by train or bus to reach this city rich in history and culture. Roam the historic streets of the Old Town, be amazed by the grand Edinburgh Castle on a volcanic hill, and walk along the elegant Georgian buildings of the New Town.
Stop for some haggis or have a traditional afternoon tea.
Whether you love history, shopping, or simply soaking in the city’s vibe, Edinburgh offers something for everyone in a single day.
How to Get From Glasgow To Edinburgh
The best way to get from Glasgow to Edinburgh is by train. The train ride from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley takes about an hour. Off-peak day return ticket costs about 15 pounds or 19 dollars (in October 2023).
Visit Stirling and Stirling Castle
Stirling is a historic city in central Scotland, known for its rich history and natural beauty. It’s often called the “Gateway to the Highlands” because of its strategic location.
Stirling Castle, perched on a hill, is a major attraction. The castle played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history, including the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge led by William Wallace.
The city’s old town has historic charm. Stirling offers a mix of history, art, and scenic landscapes, making it a great destination for a day trip from Glasgow.
How to Get to Stirling From Glasgow
The best way to visit Stirling and Stirling Castle is to take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling. The train ride takes approximately 35 minutes. An off-peak day return ticket costs about 10 pounds or 13 dollars (in October 2023).
Where To Stay In Glasgow
Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Glasgow, from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly options.
Luxury: Blythswood Square Hotel
This luxurious 5-star hotel is in a Georgian townhouse in the city center. It offers elegant rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and a stylish bar. The central location is perfect for exploring Glasgow’s attractions.
Boutique: Grasshoppers Hotel Glasgow
In the city’s heart, Grasshoppers is a boutique hotel known for its stylish and comfortable rooms. Guests appreciate its central location and friendly service.
Mid-Range: Ibis Styles Glasgow Centre West
This hotel offers comfortable and modern accommodations at an affordable price. It’s located in the city center, making exploring Glasgow’s attractions convenient.
Budget: Motel One Glasgow
Motel One is a budget-friendly design hotel offering contemporary rooms with a stylish design. It’s centrally located next to Glasgow Central Station, making it easy to access transportation. Their rooms are nice, and the breakfast is excellent.
Glasgow is one of the most welcoming cities in the United Kingdom. The blend of history, modern life, and proximity to the Highlands makes it a great destination.
So, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable trip and all the fantastic things to do in Glasgow!
Quick Facts About Glasgow
- Glasgow’s history goes back more than 1,000 years. It started as a religious community founded by Saint Mungo in the late 6th century. It officially became a city in 1175, and in 2023, it’s over 1,000 years old.
- Glasgow was a major center of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, with shipbuilding, engineering, and manufacturing industries playing a crucial role in its growth.
- Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland by area and population (612,040 inhabitants in 2023).
- The people of Glasgow, Glaswegians, are known for their friendliness and hospitality, making it a welcoming destination for tourists.
- Glasgow has famous architecture featuring a mix of old, like Glasgow Cathedral, and modern styles, including the celebrated designs by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, such as the Glasgow School of Art, known worldwide.
- The name Glasgow is thought to derive from the Brythonic Celtic word “Cleschi,” meaning “Dear Green Place”.
