Located on the beautiful River Clyde, Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and boasts a rich history and vibrant culture. Renowned for its stunning architecture, thriving arts scene, and warm-hearted locals, the city is known as an inviting and lively city.
With a history dating back to the 6th century, this city flourished as a trading hub for centuries, gaining fame through its shipbuilding and manufacturing industries. During the Industrial Revolution, the city earned the title of “Second City of the Empire” due to its renowned shipyards that produced some of the world’s most famous vessels, including the RMS Titanic.
Today, Glasgow remains a bustling cultural centre with a thriving music scene where numerous venues host various performances. Naturally attracting tourists from around the globe, this blog will guide you through 20 fascinating places to visit in this captivating city.
Best things to do in Glasgow
Glasgow Cathedral
The Glasgow Cathedral, alternatively referred to as St Kentigern’s Cathedral or St Mungo’s Cathedral serves as the ecclesiastical seat of the Church of Scotland. It stands out as the most significant architectural landmark in the city. Its exterior boasts a meticulous stonework design characterized by clean lines and an absence of superfluous embellishments. The cathedral’s basement houses a truly awe-inspiring chamber that encompasses the tomb of St Mungo, the venerable founder of the Diocese, who was interred there in 603 AD. Admission to this remarkable place of worship is complimentary, with visitors also having an opportunity to contribute through donations.
Address & Contact
Castle St, Glasgow G4 0QZ
Ticket: Free or Donation
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Glasgow School of Art
The Glasgow School of Art, established in 1845, is situated in the Garnetthill area. It stands as Scotland’s oldest and sole independent art college. Completed in 1909, this remarkable Art Nouveau edifice is a must-visit for enthusiasts of exquisite architecture. Designed by Charles Mackintosh at the tender age of 28, its most renowned spaces encompass the President’s Room (one of the earliest “white rooms”), Mackintosh Hall, and an unparalleled library and gallery.
Address & Contact
167 Renfrew St, Glasgow G3 6RQ
Ticket: Free
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland’s most popular free attractions, surpassing Edinburgh Castle as the third most visited British museum outside London. Established in 1901, this museum houses an exquisite collection of British and Continental paintings, including notable works like Van Gogh’s Portrait of Glasgow, art collector Alexander Read and Salvador Dalí’s Christ the Redeemer.
Address & Contact
Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG
Ticket: Free
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration: 2-3 hours
George Square
George Square, situated in the heart of the city, is home to 12 renowned statues associated with the city, including Robbie Burns, Walter Scott, and Queen Victoria. The square was named after King George III and held significant importance as one of Scotland’s foremost urban squares since its establishment in 1781. Serving as a prominent venue for public gatherings, political meetings, protests, celebrations, parades, and concerts, it showcases its versatility.
Address & Contact
Glasgow G2 1DH
Ticket: Free
- Open 24 hours
- Duration: 2-6 hours
Glasgow City Chambers
The Glasgow City Chambers, regarded as one of Britain’s most exquisite municipal buildings, dramatically appeals to locals and tourists alike. Inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1888, it has served as the headquarters for successive City Councils for over a century. A depiction of Queen Victoria herself is positioned prominently at the front of the building, accompanied by the Statue of Truth adorning the central point above her. Locally referred to as Glasgow’s own “Statue of Liberty,” this statue carries significant cultural significance.
Address & Contact
82 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DU
Ticket: Free
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
The Glasgow Necropolis
Adjacent to Glasgow Cathedral, The Necropolis is a sprawling Victorian Gothic garden cemetery spanning 37 acres and renowned as the “City of the Dead”. It not only boasts an impressive collection of approximately 3,500 exquisite memorial stones but also showcases meticulously crafted sculptures and architecturally stunning edifices conceived by esteemed artists from here. Amidst tree-lined pathways offering picturesque vistas of the cathedral and the cityscape, one can find a harmonious blend of intricately carved Celtic crosses alongside elegantly sorrowful weeping angels.
Address & Contact
Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ
Ticket: Free
- 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow was Established in 1451. It is the second-oldest university in Scotland and the fourth-oldest university in the United Kingdom. Additionally, it stands as one of the founding members of Universitas 21—an international university organization—and a prestigious member of the Russell Group—a distinguished consortium of universities within the United Kingdom. Throughout its illustrious history, this esteemed institution has attracted numerous eminent educators such as James Watt, Adam Smith, and Joseph Lister—the renowned “father of antiseptic surgery.”
Address & Contact
Glasgow G12 8QQ
Ticket: Free
- Open 24 hours
- Duration: 1-2 hours
The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
The museum currently houses collections from the departments of ethnography, zoology, geology, and archaeology, encompassing numerous artefacts discovered at Roman sites. Additionally, the gallery showcases the prominent interior design of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his artist wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh’s Glasgow residence.
Address & Contact
82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ
Ticket: Free
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon Closed
- Duration: 2-3 hours
Riverside Museum
The Riverside Museum is an innovative extension of the Glasgow Transport Museum. It showcases a diverse collection of model ships, locomotives, trams, classic cars and horse-drawn carriages predominantly crafted in Glasgow. The museum was officially inaugurated on June 20th, 2011 and honoured with the esteemed European Museum of the Year 2013 on May 18th.
Address & Contact
100 Pointhouse Rd, Glasgow G3 8RS
Ticket: Free
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Glasgow Science Centre
The Glasgow Science Centre is a science complex situated on the banks of the Clyde River. Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated it on 5th June 2001. Housed within a distinctive titanium structure resembling a ship’s hull, this centre offers interactive and exploratory attractions, making it an esteemed choice for families seeking educational experiences. Its facilities encompass a Science Mall, an IMAX cinema, and the renowned Glasgow Observatory.
Address & Contact
50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA
Ticket: ￡11~￡14
- Wed~Sun 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Duration: More than 3 hours
Pollok House and Pollok Country Park
Pollok House is 4 miles southwest of the city centre, encompassing an expansive 355-acre estate. Constructed in 1752 by William Adam and his sons, this Edwardian mansion served as the esteemed residence for the Maxwell family. 1966, it was bestowed upon the City of Glasgow and subsequently opened to the public. The estate’s grounds also encompass Pollok Country Park, boasting a magnificent collection of over 1,000 rhododendrons. Visitors can delight in meticulously maintained gardens or embark on serene woodland walks along picturesque river paths.
Address & Contact
2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G43 1AT
Ticket: Free
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Duration: 2-3 hours
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
The Glasgow Botanic Gardens, situated in the heart of West End, stands as a testament to the city’s unwavering dedication to natural beauty and horticultural excellence. Established in 1873, this expansive conservatory garden ranks among the largest in the UK and proudly showcases an exquisite collection of rare orchids. Moreover, it boasts an array of tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand, alongside a diverse range of plants sourced from Africa, the Americas, and the Far East.
Address & Contact
730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE
Ticket: Free
- 10:00 AM - 4:15 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green is a park located in the eastern part, on the northern bank of the Clyde River. With its establishment dating back to the 15th century, it proudly is the oldest park within this vibrant city. Among its notable features is the renowned People’s Palace, an esteemed museum constructed in 1898 that chronicles Glasgow’s captivating history from 1750 until the dawn of the 20th century. Additionally, one cannot overlook the grandeur of Dalton Fountain – an awe-inspiring terracotta masterpiece standing at an impressive height of 46 feet and spanning a width of 70 feet – making it indisputably recognized as not only Scotland’s but also the world’s largest terracotta fountain.
Address & Contact
Greendyke St, Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5DB
Ticket: Free
- Open 24 hours
- Duration: 1-2 hours
The National Piping Centre
The Piper’s Museum houses a collection of pipe memorabilia, including items once owned by Robbie Burns and the 17th-century Iain Dall MacKay chanter, which is recognized as the oldest surviving relic associated with pipers worldwide. Moreover, Glasgow proudly hosts the annual World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green in August, an unparalleled festival that stands as the largest of its kind globally.
Address & Contact
30-34 McPhater St, Glasgow G4 0HW
Ticket: Free
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)
The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is the primary contemporary art gallery in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. It frequently showcases exhibitions by both local and international artists alongside hosting seminars and lectures. The GoMA was established in 1996 and is situated within a neoclassical edifice at the heart area.
Address & Contact
111 Queen St, Glasgow G1 3AH
Ticket: Free
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
The Burrell Collection
The Burrell Collection is an art gallery located in Pollok Country Park. It houses a diverse collection of over 9,000 pieces of art donated to the city of Glasgow in 1944 by Sir William Burrell. The collection encompasses significant medieval artworks, exquisite stained glass, intricate sculptures, and ancient tapestries dating back more than 500 years.
Address & Contact
Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G43 1AT
Ticket: Free
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is Scotland’s premier design and architecture centre, established in 1999 to commemorate Glasgow as a distinguished UK City of Architecture and Design. The centre’s overarching vision is to foster the interconnectedness between design, architecture, and the creative industries while emphasizing their profound impact on social, educational, economic, and cultural aspects. Initially constructed in 1895 by renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Lighthouse was formerly home to the esteemed Glasgow Herald newspaper.
Address & Contact
11 Mitchell Ln, Glasgow G1 3NU
Ticket: Free
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Holmwood House
The Holmwood residence in Glasgow is a distinctive family home that showcases exceptional design and unexpected comfort, reflecting the visionary creativity of its architect, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. Constructed between 1857-8 for James Couper, a prominent paper magnate, and his wife, this dwelling stands as an epitome of Thomson’s finest domestic architectural masterpiece.
Address & Contact
61-63 Netherlee Rd, Glasgow G44 3YU
Ticket: ￡1~￡8.5
- Thu~Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium
The SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium, located on the picturesque shores of Loch Lomond, is conveniently situated just 30 minutes away from the city centre. Immerse yourself in the captivating underwater realm of SEA LIFE Loch Lomond and be captivated by myriad extraordinary, exquisite, and intriguing deep-sea creatures. Moreover, indulge in entertaining activities, embark on a children’s quiz trail, explore an interactive rock pool, and partake in daily lectures and feeding shows.
Address & Contact
Drumkinnon Tower, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, Alexandria G83 8QL
Ticket: ￡14.5~￡23
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Celtic Park Stadium
The Celtic Park, located in Glasgow, Scotland, serves as the home ground for the Glasgow Celtic Football Club. With its impressive capacity, it stands as the second-largest stadium in Scotland and ranks sixth among all stadiums in the United Kingdom.
Address & Contact
Janefield St, Glasgow G40 3RE
Ticket: ￡17
- 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Map of All The Attractions
Here’s a map highlighting all the best places to visit and things to do in Glasgow. We’ve also marked popular eats and all the fantastic sights around the city. You can save it to your phone and use it anytime. Click here to check it on Google Map.
Best Time to Travel Glasgow
We recommend visiting Glasgow between April and July when the weather is relatively dry and warm. Despite summer, temperatures rarely exceed 19 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for travel. However, please bear in mind that the weather in Scotland can be pretty unpredictable. Therefore, we suggest bringing an umbrella or a raincoat with you. Nonetheless, Glasgow is a year-round destination, with most attractions open yearly. Additionally, during winter, Glasgow offers markets and Christmas activities.
Before Travel to Glasgow
Glasgow is one of Scotland’s most significant cities, surpassing even the capital city of Edinburgh in importance. We highly recommend that you make all necessary preparations before your visit to fully enjoy your trip. Engage with local travel forums to immerse yourself in the spirit of the city and create an itinerary that showcases Glasgow’s vibrant culture. It is essential to have a practical understanding of the transportation system, which will facilitate easy navigation through the streets. Additionally, our articles on Glasgow Airport and the cost of living can assist you in crafting a more comprehensive plan.
FAQ about things to do in glasgow
Although two days in Glasgow may seem short, it’s surprisingly enough to fully experience the vibrant heart and rich culture of this city. It offers a delightful taste of impressive architecture, historic charm, and an innovative culinary scene. From strolling along High Street to immersing oneself in the artistic talents showcased at the Glasgow School of Art, travellers can capture what truly makes this Scottish treasure unique. It’s indeed a whirlwind tour but achievable with a well-planned itinerary.
One of Glasgow’s most renowned attractions is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, celebrated for its profound cultural significance and rich heritage. The architectural masterpiece captivates the eye and serves as an enlightening repository, exhibiting a diverse collection ranging from natural history to exquisite fine art.
Glasgow is unquestionably a destination of immense value. In addition to its rich historical and cultural heritage, this vibrant city also serves as a testament to Scotland’s indomitable spirit. With its world-class cuisine, lively art galleries, and museums, Glasgow’s dynamism not only reflects its legendary past but also signifies a bold and imaginative future.
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