Scotland is an amazing country filled with impressive buildings and gorgeous adventures. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, and we can guarantee that there are tons of places and things to do, including checking out Salvador Dali’s works. It’s a full package location that will surely tickle your inner culture vulture. It’s situated alongside the River Clyde in the country’s West Central Lowlands. If you are looking at a map of Scotland, it is the southwestern quadrant of the country. This large city will surely fulfill your wildest imagination as it features plenty of attractions, including Pollok House, Glasgow School of Art, Clydeside Distillery, and Kelvingrove Park. Argyle Street, found in Glasgow city centre, is a mecca for shoppers. Also found near George Square and Glasgow City Chambers is Merchant City, where stylish boutiques and cafes abound. If your Glasgow itinerary is not yet complete then fear not. Scroll down to learn about the top things to do in Glasgow, Scotland.
1. Check out one of Glasgow's six squares
Named after King George III, George Square is one of the six squares in Glasgow, Scotland. Surrounded by impressive buildings and shops, it was originally built to honor the lives of Glaswegians who died during the First World War. The other squares include St. Andrew’s Square, Royal Exchange Square, Cathedral Square, St. Enoch Square, and Blythswood Square. The square is decorated with several royalty figures, and today, it serves as a venue for political gatherings and concerts. John Burnet, James Craig, and James Gillespie Graham are some of the known architects who designed the square.
George Square
Address: Glasgow G2 1DH, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Take a walk at Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green was established in the 15th century, making it the oldest park in the east end of Glasgow, Scotland. This beautiful park, which used to be a swampy area, was actually a gift from King James II to Bishop William Turnbull. When you walk around the park, it almost feels like you’re being transported to 1816. This people’s park on the north bank of the River Clyde has common lands that were used for grazing cattle, swimming, washing, and more, by the people of Glasgow.
Glasgow Green
Address: Greendyke St, Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5DB, United Kingdom
Website: Glasgow Green
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Explore the ship museum at The Tall Ship at Riverside
Located in the city centre, The Tall Ship at Riverside, also called Glenlee, is a floating museum that is docked on River Clyde. This one-of-a-kind museum offers volunteer-led guided tours, in case you’re interested in learning more about life at sea. The ship was built in the late 1800s and was used as a navy training vessel and a cargo ship. You can explore the workshops of sailmakers and carpenters, along with other extensive exhibits such as the old carriages and vintage cars, to name a few. The ship also allows admission for children and features a play area for them.
The Tall Ship at Riverside
Address: 150 Pointhouse Rd, Stobcross Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS, United Kingdom
Website: The Tall Ship at Riverside
Opening hours: Sat - Wed: 10am - 4pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
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4. Marvel at the beauty of Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Situated near Glasgow’s west end, Glasgow Botanic Gardens comprises several plant collections, glasshouses, and riverside walks. One of the most popular glasshouses in Glasgow Botanic Gardens is Kibble Palace which was built in the late 1800s. Designed by John Kibble, this 19th-century glasshouse is made of wrought iron and glass. Some of the collections of plants that can be found at Glasgow Botanic Gardens include Australian tree ferns as well as local and national ferns. While here, don’t miss the chance to check out Botanic Gardens Tearoom, a lovely restaurant set in the heart of the garden.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Address: 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE, United Kingdom
Website: Glasgow Botanic Gardens
5. Visit the tall tower at Glasgow Science Centre Tower
Glasgow Science Tower Center is an observation tower on the south bank of River Clyde. This Glasgow tower, with a height of 127 meters (416 feet), is part of Glasgow Science Centre complex. Because of its height, structure, and features, this Glasgow tower holds a Guinness World Record for being the world’s freestanding structure that is capable of turning 360 degrees. Visitors can enjoy picturesque vistas of the river, the city, and the landscapes beyond. Closed for renovations in the early 21st century, this Glasgow tower was reopened in July 2014.
Glasgow Science Centre Tower
Address: 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1DA, United Kingdom
Website: Glasgow Science Centre Tower
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
6. Learn more about the history of education at Scotland Street School Museum
Situated in the Kingston district, Scotland Street School Museum is set in the former school that was designed by the well-known architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This building is renowned for being the primary architectural attraction in Glasgow. It comprises a tiled Drill Hall and Scottish baronial-stye tower staircases. Multiple activities and extensive exhibits take place at the museum where you will see hired actors reenacting scenes in a Victorian classroom, one of its educational facilities.
Scotland Street School Museum
Address: 225 Scotland St, Glasgow G5 8QB, United Kingdom
Website: Scotland Street School Museum
7. Know more about the locals at Strathclyde University Mural
At the University of Strathclyde, there’s a “Wonderwall” that was built to celebrate the people of the university along with their achievements. The wall is at least 200 meters long (656 feet) and decorated with eye-catching murals. You can use the map to guide you through the cobblestoned streets that will take you to some of the biggest murals within the city. If you get tired, you can take a break at one of the restaurants or bars along the trail.
Strathclyde University Mural
Address: 50 George St, Glasgow G1 1QE, United Kingdom
Website: Strathclyde University Mural
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Check out various extensive exhibits at People's Palace
Set in the historic Glasgow Green, People’s Palace is a museum that was established on January 22, 1898. The building’s main floor used to serve as reading and recreation rooms. However, in the 1940s, People’s Palace was turned into a museum of social history. Since then, it has become a go-to place for tourists who want to learn more about the city’s past including its people. The stories are told through artifacts, prints, photographs, memorabilia, and a variety of objects. There are also beautiful and extensive exhibits that show how the people of Glasgow once lived and worked.
People's Palace
Address: Greens, Templeton St, Glasgow G40 1AT, United Kingdom
Website: People’s Palace
9. Admire the wonderful sculptures at Glasgow Necropolis
Situated on a prominent hill towards the east of Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian-era garden cemetery where over 50,000 people were buried. There are nearly 3,500 monuments here and only a few graves have a stone. The cemetery was built in the Cathedral Revival style and features beautiful architecture and sculptures. Aside from that, it covers an area of 37 acres (14 hectares). If you want to see the wonderful sculptures and listen to stories about people buried in this garden cemetery, Friends of Glasgow Necropolis offers informal guided walking tours.
Glasgow Necropolis
Address: Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ, United Kingdom
Website: Glasgow Necropolis
Opening hours: 7am - 4:30pm (daily)
10. Discover quirky items from the early 20th century at Tenement House
Operated and owned by the National Trust for Scotland, Tenement House is a museum set in the Garnethill area. The room, which is tucked in a 1982 building, was owned by Agnes Toward, a working woman who lived here between 1911 and 1965. This original house museum has multiple rooms filled with original fittings and fixtures, providing guests with a glimpse of how people used to live. During the tour, you will get to see the original kitchen, box beds, household medicine, black horsehair reclining chairs, and so many more. Besides these, you will also find some of the quirky items on display like a ball of soap.
Tenement House
Address: 145 Buccleuch St, Glasgow G3 6QN, United Kingdom
Website: Tenement House
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
11. Pay a visit to Linn Park Waterfall
Once you’re done visiting your favorite museums, it’s now time to plan a trip to Linn Park Waterfall on the White Cart. This waterfall is within an 82-hectare (200-acre) park that is considered the third largest park in Glasgow. The first two are Pollok Country Park and Dams to Darnley Country Park. The magnificent fall flows through the park, providing visitors with a breathtaking background. While here, the best way to take in the stunning view is by going for a woodland or river walk.
Linn Park Waterfall
Address: Glasgow G44 5TA, United Kingdom
12. Check out a variety of designs at House for an Art Lover
If you’re fond of art museums, House for an Art Lover is a must-visit. It was first designed in 1901 and was opened in 1996. It was built with a wonderful history, thanks to the creative mind of the famous Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a Scottish architect, watercolorist, designer, and artist. The design of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s House for an Art Lover was set in motion by a group of engineers and prominent artists who managed to complete the project only after 70 years. This remarkable place features a dining room, an entrance hall, an oval room, and a music room that was interior designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s wife, the lovely Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. It is famous for its Art Lover Cafe, gallery, and shop.
House for an Art Lover
Address: 10 Dumbreck Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G41 5BW, United Kingdom
Website: House for an Art Lover
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: From 4 GBP (6 USD)
13. Learn more about Scottish architecture at Provand's Lordship
Provand’s Lordship is the oldest house in Glasgow, Scotland, that was converted into a museum. It is situated above Castle Street, overlooking Glasgow Cathedral and Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Established in 1471, its original purpose was to be a part of St. Nicholas’s Hospital. All the rooms here are well-furnished and filled with artifacts and period furniture. St. Nicholas Garden, which can be found at the back of the house, was restored to resemble 15th-century gardens.
Provand's Lordship
Address: 3 Castle St, Glasgow G4 0RH, United Kingdom
Website: Provand’s Lordship
14. Engage in interactive exhibits at Riverside Museum
Riverside Museum is a modern museum in Glasgow that is worth checking out. Opened in June 2011, this museum won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2013. It features around 90 touch screen panels with videos, texts, and images aimed to educate people on the city’s shipbuilding history. Aside from interactive exhibits, this museum also boasts a massive collection of boats, automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, horse-drawn carriages, and trolley cars.
Riverside Museum
Address: 100 Pointhouse Rd, Partick, Glasgow G3 8RS, United Kingdom
Website: Riverside Museum
Price: Free
15. Check out several artifacts at Hunterian Art Gallery
Known as the oldest museum in Scotland, Hunterian Art Gallery in Glasgow was built to honor William Hunter. This Hunterian Museum was opened in 1807, and it features impressive collections that are related to the Scottish scientist and anatomist. The historic building contains artifacts such as Egyptian mummies and fossils, to name a few. Situated within the University of Glasgow, the said gallery is also adjacent to Mackintosh House, Zoology Museum, and Anatomy Museum.
Hunterian Art Gallery
Address: University of, 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
Website: Hunterian Art Gallery
Price: Free
16. Vist the Kelvingrove Art Museum (from USD 326.0)
Want to see some of Salvador Dali’s greatest works? Then visit the gorgeous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This Glasgow staple is a stop for anyone who craves art and culture in their body. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum first opened in 1901 and is now home to 22 galleries from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This art museum is also a place where you can not only witness Salvador Dali’s works but also listen to recitals, attend a conference and more.
Private Glasgow West End Tour: Arts and Culture
Duration: 4 hours
17. Have a lovely meal at Oran More
Oran Mor is for foodies who want to experience true Scottish dining. Aside from the exceptional food, this restaurant also has an astonishing theater where you can eat while watching musicals and live bands. They offer Victorian Bar and Whisky Bar, John Muir Room Restaurant and Brasserie Restaurant, Private Dining Room, a live music venue, a night club, and the stunning auditorium with a mural ceiling by Alasdair Gray. It’s the heart of Glasgow’s West End where you can simply soak the art, music, and food. It’s an all in one combination that you shouldn’t miss.
Oran More
Address: Top of Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8QX, UK
Website: Oran More
Opening hours: 10am - 3am
18. Dance to the tunes at Jumpin Jaks nightclub
THE AFTERS LIVE AT THE CELLAR BAR SAT 4TH FEB LIVE BANDS + SOUNDS OF 70'S - 00'S (Strictly over 25's) Quality Drink @...
Posted by Jumpin Jacks on Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Dying to party the night away? You can forget about art and culture for a bit because these are not the only things that Glasgow, Scotland, can give you. Jumpin Jacks nightclub is a great place where you can dance to the hottest tunes and drink your favorite cocktails. Former guests rave about the fun night they had at Jumpin Jaks nightclub filled with music and friends.
Jumpin Jaks nightclub
Address: 294 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3JA, UK
Website: Jumpin Jaks nightclub
Opening hours: 10.30pm - 5.30am (Fri - Sun)
19. Go shopping at Buchanan Gallery (from USD 326.0)
Shopaholics have a place too in Glasgow. Situated at the top end of Buchanan Street, the Buchanan Gallery is a shopping mall that’s perfect for your everyday needs. This place is the perfect spot to chill after a tour of the cultural and historical sites in Glasgow. You can dine and wine at their restaurants, watch films at their cinema, or simply check out shops for something that you can bring back home after your Glasgow trip. It’s a classy place that’s perfect for a Sunday stroll.
Half-Day Private Glasgow Must-Sees Tour
Duration: 4 hours
20. Explore the city on the hop-on, hop-off bus (from USD 23.0)
Open-top double-decker bus tours are always a pleasure. Experience this and more at on exclusive hop-on-hop-off bus that will give you a glimpse of what Glasgow, Scotland can offer you. Set your own itinerary at this bus tour and choose the sights that you want to see and visit. The tour will also give you a full commentary on the places that you are about to visit. It’s the best and most convenient way to see the whole of Glasgow, Scotland.
Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
21. Catch a game at Hampden Park (from USD 20.0)
Want to watch how the Scots play football? Then visit Hampden Park and get a glimpse of their stadium. Hampden Park is not only Scotland’s largest stadium but it also the most important football venue as it is the home stadium of the Scottish National Football team. See the behind the scenes glory of Hampden Park and the Scottish National Football Team when you visit.
Hampden Park Stadium and Museum Tour
Duration: 2 hours
22. Go on a pub crawl in Sauchiehall Street (from USD 60.0)
Scotland is known for their pubs. Every tourist should take in this very special Scottish tradition of drinking the night away by visiting the infamous Sauchiehall Street – home to shopping and drinking in Glasgow, Scotland. You can celebrate the life and times of famed writer Charles Bukowski at Chinaski’s, a pub that’s dedicated to the prolific writer. Aside from the liver killing pubs, Sauchiehall Street is also home to the most hipster of art museums and galleries. There are also vintage stores and vinyl that will take your breath away.
Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow
23. Check out the oldest house in Glasgow (from USD 39.0)
The Provand’s Lordship of Glasgow, Scotland, is the oldest house in Glasgow, Scotland. It’s a medieval house that has seen the country in its best and worst. Built in 1471, this historic building is known for being originally built as a hospital. The Provand’s Lordship of Glasgow is now open for tours if you and your friends are all interested.
Located in Castle Street, Provand’s Lordship is a few paces from the Glasgow Cathedral. It has really tiny ceilings and the inside of this medieval home is quite charming. You will be enamored by the cutlery and cookware of the time, as well as the austere lifestyle. Mary Queen of Scots also supposedly stayed at this original house in 1567 when she visited her second husband.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Located in Castle Street, Provand's Lordship is a few paces from the Glasgow Cathedral. It has really tiny ceilings and the inside of this medieval home is quite charming. You will be enamored by the cutlery and cookware of the time, as well as the austere lifestyle. Mary Queen of Scots also supposedly stayed at this house in 1567 when she visited her second husband.
Historic Scotland 3,7, and 14-Day Attractions Explorer Pass
Duration: 3 to 14 day
24. Explore the Glasgow Cathedral (from USD 44.0)
A medieval church with an active congregation, Glasgow Cathedral knows the history of Scotland inside and out. Its iconic façade deserves a space in your Instagram grid. The interior of the church will surely bring you back to medieval times and see Scotland in a whole new perspective. There are also tours with guides available so that you can have a clue about the religious history of this historic cathedral.
The Glasgow Cathedral’s sandstone exteriors bear testimony to its glorious past. The Cathedral also has a spectacular four-manual organ from 1879. Inside the Cathedral you can also spot intricate carvings on the ceiling of the Blackadder Aisle. Although Glasgow is a safe city for travelers, Glasgow Cathedral being on one end of the city it can get desolate during late evening. It is recommended to avoid walking alone during night.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
The Glasgow Cathedral's sandstone exteriors bear testimony to its glorious past. The Cathedral also has a spectacular four-manual organ from 1879. Inside the Cathedral you can also spot intricate carvings on the ceiling of the Blackadder Aisle. Although Glasgow is a safe city for travelers, Glasgow Cathedral being on one end of the city it can get desolate during late evening. It is recommended to avoid walking alone during night.
Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
Duration: 5 days
25. Play paint ball (from USD 12.0)
Traveling can cost you your daily dose of exercise. The good thing is there are good alternatives that can help you sweat out. Add excitement to your Glasgow itinerary by playing paintball with your family and friends. Yes, there’s paintball available in Glasgow. Call your friends and family and bond over an afternoon of strategic games and fights. It’s the perfect break from the tours. It’s the perfect workout too if you fear that you’re missing out on sweating out.
Full day paintball pass in West Glasgow
Duration: 8 hours
Visit Glasgow, Scotland, today
Experience culture and history combined, by joining stunning tours when you arrive in Scotland. Enjoy a wide array of spots to explore, including Loch Lammond, Celtic Park, and Merchant City. Be sure to keep this list in mind when you’re trying to figure out the best things to do in Glasgow, Scotland.
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