Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, is a vibrant destination known for its stunning Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, numerous museums, colourful street arts, legendary music scenes and numerous festivals.
Once an industrial powerhouse in Britain, famed for shipbuilding and steel, this city has reinvented itself as a cultural hub brimming with innovation and creativity.
Spend a few days here and you will understand why Glasgow was named a UNESCO City of Music. Often overshadowed by Edinburgh, this bustling city has its own unique vibe and character.
It will surprise you. And if you have some extra time, this place also makes a perfect base for day trips to explore some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to shape your own Glasgow itinerary – the landmarks that define it and the hidden spots locals love to eat.
Best Tourist Attractions in Glasgow
1. Explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Housed in a striking Spanish-Baroque red sandstone building in the West End, Kelvingrove has wowed visitors since 1901 and today is one of the finest museums in Glasgow. Inside, you will find more than 8,000 objects displayed across 22 themed galleries.
From ancient Egyptian artefacts to Renaissance art, arms and armour to animals – all under one roof. The art collection is world-class. You will find Monet, Gauguin, Renoir, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh alongside the Scottish masters, including the Scottish Colourists and Glasgow Boys.
Some of the highlights in Kelvingrove include Spitfire LA198, Christ of Saint John of the Cross by Salvador Dali, and Sir Roger, the Asian elephant. Also, don’t miss the whimsical ‘The Floating Heads’ installation by Sophie Cave, which features several suspended heads with changing facial expressions.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday and Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm. Friday and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm.
2. Discover the Massive Collection of Riverside Museum
Located on the banks of the River Clyde, the Riverside Museum is an award-winning transport museum reflecting this city’s rich industrial heritage and the evolution of transportation over the centuries.
Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this striking building, with its wave-like roofline and vast glass facade, has become one of the best fun, family-friendly attractions in Glasgow.
The museum boasts an extensive collection of over 3,000 objects, ranging from bicycles, trams, and locomotives to motorcars, skateboards, and prams. We particularly loved the moving display of various model ships.
One of the highlights here is the reconstructed old cobbled street of Glasgow, dating from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. It is lined with period shopfronts and horse-drawn carriages.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday, and Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm. Friday and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm.
3. Fall in Love With Glasgow Cathedral
Steeped in more than 800 years of history, this cathedral is one of the oldest medieval structures on the Scottish mainland. It is dedicated to Saint Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow, whose tomb lies in the atmospheric lower crypt.
As soon as you enter, your eyes are drawn to the soaring Gothic nave. The high vaulted ceiling and rows of stone pillars create a sense of grandeur. You will still find some of the finest stained glass windows in Britain here. Also, admire the elegant stone carving at the Blackadder Aisle.
Glasgow Cathedral has even found fame on screen, appearing in the television series Outlander as an 18th-century Parisian hospital.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday, 1 pm – 5 pm.
6. Visit the Burrell Collection
Nestled inside Pollok Country Park, the Burrell Collection is home to an extraordinary collection amassed by Sir William Burrell, an affluent shipping magnate and an avid collector from Glasgow. He, along with his wife, Lady Constance, donated their enormous personal collection to this city in 1944.
From Chinese ceramics and Islamic art to medieval stained glass and Egyptian artefacts, this extensive collection spans over 6,000 years of history.
Read More: 15 of the Best Museums in Glasgow to Visit
Among the most notable pieces are artworks by French Impressionists such as Degas, Cezanne, and Manet, as well as works by Dutch and Flemish masters, including Rembrandt.
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, Friday and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm.
5. Follow the Street Art Trail
There are over thirty stunning street murals across the city centre. They revive neglected buildings and brighten up otherwise dull spaces.
Discovering these colourful street art murals across the city is one of the most unique and fun activities to do in Glasgow. You can follow the dedicated mural trail, which takes about two to three hours.
St Mungo mural on the High Street is the most popular one. Created by local artist Smug, this stunning mural displays a modern-day St Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow, holding a robin in his hand.
Further Read: A Detailed Guide to the Best Murals
Another one of our favourites is Honey, I Shrunk the Kids on Mitchell Street. This large hyper-realistic artwork shows a girl with a magnifying glass picking something up from the street.
6. Explore Kibble Palace and Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens is one of the loveliest green spaces in Glasgow to wander and commune with nature. Founded in 1817 by botanist Thomas Hopkirk, it is an ideal place to sunbathe on lazy summer days while enjoying the blossoms around.
At the heart of this leafy sanctuary, you will find the elegant Kibble Palace, an iconic architectural marvel of this city. Designed by John Kibble, the glasshouse boasts an impressively large variety of tropical plants and several beautiful marble statues. Admission to the garden and the Kibble Palace is free.
Opening Hours: Daily, from 7 am to dusk all year.
7. Admire the Architecture of the University of Glasgow
Set in the West End, this university is one of the most iconic landmarks in Glasgow. Founded in 1451, it is the second-oldest in Scotland.
The main building is often considered the real-life inspiration behind the famous school for wizards, Hogwarts. Although Harry Potter movies were never filmed here, the spectacular Gothic architecture certainly looks like something out of a storybook.
Also, this striking structure has appeared in many films and TV shows, such as Cloud Atlas, T2 Trainspotting and Outlander.
Don’t miss a visit to the Cloisters, a hidden architectural gem of Glasgow. Plus, there are several museums inside the campus.
8. Enjoy the Picturesque Panoramic Views from Necropolis
Perched on a small hill adjacent to Glasgow Cathedral, Necropolis is a Victorian garden cemetery and the final resting place for over fifty thousand residents.
The Necropolis was founded in 1831 by the Merchants’ House of Glasgow. Modelled after the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, this vast cemetery is full of stunning architecture and sculptures.
Wander around the various paths in the cemetery. You would find beautiful monuments, mausoleums and decorated tombstones with intricate details.
Also, from Necropolis, you will get an elevated view of the cityscape. On a clear day, you can even see the hills of Cowal, Kyle and Cunninghame.
9. Plan a Day Trip from Glasgow
One of the best things we like about this city is its proximity to some of the most beautiful sights of Scotland. With excellent connectivity, you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city for lochs, castles, and coastal vistas.
Hands down, there are so many day trip options from Glasgow that you would be spoilt for choice.
Just a short drive or train ride away, Loch Lomond is a must-visit place in Scotland. Stroll the streets of the flower-lined cottages of Luss and take a boat cruise to nearby islands.
A city steeped in history, Edinburgh, is another brilliant choice. Take a tour of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, stroll through the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and Calton Hill for a breathtaking view.
10. Experience Life at Sea on Tall Ship Glenlee
Berthed on the Northern bank of the River Clyde, the Tall Ship Glenlee is a remnant of the legendary shipbuilding heritage of Glasgow. Built in 1896 at Bay Shipyard in Port Glasgow, it is one of the five remaining Clyde-built three-masted ships still afloat.
Glenlee is one of a kind in the UK and has a captivating past. It began her journey as a cargo vessel and was later used as a training ship for the Spanish Navy.
Hop on board to explore this ship-turned museum. You can wander through the cargo hold, crew’s quarters, and the engine room, each showing what life was like on this vessel.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10 am to 5 pm and Tuesday, 11 am to 5 pm.
11. Soak up the Sun at Pollok Country Park
Sprawling across nearly 360 acres, Pollok Country Park is the largest green space in Glasgow. To reach here, catch a train from Central Station to Pollokshaws West or a local bus from the city centre.
Once here, wander around the extensive woodlands and gardens. You would find extremely adorable Highland Coos grazing in the fields.
At the heart of the park stands Pollok House, an elegant Georgian mansion. You can take a tour to admire the lavish rooms decorated with antique furniture and paintings by masters like Goya and El Greco.
Opening Hours: Pollock House, 10.00–16.00. The Garden and the country park are open daily.
12. Visit the Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery
Tucked within the campus of the University of Glasgow, the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is the oldest public museum in Scotland.
The Hunterian is spread across different buildings. Inside the Hunterian Museum, you will see an impressive archaeological collection of Roman artefacts from the Antonine Wall, frontiers of the Roman Empire in Scotland.
Across the road, the Hunterian Art Gallery showcases an outstanding collection of paintings and sculptures by various prominent artists, like Rembrandt, Rubens, Glasgow Boys and Scottish Colourists. Also, it houses a remarkable collection by the renowned Glaswegian architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am-5 pm and closed on Monday.
13. Visit the Gallery of Modern Art
& the Duke of Wellington Statue
Situated just off the busy George Square, GoMA is the most visited modern art gallery in Scotland. Opened in 1996, it hosts an ever-changing programme of exhibitions by both Scottish and international artists. Here you will find artworks by renowned artists such as David Hockney, Sebastiao Salgado, and Andy Warhol.
Outside the entrance, you will come across the proudly standing equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, wearing a traffic cone on his head. Created by French sculptor Carlo Marochetti in 1844, it is a quirky and beloved attraction showing the humour and irreverent spirit of the people of Glasgow.
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday, Saturday, 10 am-5 pm. Friday and Sunday, 11 am-5 pm.
14. Admire the Grand Architecture of Glasgow City Chambers
Standing proudly on George Square, the City Chambers is one of the most iconic landmarks in this city. Inaugurated in 1888 by Queen Victoria, today it serves as the headquarters of Glasgow City Council.
It reflects the wealth and industrial prosperity of this merchant city. With its ornate facade, sweeping arches, and towering central tower, the City Chambers looks more like a palace than a government building.
The interior is as impressive as the outside. Two main highlights here are the grand marble staircase and the banqueting hall. Guided tours of the Glasgow City Chambers are available on weekdays and are free of charge.
15. Enjoy a Live Music Performance
Considered the music capital of Scotland, Glasgow is the first city in the UK to be named a UNESCO City of Music in 2008.
Attend a live music event to experience the vibrant music scene first-hand. Many city pubs host live gigs regularly, ranging from Scottish ceilidh bands and jazz to rock and indie.
Music is in the heart of this city. If you want to experience Glasgow’s music scene up close, start with the legendary King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, where in 1993 Oasis was signed on immediately after their performance. For something grander, head to the Barrowland Ballroom, which has previously hosted Oasis, David Bowie and Metallica.
16. Discover Glasgow Green and People’s Palace
Stretching along the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow Green is the oldest park in this city. Founded in the 15th century, there are various historic houses and monuments around the park.
At its heart stands the People’s Palace and Winter Garden, a social history museum and a Victorian glasshouse. The museum showcases the fascinating history of the city and its people from the 18th century. You will see recreated rooms, such as a one-room tenement house and the famous communal laundry.
Outside, don’t miss the Doulton Fountain, a magnificent terracotta masterpiece that is the largest fountain of its kind in the world.
17. Delve into Delicious Food in Ox and Finch
If you are looking for the best place to have lunch or dinner in Glasgow, we highly recommend Ox and Finch. It has been attracting rave reviews from the locals and visitors for its innovative food.
Featured many times in the coveted Michelin Guide over the years, they strike a balance between fine dining and affordability. The dishes come tapas-style, designed for sharing.
For starters, we sampled the butter bean hummus with flatbread and the crab and crayfish cocktail. Then came the tender confit duck leg, followed by the slow-roasted pork belly.
Each dish was absolutely delicious. Different ingredients and flavours are carefully put together to create something unique.
18. Take a Tour of Wellpark Brewery
Situated at the East End of Glasgow, Wellpark Brewery is the home of Scotland’s most celebrated brewer, Tennent’s.
For beer lovers, a tour of this brewery is a must when in Glasgow. You will find the company’s trademark, the large red “T” signboard, at almost all the pubs and restaurants in Scotland.
The Tennent’s Brewery Tour takes visitors backstage, where all the magic happens. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of their origin and learn about the brewing process, from the malted barley and hops to the fermentation tanks.
They also house a heritage centre, which showcases beer-related artefacts and memorabilia.
19. Shop Till You Drop in Glasgow
This bustling city is a shopper’s paradise. It’s one of the best cities for shopping in Britain outside London.
Buchanan Street is the main pedestrianised shopping area. It links Sauchiehall Street, Argyle Street and Ingram Street- together known as Glasgow’s ‘Style Mile’.
Also, Argyll Arcade, Buchanan Galleries, St Enoch Centre, and Princes Square are popular shopping malls with independent boutiques and famous designer brands. Head to Mr Ben, The City, and Starry Starry Night for a unique vintage shopping experience.
Plus, visit the Barras Market in the East End for some bargain buys. It takes place every weekend.
20. Seek out Views atop the Lighthouse
Tucked away on Mitchell Lane, just off the busy Buchanan Street, the Lighthouse is Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture.
The building itself has an intriguing past. Once home to the Glasgow Herald newspaper, it was the first public commission of the legendary Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
There is a viewing platform at the top of the Lighthouse, which requires climbing 136 steps via a helical staircase. From there, you will get a great view of the Glasgow skyline. Alternatively, you can take a lift to the indoor viewing platform.
21. Try a Tipple at Clydeside Distillery
You can’t leave Scotland without taking a distillery tour. Located at Queen’s Dock, Clydeside Distillery is Glasgow’s first dedicated Single Malt Whisky distillery in more than 100 years.
They offer a variety of tours and tasting sessions. The guided tour begins with an engaging exhibition that tells the stories of this distillery and the whisky heritage of Scotland.
Next, an expert tour guide will lead you through the production area and demonstrate the methods and skills of whisky-making. The tour concludes at their Tasting Room, where you can enjoy various whiskies from different regions of Scotland.
How Many Days to Spend in Glasgow
We would suggest spending at least two days to see all the tourist sites. You can follow our two-day Glasgow itinerary, which is ideal for first-time visitors.
But if you are short on time, it is still possible to see some of the main highlights in a single day.
There are so many exciting things happening here that a few days might only scratch the surface. Plus, if you have extra time, this city makes a fantastic base for some incredible day trips.
Map of the Attractions
Here is a Google Map of all the best attractions mentioned in this article. We have also marked popular places to eat and the stunning viewpoints around the city. You can save it to your phone to use later.
How to Get Around
Navigating around Glasgow is easy, thanks to its extensive public transport. The city centre is compact and best explored on foot.
First Bus runs frequent bus services around the city and beyond. You can buy a day ticket for unlimited travel. It is a good option for reaching attractions outside the centre, such as Pollok Country Park, Kelvingrove and the Riverside Museum.
Also, jump onto the subway, known affectionately as the ‘Clockwork Orange’, which links the south and north of Glasgow. Underground trains run on a circular route and are very frequent.
Best Time to Visit Glasgow
April to July is the perfect time to explore this city. During the spring months, the temperatures are mild and there are fewer people around. Also, you get to see the beautiful daffodils in Kelvingrove Park and cherry blossoms in the Botanic Gardens.
In summer, Glasgow comes alive with music festivals, outdoor events, and street performances. But bear in mind the Scottish weather is quite unpredictable. So, carry an umbrella or a rain jacket with you.
But honestly, this Scottish city is an all-year-round destination. Most of the attractions here are open daily throughout the year.
