Things to Do in Glasgow: Top Attractions and Activities
Glasgow stands as one of Scotland’s most vibrant cities, offering visitors a rich blend of culture, history and entertainment. From world-class museums to stunning architecture, Glasgow provides countless attractions that cater to all interests, making it an ideal destination for both short city breaks and longer holidays.
The city seamlessly combines its industrial heritage with modern developments, creating a unique atmosphere that’s distinctly Glaswegian. Whether you’re interested in exploring art galleries, enjoying green spaces, or experiencing the legendary local nightlife, Glasgow rewards visitors with authentic experiences and warm hospitality.
Explore The Burrell Collection
The Burrell Collection houses an impressive array of art and historical artefacts spanning 6,000 years of human history. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park, this renowned museum offers visitors free entry to explore its extraordinary treasures.
Inside, you’ll discover medieval masterpieces including stained glass, arms and armour. The collection boasts over 200 tapestries that rank amongst the finest in the world, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
The museum sits within Pollok Country Park, the largest park in Glasgow. This serene setting provides a perfect backdrop for the collection, with lush woodland walks available before or after your visit.
The Burrell Collection’s award-winning building enhances the visitor experience, complementing the remarkable objects on display. Its thoughtful design creates an ideal environment for appreciating the diverse collection.
Before planning your trip, check the museum’s website for current opening hours and any special exhibitions. Remember that entry is completely free, though some special events may require booking in advance. Click Here to read more.
Wander Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum stands as one of Glasgow’s most beloved cultural institutions. Visitors can explore 22 diverse galleries showcasing everything from fine art to natural history exhibits.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate works by renowned artists including FCB Cadell and Sir Henry Raeburn. The museum houses an impressive collection spanning various periods and styles, making it a visual feast for all ages.
Daily organ recitals add a unique musical dimension to the visitor experience. These performances take place in the museum’s grand central hall, creating a memorable atmosphere amidst the impressive surroundings.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh enthusiasts will find significant works by the celebrated Scottish designer. The museum proudly displays furniture and decorative pieces that showcase his distinctive style and influence on Glasgow’s architectural identity.
Ancient artefacts also feature prominently, including the fascinating Sarcophagus of Pa-Ba-Sa. Natural history displays, including the popular Sir Roger the elephant, captivate younger visitors.
The museum offers a perfect balance of educational value and entertainment. With free admission and central location, it ranks consistently among Glasgow’s must-see attractions.
Stroll through Glasgow Botanic Gardens
The Glasgow Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city centre. Located in the West End, these gardens are home to a diverse collection of over 9,000 different plant species that visitors can admire throughout the year.
The stunning glasshouses are a highlight of any visit. The most famous is the Kibble Palace, a magnificent iron and glass structure housing an impressive collection of tree ferns and statues that create a unique atmosphere.
Visitors can explore several tropical and temperate greenhouses displaying cacti, flowers and exotic plants from around the world. The variety of environments recreated within these spaces provides a glimpse of different habitats.
The outdoor grounds are equally beautiful, with manicured lawns, themed gardens and peaceful walking paths alongside the River Kelvin. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll or a relaxing picnic when the weather permits.
The gardens offer free guided tours multiple times per week for those interested in learning more about the botanical collections and history of the grounds.
Admission is free, making it one of Glasgow’s most accessible attractions. The gardens are open daily, though hours may vary seasonally.
To arrange a vist and even a guided tour click here.
Discover Pollok Country Park
Pollok Country Park is the largest park in Glasgow, offering a peaceful retreat from the busy city streets. Visitors can explore lush woodland walks while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds them.
The park is home to the world-famous Burrell Collection, an extraordinary museum that recently reopened after renovation. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the impressive collection housed in this stunning venue.
Animal lovers can meet Glasgow’s award-winning fold of Highland cattle and Clydesdale horses. These magnificent creatures are a highlight for many visitors, especially families with children.
The park features three mountain bike circuits suitable for all skill levels. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy these trails set in the heart of Glasgow’s largest green space.
Families will find plenty to entertain children, including magical fairy houses and dinosaur bones hidden throughout the park. These whimsical touches make exploration exciting for younger visitors.
History buffs should visit Pollok House, managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The house provides fascinating insights into the lives of the Maxwell family who once called it home.
Enjoy a Central Station tour
Glasgow Central Station offers more than just a place to catch a train. The Glasgow Central Tour gives visitors an exclusive look behind the scenes of this historic railway station.
On this fascinating tour, you’ll explore subterranean passageways beneath the busy station. These hidden areas reveal stories from Glasgow’s past that many locals don’t even know about.
The tour takes you to places not normally accessible to the public. You’ll see an unused Victorian platform that has remained largely untouched for decades.
Visitors will learn about the station’s role during wartime. The tour includes a visit to what once served as a mortuary for Glasgow soldiers.
The tour also features a museum of railway artefacts and vintage station clocks. These items help tell the story of rail travel through Glasgow’s history.
Tours must be booked in advance and are suitable for most ages. Comfortable shoes are recommended as there’s plenty of walking involved.
This unique experience has become one of the top attractions near Glasgow Central Station. It offers a different perspective on the city that both tourists and locals appreciate.
To book a tour Click Here
Marvel at Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral stands as one of the city’s most impressive historic sites. This medieval marvel has been used for worship for over 800 years and remains a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Visitors can explore the grand nave with its impressive ceiling and detailed stonework. The atmosphere inside is peaceful and reverent, offering a glimpse into Glasgow’s rich religious history.
One of the cathedral’s highlights is the crypt, built in the mid-1200s. This underground chamber was constructed to house the tomb of St Mungo, also known as St Kentigern, Glasgow’s patron saint.
The pulpitum, a richly carved stone screen, is another architectural feature not to be missed. Its intricate details showcase the craftsmanship of medieval stonemasons.
Many visitors combine their cathedral visit with a trip to the nearby Necropolis cemetery. This Victorian burial ground offers panoramic views of the cathedral and city beyond.
The cathedral is located in the east end of Glasgow city centre and is open to visitors throughout the year. Entry is free, though donations are welcomed for the upkeep of this historic building.
Explore the Mackintosh House
The Mackintosh House features meticulously reconstructed interiors from the Glasgow home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret. This unique attraction gives visitors a glimpse into the private world of one of Scotland’s most celebrated architects and designers.
Located at the University of Glasgow, the Mackintosh House showcases the couple’s innovative interior design sensibilities. The rooms have been carefully reassembled to preserve the original atmosphere and aesthetic vision that made their home so distinctive.
Visitors can explore the unique architectural features and custom furniture designed by Mackintosh himself. His signature style combines elegant simplicity with intricate decorative elements that revolutionised design in the early 20th century.
The Mackintosh House is part of the larger Charles Rennie Mackintosh trail throughout Glasgow. Art and design enthusiasts will appreciate seeing how Mackintosh’s distinctive vision was applied to his personal living space.
The attraction has received excellent reviews and is considered an essential visit for those interested in architecture, design, or Scottish cultural history.
Visit the Glasgow Necropolis
The Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian garden cemetery spanning 37 acres (15 hectares) located adjacent to Glasgow Cathedral. This historic site offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past through its impressive architecture and sculptures.
Wandering through the Necropolis reveals beautiful memorials and tombs of some of Glasgow’s most distinguished citizens. The cemetery features stunning views of the city skyline, making it a peaceful yet intriguing attraction for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Heritage Trail maps are available to help guide visitors to significant monuments and graves. These self-guided tours allow you to explore at your own pace while learning about the cemetery’s historical importance.
For those seeking more information, the Necropolis offers organised walking tours designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to this historically significant Victorian cemetery. These tours share fascinating stories behind the monuments and their occupants.
The Necropolis is open daily to visitors and entry is free. Its location near Glasgow Cathedral makes it easy to combine both attractions in one visit, offering a deep dive into the city’s rich cultural heritage. To book a tour Click Here
Experience nightlife in West End
Glasgow’s West End is a vibrant area for nightlife with plenty of options for visitors. The neighbourhood offers a range of pubs, bars and entertainment venues that showcase the city’s lively evening culture.
Ashton Lane is one of the West End’s most charming spots for nightlife. This cobbled street is adorned with fairy lights and hosts several popular venues where you can enjoy food, drinks and entertainment.
The Ben Nevis Pub is a favourite spot in the West End. It offers a traditional Scottish pub atmosphere with an excellent selection of whiskies and regular folk music sessions.
For those seeking more alternative vibes, Nice ‘n’ Sleazy provides a relaxed atmosphere with live music and DJ sets. The venue attracts a diverse crowd and showcases local talent.
The Garage is another popular nightspot that offers multiple rooms with different music styles. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and themed nights.
Visitors looking for craft cocktails should visit The Gate Glasgow, which has built a reputation for quality drinks and excellent service in stylish surroundings.
Historical Significance of Glasgow
Glasgow’s rich history spans medieval origins to modern urban transformation. The city has evolved through distinct architectural periods, industrial revolutions, and cultural shifts that have shaped both its physical landscape and its people’s identity.
Evolution of Glasgow’s Architecture
Glasgow’s architectural heritage reflects its progression from a small medieval settlement to a flourishing metropolis. The medieval Glasgow Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, remains one of the city’s oldest buildings and represents its early religious importance.
The 18th-century Tobacco Lords era brought Georgian elegance to the Merchant City area, with grand townhouses and commercial buildings showcasing the wealth generated through trade.
The Victorian period witnessed Glasgow’s architectural golden age. The distinctive “Glasgow Style” emerged under Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose innovative designs like the Glasgow School of Art revolutionised architectural thinking.
Today, the city presents a fascinating architectural tapestry where medieval stonework stands alongside Victorian grandeur and contemporary structures, making it a living museum of architectural evolution.
Impact of the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution transformed Glasgow from a modest trading port into “The Second City of the Empire”. Shipbuilding became the backbone of Glasgow’s economy, with the River Clyde producing nearly one-fifth of the world’s ships by the early 20th century.
Heavy industries flourished, including engineering works, textile mills and chemical factories. This industrial might attracted vast workforces, causing the population to expand dramatically from 77,000 in 1801 to over 760,000 by 1901.
The city’s extensive railway network and innovative transportation systems facilitated this growth. The maritime and shipbuilding heritage remains evident today, with sites like the Fairfield Heritage Centre preserving stories from this transformative era.
While bringing unprecedented prosperity, industrialisation also created significant challenges including overcrowded housing and pollution that shaped Glasgow’s development for generations.
The Glasgow People
Glaswegians are known for their distinctive character—warm, resilient and fiercely proud of their city. The industrial boom created a strong working-class identity that continues to influence the city’s culture today.
Immigration has profoundly shaped Glasgow’s social fabric. Irish immigrants arrived in large numbers during the 19th century, followed by Italian, Jewish, and South Asian communities. This diversity has enriched Glasgow’s cultural landscape, from food to festivals.
The city’s people have weathered significant hardships, from industrial decline to challenging housing conditions. The notorious tenement living of the early 20th century created tight-knit communities despite difficult circumstances.
Glaswegians’ famous humour—often described as dry, direct and self-deprecating—developed as a coping mechanism during tough times. This distinctive wit remains a defining characteristic of the city’s social interactions and cultural expressions today.
Cultural Insights
Glasgow’s cultural landscape reflects its industrial heritage and artistic innovation. The city pulses with creative energy while maintaining its distinct Scottish character and unique local expressions.
Glasgow’s Art and Music Scene
Glasgow boasts a thriving arts scene that earned it the title of UNESCO City of Music in 2008. The city’s musical heritage spans from traditional Celtic sounds to post-punk and contemporary indie bands.
The Glasgow School of Art has produced influential figures like Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose architectural style defines much of the city’s aesthetic. Though damaged by fires, the building remains an important cultural landmark.
Music venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and the Barrowland Ballroom have played crucial roles in launching bands like Oasis and Franz Ferdinand. These intimate spaces continue to showcase emerging talent nightly.
Annual events such as the Celtic Connections festival celebrate traditional music, while the vibrant Glasgow International Festival showcases contemporary art.
Language and Local Dialects
The Glaswegian accent, often called the “Glasgow patter,” is renowned for its distinctive characteristics and vocabulary. This dialect forms part of the broader Scots language tradition but maintains unique local expressions.
Visitors might hear terms like “wee” (small), “messages” (shopping) or “away ye go” (an expression of disbelief). The phrase “pure dead brilliant” indicates something is excellent, whilst “haud yer wheesht” means be quiet.
The city’s industrial past shaped its linguistic identity, with shipyard and factory terminology entering everyday speech. This working-class heritage remains evident in modern Glaswegian vocabulary.
Despite its reputation for being difficult to understand, the Glaswegian accent was voted Britain’s friendliest in several polls. Many guided walking tours now include explanations of local sayings as part of the cultural experience.
If you would like to book a private tour for the day to visit any of these locations with your own guide contact us here
