Things to do in Glasgow: sightseeing, museums and outings

You are wondering What to do in Glasgow Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, surprises visitors with its free museums, Victorian architecture, street art, and vibrant music scene. Less touristy than Edinburgh, it offers a more local atmosphere. Here are our favorite sights and tips from a travel agency based in Scotland.

In short: In Glasgow, start by visiting the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum, both free, followed by the medieval cathedral and the Necropolis. Then, stroll through the West End, follow the city center's street art trail, and finish with a concert. Glasgow is less than an hour by train from Edinburgh: allow 1 to 2 days for your visit.

Things to do in Glasgow: the must-see attractions

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

It's the most visited museum in the city, and admission is free. Housed in a stunning red sandstone building, it blends paintings, natural history specimens, and Scottish art. Don't miss, for example, Salvador Dalí's Christ of Saint John of the Cross.

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In the city, you enjoy exploring…

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A local cafe or pubA museum or a monument

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The atmosphere of the streets and marketsHistory and architecture

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Riverside Museum

Located on the banks of the River Clyde, this free transport museum occupies a building designed by Zaha Hadid. Visitors can explore trams, locomotives, and a reconstructed street from old Glasgow. Right next door, the Tall Ship, a tall ship, is also open to the public.

The Cathedral and the Necropolis

Glasgow Cathedral is one of the few major medieval buildings in Scotland to have remained almost intact after the Reformation. Behind it, the Necropolis, a vast Victorian cemetery on a hill, also offers one of the finest views of the city.

The West End and Ashton Lane

A student and bohemian quarter, the West End encompasses the University of Glasgow, reminiscent of Hogwarts, and the Botanic Gardens with the Kibble Palace greenhouse. In the evening, the cobbled Ashton Lane, adorned with twinkling lights, comes alive.

The Mural Trail and the Merchant City

Glasgow is also a capital of street art. City Centre Mural Trail large murals connect the city center. Then, the Merchant City area concentrates bars, restaurants and shops around George Square.

Following in the footsteps of Charles Rennie Mackintosh

The architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh left his mark on the city with his Art Nouveau style. Enjoy afternoon tea at Mackintosh at the Willow on Sauchiehall Street, or climb to the top of The Lighthouse for the view.

Going out in Glasgow: music and pubs

Glasgow has been designated a UNESCO City of Music. Indeed, concerts are plentiful every night, from King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, where Oasis was discovered, to the legendary Barrowland Ballroom. Pubs in the city center also host traditional music sessions.

Whisky enthusiasts can finally visit the Clydeside Distillery, located on the banks of the river. To learn more, see our favorite Scottish distilleries.

Excursions from Glasgow

Excursion	Distance	To have
Loch Lomond	Approximately 45 minutes	Lake, villages of Luss and Balloch, cruises
Stirling	Approximately 45 minutes by train	Stirling Castle and William Wallace Monument
Edinburgh	Less than an hour by train	Castle, Royal Mile, Old Town
Glencoe	Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes drive	Spectacular Highland Valleys

Loch Lomond is also among the Scotland’s most beautiful lochs. To visit the capital, follow our guide. What to do in Edinburgh.

How many days and when to visit Glasgow?

A full day allows you to see the essentials, but two days give you time to enjoy the West End and an evening concert. Glasgow can be visited all year round; in December, in particular, its Christmas market animates the center. Our guide when to go to Scotland will help you choose the season.

How to get around in Glasgow?

• Glasgow's underground, a small circular line nicknamed "Clockwork Orange", serves the city centre and the West End.
• The centre is easily explored on foot, between George Square, Buchanan Street and the Merchant City.
• The train connects Glasgow to Edinburgh approximately every 15 minutes. Also discover our train routes in Scotland.

Glasgow is finally an excellent gateway for a road trip in Scotland towards the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

Also read: Glencoe: hikes, viewpoints and tips.

Frequently asked questions: What is there to do in Glasgow?

Is Glasgow worth a visit?

Yes, especially for its free museums, architecture, and musical atmosphere. It therefore complements a visit to Edinburgh very well.

What to do in Glasgow in one day?

Start with the cathedral and the Necropolis, then head to the Kelvingrove Museum and the West End. Finally, end your day in the Merchant City or with a concert.

Glasgow or Edinburgh: which one to choose?

Edinburgh is more historic and touristy, while Glasgow is more vibrant and affordable. Ideally, visit both, which are less than an hour away by train.

Are the museums in Glasgow free?

Yes, major municipal museums, such as Kelvingrove and the Riverside Museum, are free. However, some temporary exhibitions still require an entrance fee.

Cover photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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