How to plan a trip to Glasgow?

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, don’t forget to include this stop on your route. Glasglow, despite living in the shadow of Edinburgh, is a destination that will surprise you with its lively cultural and leisure offer. That’s why in this post we’ve decided to help you plan your trip to Glasgow with the best tips we took away with us after our visit.

Join us on this post and start organising your next trip today with the Passporter App, where you can note down the points of interest, accommodation and restaurants that interest you most, as well as carry all your documentation in an organised way.

1. Prepare your travel documentation for Glasgow

To enter the UK, the documentation required varies according to your nationality. Citizens of the European Union, the Commonwealth and countries such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Uruguay only need to present a valid passport. Make sure it has not expired to avoid any inconvenience when boarding the plane.

Travellers from other countries must obtain a visa, for which the following is required:

• A completed application form with your personal details and travel details.
• A passport valid for the entire period of your stay.
• Two recent colour photos that meet the size and background standards.
• Evidence of financial solvency, such as bank statements, to show that you can support your stay.
• Confirmation of accommodation, either a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation if you will be staying with friends or family.
• A detailed itinerary of your visit.
• Travel insurance including medical cover.
• Certified translations of documents not in English or Welsh.

It is advisable to apply for a visa at least three months in advance and expect a processing fee of £115. If your visit exceeds six months, you may be required to attend an interview at the embassy to provide your biometric details.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Glasgow

Don’t know when to go to Glasgow? Let us give you a hand. May to September offers the most pleasant weather conditions, with moderate temperatures and longer days that invite you to take in both city life and the surrounding green landscapes. During this period, the city is less congested than in the height of summer, allowing for a more relaxed experience at a more affordable price.

Glasgow holds a number of cultural events throughout the year that you may be interested in, such as ‘Glasgow Mela’ in June, a festival that celebrates the city’s cultural diversity with music, dance and food from around the world.

Whatever time of year you choose to travel to Glasgow, it’s best to pack an umbrella in your suitcase just in case.

3. Find out how to get to Glasgow

As Scotland’s second largest city, Glasgow, located on the banks of the River Clyde, is accessible by multiple modes of transport, as follows:

• By car: you can reach Glasgow by the M8 motorway, which connects the city to Edinburgh, and other main routes linking it to the rest of the UK. Remember that in England you drive on the wrong side of the road and if you rent a car, the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the road.
• By train: Glasgow has two main railway stations: Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street. Train services are operated by ScotRail (for local and some intercity routes), Avanti West Coast (for routes to London), and TransPennine Express (connecting to cities in the north of England).
• By bus: Long-distance bus services to Glasgow are provided by National Express and Megabus, with connections from many major UK cities. It’s a cheap option, but also means you’ll spend many hours on the train.
• By plane: Glasgow International Airport is served by flights from domestic and international destinations. Airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair and EasyJet all operate here. If you search in advance you’ll find cheaper tickets.

When booking your airline tickets, we encourage you to use the Passporter App, where you can compare and buy tickets with Skyscanner and then save them in an organised way.

Glasgow International Airport is about 11km west of the city. The Glasgow Airport Express is the quickest and most direct option, with a journey time of approximately 15 minutes and a cost of around GBP8 each way. Alternatively, you can take a taxi into the centre for around GBP 20-25, or hire a car.

How to get around in Glasgow?

And for getting around the city, you won’t have a problem. Glasgow has an efficient public transport system that includes buses, trains and the underground.

• Buses: operated mainly by First Glasgow, with tickets starting at around GBP2.40 for a single journey.
• Trains: ScotRail provides frequent services connecting the suburbs and nearby towns with the city centre.
• Metro: Glasgow’s Subway is a convenient way to get around the centre and West End; a single ticket costs around 1.75 GBP.
• Bikes: Nextbike Glasgow offers bike hire with stations throughout the city at a very affordable price.

4. Find accommodation that meets your expectations for enjoying Glasgow

In Glasgow you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options ranging from boutique and luxury hotels to budget hostels, offering something to suit every budget and style of travel. The city in general is known for its vibrant cultural life and stunning architecture, with accommodation well spread out in both the historic city centre and more modern neighbourhoods. So wherever you stay, you’re sure not to be bored.

Here are some of the best areas to stay:

• Glasgow Central: is the city centre, ideal for those who want to be close to the main attractions and transport stations. Generally expensive due to its convenient location.
• West End: a chic neighbourhood with a mix of historic charm and modernity, home to Glasgow University and numerous cafes and shops. Expensive, but highly sought after for its bohemian and cultural vibe.
• East End: known for its industrial past, now revitalised with arts venues and cultural attractions. Less expensive, but good value for money.
• South Glasgow: residential area with good access to the centre, popular with families and those seeking a quieter atmosphere. Variety of prices, generally more affordable than the centre.
• North West: offers a mix of residential areas and parks, ideal for nature lovers and those looking for peace and quiet without getting too far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Moderately affordable, with good value options.

If you want to find cheaper prices, we encourage you to look in advance or search around the outskirts of the city. The public transport network is efficient and will get you to points of interest in no time even if you’re staying on the outskirts.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Glasgow

We’ve put together a short list of the essentials to see in the city so you can get an idea of how many days you’ll need. Based on our experience, we recommend spending at least 3 days in the city so you can see the city without rushing and enjoy the essence of each neighbourhood, its architecture, nightlife, art and music scene. And if you want to find out more about the city, don’t miss this post: Things to do in Glasgow

• Glasgow Cathedral: an outstanding example of medieval Gothic architecture. Free admission.
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: Famous for its art collections and varied exhibitions. Free admission.
• Riverside Museum: Transport museum with a collection of classic vehicles and interactive exhibits. Free admission.
• The Necropolis: Victorian cemetery with impressive monuments and views of the cathedral. Free admission.
• Glasgow Science Centre: Science complex with interactive activities for all ages. Approximate price: £11.50.
• Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery: Part of the University of Glasgow, it houses a rich collection of art and historical artefacts. Free admission to the gallery, small fee for other exhibitions.
• The Lighthouse: Centre for design and architecture with panoramic views from its tower. Free admission.
• People’s Palace and Winter Gardens: Museum dedicated to Glasgow’s social history, housed in a historic Orangery. Free admission.
• Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA): Houses contemporary art collections and is a central venue for art events. Free admission.
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens: Botanic gardens with a variety of plants and a Kibble Palace greenhouse. Free admission.

6. Where and what to eat in Glasgow?

Glasgow’s cuisine reflects Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, combining traditional flavours with modern influences. Ingredients such as Scottish salmon, Aberdeen Angus beef and barley are mainstays of the local cuisine. Dishes are often comforting and satisfying, with a strong emphasis on local produce as you’ll find during your stay.

We quite enjoyed the cuisine, so we’ve put together this list of our recommendations:

1. Haggis: an emblematic Scottish dish, made with sheep entrails mixed with onions, oats, lard, spices and salt, cooked inside the animal’s stomach. It is usually served with ‘neeps and tatties’
2. Cullen Skink: a creamy, comforting soup made with smoked fish (usually haddock), potatoes and onions, from the coastal town of Cullen in north-east Scotland.
3. Scotch Pie: a shortcrust pastry pie typically filled with spiced minced lamb. It is a staple at sporting events and is commonly sold in local bakeries.
4. Stovies: a rustic stew made with leftover meat (usually beef or lamb), potatoes, onions and sometimes carrots, cooked slowly until the flavours blend.
5. Black Pudding: a type of sausage made with pig’s blood, fat and oatmeal, known for its rich flavour and grainy texture. Often served as part of a traditional Scottish breakfast.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Glasgow

Visiting Glasgow with friends opens up a range of possibilities, from exploring its stunning architecture to enjoying its vibrant music scene. Sharing these experiences strengthens the bonds of friendship, even if challenges sometimes arise due to different rhythms and preferences.

To solve these challenges, we recommend using the Passporter App, which makes it easy to organise your trip by allowing everyone to express their interests and create a plan that reflects the tastes of the whole group. Download the app and start organising your trip to Glasgow today, creating a joint itinerary and drawing inspiration from the experiences of other travellers. We tell you how to do it in this post: Group Travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Glasgow

• The currency in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (£).
• It is advisable to carry some cash, although most shops accept card payments.
• The UK uses plug type G, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adapter if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are travelling from the European Union, you will need a passport to enter the country; a national ID card is no longer sufficient.
• The official language is English.
• Water in the UK is safe to drink, so you can refill your water bottle to reduce plastic use.
• Glasgow is a relatively safe city, but as in any big city, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance to get better prices, especially during peak tourist season.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Remember that in the UK you drive on the left, unlike in the rest of Europe.
• Be prepared for the UK’s changeable weather by always carrying an umbrella or mackintosh, even on sunny days.
• Using apps such as Passporter to plan your trip to the UK is free and helps you draw inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Glasgow

Download the Passporter App and discover all the possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Glasgow.

If you have any doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about travelling to Glasgow