Things to do in Glasgow

Glasgow is a port city situated on the River Clyde in the west of the Scottish Lowlands. Glasgow is one of Scotland’s most popular cities and an undiscovered treasure for those who love the Scottish countryside. As well as all the cultural attractions to see in Glasgow, the city offers idyllic architecture in typical Scottish style, as well as green surroundings to escape the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city. Don’t miss out on all that Glasgow has to offer and discover the nature of this exceptional region of Scotland.

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Things to see in Glasgow

Gallery of Modern Art

Discover an incredible collection of contemporary art in the centre of Glasgow at the Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery is packed with thought-provoking temporary exhibitions, and at weekends there are guided tours of the building to learn about its history and its exhibitions.

University of Glasgow

Glasgow is a university city, so this university is one of the most important things to see in Glasgow. The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 and is the fourth oldest university in the UK. It is also highly ranked in the world rankings, making it a highly desirable location for students and teachers from all over the world. The main campus is surrounded by nature and areas where you can walk and enjoy the environment. Its main neo-Gothic building is one of the most symbolic buildings in Glasgow.

Ashton Lane, Glasgow’s must-see neighbourhood

The neighbourhood that includes Glasgow University and Ashton Lane is known as Glasgow’s West End. This bohemian quarter of ornate sandstone houses and cobbled streets is well worth exploring. Here you can find a fantastic range of designer and vintage shops, cafes, bars and specialist delicatessens.

It is also home to the picturesque Botanical Gardens and Kelvingrove Park, as well as Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s distinctive and elegant Mackintosh House. Ashton Lane, a cobbled street near the university, is a treasure trove of bohemian bars and restaurants.

Hidden Lane

Glasgow’s Hidden Lane is one of the city’s quirkiest lanes, which also has the advantage of being somewhat less visited than the famous Ashton Lane. It is an alley full of small artisan shops as well as independent artists. Hidden Lane is undoubtedly one of the centres of Glasgow’s cultural life, whose garishly coloured houses are rented out as craft and creative studios.

By wandering down Hidden Lane’s cobbled streets the noise of bustling Glasgow will fade away and you will find yourself in a magical area, full of art and vitality. You’ll find small brick houses interspersed with turquoise, orange and yellow cottages bringing light and colour to Glasgow’s typically cloudy days.

Kelvingrove Museum

Located in Glasgow’s West End is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of Glasgow’s must-see attractions. Built in 1901, this grandiose building displays one of the largest and most eclectic art collections in Europe. It is one of Scotland’s most popular free tourist attractions and boasts masterpieces such as Salvador Dali’s ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’. As well as its impressive exhibitions of Scottish history and archaeology, it holds several exhibitions throughout the year that follow the Natural History Trail, exploring Scotland’s natural world.

Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are without a doubt one of Glasgow’s most valuable outdoor spaces. Located in the heart of the city’s West End by the River Kelvin, they boast a wide variety of plants, woodland and riverside walks, as well as the famous Kibble Palace. Kibble Palace is a magnificent glasshouse designed by John Kibble and houses the national collection of tree ferns.

As well as nature, this botanic garden is home to the Botanic Gardens Tearoom, a tea room that completes the atmosphere of relaxation and unwinding. This is the latest addition to the gardens and is located in the former curator’s house near Kibble Palace.

George Square

George Square is Glasgow’s main civic square. It is named after King George III. Built in 1781, today Glasgow Square houses the Glasgow City Council and displays an important collection of statues and monuments, including those dedicated to famous Scots such as Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel and Sir Walter Scott. Throughout the year, George Square is a focal point for many popular events such as Piping Live, Glasgow’s famous festival.

People’s Palace

The People’s Palace is located on the historic Glasgow Green, and tells the history of the city and its people from 1750 to the present day, with exhibits providing a wonderful insight into how Glaswegians lived, worked and played in years gone by. Outside, the winter gardens and the restored Doulton Fountain feature prominently on Glasgow Green, Glasgow’s oldest public space.

The Lighthouse

Located in the heart of the city, The Lighthouse is Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture. Housed in the former Glasgow Herald building, it was the first public commission by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Admire panoramic views of the city from the top floor and browse the artworks and exhibitions on display.

Glasgow Cathedral

The looming 12th century cathedral is impressive in its own right, but the structure is also home to one of the finest collections of post-war stained glass in Britain. Explore the great crypt that houses the tomb of St Mungo, founder of the bishopric, who was buried there in AD 603, or venture into the adjacent Necropolis, a 37-acre Victorian Gothic cemetery that’s filled with memorial stones, intricately carved Celtic crosses and sculptures by the city’s artists such as Charles Rennie Macintosh.

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Things to see in and around Glasgow

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Located 40 minutes from the city, Loch Lomond is one of the must-see lochs in and around Glasgow. In Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park you’ll find wild landscapes, exciting history and great local food, all within easy reach. At the heart of the park is Loch Lomond itself. You won’t find a bigger loch or lake in Britain and you’d be hard pressed to find a more beautiful one.

Take a boat trip on its waters and admire the impressive massive of Ben Lomond, as well as the craggy shoulders of the Arrochar Alps. The loch also has 30 islands you can visit.

Loch Ness

Stories of a huge monster living deep in the dark waters of Loch Ness have been in the public consciousness since the first photograph appeared in 1933. With over 1000 eyewitness accounts and reams of unexplained data, the existence of Nessie continues to baffle scientists.

If you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a perfect picnic or simply soak up the beautiful countryside, Loch Ness is the place to be. This corner of the Highlands is famous for its dramatic scenery dotted with lonely lighthouses and nearby castles such as Urquhart Castle. This castle offers a spectacular view of the Highlands and a must-see perspective of Loch Ness if you travel to the area.

What to see in Glasgow in one day?

If you travel to Glasgow for a day, you will be able to get to know the most important places that represent this Scottish city. Here’s a possible day trip itinerary with the most interesting places to see in Glasgow, so you’ll have a good memory of this city and an unforgettable experience.

• Glasgow Cathedral
• Ashton Lane 
• Hidden Lane
• Kelvingrove Museum
• University of Glasgow 
• Botanic Gardens
• George Square 
• The Lighthouse
• People’s Palace

What to see in Glasgow in two days?

If there’s one thing that characterises Scotland, it’s its incredible natural landscapes, which is why staying longer in this city is key to discovering everything that characterises this region of Scotland and enjoying it to the fullest. Here’s a two-day itinerary of the city and the surrounding area to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Day 1:

• Glasgow Cathedral
• Ashton Lane 
• Hidden Lane
• Kelvingrove Museum
• University of Glasgow 
• Botanic Gardens
• George Square 
• The Lighthouse
• People’s Palace

Day 2, option 1:

• Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Day 2, option 2:

• Loch Ness 

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