Glasgow 5 Day Itinerary

Glasgow 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Du Vin Glasgow (Blythswood Square) - Luxury
  • citizenM Glasgow - Mid-Range
  • EasyHotel Glasgow City Centre - Budget

Things to Do

  1. Start with a walk around George Square and take in the historic architecture, including the city chambers.
  2. Visit Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, a unique cemetery with stunning views of the city.
  3. Explore the Royal Exchange Square and check out the Mitchell Library.
  4. Take a stroll down Buchanan Street, Glasgow’s premier shopping destination.
  5. End your day at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Don’t miss the Spaghetti Junction mural!

Where to Eat

  1. Cafe Andaluz (George Square) - Tapas & Spanish cuisine
  2. Ubiquitous Chip (Ashton Lane) - Scottish contemporary cuisine
  3. Stravaigin (Trongate) - British eclectic cuisine with a twist

Things to Know

  • Glasgow’s public transport system is efficient and easy to navigate. Consider getting a Glasgow Cityregion ticket for unlimited travel.
  • Many shops in the city center close on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Day 2: West End & University Quarter

Things to Do

  1. Start with a walk along the Kelvin Walkway, leading from Kelvingrove Park to the University of Glasgow.
  2. Explore the University of Glasgow campus and its iconic towers.
  3. Visit Glasgow School of Art designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
  4. Take a stroll down Byres Road, with its many independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  5. End your day at Hillhead Bookclub or Oran Mor for music, food, and drinks.

Where to Eat

  1. Hillhead Bookclub (Byres Road) - Cafe by day, bar & restaurant by night
  2. The Ubiquitous Chip Takeaway (Ashton Lane) - Scottish contemporary cuisine, takeaway version of the George Square location
  3. Saramago Cafe Del Fado (Byres Road) - Portuguese-inspired food and live Fado music

Things to Know

  • The Subway (Glasgow’s underground railway) can be a convenient way to travel between the city center and the West End.

Day 3: East End & Parklife

Things to Do

  1. Visit Pollok Country Park and explore its gardens, farm, and Burrell Collection.
  2. Discover the vibrant street art of the Shawfield Mural Trail.
  3. Take a tour of the Glasgow Green area, including the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.
  4. Visit Queen’s Park, one of Glasgow’s oldest parks with stunning views over the city.

Where to Eat

  1. The Gannet (Castlemilk) - Scottish contemporary cuisine, booking recommended
  2. The Glad Cafe (Pollokshaws Road) - Cafe and arts space offering brunch, lunch, and dinner
  3. Shebeen (Shawlands) - African-inspired street food and craft beers

Things to Know

  • Many of these attractions are outdoors, so check the weather forecast before you go!

Day 4: Southside & Riverside

Things to Do

  1. Visit Glasgow Green, Glasgow’s oldest park, and see the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.
  2. Take a stroll along the Clyde River and visit the Science Centre Glasgow or the Tower Digital Arts Centre.
  3. Explore the vibrant streets of the Southside, including Dumbarton Road, home to many independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  4. End your day at The Shed in Bellahouston Park for live music and drinks.

Where to Eat

  1. The Ubiquitous Chip Southside (Vincent Street) - Scottish contemporary cuisine
  2. Singl-end (Dumbarton Road) - Scottish pub with great food and craft beers
  3. The Grosvenor Cafe (Ashton Lane) - British brunch & grill in a vintage setting

Things to Know

  • The Southside is home to many music venues, including the iconic Barrowland Ballroom. Check for any shows happening during your visit!

Day 5: Day Trip - Loch Lomond or Falkirk Wheel

On your last day, consider taking a day trip to either Loch Lomond (roughly 1 hour by car) or the Falkirk Wheel (roughly 45 minutes by train). Both offer stunning landscapes and unique attractions.

  • Loch Lomond: Take a boat tour, visit Luss Village, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • Falkirk Wheel: This rotating boat lift connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. You can take a boat trip through the canal system or explore the surrounding area.

Things to Know

  • To get to Loch Lomond, you’ll need a car or consider organized tours.
  • The Falkirk Wheel is easily accessible by train from Glasgow Queen Street Station.