Things to Do in Glasgow

Exploring Glasgow: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Table of Contents

  1. Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis
  2. Riverside Museum and Transport Museum
  3. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
  4. Glasgow Green and People’s Palace
  5. Buchanan Street and Style Mile
  6. The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour
  7. City Centre Walking Tour
  8. Glasgow University and Gilmorehill
  9. West End: Hillhead, Hyndland, and Byres Road
  10. Food and Drink Recommendations

Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis (G1 5RT)

  • One of the most historic sites in Glasgow, this medieval cathedral offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich past.
  • The adjacent Necropolis is a picturesque Victorian cemetery containing over 50,000 graves.
  • Admission to both attractions is free, but donations are welcome.

Riverside Museum and Transport Museum (G3 8AH)

  • Housed in a stunning Zaha Hadid-designed building, the Riverside Museum showcases Glasgow’s transport history from 1700 to the present day.
  • Interactive exhibits and numerous vehicles make this an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
  • Admission: Free (donations accepted)
  • A must-visit destination with over 22 themed galleries, including European painting, armor, and natural history exhibits.
  • The gallery boasts an impressive collection of works by artists such as Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, and Salvador Dalí.
  • Admission: Free (donations accepted)

Glasgow Green and People’s Palace (G40 1AG)

  • Glasgow Green is one of the city’s oldest and largest parks, offering beautiful green spaces, monuments, and attractions like the People’s Palace.
  • The People’s Palace tells the story of everyday life in Glasgow from the 1700s to the present day.
  • Admission: Free (donations accepted)

Buchanan Street and Style Mile (G1 3JL)

  • Glasgow’s premier shopping destination with over 770 shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars.
  • Make sure to visit the iconic Buchanan Galleries and Princes Square for a unique retail experience.

The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour (G51 4TF)

  • Explore Scotland’s historic sailing ship, the Glenlee, and learn about life on board during the age of sail.
  • Tickets: £8 for adults, £5 for children (under 5 go free)

City Centre Walking Tour

  • Embark on a guided walking tour to discover Glasgow’s hidden gems, architecture, and cultural landmarks.
  • Tours depart from George Square daily; check local tourist information for schedules and ticket prices.

Glasgow University and Gilmorehill (G12 8QQ)

  • Wander through the picturesque campus of one of the world’s top universities, founded in 1451.
  • Don’t miss the iconic Tower and the beautiful Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery.

West End: Hillhead, Hyndland, and Byres Road (G12)

  • Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Hillhead, Hyndland, and Byres Road for unique boutiques, independent bookstores, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Highlights include Hillhead Book Club, the Ubiquitous Chip restaurant, and the beautiful Kelvin Hall.

Food and Drink Recommendations

  1. The Ubiquitous Chip (12 Ashton Lane, G12 8SJ) – A Glasgow institution serving innovative Scottish cuisine since 1971.
  2. Café Gandolfi (64 Albion Street, G1 1NY) – A popular spot for brunch with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
  3. The Gannet (155 King St, G1 5RB) – A modern Scottish restaurant with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
  4. Mono (12 Kings Court, G1 4SL) – A café, bar, and record shop in the heart of Glasgow’s West End.
  5. The Finnieston (1131 Argyle St, G3 8ND) – A vibrant neighborhood with an abundance of bars, restaurants, and live music venues.