With lots of great landmarks, museums, and attractions, the things to do in Glasgow are incredible.
Glasgow makes for an amazing city trip in Scotland. The city is home to nature, art, architecture, and many interesting sights. From getting a panoramic view of the city or learning about history, the city has so much to offer!
I made this Glasgow things to do guide to help you find to best activities in the city. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who has visited the city before, I’m sure there are many activities that are very fun for you in the city.
Best Things To Do in Glasgow
Go for a Stroll at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens
You should definitely check out the Glasgow Botanic Gardens when you are in the city.
This is a beautiful place where you can find many different gardens with all kinds of species of plants/
Furthermore, there are greenhouses at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens with all kinds of unique types of plants.
What’s interesting about this place is that it dates back to the year 1842.
In the past, many concerts and other types of events took place in the garden.
Nowadays, it is a great place to go when you want to relax in the city.
You can go for a relaxing walk here while checking out nature, which is great.
Address: 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE
Go to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is definitely worth a visit.
At this museum, you can find lots of different galleries with interesting exhibits.
These exhibits showcase a very diverse collection of art and historic objects.
For example, you can go here to learn about interesting historic objects from Ancient Egypt.
Also, what’s great is that there are all kinds of paintings from many different periods in style. These paintings also cover a wide variety of artistic styles.
For example, you can see great French impressionist works here. For example, there are works by Monet and Van Gogh that are great to see.
Also, you can see great works by Dalí at this place, and much more.
Furthermore, what’s great is that you can see works by Scottish artists at the museum.
Ride a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Glasgow
There are various ways to choose from to explore the city of Glasgow. One of the best ways to do this is by riding a hop-on hop-off bus in Glasgow.
This is a type of bus tour that you can do with a ticket for 1 or 2 days.
During this period, you can hop on and hop off the bus as many times as you like.
The bus rides through the city and stops at some of the most famous sights and landmarks in Glasgow. Especially if it’s hard to choose what to do in Glasgow, this is great, because you can see a lot of sights in a day.
At each stop, you can leave the bus to explore that place and when you are done with exploring, you can ride the bus to another stop in the city.
Furthermore, along the way, you can listen to interesting information about what you see.
See the Glasgow Cathedral
One of the best landmarks in Glasgow to check out when you are doing a trip to the city is the Glasgow Cathedral.
This is a medieval cathedral that is hundreds of years old. The construction of the cathedral finished in the year 1484.
It is one of the oldest cathedrals and buildings in Scotland. And it is still an important religious building that is in use.
You can go for a walk in the city and check out the interesting Gothic-style architecture of the building at the same time.
Also, you can go inside and see beautiful architecture inside as well.
Furthermore, there are some interesting and important objects inside the cathedral.
Learn New Things at the Glasgow Science Centre
Do you want to learn new things about science? Then, you have to check out the Glasgow Science Centre when you are doing a trip to the city.
This is a museum that is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
The building was opened for the first time in the year 2001 and it consists of various spaces where you can learn about a variety of aspects of science.
For example, you can find hundreds of interactive exhibits here through which you can learn about science in a fun way.
Also, there is a planetarium where you can see films about the universe and learn about the universe through that.
There is also a lecture space where you can attend very interesting lectures through which you can learn things as well.
If you want to learn new things, this is a wonderful place to visit.
Address: 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA
See the Bothwell Castle
Another very interesting sight to check out when you are in the city is Bothwell Castle.
This is a medieval castle that you can find about 10 miles from the city center of Glasgow.
This is a castle that dates back to the 13th century and the castle played an important role in the history of Scotland. For example, the castle was important during the Wars of Independence in Scotland.
Nowadays, you can still see the ruins of the castle and these ruins are open to the public to visit.
If you want to learn about an important piece of Scottish history, this is definitely a great sight to check out when you are doing a trip to Glasgow.
See a Performance at the King’s Theatre
The King’s Theatre is one of the most important theaters in the city and the theater was opened in the year 1904.
Throughout the years, the theater hosted many great shows, and lots of famous actors performed here.
What’s great is that the theater has a beautiful interior that has a lot of very beautiful decorations. This interior makes spending time at this place and seeing a show an even more wonderful experience.
You can attend a variety of shows here, including drama performances, ballet, comedy shows, and much more.
What’s great is that you can combine going here with having dinner somewhere in the city. That way, you can have a wonderful evening in Glasgow.
Address: 297 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4JN
Explore the People’s Palace
The People’s Palace in Glasgow is a museum that you can find in Glasgow Green. This is a museum that was opened in the year 1898.
At the museum, you can learn about the people that live in Glasgow, including the ordinary people that many museums don’t cover.
You can learn about the work, homes, and leisure time of people in Glasgow at this place.
The collection of the museum includes a lot of different objects.
For example, there are historic artifacts, photographs, films, paintings, and many other items at this museum.
Also, you can find the museum at a very large park, which is beautiful to explore as well.
Go to the Barras Market
The Barras Market is a weekend market that takes place on the street and indoors.
This is an old market that dates back to at least the year 1921.
The market is held across many different streets in the city and you should definitely check out this place if you want to shop.
There are a lot of different stalls where local vendors sell their goods. This includes many unique items.
For example, you can go here to buy antiques, art, furniture, and much more.
Furthermore, what’s great is that you can get delicious food at the market that you can eat while you are there.
Actually, whatever you are looking for, you can find it at the Barras Market, making going there one of the most fun Glasgow things to do.
Address: 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow G1 5DX
Go to the Riverside Museum
The Riverside Museum is a wonderful museum that you can find in the city of Glasgow.
This museum has a collection of more than 3,000 different objects.
You can find a lot of objects here that relate to transport.
For example, there are several historic locomotives at the Riverside Museum that are very interesting to see.
Also, the collection of the museum includes historic ships, including The Tall Ship.
And there are motorcycles, fire engines, and many other vehicles as well.
Besides that, you can find a lot of other objects here that relate to transport, including ship models.
If you want to learn about transport, this is a fun place to go in the city!
Address: 100 Pointhouse Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS
Do a Loch Ness and Highlands Tour from Glasgow
Glasgow is a large city that is packed with a lot of fun things to do, landmarks, and much more. But you can also find a lot of places near the city that can be great to explore.
That’s why a day trip to Loch Ness and the Highlands from Glasgow can be great.
During this tour, an expert takes you on a full-day trip from the city.
You’ll go to Loch Ness, where you can see beautiful landscapes and learn about the legend of the monster of Loch Ness.
Furthermore, you can explore the beauty of the Scottish Highlands during this day trip, which is nice as well.
And you’ll go to Fort William and other interesting places as well.
Along the way, you can get interesting information from the expert guides.
Visit the Glasgow Tower
The Glasgow Tower is one of the most unique landmarks in Glasgow that you have to check out when you are in the city.
This is the tallest observation tower that you can find in the city, and you can find the tower on the River Clyde.
What’s amazing about this tower is that it is the tallest structure that can rotate in the world.
When you go to the top of the tower, you can enjoy a great panoramic view of the city of Glasgow.
So if you like views, you should definitely go here.
Also, what’s great is that the tower has a beautiful modern architectural style. So if you like architecture, this place can be great to visit as well.
Address: 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1DA
See Modern Art at the Gallery of Modern Art
Do you like modern art? Then, one of the best activities in Glasgow is checking out the Gallery of Modern Art when you are in the Scottish city of Glasgow.
This is a very popular museum where you can find a great collection of modern works of art.
The museum has interesting exhibitions of modern and contemporary art that change every 6 months. Furthermore, what’s great about these art exhibitions being temporary is that there’s often something new to see at the gallery.
These art exhibitions showcase art by both local and international artists.
Also, what’s great about the Gallery of Modern Art is that it is inside a very historical building that was built in the year 1778. The building in which you can find the gallery has a beautiful neoclassical architectural design.
I love the contrast between the classical design of the building and the modern and contemporary art that you can find inside it.
Address: 111 Queen St, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH
Visit the Centre for Contemporary Arts
The Centre for Contemporary Arts in the city of Glasgow is also one of the best landmarks that you can visit when you are in the city.
This is a place that is completely dedicated to contemporary art, and you can see a lot of forms of contemporary art here.
For example, there are changing exhibitions of contemporary art here.
Also, you can often see contemporary film screenings at CCA Glasgow.
And besides that, there are other events that relate to contemporary art at the Centre for Contemporary Arts.
What’s great about this place as well is that it pays artists to create art to display at the center. Thus, you can see some of the newest works of art here.
Address: 350 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3JD
Visit the Hunterian Art Gallery
The Hunterian Art Gallery is a wonderful gallery of art that you can find on Hillhead Street at the University of Glasgow.
The Hunterian Art Gallery is one of the oldest museums that you can find in the country and it is located on the campus of the university.
The history of the museum dates back to the year 1783 when William Hunter died and donated his collection to the University of Glasgow through his will.
The museum opened in the year 1807 to showcase all the items of his collection. However, the museum was split into different buildings.
At the Hunterian Art Gallery, you can find a beautiful collection of art that includes works by very famous artists, such as Rembrandt.
Address: 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ
See Art at The Lighthouse
Another great thing to do in Glasgow if you like art is to visit The Lighthouse Glasgow.
This is a center that is dedicated to design and architecture.
At this museum, you can find a variety of permanent exhibitions of interesting objects related to design and architecture.
Also, what makes The Lighthouse great to visit is the view that you can get from the top.
From the viewing platform, you can get a panoramic view of Glasgow, which is amazing to see. From up here, you can see the whole city from above, which is awesome to experience.
Address: 11 Mitchell Ln, Glasgow G1 3NU
Go to the Scotland Street School Museum
Visiting the Scotland Street School Museum is yet another one of the best Glasgow activities.
This is a museum that is all about education and it is a very interesting place to go to.
You can find this museum inside a former school that was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The design of this building is very beautiful and interesting to see, and the building’s design makes it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
You can find a lot of interesting exhibits at the museum through which you can learn about what education was like in the past. Also, there are actors that show what school was like in a very immersive way.
Address: 225 Scotland St, Glasgow G5 8QB
Visit The Tall Ship Glenlee
The Tall Ship Glenlee is a historic ship that is more than 125 years old.
Throughout the years, the ship has fulfilled many different functions.
For example, it was a British cargo vessel. Also, it was a ship that was part of the Spanish Navy, and the ship had other functions as well.
Moreover, what’s great is that the ship travels around the world several times.
Nowadays, the ship is a ship museum where you can see the ship and learn about its story.
Address: 150 Pointhouse Rd, Stobcross Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS
Visit the Holmwood House
The Holmwood House is a beautiful villa that was designed by Alexander Thompson.
You can find this villa in the city of Glasgow.
The villa features a beautiful a very beautiful design that can be amazing to see if you love architecture.
Moreover, the building was constructed in the year 1957 and it is listed as a Category A listed building.
Also, what’s great is that the interior of the house was preserved. This makes the house great and very interesting to visit
Another aspect of the house that makes it one of the best landmarks in the city is that it has inspired other architects. For example, the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was influenced by the architecture of this building.
Address: 61-63 Netherlee Rd, Glasgow G44 3YU
Do a Tour of the Celtic Park Stadium
You can do a guided tour of the Celtic Park Stadium. This is definitely one of the best activities that you can do when you are visiting the city of Glasgow and like soccer.
The Celtic Park Stadium is the home stadium of the Celtic Park Football Club.
During a tour that takes 60 minutes in total, you get to see many different areas of the stadium.
For example, you can see the dressing rooms of the stadium. Also, you can walk through the player’s tunnel, just like the player’s before and after a match.
Also, you get interesting information and hear interesting stories from the expert guide.
If you like soccer, you should consider doing this tour for sure!
Go to a Show at Theatre Royal Glasgow
The Theatre Royal Glasgow is the oldest theater that you can find in the city and one of the oldest in the country of Scotland.
The theater was created in the year 1867 and you can find the building on Hope Street.
Theatre Royal has a very beautiful interior that makes seeing a show here a very special experience.
Moreover, it is a very large theater with a capacity for more than 1,500 people.
At this place, you can see a variety of shows. For example, you can go here to attend great opera performances when you are in the city.
If you want to see a show in a beautiful historic place, this is the best place to check out for that.
Address: 282 Hope St, Glasgow G2 3QA
See the Collections at Kelvin Hall
The Kelvin Hall is a wonderful exhibition venue that you can find on Argyle Street in the city of Glasgow.
You can find this place close to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. So when you go to either one of these places, you should check out the other place as well.
The Kelvin Hall is a beautiful historic place where you can still do a variety of things.
Nowadays, it is a place where events related to art, culture, and fitness take place.
Address: 1445 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AW
Visit the Glasgow Necropolis
One of the most impressive places in the city of Glasgow to check out is the Glasgow Necropolis.
This is a Victorian cemetery that you can find next to the Glasgow Cathedral.
It is a very large cemetery as it is the burial place for about 50,000 people. Moreover, there are about 3,500 monuments at the Glasgow Cemetery.
The cemetery was created in the year 1832 and many famous people from the city were buried here.
You can go for a walk at the cemetery and check out the different monuments that are located here, which is both a very interesting and impressive experience.
Go to the Scottish Football Museum
If you like soccer, you can go to the Scottish Football Museum. You can find this museum at Hampden Park in the city.
At this museum, there is a collection of more than 2,000 objects that relate to soccer.
For example, you can find the oldest cap there.
Also, you can see very old tickets for a soccer match at this place. For example, there is a ticket from the year 1872.
Also, there are a variety of trophies on display at the museum.
Besides that, there are interesting exhibits through which you can learn about some of the most famous soccer-related people here.
Keep in mind that you can visit this museum 4 days per week.
Go to House for an Art Lover
The House for an Art Lover is a lovely arts and cultural center that you can find in the city of Glasgow.
You can find this place in a building that was built at the end of the 20th century and features an Art Nouveau architectural style.
The house was designed for a competition of architectural design by the architected Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife.
You can find a lot of beautiful design elements in the house at various spaces.
For example, there is a main hall that is very beautiful. Also, there is a music room with a lot of beautiful elements.
If you like design and architecture, you should definitely check out this building.
Address: 10 Dumbreck Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G41 5BW
Go to the Paisley Museum and Art Galleries
Want to see art when you are visiting the city? Then, going to the Paisley Museum and Art Galleries is one of the most interesting things to do in Glasgow for you.
This is a place that you can find near the city of Glasgow in Paisley.
At this place, you can find a great collection of Scottish paintings.
The works that you can find here are from the 19th and 20th centuries and are created by Scottish artists.
For example, you can see works from the Glasgow School here.
Besides that, you can find a collection of very old archaeological items here as well. For example, you can find objects from Babylon at this place.
Furthermore, the museum includes interesting objects related to natural history.
Visit St Andrew’s Cathedral
St Andrew’s Cathedral is a cathedral that was built in the year 1158. In medieval times, the cathedral played an important role, but nowadays only ruins are left.
Because the ruins of the cathedral are so old and because the cathedral played an important role in history, it can be very interesting to visit the ruins.
What’s interesting about this place as well is that many historically important people are buried on the grounds of the cathedral and inside it.
For example, the bishop William Wishart, who died in the year 1279 was buried at this place. These burial sites are very interesting to see as well.
Address: 196 Clyde St, Glasgow G1 4JY
Visit the National Museum of Rural Life
The National Museum of Rural Life is a museum that is located at the Wester Kittochside farm.
This is a farm that you can find very close to the city center of Glasgow.
At this place, you can see farm buildings and lots of different objects that relate to farming.
There are interesting exhibitions at the museum that focus on a variety of topics that relate to farming. For example, there are exhibitions through which you can learn about the stories of farmers. This makes for an interesting activity in Glasgow if you want to learn new things.
Go to the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
If you want to learn about what industrial life was like in Scotland in the past, you should definitely check out the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life when you are visiting the city.
This is a museum that you can visit every day of the year, and there’s no admission fee, which makes visiting the museum a great experience!
You can find a lot of different immersive exhibits at the museum.
For example, there is a heritage tramway that you can ride.
Also, it is possible to do guided tours of a recreated mine, which is very interesting.
Furthermore, there are exhibits where you can see machinery and many other objects that relate to the industrial life of the past.
Go to The Tenement House
The Tenement House is yet another historic sight in Glasgow.
This is a house where you can learn about what life was like in the 20th century in Glasgow.
When you step inside this house, it feels as if you step back in time.
Inside, there are interesting original objects.
For example, you can see a coal-fired kitchen here.
Also, what’s great is that there are lots of objects from the beginning of the 20th century, including old jams, soap, and much more.
Also, what’s great is that there are often events at the museum, including talks to learn about the past! Furthermore, you can attend a variety of other events here.
Address: 145 Buccleuch St, Glasgow G3 6QN
Go to the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
If you want to learn about religious topics, you can go to the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art.
This is a museum that is completely focused on religion and you can find the museum on High Street in the city of Glasgow.
What’s great is that this is the only public museum in the world that is completely dedicated to religion.
At this place, you can find interesting exhibits about all the most common religions in the world.
For example, you can see exhibits with Islamic calligraphy here.
Also, you can find Christian art at the museum that can be interesting to see.
Furthermore, there are all kinds of sculptures that relate to some of the most popular religions in the world.
Address: 2 Castle St, Glasgow G4 0RH
Explore The National Piping Centre
The National Piping Centre is a wonderful museum to visit if you like music and musical instruments.
At the museum, you can learn about musical history and the museum spans a period of about 300 years.
You can find interesting exhibits here that relate to bagpipes.
For example, you can find historic bagpipes at this place. Also, you can learn about the musical heritage of Scotland at this museum.
What’s great is that you can do a self-guided tour of the center and learn about the collection through an audio tour.
Also, there are often events at the museum. For example, you can often attend live bagpipe performances here.
Address: 30-34 McPhater St, Glasgow G4 0HW
Visit The Mitchell Library
The Mitchell Library is one of the largest public libraries in the country and you can find it on North Street in Scotland.
The library was founded in the year 1877 and it is located in a historic building.
The library’s collection includes more than 1 million books, which is an incredibly high number of books.
Also, you can find newspapers, maps, and a variety of other objects at the library.
The historic architecture of the library’s building and the vast collection of items makes it worth visiting when you are doing a trip to Glasgow.
Besides that, there is a theater at the library where you can attend a variety of performances and these are also great if you’re looking for things to do in Glasgow.
For example, you can go here to attend concerts, listen to storytelling performances, and attend a variety of other shows.
Go to Tramway in Glasgow
Do you like to see contemporary art when you are doing a trip to the city of Glasgow? Then, you should definitely check out Tramway Glasgow.
This is a contemporary arts venue where you can see both visual arts and performing arts.
Throughout the year, you can attend great art exhibitions during which you can see art by both Scottish and international artists.
Furthermore, you can see great ballet performances by the Scottish Ballet, and there are great concerts as well. Furthermore, there are other performing arts shows as well.
Address: 25 Albert Dr, Glasgow G41 2PE
See Art at the Burrell Collection
The Burrell Collection is a museum where you can find an art collection of Sir William Burrell.
The collection consists of about 8,500 objects and these objects are very diverse.
The diversity of the collection makes the collection very interesting to visit.
For example, you can go here to see medieval art, which includes art of a variety of types.
Also, there are medieval weapons and there is medieval armor.
Besides that, there are interesting historic objects from China.
What’s great too is that there are beautiful paintings by Degas and other impressionist painters.
Besides that, there are modern sculptures.
The collection’s objects cover a period of about 5,000 objects, which is very interesting. Also, what’s great is that the art comes from all around the world.
Address: 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AT
Learn New Things at the Glasgow Police Museum
The Glasgow Police Museum is also one of the most interesting attractions in Glasgow.
This is a museum where you can learn about the police force of the city of Glasgow.
The museum has interesting exhibits that cover a period from the year 1800 till the year 1975.
At this place, you can find a lot of memorabilia related to the police. For example, there are uniforms and there are other items.
Address: 30 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1LG
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Glasgow Things To Do Tips
There are various passes available through which you can have a much better time in the city of Glasgow. With these passes, you can get free entry to some of the city’s sights.
Also, it can be great to explore the city on foot. The city has great architecture and there are some hidden gems you might stumble upon when you are walking from one spot to another in the city.
These were my favorite activities in the city. I hope you found some things to do in Glasgow that you like!