Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price
28/08/2025
Sonny Vermeer, Pexels
Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, offers a dynamic blend of deep history, vibrant culture, and modern appeal. Visitors are drawn to its world-class museums and art galleries, rich architectural heritage, thriving food and drink scene, and iconic music venues. The city also serves as a convenient gateway for exploring Scotland's wider landscapes.
Opportunities for socialising are plentiful throughout Glasgow. The West End is particularly known for its bohemian and youthful atmosphere, featuring lively bars, restaurants, and cultural hotspots. The City Centre and Merchant City areas also provide a diverse selection of pubs, clubs, and cafes. Ashton Lane, a charming cobbled street in the West End, offers a distinctive night out with its array of bars and restaurants. Glasgow's vibrant and highly-rated nightlife makes it easy to engage with locals and fellow travelers. Several hostels in central areas also provide a social environment for budget-conscious visitors.
Top 8 Things to do in Glasgow
Activities in Glasgow encompass a dynamic mix of art, history, music, and green spaces, offering deep dives into Scottish culture and a vibrant urban experience.
1. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Stepping into Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum allows one to explore 22 themed galleries displaying an astonishing 8,000 objects. This magnificent building, a striking example of Spanish Baroque architecture, houses diverse collections ranging from natural history and arms and armour to art from various movements and periods. Noteworthy exhibits include Salvador Dalí's 'Christ of St John of the Cross' and a hanging Spitfire plane. The museum is designed to be engaging for all ages, making it a popular choice for families.
Cost: Entry is free for permanent collections. Some temporary exhibitions may have a fee.
Transport: Kelvingrove is located in Glasgow's West End. From the city centre, visitors can take the Subway to Kelvinhall or Partick and walk, or use various bus services. A taxi from the city centre would cost approximately £8.
2. Riverside Museum and The Tall Ship Glenlee
The award-winning Riverside Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid, offers a fascinating journey through the history of transport. It features over 3,000 objects, from vintage cars and trams to locomotives, alongside recreated cobbled Glasgow streets. Interactive displays allow for an engaging experience. Docked outside, The Tall Ship Glenlee, a historic sailing vessel, provides a glimpse into maritime life and has circumnavigated the globe four times.
Cost: Entry to both the Riverside Museum and The Tall Ship is free.
Transport: Accessible by bus from the city centre. It is also about a 15-minute walk from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
3. Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis
Visiting Glasgow Cathedral offers an encounter with an impressive piece of medieval architecture, dating back to 1136 and the oldest cathedral on mainland Scotland to retain its roof following the Reformation. Adjacent to the cathedral is the atmospheric Victorian-era Necropolis, a historic cemetery inspired by Père Lachaise in Paris. Wandering among its elaborate funerary monuments provides historical insights and offers panoramic views across the city.
Cost: Entry to both the Cathedral and Necropolis is free.
Transport: The Cathedral and Necropolis are located in the East End, a short 15-minute walk from the city centre.
4. University of Glasgow, Hunterian Museum, and Mackintosh House
Exploring the historic University of Glasgow campus reveals stunning Gothic architecture, with its iconic cloisters often likened to scenes from Harry Potter. The campus is home to the Hunterian Museum, Scotland's oldest public museum, housing diverse collections from Roman relics to scientific instruments. Within the Hunterian Art Gallery, visitors can discover The Mackintosh House, a meticulously reassembled home of the renowned Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, offering insight into his distinctive Art Nouveau style.
Cost: Entry to the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is generally free, though some temporary exhibitions may incur a fee. Admission to The Mackintosh House typically costs around £10.
Transport: The University of Glasgow is in the West End. From Glasgow Central Station, a Subway journey to Hillhead SPT Subway Station takes about 20 minutes and costs around £1.65-£1.85. A taxi would cost approximately £8-£11.
5. Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace
The Glasgow Botanic Gardens offer a serene escape with diverse plant collections, including exotic tropical species housed within the stunning Victorian Kibble Palace glasshouse. This peaceful retreat is perfect for relaxation and photography, with seasonal floral displays. A stroll along the River Kelvin Walkway provides an additional tranquil experience through greenery.
Cost: Entry to the Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace is free.
Transport: Located in the West End, the Botanic Gardens are easily accessible via the Subway to Hillhead station, a short walk from there.
6. Exploring the West End and Ashton Lane
The West End of Glasgow is known for its bohemian and youthful atmosphere, featuring lively bars, independent restaurants, and unique shops along Byres Road and Finnieston. A highlight is Ashton Lane, a charming cobbled street illuminated by fairy lights, offering a distinctive night out with its array of bars, pubs, and eateries. This area provides ample opportunities to engage with locals and experience Glasgow's vibrant social scene.
Cost: Costs vary depending on dining and entertainment choices. Many pubs and bars offer affordable options.
Transport: The West End is well-served by the Glasgow Subway, with stations like Hillhead providing easy access. A single Subway journey costs around £1.65-£1.85, and an adult daily cap for Smartcard users is £3.20.
7. Experience Live Music
As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow offers a thriving live music scene across various genres, from traditional Scottish performances in pubs to big stadium acts. Iconic venues like Barrowland Ballroom, O2 Academy Glasgow, OVO Hydro, and King Tut's Wah Wah Hut host a wide range of artists. Catching a live gig provides an authentic taste of Glasgow's vibrant cultural pulse and its reputation for enthusiastic audiences.
Cost: Ticket prices for shows vary widely depending on the venue and artist. Many smaller pubs offer free live music nights.
Transport: Music venues are scattered throughout the city, with many accessible by walking from the city centre or via the Subway and bus network.
8. The Clydeside Distillery
For those interested in Scotland's national drink, The Clydeside Distillery offers an opportunity to experience a working whisky distillery without venturing out of the city. Located on the River Clyde, it provides tours that delve into the whisky-making process and conclude with a tasting. This offers a convenient and informative way to learn about Scottish whisky production.
Cost: Guided tours with tastings typically cost between £15-£25.
Transport: The distillery is located on the River Clyde, near the city centre. It is accessible by bus and can be reached by taxi from the city centre for around £8-£11.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
