Glasgow is a lively and diverse city -and one of the most interesting places you’ll see in Europe. Despite being Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow is not the capital; Edinburgh is. However, being one of the most important cities in the UK, Glasgow is a must-see for your journey to Scotland due to its rich history, sophisticated museums, and its underground life. Moreover, the city’s architectural mix is unique, and as you might expect, there are plenty of things to do in Glasgow -and that’s what this article covers.
Specifically, in the following lines, you’ll find the must-see attractions in the city and the best day trips you can take right now. Moreover, I’ll share some great places to eat and the best hotels in town. Last but not least, I’ll reply to some commonly asked questions about the city and offer some travel tips for Glasgow.
So, let’s start with the Glasgow travel guide and the best things to do in the city.
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How to get to Glasgow
Glasgow’s international airport is located 11 kilometers away from the city center. Numerous airlines operate daily to and from Glasgow, and you’ll find direct flights to most European capitals. I flew with Lufthansa, but low-cost carriers will also take you to the city. You can use Kiwi to search for flights to Glasgow: that’s the best flight aggregator, combining dozens of flights to give you the cheapest fares.
From Glasgow Airport to the city center
Straight outside the terminal, you’ll see the bus stop for express bus No. 500. The bus looks relatively odd at first: it’s purple, and the interior is posh. However, the service is brilliant, and you can reach fast the city center. Free Wi-Fi is also available on board, and you won’t need more than 15-20 minutes to reach Glasgow’s center. An open return ticket with the 500 Express Glasgow Airport bus (which you should buy if you stay less than a month) costs 14 pounds. You can find more info about the Express bus here.
Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer from Glasgow airport to your hotel. Of course, that’s a pricier option (it costs 51 euros), but if you don’t want to depend on the bus or are on a tight schedule, it’s a good alternative. You can pre-book your airport transfer here.
Fun things to do in Glasgow, Scotland
Although Glasgow is not as scenic as Edinburgh, and the weather is usually dull, the city has plenty of things to see. The architecture, the diversity, and the locals’ attitude create a unique atmosphere. So, in this section, you will find the most fun things to do in Glasgow and beyond.
Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is Glasgow’s most famous institution. The museum has 22 galleries and hosts an eclectic mix of exhibits, including artifacts from ancient Egypt and Renaissance art. Located on West End, on the beautiful Argyle Street, the museum is next to Kelvingrove Park and close to Glasgow University.
The museum’s collections won’t let you down. You’ll find an impressive number of artworks, some of which are famous worldwide. Kelvingrove hosts “Christ of Saint John on the Cross” by Salvador Dalí, one of the most iconic paintings of surrealism. You will also find works by Old Masters like Rembrandt and French Impressionists such as Monet and Renoir. If you are an art lover, you simply can’t miss a visit to Kelvingrove.
You can see the current exhibitions on the museum’s website.
Discover Charles Rennie Mackintosh
One of Glasgow’s most prominent sons is the innovative architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His most iconic work is the Lighthouse, which hosts the center of design and architecture today. The building is the epitome of Mackintosh’s vision of architecture, and it’s a stunning building that you can visit for free. Mackintosh designed the tower to contain an 8,000-gallon water tank to protect the building from fire risk. You can climb to the building’s rooftop via a beautiful spiral staircase, and from there, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Glasgow.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s designs have sealed the city’s identity, and if you’d like to see another example of his work, you can visit the Willow Tearooms. Located at 217 Sauchiehall Street, these tearooms are the most famous in the city. They still operate under the name “Mackintosh at the Willow.”
Stroll around Glasgow
The Glasgow city center is pretty compact, and you won’t need more than 40 minutes to walk from edge to edge. However, beauty lies as always on off-the-beaten-path and exploring side streets and alleys will show you how the city developed throughout the centuries. The odd yet functional mix of Victorian and modern architecture is stunning, and despite some rundown facades, the result is surprising.
If you’d like to make the most of your time in Glasgow, you can also join a walking tour. Local guides will take you to both hidden and popular spots, explaining the city’s development and dark secrets. There are plenty of guided walking tours to choose from, and most of them will take you to famous locations like George Square, Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, The Clyde, and The Duke of Wellington.
The prices are reasonable, and the tours usually last 1,5-2 hours. You can book the City Center Walk here, and if you are a history lover, you can book the Historical Walk here.
Take a street art tour
You won’t easily find another European city where street art plays a vital role in the urban landscape. Glasgow’s identity is forever painted by urban art, and there are loads of art pieces in every corner of the city. If street art interests you and you’d like to see the city through a different prism, there’s an excellent street art tour. This 2-hour tour will take you around several locations in the city, and you’ll see unique pieces by local and international artists. In addition, your guide will share secrets about the paintings and the artists’ techniques.
The Glasgow Street Art Tour costs 16 euros, and you can reserve a place here.
Fall in love with West End
You will come across the West End neighborhood not that far away from Kelvingrove. This is a lively hood full of youngsters and cozy places. No surprise since the University of Glasgow is nearby. Stroll around the West End and let yourself immerse in the local culture. Everything seems more laid back here. If you are in the mood, stop by the Hunterian Museum, where you will find the house of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
And then there is, of course, the tiny Ashton Lane, a picturesque cobblestone street with cozy cafes and bars. That’s one of the best places to hang out in Glasgow, and you’ll find a variety of Scottish and international cuisine. If observing the locals while tasting delicious lunch is part of every journey for you, then there’s no better place to do it than Glasgow.
Bonus tip. Glasgow’s West End has become one of the most beloved areas for international travelers. If you’d like to have a local show you around West End, there’s a guided tour, and you can book it here.
Find out what the Clockwork Orange is
While walking around the city is one the best things to do, there’s also one more integral element of Glaswegian life. The Glasgow Subway is an attraction by itself because it consists of one line with 15 stops that circles the city. You can buy a daily ticket for the Glasgow Subway, stop at all fifteen stops, and discover the area around them. Walk at every hood, get an impression and then take the metro to the next station. The day ticket costs less than 5 pounds, and the subway runs several times per hour.
And here’s a fun fact: the trains are painted in orange, and locals refer to the metro line as “The Clockwork Orange,” a rather cinephile statement and a reference to Stanley Kubrick.
See The Duke of Wellington and visit GoMa
The commercial center and the area where Glasgow’s heart beats is Buchanan Street, close to the famous George Square. At the lower end of it, you can visit the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), which is Glasgow’s place for contemporary art. The entrance is free, and there is a lovely cafe in the basement.
However, one of the quirkiest things in the city and a must-see in Glasgow is actually straight outside of the GoMA. That’s where the statue of the Duke of Wellington is. It might sound unimportant or just another statue, but here is the thing: it always has a traffic cone in its head. This seems to be an intervention of the city’s youth back in the ’80s, but it somehow remained active throughout the decades. Sometimes, the local authorities will remove the cone -and yes, the following day, it is again there. It’s definitely one of the fun things to do in Glasgow.
Get on the hop-on-hop-off bus
Yes, hop-on-hop-off buses might sound too touristy to most of us, but here’s the thing: if you’re on a tight schedule, the open-top bus can quickly bring you to the city’s most famous locations. The bust stops at 21 designated stops, and you can embark and disembark at any of them. So imagine it as an extra public transport itinerary and use it to see as much as possible.
The bus stops in places like George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, Argyle Street, Clydeside Distillery, Riverside Museum, and Kelvingrove. Moreover, you can a ticket for one or two days and create a tailor-made itinerary for yourself. The ticket costs 21 euros, and you can book one here.
Glasgow’s Cathedral and the Necropolis
There are two more impressive buildings that you shouldn’t miss. The first is the city’s Cathedral, an excellent example of Scottish Gothic architecture. Nearby, you will also find the famous Necropolis, the atmospheric cemetery of Glasgow. Yes, it’s a slightly morbid place to visit -no doubt!- but it’s interesting to see nonetheless. If it sounds scary to you, try to think of it like a walk in the park (well, if possible). It was inspired by the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, and it dates back to 1833.
Go on a day trip from Glasgow
Apart from being a fascinating city, Glasgow can also be your base for further exploring Scotland. Plenty of Scotland’s highlights are close to Glasgow, and you can visit most of them independently or with an organized tour. Taking a day trip from Glasgow will expose you to Scotland’s stunning nature, and you’ll see plenty of famous locations, like Loch Ness, Glencoe, and, of course, the Highlands.
Independent travelers can rent a car in Glasgow and explore the region at their own pace. However, if driving abroad is nothing for you, Scotland’s railway network can bring you almost everywhere. Head to Glasgow Central Station and check the time schedules to the destinations that interest you.
On the other hand, if you are more into guided tours that will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the best attractions close to Glasgow, you’ll find the best tours from Scotland in the section below.
Selected tours and day trips from Glasgow
So, in this section, you will find the best day trips from Glasgow and what they offer. Every tour mentioned below will take you to some of the most amazing locations in Scotland. Some activities also offer food tastings, so if you are a food lover, make sure to check them out too.
From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands
As you can easily imagine, that’s the most-desired Glasgow tour and the one that sells out faster than any other. Every iconic Scottish location is part of this day trip from Glasgow. Specifically, you will visit Loch Lomond National Park, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry. Then, the route follows the road toward the Highlands, where the landscape becomes dramatic: rugged mountain tops, lochs, and cliffs are what you’ll see out of the window. And, of course, you’ll have the chance to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster…
The tour lasts 12 hours and costs 108 euros per person. You can book your seat for this Highlands tour here.
Day trip from Glasgow to Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe
This is an excellent day trip from Glasgow for Harry Potter and railway fans. The tour will bring you to Glencoe, where the massacre of the MacDonald clan took place in 1692. Despite its dark past, Glencoe is a place of stunning beauty. Then you will visit Mallaig, one of the most scenic places in Scotland, before heading to Glenfinnan. There you’ll see the Jacobite Steam Train (or Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter Films) crossing the bridge.
The tour lasts 12 hours and costs 82 euros. You can book a place here.
Loch Lomond & Whisky tour
Scotland and Whisky will be forever connected, and that’s what this tour from Glasgow is all about. This day trip will take you to Loch Lomond, and there you can decide if you’d like to take a boat cruise or explore the landscaped from the shore. Afterward, you’ll have lunch at Luss, a picturesque conservation village. And, of course, then it’s time for whisky. You’ll stop at Clydeside Whisky Distillery, where you’ll see how whiskey is distilled and taste a glass or two.
This day trip from Glasgow lasts 8 hours and costs 110 euros. You can book the Whisky tour here.
Isle of Skye & the Highlands: 3-day tour
Finally, if you have enough time in Scotland, that’s one of the best tours you can take. This three-day trip from Glasgow will let you experience the wilderness of the Highlands and the beautiful Isle of Skye. Every location mentioned in the previous tours is part of this route, but there are also plenty of others. Accommodation and transportation are included.
The tour lasts 3 days and costs 473 euros per person. You can book the Highlands & Isle of Skye tour here.
Where to stay in Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow is a big city (even though it doesn’t always feel like one), and you’ll have plenty of accommodation options. As a rule of thumb, the city center is the best area to stay in, especially if you have just a few days in the city. The major attractions will be within walking distance, and you’ll have plenty of places to eat and drink at night. In this section, I will share the best hotels in Glasgow city center and the accommodation I chose for my stay.
The best hotels in Glasgow city center
The Native Glasgow. Once home to the Anchor Line Shipping Company, the Native is an aparthotel in Glasgow’s heart. Featuring original 1906 decorations like timber wall paneling, glazed tiles, and fireplaces, the Native is one of the best hotels you can book in Glasgow right now. It has a 24-hour reception, and breakfast at the on-site restaurant is included. The hotel is next to George Square. See prices and availability for the Native Hotel.
Destiny Scotland – Glassford Residence. That’s another great option for your Glasgow stay. It offers apartments located in the Merchant City district. All apartments come with fully equipped kitchens and lounge areas. Towels and bed linen are included. See prices and availability for Destiny Scotland.
Motel One Glasgow. Next to the Glasgow Central Train Station, the Motel One chain established one more excellent hotel. Every room has a private bathroom and a desk. A continental breakfast is included in the price. The hotel is less than 10 minutes from George Square, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. See prices and availability for the Motel One.
The Pipers’ Tryst Hotel. This unique 4-star hotel features rooms located at the National Piping Center, the home of Scottish Bagpiping. Moreover, it has an excellent on-site restaurant, and the rooms are stylishly decorated in Scottish themes. As a registered charity, the profits go back to teaching bagpipes in Scotland and other places worldwide. Of course, the prices include breakfast. See prices and availability for the Pipers’ Tryst Hotel.
Where I stayed in Glasgow
I chose to stay at the Safestay Hotel. You probably remember that I don’t like big hotels if it’s not your first time on my travel blog. The Safestay Glasgow, even though it belongs to a chain, is actually a small hotel. The hotel has two floors and just a few rooms. Now, while searching for a place to stay in Glasgow, I came across many negative reviews about the hotel. People complained about the old interior, others about traffic, others about everything.
But here’s the thing: I had an excellent stay at Safestay Glasgow. Sure, the interior is a bit dated, but this is a building of Victorian times. Part of its charm is that it looks (and is) old-fashioned. My room was clean, it had really high ceilings (which I love), and breakfast was included in the price. It cost me less than 60 euros per night, and I was even upgraded to an executive room. The Wi-Fi was reliable, the staff was polite, and the hotel’s location was great: it’s a ten-minute walk to George Square and about 15 minutes from the cozy West End.
Hence, I can only recommend staying at the hotel. I know that the Internet is full of negativity, but in this case, I was speechless. So, this one is for you if you enjoy old-fashioned hotels with charm and politeness. You can book your room at Safestay Hotel here.
Please use the interactive map below for all other options regarding your accommodation in downtown Glasgow.
Where to eat in Glasgow
Glasgow is a big city, and your dining options will be countless. Even if you are not a big fan of pubs, I suggest visiting at least one for its unique atmosphere. Pubs are the most local places in downtown Glasgow and definitely the place to see snapshots of Glaswegian daily life.
Below, you’ll find the places I enjoyed the most while spending time in Glasgow. Apparently, the list is not exhaustive, and you can use it if you stay at a nearby hotel. In addition, every link in this section will bring you to Google Maps; there, you can save the location for your upcoming trip to Glasgow.
- The Griffin. That’s a typical pub in a quiet corner downtown. I found the interior beautiful, and I enjoyed a couple of beers. See the Griffin on Google Maps.
- Wetherspoon. That’s a chain that runs several pubs around the city. The interior is not very traditional, but it’s cozy enough to have a drink and something to eat. The haggis neeps and tatties were really decent. See the Wetherspoon.
- The Glasvegan. I stopped at this little cafe twice because of the magnificent hot wraps. As the name betrays, you won’t find meat there: this is a vegan place. I’m not a vegan, but the food is delicious, and the coffee is excellent. See the Glasvegan.
- Kama Sutra. Despite the quirky name, Kama Soutra is, in fact, a rather traditional Indian restaurant by European standards. The food is decent and moderately priced: 25 pounds for a glass of wine, a (small) starter, and the main dish. On the downside, you get charged for the rice -maybe I’m too used to the Berlin standards where the rice is always included. See Kama Sutra.
- Antipasti. A cozy Italian restaurant also on Sauchiehall Street. The personnel is extremely friendly, and the food is delicious. I found the prices moderate, and I think that of all the restaurants I visited in Glasgow, this was the coziest one. See Antipasti.
- The Horseshoe bar. That’s one of the pubs that you have to visit. The regulars don’t just seem to be hanging out there; they seem to live there. Funny stories, lively atmosphere, and too much beer. See the Horseshoe.
- The Ubiquitous Chip. A fine place to eat in Glasgow’s West End. The venison was magnificent and a meal to remember. If you are in the neighborhood, make sure to visit the Ubiquitous Chip at Ashton Lane. See the Ubiquitous Chip.
FAQ about Glasgow
So, in this final section of the Glasgow travel guide, I will reply to some frequently asked questions about the city. If you have more questions, please write them in the comments at the bottom of this post, and I’ll do my best to reply.
How to budget for Glasgow?
Glasgow is fairly priced. While food and drinks are slightly above the average European prices, most Glasgow museums are free. This will balance the costs.
That said, you can calculate approximately 60-70 euros per day for food, a drink, 1-2 bottles of water, and transportation tickets.
Is Glasgow or Edinburgh better?
It depends on what you want to see. I found Glasgow more diverse and exciting; Edinburgh is more shiny and beautiful.
Is Glasgow safe?
Glasgow city center feels totally safe, even late at night. I never had any issues when I returned to the hotel late at night. Of course, use common sense and avoid dark alleys or places your gut feeling tells you not to go. But, in general, I’d say that in Glasgow, I felt as safe as in any other big European city.
Is it worth going to Glasgow?
Yes. Glasgow is a diverse city with several attractions and a rich history. The Glaswegians are hospitable and fun, and the city is a perfect base from which to explore Scotland further.
Can I visit Celtic Park?
Yes, you can visit Celtic Park. You can book your guided tour to Celtic Park here. Moreover, you can also have dinner at the stadium’s restaurant -you can reserve a tour & dinner here.
How many days is enough in Glasgow?
I recommend staying at least three days in Glasgow. Slow traveling is the best way to see a city, and Glasgow has plenty of attractions.
When is the best time to visit Glasgow?
Glasgow is a northern European city, meaning it has short and wet days during winter. Therefore, the best time to visit Glasgow is between late April and early October, when the days are longer and the weather is more pleasant.
And that’s it with my travel guide to Glasgow and the things to see in the city. Please let me know in the comments if you visited the city or have any further questions.
More about Glasgow: The best day trips from Glasgow, Glasgow before Brexit, The Glaswegians
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Last Updated on June 18, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos