Glasgow houses some of the best tourist attractions in Scotland, with most of them free! Explore the diverse, unique offerings and neighborhoods of this Scottish city depending on your mood and the time you have in hand. Choose to shop, dine, and get unique experiences through Glasgow tourist attractions. Being the core of Scotland’s cultural scene, Glasgow is home to countless treasures housed in its art galleries and fascinating museums. We have collated a list of fun things to do in Glasgow, Scotland, to enlighten all moods.
City Centre Mural Trail
One of the top Glasgow tourist attractions showcasing the marvelous art scenery in the city. The walls and corners of the city center are decorated, adding a unique vibrancy to the location. The fascinating collections from renowned artists like Ejek, Art Pistol, and Ali Wyllie – will feature in every Glasgow sightseeing itinerary list. In addition, the easy walking trail displays fascinating artwork that will capture the attention of any tourist or visitors passing by. The murals have been placed on shop units, buildings, and hoardings.
Glasgow Cathedral
A classical Glasgow sightseeing attraction forms the core blocks of the Glasgow heritage. The St. Mungo Cathedral or the High Kirk of Glasgow is a 12th-century classic whose exteriors and interiors are equally ravishing and resemble being dropped from a giant mold. The main hotspots include the south transept, Blackadder’s Aisle, inspired by the first bishop of Glasgow, and the grand room named crypt housing the tomb of St. Mungo, the founder of the bishopric.
Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
The oldest public Scottish museum is a perfect example of wonderful artwork, science, and history—one of the best Glasgow tourist attractions featured in every itinerary. The vast collections include the permanent gallery dedicated to the Antonine Wall, the final frontier of Rome, the finest artwork of Rembrandt’s Entombment, and iconic collections of James McNeill Whistler. In addition, browse through the revolutionary scientific discoveries and several paleontological, geological, and zoological specimens.
Explore the Kelvingrove Park and Art Gallery
An idyllic location for a stroll and a picnic during a bright day. Go to the Glasgow Art Gallery that is next door or stop by the coffee shop for a cup of Joe. Take a leisurely walk beside the river or visit a picturesque park corner where there is live music.Take a walk along River Clyde
One amid Scotland’s most eminent rivers, the Clyde passes via Glasgow. You will probably witness varied urban settings, green areas, & historical sites as you stroll along its banks. Take a moment for relaxing, enjoying the scenery, and reflecting on the diverse sights & historical happenings you have encountered along the River Clyde.Explore Glasgow Necropolis
The cemetery of Glasgow Necropolis from Victorian era is positioned on hill east of Glasgow Cathedral at Glasgow, Scotland. The cemetery comprises many elaborate monuments, mausoleums, and tombstones that demonstrate the Victorian appeal with cemetery design. The necropolis is celebrated for its dramatic vistas of Clyde River & the city. The cemetery is the ultimate resting place for copious noteworthy individuals, including prosperous businessmen, industrialists, and other outstanding figures from Glasgow’s history.Glasgow School of Art
This art academy is heaven for all the art lovers out there. Displaying replicas of fine architecture, the designer’s reputation, Charles Mackintosh, has further been enhanced. The grand west façade dominates the oriel windows that are 65 feet high, with the small windows on the east front reminding us of the ancient Scottish castles. Some of the most popular rooms here include the Principal Room, the first room designed by Mackintosh, a unique library, and an art gallery featuring Mackingtosh’s works and influence, including his furniture and other works.
Shop in Merchant City
This is a lively district renowned for its retail opportunities, culinary offerings, & cultural sites. Princes Square is a chic shopping center in Merchant City, featuring boutiques, high-end stores, and eateries. It is an excellent place to buy accessories, clothing, & unusual gifts. Ingram Street: Distinguished by its upscale labels and designer boutiques, Ingram Street is indeed a chic hangout for shoppers who love fashion. Along this street, you can find both the local and international designers. Take a look around Merchant City’s smaller, independent boutiques. These stores provide a more individualized shopping experience by frequently carrying distinctive, regionally produced goods.See a show at the Theatre Royal
Glasgow’s Theatre Royal offers fantastic cultural experiences. Do not miss a show there. The building is a work of architectural beauty, with a classical style that heightens the sense of theater. The interior is decorated with elaborate details that provide guests with an aesthetically spectacular experience. The Theatre Royal presents diverse shows, such as comedies, ballet, opera, and both modern and classic plays. The location is renowned for its dedication to providing an array of theatrical experiences for suiting various preferences.Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
One of the most popular Glasgow tourist attractions is millions of tourists and visitors each year. Home to antique 8,000+ exhibits from Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John of the Cross to World War II Spitfire. Explore among ancient armors, dinosaur ruins, and mesmerizing works by the Dutch Old Masters, Scottish Colourists, and French Impressionists. Taxidermy of Sir Roger the Elephant standing 10.5 feet tall is the highlight of the place.
Enjoy a picnic at Pollok Park
A picnic here sounds incredibly pleasant. Pollok Country Park is a dazzling green space within the city. The Pollok Park features spectacular gardens, including the splendid walled gardens at the Pollok House. As you wander through the gardens, admire the vibrant blooms & neatly trimmed plants. Take a moment to unwind and appreciate the calm environment. Pollok Park provides a calm natural retreat whether you desire a lively get-together or a mellow afternoon. The park is a haven of tranquility for comforting and reconnecting with the natural world amidst the city.Visit the Glasgow Science Centre
The Glasgow Science Centre is an admired science & technology museum at Glasgow, Scotland. It features a planetarium as well as educational programs and interactive exhibits. Because it covers a wide range of scientific topics, such as physics, biology, and astronomy, the center is a truly fascinating spot for all age visitors.Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Spread lavishly over 50 acres of lush green spaces right in the heart of the west end, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the Kibble Palace, an iron-framed Victorian glasshouse stuffed with exotic trees ferns are hot tourist hotspots. The other 11 balmy glasshouses house a wonderful collection of rare orchids and begonias. Follow the walking trail to reach the riverside walk with incredible and picturesque natural vistas for a relaxing walk.
George Square and the Merchant District
George Square is decorated with gorgeous flowers and houses 12 famous statues of renowned personalities like Walter Scott, Queen Victoria, and Robbie Burns. The Town Hall and the 230 feet tower dominate the east end. The southern end is decorated with 19th-century warehouses housing cafes, designer boutiques, and restaurants—a popular Glasgow tourist attraction in the winters with vibrant Christmas lights decorating the entire landscape.
Take a boat trip on the River Clyde
A relaxing boat ride down the Clyde River can offer breathtaking vistas & an exclusive perspective of the surrounding terrain. There are numerous boat excursions available along River Clyde that runs through Glasgow in Scotland. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking sights of River Clyde once on board. You may pass by stunning scenery, modern structures, and historical sites. Certain boat trips may take place during specific events, which will add to your enjoyment.Go to a football match
Being a football fanatic in Glasgow can be a thrilling experience as the city is hub to two eminent teams with a long-standing rivalry, Celtic FC and Rangers FC. These two teams have devoted fan bases, and their games are known for having an incredible atmosphere. Sample the nightlife- Glasgow, Scotland, has a thriving nightlife scene with a plethora of pubs, clubs, & entertainment venues. Because of its vibrant nightlife and music, Glasgow is one amid the world’s leading travel destinations. Nothing beats meeting new people from the world over & dancing to hip-hop music with them. The people, DJs, music, and whole atmosphere of Glasgow’s nightlife are particularly impressive.Riverside Museum
One of the fun things to do in Glasgow especially designed for the kids. An award-winning museum provides a deeper insight into transport history, from tramcars and rigid buses to vintage cars and steam engines. These are placed in a fascinating building that popular architect, Zaha Hadid, has beautifully designed. Locally referred to as “Glasgow Guggenheim,” the Riverside Museum features 3,000 exhibits. The exterior landscape is decorated by Glenlee, a three-masted barque made of steel, and one of the five sailing ships built on River Clyde.
Pollok Country Park
Spread lavishly over an area of 360 acres; the Pollok Country Park decorates the Southern outskirt landscapes of Glasgow city. You can notice the Highland cattle herds who have been bred since 1830 when you enter the park. Easy navigation signs decorate the woodland paths, gardens, and tranquil parkland. Check out the Burrell collection that houses popular artists like Cezanne, Degas, and Rodin, along with Chinese and Islamic artwork. You can also check out the admirable Spanish art collection at the stately home of Pollok house.
Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre
One of the best things to do in Glasgow is to visit the weird world of kinetic sculptures housed in the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatres. A magical toyshop destination houses a beautiful collection of toys as these characters come to life with theatrical performances with enticing music and equally vibrant lighting. One of the fun things to do in Glasgow is if you have kids along with you, celebrating the circle of life and the human spirit.