Glasgow packs a punch with its first-rate museums, distinguished dining venues, elegant outdoor spaces, and other more…off-kilter attractions.
In addition to visiting some must-see spots, you will find an array of weird, wonderful (and just plain creepy) attractions to include in your travel itinerary for this bustling city. Want to walk through a fossilized forest? Or how about cycling along a 200-year-old canal? The sky’s the limit in Scotland’s dynamic second city. Here are some of the best activities to consider while in Glasgow.
Get Lost in the Eclectic Exhibitions of Kelvingrove Gallery & Museum
Set within Kelvingrove Park, the Kelvingrove Gallery & Museum is a must-visit for art lovers and those interested in natural history. This mammoth museum features a true patchwork of exhibits, from contemporary art installations and displays of taxidermy wildlife to rooms full of ancient armor and war relics. With 22 curated galleries in total, you’ll want to set aside ample time to explore. Free tours of the museum run twice a day as well.
Admire 360-Degree Views from The Lighthouse
Charles Rennie Mackintosh made a lasting impact on his hometown – and no visit to the city is complete without experiencing the work of this celebrated Art Nouveau architect and designer. Admiring his magnificent Glasgow School of Art was once a top attraction in central Glasgow, but devastating fire in 2018 means it’s currently under reconstruction. Fortunately, The Lighthouse offers an evocative glimpse into this designer’s accomplishments.
Established in 1895 and hidden away on Mitchell Lane, the former headquarters of the Glasgow Herald was Mackintosh’s inaugural commission; today, it houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the designer’s life work. A highlight is the stunning helical staircase leading to a viewing platform that presents breathtaking panoramas across the city.
Stroll Through a Forest Older Than the Dinosaurs
While you’ve probably hiked through a lush forest before, have you ventured into one that’s over 300 million years old? Fossil Grove in Glasgow’s Victoria Park was discovered accidentally in 1887 when this serene green space was first mapped out on the site of an abandoned quarry. The 11 fossilized tree stumps are believed to date back to the Carboniferous period and are now safeguarded by Glasgow City Council within the Fossil Grove Building. While it’s only open occasionally, it’s definitely worth a visit if the chance arises.
Marvel at the Marble in Glasgow City Chambers
George Square serves as the bustling heart of the city center, with Glasgow City Chambers at its core. Constructed in the late 1800s, this grand building is now the headquarters of Glasgow City Council, which runs public tours twice daily.
A visit to City Chambers is regarded as one of the top free activities in Glasgow. Simply collect a ticket in the reception hall and prepare to be amazed by its extravagant interiors, including a magnificent marble staircase that’s been featured in numerous films over the decades.
Tour the Oldest Dwelling in Glasgow
A trip to Provand’s Lordship – a quaint stone house at the top of Castle Street near Glasgow Cathedral – is a unique experience for history buffs. Constructed in 1471, this medieval structure is adorned with 16th-century furnishings and hosts several fine portraits of Scottish royals. If you have ample time, explore the St Nicholas Garden next door, inspired by 15th-century medicinal gardens.
Discover the Drying Poles at Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green has fulfilled numerous roles throughout history, from grazing land for cattle to hosting one of Scotland’s largest music festivals. One of its more rustic purposes was as a drying green for laundry. Visit its northeast border to discover the original iron drying poles used by countless working-class residents living nearby from the 1700s to the mid-1900s. Local laws still allow Glaswegians the right to hang laundry out on the Green, although very few take advantage of this right today.
Enjoy an Evening Out on Ashton Lane
Experiencing an evening on Instagram-worthy Ashton Lane is one of the best activities for couples in Glasgow. This cobbled street is lined with charming strings of lights and an assortment of restaurants and bars. Consider visiting Belgian-themed Brel for beer and savory waffles, or check out Ubiquitous Chip, which has been serving high-quality Scottish produce – including haggis – since 1971. There’s also an independent cinema nearby if you prefer a more relaxed night out.
Learn About Law-Enforcement History at Glasgow Police Museum
The themes of crime and punishment have significantly influenced Glasgow’s history. It was the first city in Britain to establish a police force, a fact thoroughly explored at the Glasgow Police Museum. Tucked away on Bell Street in Merchant City, this site offers one of the most fascinating experiences in Glasgow.
Discover compelling and gruesome stories about crimes committed throughout the city over the centuries while viewing various uniforms worn by Glasgow’s constabulary. Although the museum is small and only open on Sundays and Tuesdays, it is rich in information and overseen by former police officers, which enhances its level of authenticity.
Check Out the Flesh-Eating Plants in the Kibble Palace
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is the perfect location to unwind as you explore Glasgow’s West End. Beyond the romantic rose gardens and manicured pathways, the park features several impressive Victorian greenhouses.
The largest greenhouse is Kibble Palace, which was meticulously dismantled and transported to Glasgow from its original location on Loch Long (approximately 50 miles away) in 2003. As you wander inside, take in the towering tropical vegetation. At the entrance, you will find a large pond filled with colorful koi carp, as well as a room dedicated entirely to carnivorous plants.
Cycle the Forth and Clyde Canal
The Forth and Clyde Canal, constructed in the 1790s to connect Edinburgh with Glasgow, continues to provide a direct 50-mile route between both cities today – a fact that active travelers would likely want to utilize.
Rent a cycle from a local provider like Bike & Go, then join the traffic-free Route 754 alongside the canal. While part of the journey takes you through somewhat unattractive industrial landscapes, you’ll also enjoy breathtaking Scottish rural scenery and spot local landmarks like the Falkirk Wheel, a futuristic boat lift constructed in the early 2000s to replace an aging stretch of canal locks.
For the best experience, cycle along the canal in spring or summer when the days are at their longest. If you tire along the way, you can easily return to Glasgow via train, as many Scotrail services offer dedicated bike storage onboard.
View the Elaborate Tombstones at Glasgow Necropolis
If you relish exploring grand Gothic graveyards, make your way to Glasgow Necropolis. Nestled on a hill behind Glasgow Royal Infirmary, this imposing cemetery dates back to Victorian times and serves as the final resting place for over 50,000 souls. Wind your way upward along neatly kept pathways and admire the beautifully crafted tombstones of the city’s elite, who amassed their fortunes during the Industrial Revolution. Just be sure to leave before nightfall…
Visit a Local Brewery
While visiting a whisky distillery is a must in the birthplace of single malt, Glasgow’s extensive list of pubs and breweries establishes it as one of the best cities for bar crawls.
Adjacent to the Necropolis, you’ll find both the Tennent’s (Scotland’s favorite beer) and Drygate breweries, each featuring taprooms and tasting tours. Additionally, on the edge of Glasgow Green, consider visiting WEST Brewery (offering delicious German-inspired snacks alongside artisan IPAs) or Shilling Brewing Company, located inside an imposing former bank on West George Street.
Follow the Kelvin River
The Kelvin River meanders through Glasgow’s West End, providing an idyllic spot for tranquility. Follow the path just behind the Kibble Palace to reach the riverside. In autumn, the landscape bursts with color, as massive trees shower the ground and water with a flurry of orange and yellow leaves. Trace the Kelvin Walkway down to the Riverside Museum on the River Clyde while discovering lesser-known historical sites such as the recently uncovered flint mill near the Botanic Gardens.
Get Some Interior Inspiration at House for an Art Lover
If you can’t get enough of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s designs, set aside a few hours for this hidden gem. Located south of the city center in Bellahouston Park, House for an Art Lover was created from one of the architect’s last designs before his death in 1928. This beautiful manor functions as an art gallery, studio space, and events venue, with many of its elegant interiors inspired by the stunning designs of Mackintosh’s equally talented wife.
Spark Your Imagination at Glasgow Science Centre
Looking for fun activities to do with children? The Glasgow Science Centre is bound to impress. Its interactive displays and exciting facilities, including a planetarium and IMAX cinema, make it a dream come true for tech-savvy kids.
Moreover, the center features an immersive experience that allows visitors to discover what it is like to live in the Arctic, alongside gardens designed to educate little ones about various habitats around the world. The Glasgow Tower, which is temporarily closed until summer 2022, provides an observation deck featuring rotating views across Glasgow and beyond.
