Top 15 Unmissable Tours in Glasgow

With a population exceeding 600,000 residents, Glasgow ranks as Scotland’s most populous city and is among the top five largest cities in the United Kingdom.

The city’s strategic location along the banks of the River Clyde, approximately 20 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, renders it a favored destination for enthusiasts of natural beauty and expansive landscapes.

Glasgow is replete with historic landmarks and modern shopping districts while simultaneously witnessing flourishing art and culinary scenes in recent years.

In comparison to other Scottish cities, Glasgow exhibits a distinct bohemian charm, offering numerous opportunities to indulge in its vibrant nightlife.

1. City Center Guided Walking Tour

For newcomers to the city, guided walking tours present an excellent method to gain a quick overview while optimizing travel expenses.

This walking tour spans approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and emphasizes Glasgow’s lively city center, which boasts a wealth of both contemporary and historical attractions.

Noteworthy tour highlights encompass stops at the Necropolis, Glasgow Cathedral, and numerous statues and memorials honoring distinguished city residents from yesteryears.

Participants will also uncover shopping and dining locations as well as suggestions for evening drinks.

The tour covers roughly three miles, so it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear.

2. Celtic Park Stadium Tour and Dining Experience

Football is deeply ingrained in Scottish culture, and Celtic Park Stadium stands as one of the city’s most prominent sporting venues.

Home to the Celtic Football Club, the stadium welcomes guided tours that attract football enthusiasts from around the globe.

Following an introduction with their guide outside, the tour will proceed inside for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at areas typically reserved for players, coaches, and staff.

Stops include the boardroom and dressing rooms, the dugouts, and the tunnel leading to the pitch, after which participants will savor a fulfilling three-course meal along with dessert.

3. Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour

From visiting the Gallery of Modern Art and Glasgow Cathedral to exploring the Glasgow Science Center and IMAX Cinema at Pacific Quay, this comprehensive hop-on-hop-off bus sightseeing option covers nearly all key attractions.

Depending on your selection, tickets are valid for either one or two days starting from the time of purchase, providing convenient access to numerous premier destinations in the city.

In contrast to conventional tours, hop-on-hop-off tours empower ticket holders to explore attractions of personal interest while bypassing those that may not hold appeal.

Guests are free to invest as much or as little time at each site as their interests and schedules permit.

4. Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting

Scotland has a reputation for its abundance of distilleries, continuously producing Scotch whisky sought after around the globe.

Even for those who do not consider themselves connoisseurs, distillery tours and tastings present an engaging opportunity to learn about local industry and culture, while being thoroughly enjoyable.

Participants, along with their guide, will explore the Clydeside Distillery, gaining insight into the fermentation and distillation processes, all while enjoying remarkable views of the River Clyde.

Each tour includes three complimentary drams per guest and discounts on a selection of Scotches available in the distillery’s gift shop.

5. Past and Present Merchant City Music Tour

For those wishing to stray from the typical tourist paths and explore less-visited areas, the Merchant City music tour offers a wonderful way to spend a few morning hours.

This tour is conducted by knowledgeable local music enthusiasts passionate about sharing their love for music with visitors.

Participants will visit historic ballrooms, tucked-away pubs with intimate stages, and the oldest surviving music hall in the United Kingdom.

Along the way, guests will learn about notable performers from the past as well as rising stars, enjoying a discounted lunch at a trendy café-bar in the music district.

6. Glasgow Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

A guided small-group walking tour in central Glasgow is further enhanced by the inclusion of beer tasting, making for a delightful experience.

After a brief introduction with their guide, participants will set out to Blythswood Square to delve into the city’s rich history, culture, and beer-making traditions that once made it a major global beer producer.

The tour includes stops at several pubs where participants can mingle with locals, gain insight into the artistry of brewing, and sample an array of beers with various colors and flavor profiles.

7. Haunted Glasgow Exploration Game and Tour

App-based exploration game tours have gained popularity among travelers seeking engaging, activity-based experiences over traditional bus tours.

These interactive tours are not only enjoyable and educational but also significantly more cost-effective than conventional tour options.

Participants will use their mobile devices as guides, leading them to some of the city’s most eerie and fascinating locations.

As they navigate between sites, guests will collaborate to solve puzzles and decipher clues, all while learning the city’s history and experiencing its prominent landmarks.

8. Silent Disco Adventure Tour

Individuals in search of a distinctive tour experience will find that the silent disco adventure tour caters to those who enjoy singing, dancing, and making a lively spectacle.

This music-centric experience allows participants to explore the city while enthusiastically singing and dancing as if auditioning for a music show.

The tours typically last around an hour, involve moderate physical activity, and are conducted by energetic guides who motivate participants to join in the fun.

9. Fun, Private, and Professional Photo Shoot

Although you may not consider yourself a celebrity, athlete, or elite individual, you can still enjoy a fun, private, and professional photoshoot and feel like one.

This unique opportunity is ideal for those desiring a different experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

In addition to capturing images at some of the city’s most iconic sites, guests will also learn about Glasgow’s history and culture while having fun throughout the session.

Photo shoots are available in one or two-hour durations, and participants will receive either 30 or 60 high-resolution images to memorialize their experience.

10. Guided Street Art Walking Tour

In recent years, Glasgow has undergone a renaissance in the arts, with various neighborhoods adorned with vibrant murals and street art that certainly merit exploration.

During this two-hour tour, participants and their guide will traverse some of the city’s most creative areas, discover astonishing contemporary artworks, and learn about the artists and their inspirations.

This eclectic experience is unlikely to find you navigating through throngs of tourists commonly encountered on traditional tours.

Guests generally unearth restaurants, bars, and galleries they wish to revisit later, so inquiries to your guide for recommendations are encouraged.

11. Outlander Adventure 1-Day Tour from Glasgow

The Scottish countryside showcases a wealth of historic castles and charming villages, with several picturesque locations serving as filming sites for the popular Outlander television series.

This Outlander adventure tour from Glasgow includes visits to three centuries-old castles that have played significant roles in the show.

Tour participants will discover the captivating histories of these castles and various intriguing details regarding other well-known films shot on the premises.

Spanning nine hours, the tours represent excellent options for those seeking to escape the bustling city atmosphere and experience the serene beauty of rural Scotland.

12. Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tour

Regardless of your allegiance on match day, this combined Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium tour offers an engaging experience for passionate football aficionados visiting Glasgow.

The museum features various galleries showcasing extensive collections of invaluable Scottish football memorabilia, encompassing uniforms, photographs, firsthand accounts, and trophies.

This tour includes an amiable and knowledgeable guide, providing access to Hampden Stadium, revealing the team’s dressing rooms, warm-up areas, and other behind-the-scenes sections that are typically restricted.

Multiple tour times are offered daily to accommodate different visitor schedules.

13. Glasgow’s Music Mile Tour

Even if you were unaware of Glasgow’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music, it would likely surprise you to learn that it is the first city in the United Kingdom to achieve this distinction.

Glasgow’s musical heritage traces back to its Celtic origins, and today the city encompasses numerous music schools and popular venues featuring a diverse array of genres including jazz, punk, rock, and pop.

This two-hour tour allows participants to follow in the footsteps of renowned Scottish bands like Oasis and Blur, visiting some seminal stages where they honed their craft prior to achieving fame.

14. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky Tour from Glasgow

Throughout history, the Scottish Highlands have birthed many esteemed historical figures, ensuring their names are recognized even by international visitors.

Iconic figures like William Wallace, Rob Roy, and Robert the Bruce have left an indelible mark.

This combined tour commencing and concluding in Glasgow captures the essence of history, culture, and nature that captivates most guests.

Highlights include the national monument to William Wallace and the impressive Stirling Castle of great historical significance.

After lunch, the journey continues to Loch Lomond, concluding at the Glengoyne Distillery, renowned for producing some of Scotland’s finest malt whiskies.

15. Customized Private Walking Tour with a Local

Customized private tours present an excellent option for travelers seeking to maximize their vacation investment.

This walking tour aims to reveal Glasgow through the perspective of a local resident, providing an eclectic mix of attractions tailored to participants’ interests.

Typically, tours commence with an introduction to the neighborhood where the guest is staying, discovering popular spots for dining, entertainment, and evening leisure activities.

Duration of the tours can vary from two to six hours, based on the specific preferences and schedules of the guests.