The Best Places To Visit In Glasgow
Glasgow may be the largest of Scotland’s cities, but it’s often overshadowed by its famous neighbour Edinburgh when it comes to visitors. But don’t sleep on Glasgow – it stands apart as a vibrant city brimming with culture, stories, fascinating history, and a distinctive character all its own. As a native Scot, and one that spent half a decade living in Glasgow, I’m here to shine a spotlight on the city’s hidden gems to have on your itinerary. From stunning architecture and sprawling green spaces to a thriving food scene and the warm welcome of its lively locals, Glasgow promises a unique blend of experiences for every traveler. Here’s a local’s guide to the best places to visit and experience in this underrated Scottish city that might just steal your heart:
Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis
One of the best ways to get a sense of any city is to see if from up high. An excellent vantage point to enjoy expansive views of Glasgow and begin your journey through the city is from the city’s Necropolis – the Victorian cemetery behind Glasgow Cathedral. As well as panoramic views from the top of the hill, you’ll also find grave stones and carvings that date back centuries. A walk through the peaceful cemetery will immerse you in the city’s history and reflect centuries of stories from Glasgow’s past through its weathered gravestones and carvings. The cathedral is Glasgow’s oldest building and one of few Gothic cathedrals of this style still standing in the UK, dating back in parts to the 10th century. The exterior, with ornate Gothic architecture and eye catching green roof, is a testament to Gothic architecture and offers a glimpse into Glasgow’s past. One of the best views is from the hillside of the Necropolis to take in it’s architectural splendour from range of viewpoints at different heights. The interior is also worth exploring, with rich woods, detailed carvings and ornate stained glass windows.
City Centre Mural Trail
For a taste of Glasgow’s urban creativity, explore the City Centre Mural Trail. The vibrant street art and interesting murals make a colourful contrast to the city’s frequently grey skies. (We Scots even have a specific word – ‘dreich’ – to describe the gloomy grey weather that we’re so often blessed with!) The City Centre Mural Trail runs through Glasgow’s city centre and features commissioned works by both local and international artists. It’s an ideal way to explore the centre of the city while taking in some culture. Wander through the streets, capturing the dynamic artworks that tell tales of the city’s spirit, culture, and history. Some pieces are impossible to miss while others are hidden away down narrow lanes, so following the trail makes for an enjoyable adventure as well as offering interesting artworks to photograph.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Glasgow has a whole host of free to visit museums and galleries, and many of the historic buildings that house them are works of art in their own right. The Riverside Museum for Transport, for example, was designed by Zaha Hadid, and the Gallery of Modern Art in the city centre art is a stunning 18th Century townhouse. Kelvingrove Museum is the most spectacular of all – situated in the lush and leafy Kelvingrove Park, on the edge of the river Kelvin. The area is well worth exploring and you can appreciate the architecture of the museum building from interesting perspectives as you roam the park. Inside the museum you’ll find extensive collection of artworks, historical artefacts and fascinating exhibits – from a Salvador Dali painting, to historic homewares to dinosaur bones and fossils. The Floating Heads installation by Sophie Cave is one of the museums most iconic pieces, gradually shifting moods with colour changing light and perspective as you wander the atrium and balcony, discovering different expressions.
The University of Glasgow
If you’ve ever dreamed of going to Hogwarts, you’ll be enchanted by the Glasgow University campus. The architecture of the main building, the central courtyards and cloisters are beautiful to see at any time of year. If a dark academia aesthetic is your vibe, you want want to miss a visit here. The nearby memorial gate and the flagpole lookout point are also worth stopping by on a visit to the campus, with stunning views across Kelvingrove, particularly around sunset. Inside the main building you’ll find period features, beautiful stairwells, rich wooden paneling and also a free to visit museum, the Hunterian Museum, with a permanent collection and rotation of interesting exhibits.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow’s name means “Dear Green Place” in Gaelic, and the parks and gardens that fill the city truly live up to this name. While the city has many parks worth visiting, the Botanic Gardens is particularly special – with the added bonus of the beautiful glass houses that can be enjoyed rain or shine. The gardens are filled with paved trails that lead through a variety of lush plant life, from the Tree trail to blooming flower beds and a herb garden. The glass houses are home to beautiful and interesting plant species from around the world. The larger glass house is formed a series of rooms to explore, and the smaller of the two, Kibble Palace, is a beautiful round conservatory filled with tree ferns.
Ashton Lane
Glasgow is home to many hidden treasures, and dotted around the city are dozens of charming lanes where you can find some of Glasgow’s best shops, restaurants, and bars. Ashton lane, on the edge of the Glasgow University campus is perhaps the city’s best known and most photogenic – decorated with a canopy of twinkling lights, it’s particularly atmospheric after the sun sets. During the day, the cafes, bars, and restaurants that line the cobbled lane are well worth exploring.
The Hidden Lane
In nearby Finnieston, the Hidden Lane certainly lives up to its name, tucked away from Argyle street with an easy to miss entrance. The colourful buildings in the Hidden Lane hold artist studios and workshops, many of which are open to the public to pop in for a look. After you’ve soaked up some of the city’s creative spirit and craftsmanship, The Hidden Lane Tearoom is a perfect spot to stop in for a picture perfect afternoon tea.
Glasgow Green
For a multitude of sightseeing in one area, pay a visit to Glasgow Green. The peaceful oasis in the city centre will remind you why Glasgow is earned its name of ‘Dear Green Place’. Entering the park at the McLennan arch – the classical piece of architecture which frames the High Court in one direction and Nelson’s Monument in the other – is beautiful surrounded by cherry blossoms in bloom during the spring or vibrant foliage in the autumn. A tree-lined promenade leads across Glasgow Green from there towards The People’s Palace, where you can marvel at the building’s ornate architecture and the beautiful fountain, and visit the free exhibit to learn about Glasgow’s history. *Note – the stunning Winter Garden is currently closed to visitors, but is worth keeping a lookout for future reopening.
Glasgow Film Theatre
Film buffs and arthouse afficionados, make sure to include the Glasgow Film Theatre on your city itinerary. Here you can enjoy a rotation of recently released films, regular screenings of iconic classic films and international releases. Situated in the heart of the city centre in a stunning Art Deco building with category B listed status, it’s worth paying a visit for the architecture alone. The theatre hosts the Glasgow Film Festival each year, that’s well worth keeping an eye out for if you’re visiting in the spring. It also puts an emphasis on making cinema accessible to all, putting on regular screenings for audiences with additional needs.
The Lighthouse
*note – the Lighthouse is currently closed, having shut it’s doors during the pandemic in 2020 it is yet to re-open. Keep an eye on the website for updates. When it does reopen, its a must visit for spectacular city views. The lighthouse offers a rare vantage point of the city that can be found right in the heart of the city centre. Tucked away down Mitchell Lane, just off Glasgow’s central shopping street, in a building designed by the city’s most famous architect – Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The building itself, and architecture-focused exhibits and art installations will delight design lovers, though the star of the show is the building’s tower that gives the building its name – standing tall over the city like a lighthouse on the coast. The lookout point is accessible by a winding staircase with over 300 steps, with incredible views from the top that are well worth the climb. Views extend across the city to the hills beyond, offering a spectacular panorama on a clear day. The platform is small and can be crowded on weekends and on sunny days when the views are clearest, so I recommend going early to get the space to yourself.
The Mackintosh House
Design lovers can double down on Glasgow’s most famous designer and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, with a visit to The Mackintosh House. From outside, wandering across the Glasgow University Campus, you might notice the curious floating door far above street level. Step inside the museum and you’ll find a recreation of the artist’s living quarters, giving a glimpse into the home he shared with his wife Margeret. With visitor numbers limited to just twelve at a time, you can enjoy the space without ever feeling crowded. Transporting you back in time, you can step inside Mackintosh’s home, meticulously reassembled at this site, ensuring the sequence of rooms exactly reflect the original – from the minimalist white bedroom, large drawing room and studio – where he would have worked on his iconic design and architecture projects. As well as it’s interesting displays and peaceful feel, the space has an incredible ability to feel bright and airy, even on the greyest of Glasgow days.
Live Music
Glasgow holds the crown for Scotland’s live music scene, with a whole host of music venues ranging from intimate to expansive, iconic to historic and even daringly open air . In the summer, TRNSMT takes over Glasgow Green, while Bellahouston Park holds regular summer concerts with notable headliners. If you haven’t gotten soaked and sung your heart out in a Scottish concert crowd, it is one to add to the bucket list. One of the city’s most famous venues is the East End’s historic Barrowland Ballroom – having hosted some of the biggest names in music. If classical music is your bag, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s programme is worth checking out, with regular orchestral performances and occasional live performances of famous film soundtracks. Fans of the edgy or experimental should head to The Hug and Pint, and be sure to sample some of the city’s finest vegan food while you’re there. For house and techno, don’t miss out on a night at Subclub – one of the world’s best basement nightclubs.
The River Clyde
The River Clyde and the bridges that cross it offer a multitude of interesting things to see and do. The famous ‘Squinty Bridge’, or the Clyde Arc as its formally known, is one of the city’s iconic landmarks and looks enchanting illuminated at night, or during the day with a view of the Finnieston Crane alongside. Further along the river, the Tall Ship at the Riverside Museum, the Glasgow Tower viewing platform and the city’s Science Centre offer memorable views and things to do, or stop in at the new Clydeside Distillery for a tour and a taste of whisky, Scotland’s national drink.
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