The Top 10 Things to Do and See in Glasgow
Glasgow, named the 1991 European Capital of Culture, has been on a steady upswing in recent decades and today is a thrilling metropolis chock-full of exciting goings-on— a far cry from its history as an industrial city. Home to world-class art and architecture, restaurants and nightlife galore, and steeped in historical value, Glasgow is well worth a visit. Here are the top ten things to do and see in the UK’s second city.
1. Get your dose of art at the Kelvingrove
Get your dose of art at the Kelvingrove
The Kelvingrove is world-famous, and for good reason. From the stunning architecture of Glasgow’s own Charles Rennie Mackintosh, to the myriad galleries featuring top artists like the Dutch Old Masters and French Impressionists, to the treasures of Sottish history (the Kelvingrove organ, a medieval Scottish satchel, a scroll-butt pistol, and more), to the famed beehive in the Environmental Discovery Centre, there is something for everyone.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle St, Glasgow, United Kingdom, +44 141 276 9599
2. Immerse in history at Glasgow Cathedral
Cathedral, Church
Immerse in history at Glasgow Cathedral
This beautiful church, now a part of the Church of Scotland, owes its honorary title of cathedral to its history as the Roman Catholic mother church of the Archdioceses of Glasgow prior to the Scottish Reformation. The history goes further back than that though: the cathedral was originally built on the spot where St Mungo, patron saint of Glasgow, had built his church— and St Mungo’s tomb, in the cathedral’s crypt, is viewable by visitors.
Glasgow Cathedral, Castle St, Glasgow, United Kingdom, +44 141 552 8198
3. Grab dinner and a drink in Ashton Lane
Grab dinner and a drink in Ashton Lane
This cobblestone backstreet in the hip West End is a hotbed of eating and drinking establishments. Have a bite at the ‘Chip’ (the Ubiquitous Chip, a restaurant which has been an Ashton Lane mainstay since 1971), and then make a bar crawl out of the myriad watering holes in proximity— from Jinty McGuinty’s, a cozy pub, to The Lane Bar, a fun-loving cocktail bar at the Grosvenor Café and Cinema.
4. Appreciate architecture at Zaha Hadid’s Riverside Museum
Museum
5. Have tea at the Willow Tearooms
Have tea at the Willow Tearooms
This tearoom, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, has been open since 1903 and is by far the most famous of all of Glasgow’s tearooms. Today, the tearoom has been restored to its former glory and refurbished to recreate its original look. Come by for afternoon tea, or for breakfast, lunch, or morning coffee, or celebrate an occasion with the champagne afternoon tea.
The Willow Tea Rooms, 217 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, United Kingdom, +44 141 332 0521
6. Sip a dram of whisky at the Pot Still
Pub
Sip a dram of whisky at the Pot Still
A Glasgow institution, this pub boasts over 100 varieties of malt whisky, as well as a dedicated and friendly staff who are happy to talk visitors through their choices. With its prime location near the Theatre Royal, the Royal Concert Hall, and the King’s Theatre, The Pot Still makes the perfect spot for a pre or post-theatre tipple.
The Pot Still, 154 Hope St, Glasgow, United Kingdom, +44 141 333 0980
7. Stroll around the university
Museum, University
Stroll around the university
The University of Glasgow has a rich history, claiming status as the fourth oldest university in the anglophone world, one of Scotland’s four ancient universities— and it counts historic economist Adam Smith, two British Prime Ministers, and seven Nobel laureates among its alumni and former staff. Stop by for a stroll around the gorgeous Gilmorehill campus in Hillhead and admire the view of the city from the hilltop.
University of Glasgow, Gilemorehill, 9 University Ave, Glasgow, United Kingdom, +44 141 330 5522
8. Explore the Necropolis
Explore the Necropolis
Far from morbid, this Victorian cemetery on a hill east of the Cathedral is the resting place for fifty thousand people and is a fascinating peek into Glaswegian history. Keep an eye out for some of the monuments, including a statue of John Knox on a memorial column which dates back to 1825, as well as assorted war graves and memorials. To quote Scottish actor/comedian Billy Connolly, ‘Glasgow’s a bit like Nashville, Tennessee: it doesn’t care much for the living, but it really looks after the dead.’
Glasgow Necropolis, 70 Cathedral Square, Glasgow, United Kingdom, +44 141 287 3961
9. Learn about your pint at Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery
Brewery
10. Get amongst nature at Pollok Country Park
Museum, Park
Get amongst nature at Pollok Country Park
This 146-hectare park in Pollok, south Glasgow, is an oasis of nature in the bustling city. In 2006 it was named the best park in Britain, and until 1994 was the largest urban green space in all of Europe. Formerly part of the Old Pollok Estate, owned by the Maxwell family for 700 years, it was gifted in 1966 to Glasgow Corporation under the condition that the land remain a public park. Today it houses delightful walking trails, three mountain biking routes, a fold of Highland cows, a bowling club, a cricket club, and the Burrell Collection, a museum containing the antique and art collection of William Burrell.
Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow, United Kingdom, +44 141 287 5064
By Madeleine Bazil
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.