Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and famed for its cultural attractions and lively music scene. With impressive museum collections housed in architecturally inspiring buildings as well as an array of enticing green spaces, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained.
Our two-day itinerary will introduce you to some of the city’s most famous museums and historical sites as well as its modern street murals, vibrant shopping districts and eclectic foodie scene.
Start your Glasgow itinerary with a visit to the city’s historic cathedral. As you approach, marvel at the impressive gothic architecture of the building, believed to be built on the site of St Mungo’s tomb. St Mungo (also known as St Kentigern) is the patron saint of Glasgow. The cathedral was first built in the 1100s but much of the current building dates back to the 15th century. The structure is particularly notable for having mostly survived the Protestant Reformation making it the oldest cathedral in mainland Scotland. Explore the cathedral’s depths in the crypt and admire the impressive stained glass as you gaze up at the thirty-metre-high nave. Be sure to speak to one of the many volunteer guides inside who provide fascinating insights into the cathedral’s varied history.
Just behind the cathedral is the Victorian Necropolis. The expansive area is home to architecturally interesting tombs of many famous Glaswegians. Built in the style of the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, this garden cemetery covers 37 acres and its hilltop location boasts remarkable views over the city. If you’re interested to know more about Glasgow’s religious history, be sure to pay a visit to St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art nearby.
Head back to Cathedral Square and a short distance along High Street, you’ll find one of the city’s visually stunning street art installations. The unofficially titled ‘St Mungo’ by Smug is one of more than twenty-five murals that make up the City Centre Mural Trail. This diverse showcase of local artists’ works is an ongoing project supported by the city council, with each piece representing different ideas and styles. Wandering along from St Mungo to George Square, you’ll come across three more striking pieces of street art from the trail. Keep an eye out for more as you explore the city centre throughout the afternoon.
Arriving in George Square, you can’t miss the iconic City Chambers building, the home of official civil business in Glasgow. Guided tours are available, although must be booked in advance. The square is the perfect spot to grab some lunch and if you’re fortunate enough to enjoy some Scottish sunshine, you might want to take a seat on one of the many benches. A wander through George Square is also a chance to learn more about some famous Scots as you pass statues of Robert Burns, James Watt and Sir Walter Scott.
A short walk from George Square, you’ll find the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) with its wide variety of Scottish and international contemporary art including works by famous names like David Hockney and Andy Warhol. Located in an impressive neoclassical building, the museum is host to both permanent and temporary exhibitions displaying paintings, sculptures and digital installations. Don’t be surprised if you spot an orange and white traffic cone atop the Duke of Wellington statue in front of the building, you’re getting a glimpse of the city’s sense of humour.
Finish your first day in Glasgow with some retail therapy in the city’s shopping district. Stroll along the pedestrianised thoroughfare of Buchanan Street accompanied by the tune of local buskers. If you prefer to be indoors, you can head to Prince’s Square or Argyll Arcade for your shopping spree. This area is also packed with restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world so an ideal spot to stop for dinner.
Kick off your second day exploring Glasgow by travelling to the city’s West End and stopping at the Riverside Museum. This award-winning transport museum’s striking exterior was designed by Dame Zaha Hadid and the exhibitions are a celebration of Glasgow’s industrial past. The intriguing and interactive collections, including a recreated street scene, make this a great spot for families.
A short walk from the Riverside Museum, you’ll come across the grand sandstone exterior of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Set in the magnificent Kelvingrove Park, this is one of Glasgow’s most famous attractions. The museum is home to varied and fascinating collections focusing on art, history and the natural world. Among the galleries are artworks by world-renowned figures such as Van Gogh, Monet and Salvador Dali. The combination of varied galleries and interactive displays and activities makes this another family-friendly attraction.
After a morning of museums, take some time to relax in one of Glasgow’s top green spaces, Kelvingrove Park. You’ll find it’s popular with joggers, dog walkers and students alike. Stroll along the banks of the River Kelvin and make a stop at the duck pond before returning to the more bustling streets nearby.
Refreshed from the park, return towards the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and make your way towards one of the West End’s trendiest streets. As you meander along Byres Road and the neighbouring lanes, you’ll find independent cafes and shops aplenty.
The beautiful and historic University of Glasgow buildings and grounds are certainly worth a visit, with magnificent cloisters connecting the quadrangles and fiction-inspiring turrets. Many of the buildings, including the impressive main building, were designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, who was a prominent architect in the Gothic Revival movement. Scotland’s second oldest university boasts a hilltop position with impressive views over Kelvingrove Park and the city from the University Flagpole.
The University of Glasgow is home to the Hunterian complex of museums. This includes the Hunterian Museum, which boasts the accolade of oldest museum in Scotland and houses an impressive collection of archaeological and scientific artefacts. It was originally founded in 1807 from collections donated by famous University of Glasgow alumni and anatomist, William Hunter. For art lovers, the Hunterian Art Gallery is nearby, with works by Rembrandt, Rubens and the Scottish Colourists. Meanwhile for those interested in famous Glaswegian architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Mackintosh House should not be missed. It’s a careful reconstruction of the interior of Mackintosh and his wife Margaret’s Glasgow home. From the University of Glasgow campus, a short walk through Kelvingrove Park will lead you to the area of Finnieston, one of the city’s foodie hubs where bars and restaurants line the streets.
Scotland is internationally renowned for its golf courses and you’ll find plenty within reach of Glasgow. For scenic views over the city and Loch Lomond while playing, head to Cathcart Castle, one of the oldest courses in the area. Meanwhile for proximity to the city centre, you might want to consider one of the three clubs around Pollok Country Park including Haggs Castle Golf Club. If you’re after courses designed by James Braid, try Rouken Glen or Cathkin Braes to the south of the city.
Of Scotland’s five major courses, two are located near Glasgow. Closest is Hamilton Park, a flat racing venue with a summer season. Meanwhile, a little further afield you’ll find Scotland’s only Grade One track at Ayr Racecourse. The course has been based at its current location since 1907 and hosts the Scottish Grand National and the Ayr Gold Cup. It boasts a range of hospitality facilities including two fine dining restaurants.
Glasgow is a highly family friendly city with many of the museums providing interactive and engaging exhibitions. In particular, the Glasgow Science Centre, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum are popular with children of all ages. With so many museums and attractions to choose from, you’ll likely be able to find something specific to your children’s interests, whether that’s naval history and a play area aboard the Tall Ship Glenlee, sporting prowess at the Scottish Football Museum or vibrant street art on the City Centre Mural Trail. For those with an interest in Harry Potter, a wander through the University of Glasgow’s cloistered courtyards is sure to be a hit Although officially there’s no link, it’s often speculated that this was an inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s fictional magical world. Glasgow is also packed with green spaces such as the Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow Zoo and Glasgow Green, offering an opportunity for kids to release some energy or the family to chill out and relax in between sightseeing. For littler legs or family convenience, there are also hop-on hop-off bus tours that cover the city’s major attractions.
Glasgow has an active foodie scene with an international selection of cuisines and a huge range of restaurants to choose from both for fine dining and casual gatherings. You’ll find many of the top-rated restaurants in the city’s West End, especially the Finnieston area of Argyle Street, although the central shopping district also boasts a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.
Spring and summer are often considered the best time of year to visit Glasgow as the longer days and warmer weather tend to suit sightseeing. That being said, don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll escape the rain as Scottish weather is notoriously unpredictable all year round. Autumn and winter are usually less expensive and quieter times to visit although temperatures can get pretty chilly.
Glasgow is world famous for its music scene and was designated a UNESCO City of Music in 2008. There are a number of festivals throughout the year celebrating the city’s links with art and culture, particularly during the summer months.