Visit glorious Glasgow!

Why visit glorious Glasgow? There are reasons aplenty. It’s Scotland’s largest city and it offers an attractive and appealing tapestry of culture, history, and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re in search of art, relaxation, musical festivals, and events or simply a raring good time, Glasgow has something for everyone.

What are the top attractions in Glasgow?

For a city that’s so busy and vibrant, it’s difficult to choose from a whole array of attractions but the following are all worth more than a passing visit:

  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions set in the peaceful surroundings of Kelvingrove Park in the city’s West End. Opened in 1901, entry to its extensive 22 galleries is free to this day;
  • Glasgow Cathedral – work on this Gothic cathedral started in 1136 and took 350 years to complete. It is now the official home of the Church of Scotland and the oldest in the country;
  • Riverside Museum – if you thought the city’s main attractions were from ancient history, the Riverside Museum’s stunning glass and concrete profile will soon put you straight. Glasgow’s award-winning technology and transport museum, the Riverside was designed by architect Dame Zaha Hadid and opened in 2011.

What free activities can you do in Glasgow?

Though it’s the largest urban environment in Scotland, Glasgow has retained many acres of open spaces, gardens, and parks – all of which you can stroll through at your leisure and free of charge. The biggest of these is Pollok Country Park, which you’ll find on the southside of the city. Inner-city havens of peace and quiet can be found at Glasgow Green, Rouken Glen Park, and Linn Park.

It’s also free, of course, to organise your own walking tour – especially popular is the City Centre Mural Trail.

In addition to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, free entry is also offered to the Burrell Collection, Riverside Museum, Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), Glasgow City Chambers, and Glasgow Botanic Gardens – to name but a few.

What are the best cultural experiences in Glasgow?

Glasgow was named the UK’s first (and only the world’s third) UNESCO City of Music in August 2008. Many would say that music remains the city’s beating heart.

As a result, you’ll find some of the biggest contemporary and Celtic music festivals in Scotland and home to every shade of ensemble including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, and Scottish Opera.

What outdoor activities can you do in Glasgow?

We’ve mentioned the acres of open green space within the city and for further active adventures you might want to take to two wheels along any number of the 1,489 cycle routes in and around Glasgow (and helpfully plotted by Bike Map).

The Clyde Walkway will take you on a trail of more than 40 miles (65km) right through the heart of the city 65 km. Other trails worth exploring include the River Kelvin Walkway and the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Where are the best shopping spots in Glasgow?

Put all the culture and history to one side for a moment and just indulge in the shopping paradise that is Glasgow. In the centre of the city, you’ll find just about every high street brand and designer outlet – head for Prices Square, the Buchanan Galleries or St Enoch Centre – or track down the independent traders represented by the Scottish Design Exchange, The Hidden Lane, or the Clydeside Collective.

Scattered throughout the city’s many and diverse neighbourhoods, you’ll also find a mix of vintage, pre-loved, and second-hand shops and markets.

What family-friendly activities are there in Glasgow?

But what if you have kids in tow? Are there family-friendly activities in Glasgow? The answer is yes – in abundance.

Flipout Glasgow, for instance, is an all-encompassing indoor trampoline and adventure park, the Hollywood Bowl, at Springfield Quay, offers ten-pin bowling for all ages, while Reidvale Adventure Playground is where they’re able to let off as much steam as anxious parents can imagine.

What hidden gems can you discover in Glasgow?

It’s a city that appears to wear its heart on its sleeve, yet Glasgow also has more than its fair share of hidden gems:

  • explore the unique charms of Ashton Lane and its welter of bars and restaurants;
  • the Hidden Gardens in the very centre of the city will offer an immediate haven of peace and tranquility;

What day trips can you take from Glasgow?

Glasgow is also a gateway to practically the rest of Scotland – starting with no less an iconic location than Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park which is just 33 miles (53km) to the north of the city.

If you’re committed to a search for Scotland’s most historic monuments, however, Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in the country and only 30 miles (48km) to the northeast of the city.