Things to do in Glasgow

Glasgow is nothing short of breathtaking, and if the sights aren’t enough to keep you occupied, there are plenty of other great activities you can enjoy. Museums, parks, breweries and more await during your stay.

The top things to do in Glasgow include:

  1. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

A day of history and art is good for the soul. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the best in the world, according to guests, and the locals seem to agree, too. There are countless works in the museum including:

  • Life Gallery (opened in late 2016)
  • Dutch Gallery
  • French Gallery
  • Arms and Armour
  • Scottish Colourist Gallery

Dali’s iconic painting of Christ of St. John of the Cross is housed in the museum. There is also a flurry of other exhibits to see.

A total of 22 themed galleries with over 8,000 artifacts reside in the museum. The museum itself was opened in 1901 and is part of Glasgow’s history, too.

  1. The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel

The Riverside Museum is another great choice for history lovers. The museum features nine main displays with different themes:

  • Made in Scotland
  • Crossing the World
  • The River Clyde
  • The Streets

All the displays are story displays, and there are over 150 such displays to see. There are three streets at the museum, and there are over 3,000 items on display. A new addition of locomotives has been added, and many cars and bicycles can be seen at the museum, too.

This is a great, interactive way to learn about the history of Glasgow.

  1. University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow is best described as a beautiful wander. The campus is filled with diversity, and the oldest part of the campus includes picturesque buildings with many bars and coffee shops to visit, too.

The University was founded in 1451.

Head over to the University’s tower to overlook the adjacent Kelvingrove Park. When entering the main building, guests will also find the Hunterian Museum, which also houses an art gallery. The museum and gallery are open to the public.

Splendid architecture from over the centuries greets visitors.

The Hunterian Museum is the oldest Scottish museum.

  1. House for an Art Lover

Visitors spend 2 – 3 hours at the House for an Art Lover on average. This home was built in 1901, and was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The home opened to the public in the 1990s to get insight into the talent and life of Mackintosh.

The Art Lover’s Café is on the premise, and there are regular art themed events at the House of the Art Lover.

A walled garden is still upkept and features beautiful colors during the Spring months. Walk through the home and make sure to listen to the audio guide.

  1. Buchanan Street

People watching and shopping are the two reasons to visit Buchanan Street. The street is overflowing with people, but the centre brings together all the finest shops in the city. Trains, buses and the underground are all a short walk from the street.

During the holidays, guests will find that the streets are less crowded and illuminated with colorful lights.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars, too.

  1. Pollok Country Park

If you want to relax for the day, the Pollok Country Park is a good choice. The park is a splendid place to run or go for a walk. This is an outing geared towards nature, and the river and ponds help add to the ambiance.

Ducks, horses and hairy cows are on the property.

Clean, great trails can be found scattered around the park’s grounds.

  1. Tennents Wellpark Brewery

The brewery is open most days from 9am – 6pm, and it’s recommended that you block off 1 – 2 hours to tour the brewery. This is the brewery where the famous Tennents lager is brewed, and a tour guide will help you through the brewery to explain the brewing process.

At the end of the tour, guests can enjoy a tasting.

Beer enthusiasts won’t want to miss Tennents Wellpark Brewery.

  1. Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace

A day of beautiful botanic gardens awaits. The gardens are open from 7am to dusk all year long, and the glasshouses are open with free entry to all areas.

There’s a Heritage trail to follow with 30 points of interest, too.

Garden tearooms are available, and there are a multitude of things to see. This is a great, easy way to spend a lazy day walking around the grounds.

  1. Glasgow Cathedral

The Glasgow Cathedral is a splendid day trip for religious folks. The theatre offered ample places to take pictures, and the architecture is stunning. Entry is free, but this is not a good place to bring kids that bore easily.

The gothic style architecture makes this simple cathedral look grand.

The church was built before the reformation and was dedicated to Saint Mungo in 1136. If you want to step foot in a cathedral that is right in the middle of historical events, Saint Mungo is a good choice.