Glasgow, which is situated on the River Clyde, has evolved from an industrial city into Scotland's cultural hub thanks to its top-notch museums, art galleries, performance spaces, and festivals. Given its 70 parks and open areas, its Gaelic name, which means "beautiful green place," is appropriate. Glasgow, recognized as Scotland's music capital, offers a wide variety of musical experiences, including facilities like the Theatre Royal (home of the Scottish Opera) and the Concert Hall (home of the Royal Scottish Orchestra).
The Celtic Connections Music Festival and the Gourock Highland Games are significant cultural events. The city is also a thriving sports town, with two top league football (soccer) clubs and a rugby club as residents.
Glasgow's connection to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the founder of the Glasgow School of Art and a key figure in the Arts & Crafts Movement, is one of the city's top draws for tourists. His and his collaborators' creations can be found in structures, museums, and even cemeteries. Be sure to frequently go to our list of the top attractions in Glasgow, Scotland, to learn more about these and other enjoyable things to do.
1. Scottish Cathedral
The Glasgow Cathedral, commonly known as St. Mungo Cathedral or the High Kirk of Glasgow, is the most important historic structure in the city. It was constructed in the 12th century. It appears to have fallen out of a massive mold when viewed from both the inside and the outside since the lines are clean and there is no unnecessary adornment.
The Blacader Aisle, which protrudes from the south transept, has the name of Glasgow's first bishop. The crypt, where St. Mungo, the first bishop, was interred in AD 603, is the largest space in the cathedral. It is also home to his tomb. Although though visiting the cathedral is one of the best free activities in Glasgow, donations are always appreciated. Free guided tours are additionally offered.
The St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is located just next door and explores the world's various religions, rituals, and approaches to life and death. Egyptian mummies, Hindu idols, and a Zen Buddhist garden are among the displays.
2. Edinburgh College of Art
For fans of exquisite architecture, witnessing Mackintosh's Art Academy is vital. When this Art Nouveau structure was finished in 1909, it solidified the reputation of the 28-year-old designer Charles Mackintosh as not only a master of the exterior—three 65-foot-high oriel windows dominate the grand west facade, and the smaller windows on the east front are reminiscent of Scottish castles—but also a top interior architect.
The Principal's Room, one of Mackintosh's original "White Rooms," the Mackintosh Room, where the Academy of Art meets, and the distinctive Library and Gallery are among the most well-known spaces. Mackintosh's influence is discussed on student-led tours, which also feature displays of his furniture and other creations.
3. Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery
The city's largest selection of stores can be found on Sauchiehall Street, a bustling 1.5-mile-long entertainment and shopping district that is now almost totally pedestrianized. On the West End of the city, where Sauchiehall Street ends, there are chic hotels, upscale boutiques, restaurants, and, perhaps most significantly, the beautiful Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
The museum, which was founded in 1901, boasts an excellent collection of British and continental paintings, including works by Salvador Dali and Van Gogh, notably his Christ of Saint John of the Cross and a portrait of Glaswegian art collector Alexander Reid by Van Gogh.
The Glasgow School of Art and its most well-known graduate, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, are featured in a remarkable collection of galleries along with fully furnished rooms, pottery, metalwork, furniture, and other works of art. Bronze Age tools and jewelry have been discovered in Scotland's archaeological sites from Arran, Kintyre, and Glenluce.
Additional interesting displays include Flemish tapestries, jewelry created in Glasgow, silverware, glassware, and pottery from various eras, as well as weaponry and armor from the 15th and 16th centuries, including helmets, crossbows, and swords.
4. George Square and the neighborhood of shops
The flower-draped George Square, home to 12 monuments of notable locals like Queen Victoria, Walter Scott, and Robbie Burns, is located in the midst of Glasgow's ancient Victorian city center. The Town Hall, which was built in 1890 and has a 230-foot tower, dominates the east end of the square. The Merchants' House is home to the oldest Chamber of Trade in Britain, which was established in 1605.
The fashionable Merchant City neighborhood of the city, which also includes The Italian Centre, is home to a collection of warehouses from the middle of the 19th century and offers one-of-a-kind cafés, eateries, and designer shops. The location is especially appealing in the winter when families and tourists in Glasgow are wowed by a spectacular display of Christmas lights.
5. An Exploration of the Necropolis
The Necropolis, a 37-acre Victorian Gothic garden cemetery next to Glasgow Cathedral, has been dubbed a "city of the dead" since it is home to 3,500 exquisite memorial stones, as well as sculptures and structures created by Scottish artists, including Charles Rennie Macintosh.
Here, weeping angels and intricately carved Celtic crosses coexist in a moody setting of tree-shaded walkways that open to views of the cathedral and city. There are numerous educational walking excursions that are offered and advised.
6. The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is located at the University of Glasgow.
The University of Glasgow is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in Scotland, having been founded in 1451. Over the years, the university has employed a number of notable professors, including James Watt, Adam Smith, and Joseph Lister, the "father of antiseptic surgery." Further information on the significant discoveries made by these and other scientists who taught here is provided in a permanent exhibition at the visitor center in University Avenue.
William Hunter, a Glaswegian doctor who collected anatomical parts, coins, and other objects of art in the 18th century, was another well-known scientist with connections to the institution. His collection served as the foundation for the Hunterian Museum. The museum now has collections from the ethnography, zoology, geology, and archaeology departments, as well as several artifacts from Roman locations. There are pieces of art by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Reynolds on show.
The gallery also contains the main interiors that were pieced back together from Charles Rennie Mackintosh's and his artist-wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh's Glasgow residence.
7. Tall Ship and Riverside Museum
Many of the items from Glasgow's former Transport Museum, including model ships, locomotives, trams, vintage cars, and horse-drawn carriages, are now on display at the city's award-winning, ultra-modern Riverside Museum. The majority were created in Glasgow.
The exhibitions now include a stunning recreation of a Glasgow street from 1938, as well as sections on immigration and disasters, like the sinking of the Lusitania. Visitors get the opportunity to examine the Glenlee, a three-masted barque built in Glasgow and meticulously restored by the Clyde Maritime Trust, thanks to the Tall Ship at Riverside docked right outside. There are entertaining guided tours offered, occasionally with costumed tour leaders.
The Glasgow Museums Resource Centre should also be on the itinerary for anyone with an interest in museums and antiquities. Many of the city's museums store their collections here while they aren't on exhibit, making it an interesting place to visit. Imagine it as being somewhat similar to going to Costco, but with nothing to buy. There are over 1.5 million objects held here, so there's a good chance you'll find something of interest. It's a big facility, with its numerous storage rooms stacked high with everything from artwork and sculptures to armor and weaponry.
There are guided tours available, as well as engaging talks and workshops, including initiatives geared toward younger tourists.
8. Glasgow Tower and the Glasgow Science Center
The Glasgow Science Centre is a must-visit tourist attraction for families and a wonderful place to spend quality time together. This well-liked attraction is set in a sufficiently distinctive titanium-clad building shaped like a ship's hull and is close to the Riverside Museum. It provides endless opportunities for exploration and hands-on fun.
There are notable exhibits on human health, technology, and general scientific concepts, as well as a variety of lab-style stations where youngsters may try out some real-world experiments using their newly learned information. The planetarium, an Imax theater, and a scientific theater are further noteworthy attractions in this area. These venues frequently host lectures and seminars.
The Glasgow Tower, the tallest structure in Scotland, is also located here. From its observation deck, which is 127 meters (417 feet) in height, it provides sweeping views of Glasgow and the surrounding area. But what makes this a truly exceptional spectacle is that the whole thing can revolve a full 360 degrees. It is the tallest structure of its sort in the world and was built this way to withstand wind.
The tower closes to tourists on very windy days even though it is completely safe since its movement underfoot can be quite unnerving.
9. Pollok Country Park and Pollok House
The 355-acre Pollok House grounds are located about four miles southwest of Glasgow's downtown. This Edwardian mansion, which now belongs to the Maxwell family, was constructed in 1752 by William Adam and his sons.
Visitors can now explore the vast majority of the structure, from the impressive entrance hall to the sizeable servants' quarters. Spanish paintings by El Greco, Goya, Murillo, and Velázquez, as well as numerous important pieces by William Blake, are on exhibit in the collection of Sir William Stirling Maxwell. There are both guided and unguided tours available.
We're the best! It's official! We are delighted to be placed numbers 1 & 2 in the Glasgow's top 10 tourist attractions as voted by our visitors themselves! But which one of our fabulous museums is your favourite? https://t.co/gJ6IVki9Zb pic.twitter.com/T4SfsHYXxO
— Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (@KelvingroveArt) November 25, 2019
The unique "Escape the Past" game is a fully interactive exhibit that tests players' ability to solve riddles and return to the present. Those who are feeling adventurous should give it a try. The estate's grounds include the Pollok Country Park, where you can explore the immaculately maintained gardens or take a stroll along some of the routes that pass through forests and along rivers while retracing the steps of characters from the popular television series Outlander. The opportunity to eat anything at the Edwardian Kitchen café is one of the attractions of a trip.
10. The Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace
The Glasgow Botanic Gardens have provided inhabitants and visitors of Glasgow's West End with a haven of unspoiled beauty for more than 200 years. The gardens were first established in 1817 as a conservatory for University of Glasgow students.
The primary attraction and one of Britain's largest glasshouses is Kibble Palace, which was built in 1873. It has a variety of rare orchids, Australian and New Zealand tree ferns, as well as species from Africa, the Americas, and the Far East. The imposing building, which is made of glass and wrought iron, creates a spectacular scene. A variety of tropical plants can be enjoyed all year long in additional glasshouses.
The International Rose Garden and Children's Garden, which features a playground, are two examples of the outdoor gardens. There is also a heritage trail that connects to the Kelvin Walkway and a designated walking path made with families in mind.
Taking a formal tea in the Curator's House Tearoom is one of the most popular activities at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Visitors can take pleasure in taking a classic tea break while relaxing amidst the flowers and trees at this open-seasonal location. Also, there are year-round dining options on-site as well as lots of space for a picnic set out on the grass.
Bellahouston Park is another lovely park worth seeing. It was the location of the 1938 Empire Exhibition, which drew more than 13 million visitors and is still well-known for its vibrant flowerbeds. The House for an Art Lover, which was constructed in 1996 based on a Charles Mackintosh design, is the main draw in this area. While the park itself usually hosts music concerts, this gorgeous structure frequently hosts art exhibits and other events. Another lovely location with numerous walled gardens with lakes and fountains is Greenbank Gardens.
11. The People's Palace and Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green, the city's oldest park and an easy stroll from the city center, was established in 1662. The People's Palace, a museum constructed in 1898 that chronicles Glasgow's history from 1750 to the present, is one of the park's principal draws. A recreation of a "Single End" house from the 1930s is one of the exhibits, along with a look at "the steamie" bathhouses and a tribute to the Glasgow Barrowlands Ballroom's dance hall.
An excellent variety of tropical and subtropical plants may be seen in the Winter Garden, a sizable conservatory towards the back of the palace. The magnificent Doulton Fountain, the largest terracotta fountain in the world, should also be seen. It was constructed to honor Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee and is a towering 46 feet tall and 70 feet across, with figures representing the entire Commonwealth. Nelson's Monument, an amazing column constructed in 1806 to honor Horatio Nelson's triumphs, is another attraction.
12. The Bagpipe Museum and the National Piping Center
Whether as a musician or a fan, the National Piping Centre is a fantastic resource for individuals who are passionate about bagpipes and drumming. There are lessons and courses available, including intensive bagpipe schools that are hosted in a number of places across the world. The National Piping Centre also houses the outstanding Museum of Piping, which houses Robbie Burns' piping artifacts and the world's oldest surviving bagpipe artifact, the Iain Dall MacKay chanter from the 17th century.
Also accessible to the public is a well-stocked store filled with items relating to piping, music, and souvenirs (the center also has its own hotel and restaurant). The largest such event in the world, the World Pipe Band Championship, takes place in Glasgow every August on Glasgow Green.
13. Contemporary Art Gallery (& Other Must-Visit Galleries)
Glasgow is somewhat of a feast for art aficionados. Plan on staying longer to truly experience Glaswegian art, as this regenerated city boasts more galleries and related attractions than could reasonably be explored in a day or two, in addition to facilities like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
The excellent Gallery of Modern Art is at the top of our list of other important art institutions. Locally referred to as the "GOMA," this Romanesque building houses workshops, talks, and exhibitions by regional and international artists that change frequently. Keep an eye out for the statue of an equestrian outside the building; chances are it will have a cone on its rider's head, which is a distinctive Glaswegian gesture that denotes a frequently irreverent attitude toward the local authorities, who have long since given up trying to remove it.
Another gallery that belongs on your Glasgow art itinerary is The Burrell Collection. This magnificent collection, which is located in Pollok Country Park, includes significant medieval artworks, stained glass, sculptures, and tapestries that date back more than 500 years.
14. The Tenement House,
This tiny museum provides a snapshot of the life of typist Agnes Upward, who resided alone in a Glasgow tenement apartment from 1911 to 1965. Despite living here for more over 50 years, Agnes preserved her home almost unchanged from the 1920s, practically frozen in time. The National Trust for Scotland has preserved the house so that it looks exactly as it did when Agnes resided there.
Working gas lights and the original coal-fired kitchen stove from 1892, complete with a range, oven, and iron-heating racks, are two of the apartment's most intriguing characteristics. A hand-crank laundry wringer is among the vintage cookware and cleaning items that are fully furnished in the kitchen. Each room is furnished with its original pieces, which include well-preserved Victorian-era horsehair chairs, a box bed, a piano, and an exquisite pedal-operated sewing machine.
Agnes preserved many common items that most people would have thrown away, making her collection more special and giving visitors an opportunity to observe the less interesting items that are sometimes left out of historical recreations.
15. Glasgow Central Station,
Even if you don't intend to catch a train, Glasgow Central Station is well worth a trip. While operating as Scotland's busiest rail station and outfitted with contemporary facilities, this stunning Victorian station emanates grandeur and historic charm. It was the city's second important station when it was opened in 1879, and it now has a variety of eateries, cafés, and stores.
The glass-walled bridge that connects the main station to Argyle Street, known as Heilanman's Umbrella (Scottish Gaelic meaning "Highlandman's Umbrella"), is one of its most beautiful architectural features. It received its name because it was a frequent gathering site for immigrants from the north, offering them a convenient location with protection.
The voco Grand Central Glasgow hotel, which has a stunning Queen Anne-style façade, is also located there. Guests can reserve trips that investigate the station's underground platforms and hidden vaults.
16. The Lighthouse
Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture, which houses both ongoing and cyclical art shows by contemporary Glasgow designers and artists, is located in The Lighthouse. A tribute to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who created the structure that once housed the Herald newspaper, is also housed there. The Mackintosh Tower, a magnificent stone building with a spiral stairway that offers fantastic views, is another feature of the Lighthouse.
The Centre for Contemporary Arts should be visited by anyone interested in other art genres, such as music, film, literature, and theater. All year long, they organize a wide range of exhibits, workshops, performances, and festivals.