As you’d expect from a former European Capital of Culture, Glasgow is brimming with intriguing heritage and culture, from the architecture of the industrial revolution: to the opulence of the Victorian era and right through to the modernist touches, this is a city that demands attention.
Discover the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Glasgow and here, you will find 22 fabulous galleries displaying almost 8,000 intriguing works of art.
Admire the Glasgow School of Art – Located on the city’s Renfrew Street is the Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece – the School of Art building. Founded in 1845 as the School of Design, the independent school teaches nearly 2,000 students each year the fineries of art, design and architecture. Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1925) was born in the city of Glasgow and led the Art Nouveau movement in the UK.
Experience the People’s Palace – Explore the People’s Palace and learn all about Glasgow’s history through a wealth of artifacts, paintings, photos, films and interactive displays. Opened in 1898, this magnificent structure is located on Glasgow Green. After exploring the Palace, wander through the exotic plants and palms of the Winter Gardens. This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting things to do in Glasgow.
Take a tour of the University of Glasgow – Located in Glasgow’s Bohemian west End area is the University of Glasgow. Founded in 1451, it’s one of the oldest educational facilities in the UK and tours of the campus and buildings are led by the students themselves. Also inside is the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery which contains a mock-up of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s house.
Explore St. Andrew’s Cathedral – St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral was built in 1814; however, it has recently undergone extensive restorations to restore the splendour and magnificence of the church. While visiting the cathedral, you will have the rare opportunity to view many different religious pieces of art.
Wander The Botanic Gardens – Located just at the top of Byres Road, you will find the pristine Botanic Gardens. Any time of the year is a great time to visit these lush gardens, which lie along the riverbanks of the Kelvin River. Come during the summer and you can experience the “Paintings on Railings” season and view various art displays around the park.
Admire The Kibble Palace – The Kibble Palace is a large greenhouse that is home to much of the Botanic Garden’s collection. Built in 1873, this impressive Victorian structure is one of the biggest greenhouses both within Scotland and Britain. Visit during the summer and you can participate in interesting tours and fun concerts.
Take in a show at the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre – Another one of the most popular attractions in Glasgow is the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Using many different kinetic/animatronic sculptures that originated in Russia, the theatre offers three performances each week as well as several other educational and family-oriented activities.
Chill out at the Pollok Country Park – With more than 350 acres of beauty, the park is most popular for its well-maintained and scenic hiking trails. Stop in at the Cartha Queens Park Club at the end of the park to grab a bite to eat before exploring some more.
If you’re eager to explore further, the cultural city of Edinburgh is just one hour away by car (74 km or 46 miles).
Hike your heart out in Barshaw Park – Barshaw park is a great place for people of all ages to relax and have fun. This 55-acre park is located only one mile from the centre of Paisley and provides such facilities as a lovely walled garden, an expansive play area, hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course and a nature corner.
Admire the majestic City Chambers – Glasgow’s City Chambers is one of the top 10 most popular attractions in the city. The building was inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1888 and currently houses Glasgow’s City Council. Free tours are offered from 10:30am to 2:30pm on weekdays.
Take a moment in The Necropolis – Another popular attraction in Glasgow is the Necropolis, which is said to be the most significant cemetery within Europe. Also known as Glasgow’s Victorian City of the Dead, the Necropolis is the final resting place for some of Glasgow’s most influential citizens.
Enjoy a show at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall – If you are looking for world class entertainment, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is the perfect place to visit. In fact, most of Glasgow’s major operas and musical performances are held right here. After enjoying a fabulous show, be sure to visit the Royal Concert Hall Cafe where you can get a bite to eat.
Get a round in at the Royal Troon Golf Club – If you have a golf fan in the family, you will want to be sure to visit the Royal Troon Golf Club. Once home to the British Open, the Royal Troon Golf Club offers the ultimate golfing experience. With its picturesque scenery, fresh air and seaside location, there simply is no better place to spend an afternoon.
Learn a little at the Glasgow Science Centre – If you have young kids, you will definitely want to spend some time in the Glasgow Science Centre. Rated with five stars by VisitScotland, the Glasgow Science Centre is home to an entertaining science theatre, a planetarium, IMAX movies and an array of interactive science exhibits. The official tourism site also offers up to date information via its Twitter feed.
Wander Sauchiehall Street – No trip to Glasgow would be complete, without strolling along Sauchiehall Street. Located along the western end of Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street provides some of the best dining and shopping in Glasgow. Participate in a Red Bus Tour and you can learn all about the area’s famous buildings.
Admire the heritage of the Willow Tearooms – After exploring Sauchiehall Street, take a break and relax with a cup of tea in the Willow Tearooms. Designed in 1904 by internationally renowned artist Charles Mackintosh, the Willow Tearooms offer a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Sauchiehall Street.
Stroll the Clyde Arc Bridge – Known fondly in Glasgow as the ‘Squinty Bridge’, the Clyde Arc is a lovely road bridge that spans the Clyde River from Finnieston to Govan. During the evening, the bridge is lit up and creates a spectacular light show. If you are a photography buff, you will definitely want to take pictures of the Clyde Arc at night.
Shop til you drop at the St. Enoch Centre – Another fantastic place to shop in Glasgow is the St. Enoch Centre. The centre is home to hundreds of quaint boutiques, fine restaurants and well-known shops including Hamley’s Toy Store.
Treat the kids to the Wonder World Adventure Centre – Let your kids experience the wonders of the world with a visit to Wonder World Adventure Centre. Designed to stimulate your kid’s imagination, some of the most popular features of the centre include the Grand Prix Race Track, the Massive Adventure Play Area, Baby and Toddler Zone and the Mini Football Pitch.
