As Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow doesn’t disappoint when it comes to things to do. Whether you’re a local that has just sold your home to cash house buyers and want to do something one last time or you’re a tourist, you’ll find plenty of attractions to visit, regardless of what you’re into. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most popular things to do in Glasgow (according to TripAdvisor and feedback from the general public).
Watch a Game of Football at Celtic Park
If you want to have a blast, watching a game at Celtic Park is arguably one of the best experiences you can have in Glasgow. Home to the Celtic Football Club (one of Scotland’s most successful teams), every time a game is on, the atmosphere is electric.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or you’ve never been to a football game in your life, witnessing a game at Celtic Park is a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime experience. And if you don’t want to go to a 90-minute game of football – you can always go on a stadium tour. This type of experience is a lot more relaxed and chilled.
Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a gem in Glasgow’s cultural scene. Tens of thousands of locals and tourists from all over the world visit this captivating attraction filled with a collection of art and artifacts.
From masterpieces by renowned artists like Salvador Dalí, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh to thought-provoking contemporary pieces, the gallery offers a visual feast for art enthusiasts. And even if you’re not big into art, don’t worry. Inside the museum (which is made out of red sandstone), you’ll also find exhibits on natural history, cultural artifacts, and Scottish archaeology.
Explore the Necropolis
Situated on top of a hill overlooking Glasgow, the Necropolis is one of the city’s most fascinating and atmospheric attractions, despite being a cemetery from Victorian times. The Necropolis once served as the final resting place for many of Glagow’s most notable people, including:
- David Dale (1739-1806) – a prominent businessman who played a significant role in the development of the textile industry in Scotland)
- William Collins (1788-1847) – a landscape painter and one of the founders of the Glasgow School of Art.
- William Miller (1795-1882) – known as “Laureate of the Nursery,” Miller was a poet and hymn writer famous for his nursery rhymes and children’s songs.
And even if you’re not so much into what’s at the actual Necropolis, climbing up to the summit alone will reward you with a breathtaking panoramic view of Glasgow’s skyline.
Visit the Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
If you’re big on vehicles and the history of transportation in general, paying the Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel a visit is a must. At the museum, you’ll find a vast collection of vehicles, ranging from vintage cars and trams to bicycles and locomotives, which were all used at one point in the past.
Inside the museum, you can take advantage of the many interactive displays to immerse yourself in the exhibits and find out more about them and what role they played back in the day. It’s a surefire way to get a nostalgic glimpse of Glasgow’s past.
Indulge in a Whiskey Tasting Session at the Glengoyne Distillery
Just in case you didn’t know, Scotland is one of the world’s hot spots as far as Whiskey is concerned, and one of the most popular places you can visit for that is the Glengoyne Distillery. Situated a short scenic drive from Glasgow, the renowned Distillery offers its visitors the chance to taste some of Scotland’s finest single malt whiskey.
Not only that, but you’ll be walked through the entire production process by a knowledgeable guide who can also answer any questions you might have. Whether you’re a big whiskey enthusiast or are looking for something different to do, paying the Glengoyne Distillery a visit is a good idea for a great day out.
Stroll Through Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens
Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens offer its visitors the perfect opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in everything that nature has to offer. From flowers and plants to majestic trees you’ve probably never seen before, this place is a must-visit for any plant lover.
When you visit the Botanic Gardens, you won’t just stroll past a number of well maintained plants and trees. You can go through the many Victorian glasshouses around, which will give you the chance to see a dazzling array of exotic plants.
Visit the Pollok Country Park
If it’s sunny outside and you’re big on plants and nature as a whole, the Pollok Country Park has to become part of your itinerary. Nestled within the city, the park offers visitors a stunning setting that blends natural beauty, cultural heritage and recreational opportunities together.
During your visit, you can embark on leisurely woodland trails, allowing you to capture the sights and sounds of nature first hand. One of the highlights of this attraction is the Pollok House, an elegant mansion that houses an impressive collection of art and works from artists such as Rembrandt and El Greco. And who knows, during your stroll, you may even come across a herd of the majestic Highland cattle.
Learn Something New at the Glasgow Science Centre
Whether you’re a student or big into science in general, visiting the Glasgow Science Centre is always a good day out. At the Science Centre, you will have access to interactive exhibits that allow you to be hands-on with experiments that unravel the biggest mysteries in science, technology, and the natural world.
If you’re into physics, chemistry, biology, or astronomy, you’ll find this particular place very interesting and you’ll come out with a whole lot more knowledge than you had before you went in.
Pay the Glasgow Cathedral a Visit
Glasgow’s Cathedral is one of the city’s longest used facilities. It has been in constant use for worship for over 800 years. And even if you’re not big on religion, paying this magnificent place a visit so you can see it up close will be worth your time.
Aside from the stunning building, inside you’ll find the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows in Britain as well as the ceiling in the Blackadder Aisle which was built in the 1500s. You can visit the Cathedral every day from 9:30 except Sunday. On Sunday, the Cathedral is open to the public from 1 PM.
Glasgow offers a ton of places to visit both for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re into football, whiskey, or a day outside exploring botanic gardens or historical architecture, there’s plenty for everyone, regardless of your interests.
