Located in the west of Scotland, Glasgow is one of Britain's most enchanting destinations. A gentle mix of Victorian gems, industrial sites and a bevy of places to see art or go out with friends! Whether you like to stroll through galleries, contemplate the architectural details of monuments, history and design or simply talk for hours in a lively bar, Glasgow is a trendy destination for a weekend or an entire vacation. Often overlooked in favor of Edinburgh, here are 13 good reasons to add Glasgow to your list of must-see places in Scotland.
1. Stop off at Georges Place
A must for anyone discovering Glasgow. George Place is the heart of the city, andone of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It is named after King George III. It's home to the Glasgow City Chambers, a Renaissance architectural marvel that can be visited with an experienced guide. The square is also adorned with statues of historical figures and lawns, and is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or stop for a moment on a bench. An excellent starting point for exploring Glasgow's different districts later on.
And if you want to explore Glaskow, don't forget to takeone of the world's oldest subway trains , or consider booking this sightseeing tour on a multi-stop bus.
2. Visit Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis
Glasgow's St. Mungo's Cathedral is an imposing medieval Gothic building. It dates back to the 12th century and boasts some of the finest stained glass in the world. Right next door, visitors shouldn't miss a stroll through the Glasgow Necropolis. This beautiful Victorian cemetery is set on a green hillside. Created in 1832, it was inspired by Père-Lachaise in Paris. It contains 3,500 tombs, each more beautiful than the last. An excellent idea for a stroll in the green, respecting the profound silence and admiring the funerary monuments that make up what is recognized as one of Europe's most beautiful cemeteries.
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3. Getting to Glasgow University
Glasgow is an ideal destination for an easy-to-plan last-minute trip. Take the opportunity to visit Glasgow University, an architectural nugget. It's one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The beauty of its neo-Gothic buildings leaves you speechless, and you can guess that they were the inspiration for Hogwarts School in the adventures of Harry Potter! Some buildings, museums and courtyards are open to the public. Guided tours are also available on site, often led by the students themselves. A journey through 6 centuries of history and a must-see in Glasgow.
Explore Glasgow by booking this guided bike tour. You'll discover the city's history, including that of Glasgow University and the Kelvingrove Museum.
Not only does Glasgow attract students, it's alsoone of the best destinations for teleworking! We'd like to hear from you!
4. Stroll through the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Unquestionably one of Glasgow's finest museums. Firstly, because of its sumptuous exterior architecture. It's located in Kelvingrove Park, and the good news is that admission is free. The 22 thematic galleries of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum feature paintings, sculptures, furniture, Art Nouveau objects, medieval weapons and a natural history section. The universes are varied and the visit is sure to fascinate adults and children alike. The visit can be continued with a stroll through Kelvingrove Park, a green area with beautiful views and play areas for children.
Good news: when you book this guided tour of Glasgow, you'll enjoy free entry to Glasgow's museums and galleries. Your guide will introduce you to them, and you can visit them after the tour.
5. What to do in Glasgow Visit The Lighthouse
There are many reasons to visit The Lighthouse when in Glasgow. Firstly, because it's a cultural center and museum not to be missed, and has been voted City of Design and Architecture. You can learn a great deal about these two arts, and in particular about Mackintosh, designer of numerous buildings in the Scottish city. The Lighthouse is also a lighthouse that can be climbed into for a 360° view of the city. Visiting this cultural landmark is free of charge, so it would be a shame not to take advantage.
Eat and drink in Glasgow's restaurants and pubs, while chatting and discovering the city's culture, sights and history by booking your visit here .
6. Discover Pollok House and its eponymous park
Pollok House is the family home of the former owners of Pollok Park. It's a picturesque house where you're immediately immersed in an Edwardian world. The visit gives way to a lovely stroll through the 146-hectare park, with its flower gardens, undergrowth and meadows. Another idea is to plan a bike ride. Children will be delighted to come across Scottish Highland cows. Finally, a trip to Pollok Park is an opportunity to see the incredible Burrel Collection, with over 8,000 works of art from all over the world.
7. A trip back in time at the Riverside Museum
The Riverside Museum is a wave-shaped museum on the banks of the River Clyde. It is dedicated to the history of transport around the world, and particularly in Scotland. It's an interactive, well-thought-out museum where you can see the first motor cars, motorcycles and bicycles, boats, buses and streetcars from Scotland and England. In addition, a Glasgow street is recreated as it was at the beginning of the 20th century. You can also ride in a subway carriage as it was in the 1950s. After visiting the museum, you can follow up with a visit to the Tall Ship, a three-masted ship that has circumnavigated the globe 4 times!
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8. A moment at the Glasgow Science Centre
There's something for everyone in Glasgow! The Glasgow Science Centre, on the south bank of the River Clyde, is a science museum. Interactive and fun, children love to spend time here. There's a planetarium, a 3D cinema and numerous science-related exhibits. After getting to grips with the world of physics and biology, families can head to the Glasgow Tower for a panoramic view of the east side of the city.
If you're used to traveling with the family, be sure to check out our selection of the best destinations for travelling with children in Europe.
9. Going out on Ashton Lane
Glasgow is one of Europe's best party cities. Located in Glasgow's West End, Ashton Lane is a well-hidden street, but one of Glasgow's beating hearts. Once a rundown street, it's now a beautiful cobbled alley with numerous bars, restaurants and a cinema. Its fairy lights give it a unique charm, especially at nightfall. Once the sun goes down, the alley is always invaded by locals and visitors enjoying its atmosphere. One of the best places to party, listen to music and meet new people.
10. Have a drink... in a church!
Glasgow has many churches. And a number of them have rather incongruous functions. For example, the Cottiers pub and restaurant welcomes its customers in the heart of a magnificent church. An opportunity to enjoy a drink or sample the cuisine in an unusual setting. The Oran Mor, also held in a church, offers the "A Play, a Pint and a Pint" formula , which includes a theatrical performance, a slice of pie and a drink at lunchtime. And let's not forget St. Lukes, a church that has been transformed into a concert hall.
We can tell you've enjoyed these unusual experiences. So you're going to love reading our top haunted places in the world.
Get to know Glasgow the unusual way with this interactive app-based walking tour. You'll explore the city on foot and earn points by solving riddles.
11. Barras Market, shopping in Glasgow
This is THE place to go in Glasgow if you love antiques and shopping. Barras Market was created between the wars and is held in old Victorian buildings. Every weekend, visitors flock to the stalls selling shoes, vinyl, second-hand clothes and other antiques. What's more, the area is packed with good places to have a cup of tea, a drink or a bite to eat. And if you're going to be in the area, you might as well check out the Barrowland Ballroom. This is one of Glasgow's oldest concert halls. A day to remember.
For an equally memorable experience, we also recommend this guided tour of Glasgow's dark side. Want to know more about Bible John? The human crocodile? The Gorbals vampire? Arthur Thompson and his ilk? Look no further! This tour is a unique experience not to be missed!
12. Relax at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow has no shortage of places to get away from it all. One of the most beautiful places is the Glasgow Botanic Garden. 20 hectares of paths for walkers, gardens and rare plants. The park is dotted with greenhouses, including the not-to-be-missed Kibble Palace, a splendid and impressive tropical glasshouse. Plant lovers are well catered for, with species from the four corners of the globe, flowers and tree ferns. There's also a tea room and children's play area.
Take a 90-minute visual tour of Glasgow with a local, immersing yourself in authentic local life by booking your visit right here.
13. Eavesdropping in Glasgow
Music-loving travelers will find their Garden of Eden in Glasgow. The city is said to host over 130 concerts a week. All you have to do is follow your instincts and push open the door of a bar or pub. There are also some legendary venues to check out, such as King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, an independent concert hall where rock greats such as Oasis, The Killers and Radiohead have played. Mono is another must-see venue, part concert hall, part café and part record store. For your information, UNESCO has named Glasgow the "City of Music".
Where to stay in Glasgow?
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and has become one of Europe's liveliest. So there's plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation. Here is a selection of 3 hotels to guide you.
- Le CitizenM, a trendy hotel in Glasgow
The CitizenM is a design hotel that you can book here, but which is still affordable. Rooms are modern and functional. There are plenty of TV channels to watch to improve your English. The location is perfect, with a 10-minute walk to George Place, the starting point for many sightseeing tours.
- Artto Hotel Glasgow, a convenient location
The Artto Hotel Glasgow is located just opposite Central Station and can be booked here. The welcome is outstanding, and you'll enjoy settling into one of the colorful rooms with all the comforts you need. TheArtto Hotel Glasgow has a bar and a restaurant serving refined Indian cuisine. The hotel also offers a laundry service.
What to do in Glasgow in 3 days
Start by exploring the vibrant West End, where you'll discover the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and its rich collections. Then head for the University of Glasgow, a jewel of Glasgow's heritage. In the evening, we're off to Ashton Lane for a beer. On the second day, we dive into history with a visit to the Riverside Museum and its fascinating exhibition on transport. The afternoon can be spent contemplating some of Glasgow's finest street art. Finally, on the third day, stroll down Buchanan Street for a shopping spree. And if you've got the time, why not finish off with a visit to the Botanical Gardens?
For you, travel rhymes with shopping? Then check out the 10 best shopping destinations in Europe!
What to do around Glasgow?
It takes 50 minutes by train and 45 minutes by car from Glasgow to walk in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. This is one of Scotland's wildest areas, with forests and rugged peaks. Within easy reach, the seaside resort of Largs awaits walkers to enjoy its Victorian waterfront, eat an ice cream and escape to the island of Cumbrae. Another option is to head to Stirling and juggle the medieval streets of the town center with the surrounding natural beauty. Finally, don't miss a 1-hour train ride to the pretty royal town of Lanark. The streets are magnificent, and there are plenty of pretty stores and green spaces to stroll around.
Have you fallen in love with Glasgow? Don't wait any longer to discover our top Scottish must-sees, the most beautiful places in the Highlands and the must-sees in Edinburgh.
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