The Scottish lowlands have a nugget: Glasgow, Scotland's must-see metropolis. With its rich history, it's just as well worth a visit as its sister city Edinburgh. With its Harry Potter-like atmosphere, the city is a maelstrom of sights as original as they are beautiful. Petit Futé offers you its detailed guide to what to do in Glasgow over a 3-day long weekend.
Day 1: What to do in Glasgow in 3 days Visit the city center
Treat yourself to a first immersion in the historic heart of Glasgow to capture its utterly unique and bewitching atmosphere.
To book: we recommend you book this guided tour of the city center, which takes in all the major sights. An excellent opportunity to learn your way around Glasgow and discover its history and culture.
Morning: George Square, Gallery of Modern Art and Buchanan Street
George Square, one of Glasgow's must-sees, is a square surrounded by historic buildings such as the Town Hall and dotted with statues and monuments. It's an excellent starting point for your tour of the city center.
A few steps away, you'll find the Duke of Wellington statue in front of the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Capped with a traffic cone in homage to the locals' sense of humor, it's a real eye-catcher! As long as you're in the area, treat yourself to a stop at the GoMA. Here, you can admire free exhibitions of contemporary art.
Your morning continues on Buchanan Street, Glasgow's liveliest shopping street! High-end boutiques, famous names and independent stores have all made a name for themselves on this essential thoroughfare. What's more, many of the period buildings have retained their magnificent Victorian architecture.
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Afternoon: Merchant City, Lighthouse and Glasgow Cathedral
After a good Haggis, a typical local dish, head for Merchant City, a trendy district less than 10 minutes' walk away. Here, too, you'll find restored Victorian buildings. They share the field with a much more modern style, such as street art. To discover this urban art, don't hesitate to follow the "mural trail", a dedicated route.
Also in the Merchant City district, you'll find The Lighthousea must-see museum dedicated to design and architecture. Conceived in 1895 by Mackintosh, it features a permanent exhibition exploring the life and works of this visionary architect through photos, videos and other iconic creations.
Your journey continues to Saint Mungo's Cathedrala 12th-century Gothic masterpiece. Its dazzling stained-glass windows and crypt - where St. Mungo, the city's patron saint, is laid to rest - are simply stunning. Next door is a large cemetery in the same style as Père-Lachaise. With its impressive sculptures and 3,500 monumental tombs, it's truly impressive!
Book now: this sightseeing tour by multi-stop buss will take you to all the sights of Glasgow at your own pace.
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Day 2: What to do in Glasgow in 3 days? University, Riverside Museum, Pollok House
In Glasgow, even the official buildings are spectacular! Glasgow University is a good example.
Morning: Glasgow University and Riverside Museum
L'University of Glasgowfounded in 1451, is also a neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece. Its architecture, magnified by sculpted details, majestic towers and a Hogwarts-like atmosphere, offers a glimpse of the Glasgow of yesteryear. The campus also boasts magnificent views over Kelvingrove Park and the River Kelvin.
A short walk from the university takes you to the Riverside Museum on the banks of the River Clyde. Here you'll find over 3,000 exhibits, including historic trains and vintage cars. The reconstructions of old streets and subways are also superb.
Good to know: this modern museum, ideal for transport history buffs, is free of charge.
Outside, you can also visit the Tall Shipa majestic period ship. Explore every nook and cranny, from the captain's quarters to the engine room, as you learn about Glasgow's nautical history. Carefully restored, this three-master sailed around the world four times before being rescued and transformed into a maritime attraction.
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Afternoon: Pollok House and Crookston Castle
The afternoon begins at Pollok Housean elegant villa dating from 1752. Take a trip back in time to the Edwardian lifestyle of the Maxwell family. Its sumptuous rooms are home to masterpieces by Goya, El Greco, Murillo and William Blake. Not to be missed! It's set in the heart of a natural setting renowned for its 1,000 rhododendrons, and voted "Best Park in Europe" in 2008.
A few miles from Pollok House, set course for Crookston Castle, Glasgow's only surviving medieval castle. Built around 1400 by the Stewarts of Darnley, it retains its large central tower and four corner towers, unique in Scotland. Although only the north-east tower is still intact, it bears witness to a carefully thought-out architectural design. You'll find it nestled atop a hill, which, you'd expect, offers superb panoramic views of the surrounding area!
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Day 3: What to do in Glasgow in 3 days? Kelvingrove, distillery and museum
This last day of Glasgow in 3 days takes you on a tour that's as original as it is Scottish!
Morning: Clydeside Distillery and Glasgow Science Center
The Clydeside Distillery, located on the banks of the River Clyde, is a must for exploring Glasgow's whisky culture. The guided tour immerses you in the history of local distilling. You'll have the opportunity to observe the manufacturing process, from stills to ageing casks. A tasting, with moderation and a view of the river, is offered at the end.
To book : click here to book your guided tour of the Clydeside distillery, including whisky tasting.
On the other side of the Clyde is the Glasgow Science Centeran interactive museum where science comes to life in a playful way. With no fewer than 250 activities spread over four floors, it's a delight for children and parents alike. On the program:
- planetarium,
- 3D cinema,
- exhibitions.
After discovering the mysteries of physics and biology, we invite you to climb to the top of the Glasgow Tower for another exceptional panoramic view of the city.
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Afternoon: Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Botanical Gardens
Visit Kelvingrove Parklocated in Glasgow's West End, is a must-see Victorian park on the banks of the River Kelvin. Its shady paths lead to flower gardens and picnic areas. During your walk, you can admire a number of historic monuments, such as the statue of Lord Kelvin and the Stewart Memorial Fountain.
Good to know: nearby, the bohemian West End district is well worth a stroll in a charming atmosphere.
In the heart of the park, a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must. Housed in a superb Victorian building, it attracts visitors as much for its exterior architecture as for its superb collections.Free admission lets you explore over 8,000 objects, from European paintings to natural history exhibits.
To reserve: if you're an art lover, we recommend booking this guided tour of Glasgow, which will show you magnificent murals and teach you more about the city's artists.
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Where to stay in Glasgow for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
The Merchant City district is the perfect place to spend a few nights in Glasgow. Close to the main points of interest, it offers an ideal pied-à-terre.
- Youth hostels at mini prices
For a very small price, you can stay at the Glasgow Youth Hostel, a clean, elegant youth hostel in a Victorian-era building, with a warm welcome. A comfortable room with unbeatable value for money, book here.
- The best compromise
At the Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre, you'll enjoy a fully-equipped room with WiFi, fridge and lots of other little extras. With its terrace overlooking the Clyde and its proximity to the city center, this affordable establishment is a great base. Click here to book.
- The quietest
For a quiet night's sleep, head for theUplawmoor, set in a superb period house. With its friendly staff, top-quality restaurant and authentic ambience, this is a great address away from the city center! Book your room here.
Petit Futé tip don't hesitate to take a trip in the New Year, during the festive season. With its Christmas lights, Glasgow is simply sublime!
Glasgow is an ideal destination, less than 2 hours' flight from France! As we mentioned in our must-see places in Edinburgh, Scotland's towns and cities have retained all their old-world charm. From towns and villages to nature in all its splendor, charm is everywhere. Doubt it? Discover the 17 must-do things to do in Scotland, you won't be disappointed!
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You'll also find below the trendiest things to do in Glasgow:
