From being named a UNESCO City of Music to inventing chicken tikka masala, Glasgow has made some pretty big cultural contributions over the years. There's a huge amount of art and history to discover here, as well as gorgeous parks and Gothic architecture.
Of course, there are many brilliant bars, restaurants and pubs to visit, but when you fancy something different? We've got you covered, with all these great things to see and take part in. Whether you're a local or a tourist, these are the very best Glasgow things to do and attractions.
Fun Things To Do In Glasgow, Scotland
The Burrell Collection and Pollok Country Park
Pollok Country Park is the largest of its kind in Glasgow, and the only country park that falls within the city boundaries - perfect for a relaxing retreat from all the hustle and bustle. This expansive green space is ideal for nature walks or picnics, and you might even spot some Highland cows and Clydesdale horses while you're here.
The park's biggest attraction has got to be The Burrell Collection, found right in the centre. This is a huge collection of art from all over the world, at a whopping 9,000 items in total, featuring over 200 of the world's finest medieval tapestries alongside paintings from Manet, Cezanne and Douglas. Since opening in 1983, this museum has played a huge part in establishing Glasgow as a city of culture. What's more, entry to both the park and the exhibition is free.
This cultural hotspot is a top choice for free things to do in Glasgow.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
You'll find Glasgow Botanic Gardens just outside of the city centre, right on the bank of the river Kelvin. There are 50 acres of leafy park to explore, originally designed as a way to document and preserve plant species. The gardens are free to the public, and they offer educational activities and training programmes for nature lovers of all ages.
There are 12 different glasshouses to explore, the most prominent being Kibble Palace: a Victorian, iron-framed structure that's filled with exotic ferns, rare orchids and more. And if you're after the top things to do in Glasgow with kids, then why not embark on their self-guided minibeast walk?
Visit Kibble Palace for some of the most impressive plants around.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Dating back to 1901, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the most famous attractions in Glasgow. You'll find this majestic building on Albion Street in the city centre, boasting 22 different galleries that are home to over 8,000 items in total. Plus, it's free to enter, and they even host an organ recital every single day.
The exhibits range from dinosaur skeletons and medieval armour to Salvador Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross, with a number of displays that change regularly too. One of the most popular permanent features is a 10-foot taxidermy elephant. They also showcase plenty of work by Scottish artists and pieces on local history, including an exploration of the contributions South Asian soldiers made in World War Two.
From life-sized elephants to famous paintings, this museum has got it all.
Glasgow Cathedral
Consecrated in 1197, it's clear that Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city's oldest landmarks - and it hasn't got any less impressive over the centuries. This is a prime example of gothic Scottish architecture, which paired with the nearby Necropolis cemetery, creates an eerie feel as you wander around the grounds.
This gothic style continues throughout the building's interior too, boasting high ceilings, stone columns and one of the most striking collections of stained glass windows in the whole of the UK. Entry is free, with Sunday worship held at 11am each week - and you can head on a guided tour of the site as well, thanks to helpful volunteers.
For gothic vibes and heaps of history, check out the cathedral.
Riverside Museum
Created by Glasgow Life, Riverside Museum showcases the history of transport and technology, reflecting the role that Glasgow has played in shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering over the years. Located at the crossover of the Kelvin and Clyde rivers, the building was designed by renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid, opening in 2011.
There are more than 3,000 objects on display across a number of collections, including the contents of the former Museum of Transport. Discover everything from ambulances and horse-drawn taxis to rockets, with a huge Victorian ship on the river outside.
The striking building was designed by Zaha Hadid.
Clydeside Distillery
Glasgow's first ever single malt whisky distillery, Clydeside Distillery is found on the banks of the river, close to the historic shipping docks. They started producing whisky here in 2017, inside the old Pumphouse building that once controlled access to the Queen's Dock. They offer tours of the premises starting from £18.50 per person, where you'll learn about the production process and history of the drink.
That's not all though, as you can also enjoy chocolate and whisky tastings, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and masterclasses on creating your very own bottle to take home. And if you just want to savour a glass of the good stuff while looking out over the water, there's nowhere more beautiful to do it.
Sip single malt whisky at this sleek distillery.
Glasgow Science Centre
You'll be able to see Glasgow Science Centre from a mile away, as the spaceship-like structure certainly catches the eye. Situated in the Pacific Quay, it's visible from across the water, particularly when it's lit up at night.
This space houses a planetarium where you can marvel at the universe, alongside a huge IMAX cinema screen and lots of interactive exhibitions. There's also a quirky illusion experience that makes for mind-boggling photos, as well as a theatrical show that demonstrates scientific experiments right in front of your eyes.
The Science Centre provides things to do in Glasgow for couples, friends and families alike.
Celtic Park
This iconic Glasgow institution has been home to Celtic Football Club since 1892, making it one of the best known arenas in European football. They also host regular events, with a restaurant and conference rooms available too.
If you're lucky enough to catch a game here, then you're in for a treat. But besides matchday, they offer stadium tours every single day of the week. These guided, hour-long sessions give you a chance to see behind the scenes, learning about the history of the club as you explore the boardroom, tunnel, dressing room and dugout.
Score yourself tickets to a Celtic Park tour.
Ashton Lane
Located in the West End of Glasgow, Ashton Lane is a hub of activity that's well worth a visit. This cobbled backstreet is full of brilliant bars and restaurants, with some of the most famous being Jinty McGuinty's and Ubiquitous Chip, which have both been around for more than 25 years.
You'll find plenty of outdoor drinks and dining here in the warmer months, and they even host a magical Winter Wonderland during the Christmas period, complete with stunning lights.
By day or night, Ashton Lane is a pretty magical place.
City Centre Mural Trail
The Mural Trail has been formed over a number of years, as talented artists have created masterpieces along streets in the city centre. This is a great way to embrace Glasgow's true culture, with a path to follow from Cathedral Street to below the river.
The first artwork appeared in 2008, and today the City Council encourages artists to apply to have their own work showcased. Some of the best-known works include Spaceman on New Wynd, by Ali Wyllie, and the Billy Connolly murals by Jack Vettriano, John Byrne and Rachel Maclean.
Get your steps in while admiring these stunning murals.
For something a little different, check out these quirky things to do in Glasgow, and sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know.
