Things to Do in Glasgow

Housed inside a striking sandstone Victorian edifice, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland’s most-visited cultural attractions. Works by Dali, Botticelli, and Monet are counted among its collection, alongside more eclectic items such as a taxidermy elephant, a Spitfire airplane, and a magnificent Lewis pipe organ.

Glasgow has a reputation as being a cultural powerhouse, with vibrant art, design, and music scenes. For visitors hoping to tap into the cultural side of the the city, a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must. Music fans will enjoy the daily organ recitals, which are followed by a short tour led by the museum’s music director.

You can visit the museum independently or as part of private tours, during which a dedicated guide leads you to the highlights of the museum’s 22 galleries, which cover themes ranging from natural history to French impressionism, Dutch and Flemish Old Masters to Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The museum also runs free hour-long guided tours twice a day, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is situated on Argyle Street, near the River Klein in Kelvingrove Park. Take the subway to Kelvinhall station and walk five minutes to the museum. Alternatively, First Bus lines 2, 3, and 77 all stop outside the museum. 

The museum is busiest on weekends. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, get there early to avoid the crowds. Organ recitals are held on the premises at 1pm Monday through Saturday, and at 3pm on Sundays. 

Among the standout exhibits on show at the museum are the Spitfire LA198, which is suspended from the ceiling, and the Milan-made 15th-century Avant Armour, one of the oldest near-complete sets of armor in the world. The jewel in the museum’s art collection is surrealist Spanish painter Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John of the Cross, a controversial work depicting a bow-headed Christ on the cross above a boat-dotted body of water. In 1961, the painting was vandalized by a visitor to the gallery, though it has since been restored. 

Set among four hectares of Ayrshire countryside in the village of Alloway, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is a celebration of the life and work of Scotland’s most famous wordsmith.

The extensive museum contains a collection of over 5,000 artifacts relating to the Bard’s life, work and legacy. Visit Burns Cottage, where the poet was born, see the grand monument dedicated to him, and wander the commemorative gardens created in honor of the great “Rabbie” Burns. From the lawn, you can also see the famous Brig o’Doon, a 15th-century bridge immortalized in the Burns’ poem Tam o’ Shanter. 

Formed 40 million years before the last ice age, the Cairngorms are especially popular among mountain bikers, snowboarders, sea kayakers and hikers. They’re also a hit with the Scottish Queen: she spends every summer there at Balmoral Castle and Estate.

More than 50 of the Cairngorms’ mountains reach over 2,953 feet, and the national park boasts five of the United Kingdom’s six highest mountain summits. Those looking for a challenge can hike up the summit of Cairngorm’s namesake mountain, while the more leisurely crowd can take the much-used mountain railway to the top. Once up there, remember that it’s a Scottish tradition to take a “wee nip” of whisky. Cheers!

The national park is home to 25 percent of the UK’s native woodland, which is vital for endangered birds like the Capercaillies and Scottish Crossbills who breed only in Scotland’s Caledonian Forest. The primeval-looking region contains dozens of rare animals and birds, including 50 reindeer that were reintroduced to the Cairngorms by a Swedish herdsman in the 1950s. Look out for wild cats, pine martens, red squirrels and ospreys, too.

Peeking out from the rocky seashore of Ayr Bay, the dramatically situated Dunure Castle was once the seat of the Kennedys of Carrick and the notorious site where the last abbot of Crossraguel was roasted on a spit. 

Today, the castle’s bloody legacy is all that remains and the once-mighty stronghold lies in ruins, but it’s none-the-less an enchanting spot, with elements of the stone-brick 13th-century castle still clearly visible. It’s none-the-less an enchanting spot, especially at sunset, with the crumbling guard-tower framed by rugged coastal cliffs and the crashing waves of the Atlantic. 

Brodick Castle is a Victorian estate on the Isle of Arran off the west coast of Scotland. Set against the backdrop of Goatfell Mountain, the castle is made of red sandstone and built in a Scottish baronial style.  The original tower house was destroyed but was later rebuilt and added to multiple times over the years. The castle today features 800 years of history, including collections of porcelain, silverware,paintings, sporting trophies and period furniture.  The castle grounds include landscaped gardens, ponds, waterfalls and more than 10 miles of wooded trails, as well as three national collections of rhododendrons.

The Isle of Arran sits off the western coast of Scotland. Since the line the divides the Scottish Highlands from the Lowlands runs through the island, its landscape reflects this, and the island is often referred to as Scotland in miniature. The northern part of the island is more rugged and mountainous and sparsely populated. The southern part of the island has more rolling hills, and the majority of the island's population reside here. 

The island boasts many attractions for visitors. Castles, such as Brodick Castle and Lochranza Castle, are located on the Isle of Arran. There is also a heritage museum where you can learn some of the island's history. Some people come to climb Arran's highest peak, Goatfell, which stands at 2,866 feet, while others choose to hike the more leisurely Coastal Way. Nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful scenery on the island, including waterfalls, rocky coastlines, and wildlife. It's also a popular place for water activities such as sea kayaking. 

Though the pedimented and pillared GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art) building is very much classical, the collection of challenging contemporary artworks contained within it are anything but. The gallery’s art collection spans the 1950s to the present day, with artists including David Hockney, David Shrigley, and Andy Warhol all represented.

GoMA is one of Scotland’s premier modern art galleries. Visitors can browse the permanent displays, including Stones Steeped in History, which chronicles the history of the museum building, and the rotating selection of temporary exhibitions, covering topics ranging from the inner-city environment to identity in modern times. Free drop-in volunteer-led building tours, lasting 30 to 40 minutes, are available on select dates. The gallery can be visited as part of private guided tours of Glasgow. 

The Gallery of Modern Art is situated on Royal Exchange Square in the heart of Glasgow city. The nearest train stations are Queen Street, which is just a 3-minute walk via Queen Street, and Central Station, which is a 5-minute walk via Gordon Street and Royal Bank Place. St. Enoch and Buchanan Street subway stations are both less than a 10 minutes’ walk from the gallery. 

The museum is open daily. Saturday afternoons are the busiest time. Come midweek to experience the museum at its quietest. 

In addition to hosting exhibitions, the museum also hosts a program of events designed to help visitors and Glasgow residents engage with art. Book clubs, which focus on a single exhibition showing in the museum and a book associated with it, take place here, as do informal workshops, devoted to skills such as sketching and weaving. Family-friendly events and discussion groups focusing on individual artworks are also held at the museum.

Dating back to medieval times, Glasgow Cathedral is the only medieval cathedral on Scotland’s mainland to have survived the Reformation almost fully intact. A magnificent Gothic construction, it features stained-glass windows, a 15th-century stone choir screen, and the tomb of St. Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint.

Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and is among just a few surviving medieval buildings in all of Glasgow. Visitors can explore the church independently or go as part of a private guided tour around the city. Some sightseeing passes provide free entry to the cathedral as well as other well-known historic Scottish attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Melrose Abbey. Guided tours, lasting one hour, are conducted by volunteer guides as required. 

The cathedral is situated in Glasgow’s Cathedral Precinct, just north of Glasgow High Street. The nearest train station is High Street, a 10-minute stroll away. Walk north from the station along High Street and Castle Street. The cathedral will be on your right. 

The cathedral sees most visitors during the peak tourist months of June, July, and August. In winter, the cathedral receives less visitors. Volunteer guides are not available on Sundays. If you want to explore the interior, avoid going during service times because the Lower Church is closed and you may disturb worshippers. 

Situated directly behind the cathedral, this vast Victorian cemetery spreads across the hillside, offering views of the surrounding city. Take a walk along the meandering paths, which area lined with some elaborate examples of funerary art. Some of the monuments, mausoleums, and tombs were designed by leading 19th-century architects.

Named after King George III and built in 1781, George Square began life as little more than a muddy hollow used for slaughtering horses. Today, it’s surrounded by some of grandest buildings in the city, not least the imposing Glasgow City Chambers on the east side.

To Glaswegians, George Square is the city’s cultural center. Hosting concerts and events throughout the year, it comes alive during winter, when children skate around the ice rink and parents enjoy mulled wine at the Christmas market. In summer, George Square is a good place to find a bench and watch the world go by.

George Square leads to Glasgow’s famous shopping streets in the Style Mile, as well as the ritzy Merchant City district. Glasgow’s main tourist information office sits on the south side, and sightseeing buses begin their journeys here, making this a handy place to get oriented with the city.

Sweeping through the heart of the Style Mile in Glasgow city center, Buchanan Street hosts some of Scotland’s best shopping, bars, restaurants and cafes.

A hodgepodge of high street and designer names tucked inside some of Glasgow’s grandest Victorian buildings, Buchanan Street is especially busy on Saturdays, when the young and glamorous hunt out new fashions and street performers entertain the crowds.  

At the north end is the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Buchanan Galleries shopping mall, which hosts more than 90 brand-name stores. Toward the southern end, the refined Art Nouveau atmosphere and designer goods of Princes Square draw ladies who lunch. One of the most upmarket retail streets in the United Kingdom, Buchanan Street is also home to the flagship House of Fraser department store, which boasts Scotland’s largest beauty hall and is conveniently located right across the street from Princes Square.

Fans of the late Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh will love Buchanan Street’s Willow Tea Rooms, replete with the iconic designer’s signature high-backed chairs. Look out for Nelson Mandela Place as you shop ‘til you drop; in 1986, the handsome square was named after Mandela in protest of his imprisonment by the South African Apartheid regime.

Lochranza Castle is a medieval castle on the Isle of Arran in southwestern Scotland. It sits on a narrow strip of land that juts out into Loch Ranza, and even though it is in ruins, it is still a fascinating castle to visit. Originally the castle was an old hall house built in the 1200s, but in the late 1500s it was incorporated into a newer tower house. The older castle had its main entrance one level up from the ground level. It was accessed by wooden stairs that could be removed if the castle was under attack. When the castle was rebuilt, the entrance was moved to the ground level. 

Lochranza Castle was most likely owned by the MacSween family at one time, though ownership changed around the time of its reconstruction. When the tower house was built, the tower stood five stories tall. Today it is possible to access the ground level at the north and south ends of the castle as well as parts of the upper level.

Kilchurn is for anyone who has ever dreamed of having a ruined Scottish castle all to themselves, with no tourist trinket shops around. There isn’t even an attendant at the door of this picturesque ruin, but despite being unmanned, there are plenty of information boards throughout the castle. Climb to the top of its four-story tower for views of the loch and surrounding hills, and remember to say hi to the sheep on your way out!

Get a taste of Highland whisky without leaving the lowlands with a visit to the Glengoyne Distillery, located right on border of the Highlands, just half an hour’s drive from Glasgow. The historic distillery dates back to 1833 and is renowned for its award-winning malt whiskies, famously distilled at a third of the usual rate and matured in sherry oak casks.

Along with its fine whisky, Glengoyne is celebrated for its scenic location, hidden away amid the wooded valleys of the Campsie Hills, with its own wetlands, beehives and renewable energy source. Visitors to the distillery can choose from a number of guided tours and tastings, including the chance to peek into the legendary Warehouse No.1, take a Malt Master

tour or indulge in a comprehensive whisky tasting masterclass.

Built in 1471 as the home to a hospital chaplain, this grey-stone house is one of just a few surviving medieval buildings—and the only surviving medieval residence—in all of Glasgow. Provand’s Lordship now serves as a museum, with period-accurate rooms filled with antique furnishings and displays relating to the history of the house.

Some choose to visit Provand’s Lordship—a rare example of medieval Glaswegian architecture and Glasgow’s oldest house—as part of private guided day tours, while others opt to explore the recreated rooms independently. Adjacent to the property is the tranquil St. Nicholas Garden, a herb garden where medicinal plants that would have been used in the 15th-century Scotland grow. The museum is also a stop on some hop-on hop-off tour-bus routes of Glasgow. 

Provand’s Lordship is situated on Castle Street, just a short walk from Glasgow’s Buchanan and Argyle streets. The nearest train station is High Street, which is a 5-minute walk away. First Bus routes 19, 19A, 38, 57, and 57A all stop near Provand’s Lordship. 

Provand’s Lordship is open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Peak visiting hours are between noon and 2pm, so arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter, less-crowded experience. 

Glasgow Cathedral, another of Glasgow’s remaining medieval structures, is just a short stroll from Provand’s Lordship; the Gothic-style building was the only cathedral on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation. The National Trust–owned Provan Hall, a fortified country estate that dates back as far as the 15th century, is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Provand’s Lordship; meanwhile, Crookston Castle, Glasgow’s only surviving medieval castle, is located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) away.

Set within the city’s oldest park, historic Glasgow Green, the fascinating People’s Palace documents the social history of Glasgow, recounting tales of city life from 1750 through to the 20th century. Adjoining the red sandstone Victorian museum building is the Winter Gardens, a Victorian-era greenhouse packed with tropical plants.

The People’s Palace is one of the best places to get a real sense of life in Scotland’s biggest city and to find out what makes its people tick. Objects, photographs, films, and prints document everything from tenement life to wartime living. The People’s Palace and Glasgow Green are often included on private tours of the city. Glasgow hop-on hop-off tour buses typically stop near the museum. 

The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are set within Glasgow Green, a large riverside public park. Take the subway to Enoch station and walk along Argyle Street. Alternatively, make the 15-minute walk from Argyle Street, Bellgrove, or High Street train station. 

The museum and greenhouse are popular among families, and therefore are busiest on weekends and during school vacations, with summer proving to be a particularly busy time. Go early to get in ahead of the crowds. 

Among the highlights of the history museum exhibits are Scottish comedian Billy Connolly’s banana boots and a mural by Scottish artist Ken Currie depicting the life of Glasgow’s working classes. Also worth checking out is the grand Doulton Fountain, an elaborate terra-cotta fountain honoring the British Empire located outside the entrance, and the glasshouse, where exotic palms, cacti, and orchids thrive in the hot environment.

Relaxed and trendy, lively and culturally diverse, the West End area offers some of the best things to do and see in Glasgow. Its Victorian architecture and cobblestone alleyways keep with tradition, while its many boutique shops, coffee shops, and Bohemian cafes present the modern side of the city. While vintage and antique shops keep the past alive, the student scene of the nearby, world renowned University of Glasgow keeps things current. Other don't-miss sights include the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens, and the famous Grosvenor Cinema. 

A variety of parks, galleries and museums provide dozens of options for an afternoon. A stroll in the streets or along the river "” or an evening in one of the many bookstores, tea rooms, pubs, or unique restaurants "” is also an option. Each summer the area is home to the famous West End Festival.

Named after Glasgow’s patron saint, St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art focuses on six major world religions—Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism—and the sacred art they’ve spawned. The museum is set in a reproduction of a medieval building on the site of Bishop’s Castle and features a own Zen garden.

St. Mungo Museum holds an eclectic collection of religious objects, artwork, and artifacts, from Celtic crosses and Buddha statuettes to Christian icons and Islamic prayer rugs. The exhibits, which focus on different faiths and religious communities in Glasgow and Scotland as a whole, are designed to be self-guided. Some visitors go to the museum as part of private guided tours around Glasgow, stopping at other nearby attractions such as George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, and the People’s Palace. 

The St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is located on Castle Street in Glasgow’s Cathedral Precinct, about 5–10 minutes from High Street train station. First Bus routes 19, 19A, 38, 57, and 57A all stop near the museum, as do hop-on hop-off tour buses.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Summer weekends are busiest, with most sightseers arriving between noon and 3pm. Get there for opening or an hour or two before closing to beat the crowds. 

St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is just a stone’s throw from some of Glasgow’s other must-see historic sights. The Gothic-style Glasgow Cathedral, with its magnificent stained glass and tomb of St. Mungo, is just steps away, while the medieval Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest house, is across the road.

For most visitors, Oban is the jumping off point for a holiday in the Hebridean isles. Ferries run to Lismore, Colonsay, Islay, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Barra and South Uist, with Oban being by far the most popular port on Scotland's northwestern coast. With activities like diving, sea kayaking, hiking and cycling, Oban is also a base for outdoor enthusiasts.

Many of Oban's visitors choose to climb the steep hill up to MacCaig's Tower, a Colosseum lookalike with great views across to the isles of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull. Other attractions include Corran Halls theater, Phoenix Cinema, Oban War and Peace Museum and of course, the Oban Distillery. Easy to spot just off the main seafront, Oban Distillery is one of the oldest single malt producers in the country and has been producing whisky since 1794.

There are sights to see just outside of town as well, with the nearby ruins of Dunollie Castle, fortified since the Bronze Age, and the dramatic Dunstaffnage Castle flanked on three sides by the sea and located just a few miles west. Ganavan Sands beach is also two miles away.

Every August, Oban hosts the Highland games known as the Argyllshire Gathering, with all the caber-tossing and bagpipe-blowing anyone could wish for. 

Set atop the Ayrshire cliffs, this sprawling neoclassical mansion is one of Scotland’s most famous stately homes—it even appears on the back of the Scottish 5-pound note. Designed by 18th-century architect Robert Adam, Culzean (pronounced Cullane) boasts palatial interiors and grounds that encompass woods, follies, and even beaches.

Now run by the National Trust for Scotland, Culzean Castle and Country Park was the former seat of Clan Kennedy. is. Book a ticket to access the castle and the park in advance or pay for admission to the park only. Guided tours along the Ayrshire Coast from Glasgow also include the castle and surrounding park. Once inside, explore independently or take part in one of the twice-daily guided tours (April–October only). Visitors with a keen interest in Scottish history and heritage may opt for a National Trust for Scotland Discover Ticket, which grants access to 90 National Trust for Scotland attractions, including Culzean Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

It’s also possible for visitors to stay overnight in holiday cottages in the park, at the camping and caravan site, or in the top floor of the castle. 

Culzean Castle is 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Ayr. Girvan-bound Stagecoach buses (line 60) departs from Ayr and stops at the castle gates, with the journey taking just more than 30 minutes.

The castle opens from April through October, with guided tours taking place twice daily. Arrive early in the day to ensure your spot on a tour. The park is open year-round, but facilities are limited between November and March. 

Among the highlights of the castle’s interior is the grand oval staircase and the opulent round drawing room. The 642-acre (260-hectare) estate also encompasses many delights, including several miles of coastline dotted with beaches, dunes, and caves, as well as walled gardens, an ice house, fruit-planted glasshouses, and a deer park. 

Remember to look up at all of the Victorian facades and lovingly restored 18th-century warehouses. From Glasgow Cathedral in all its Gothic glory to the looming necropolis known as the Victorian City of the Dead, there is plenty to interest architecture aficionados. Make sure to look out for Provand’s Lordship, too; it’s the only medieval house in the city.

Every year, tens of thousands descend on Merchant City for the multi-arts Merchant City Festival. The Public Arts Trail also runs right through the district, and the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) sits in Royal Exchange Square.