Glasgow

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37 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓

10 places on the map

Free things to do

1
Large museum with art, natural history and a Spitfire
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Free admission
- Organ recitals at midday
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2
Transport and technology museum by the Clyde
3 tips
- Free admission
- Walk down a recreated old street
- Visit the Tall Ship next door
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3
Contemporary art in a neoclassical building
3 tips
- Free admission
- Look for the cone-topped Wellington statue
- Cafe in the basement
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4
Museum of Glasgow social history on Glasgow Green
3 tips
- Free admission
- Visit the Winter Gardens
- Walk Glasgow Green after
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5
Scotland's oldest public museum at the university
3 tips
- Free for the main museum
- Check the Mackintosh House ticket
- Combine with the university
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6
Art collection in Pollok Country Park
3 tips
- Free admission
- Take a train to Pollokshaws West
- Reopened after refurbishment
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7
Medieval cathedral and one of Scotland's best preserved
3 tips
- Free entry
- Visit the crypt with St Mungo's tomb
- Combine with the Necropolis
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8
Victorian hilltop cemetery with city views
3 tips
- Free to enter
- Wear sturdy shoes for the hill
- Go in good light for views
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9
Gardens with the Kibble Palace glasshouse
3 tips
- Free entry
- Glasshouses close earlier than the park
- Nice in the West End
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10
Civic square with the grand City Chambers
3 tips
- Free City Chambers tours
- Seasonal events here
- Central starting point
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Before you go: Glasgow tips

Transportation

Ride the Subway: Glasgow's circular Subway, nicknamed the Clockwork Orange, links the city centre with the West End and Govan; tap contactless to pay.
Use contactless on buses: Tap a contactless card or phone on First Bus services; daily fare capping keeps costs down if you make several trips.
Take the train for day trips: Trains from Queen Street and Central stations reach Edinburgh, Balloch for Loch Lomond and the Clyde coast quickly.

Security

Stay aware at night: City centre nightlife around Sauchiehall Street is lively, so stick to busy streets and use licensed black cabs late at night.
Watch belongings in crowds: Keep valuables secure on Buchanan Street, at the Barras market and around big football matches at Celtic Park and Ibrox.
Avoid football colours: On Old Firm match days, avoid wearing Celtic or Rangers colours in unfamiliar pubs, as rivalries can get heated.

Saving

Visit free museums: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum and the Burrell Collection are free to enter and world-class.
Explore free parks: Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow Green and the Botanic Gardens are free and great for walks, picnics and people-watching.
Grab lunch deals: Many Glasgow restaurants and cafes offer good-value set lunch menus, much cheaper than the same food in the evening.

Weather/Clothing

Pack a waterproof: Glasgow is known for frequent rain, so bring a good hooded rain jacket and shoes that can handle puddles.
Dress in layers: Temperatures are mild but changeable through the day, so layers help as you move between showers and warm pubs.
Plan for short winter days: Winter daylight is limited, so start sightseeing early and save indoor museums for the dark afternoons.

Cultural

Enjoy the banter: Glaswegians are famously friendly and chatty, so expect strangers to start conversations at bus stops and bars.
Catch live music: Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music, and venues like the Barrowland Ballroom and King Tut's host gigs most nights.
Try local food: Sample haggis, a Scotch pie and a glass of Irn-Bru, and note that Glasgow claims to be the birthplace of chicken tikka masala.

Local Hacks

Walk the Mural Trail: Huge street art murals across the city centre make a free self-guided walking tour; download the official trail map before you set off.
Climb the Necropolis: This Victorian hilltop cemetery beside Glasgow Cathedral offers great views across the city and is free to explore.
Explore Ashton Lane: This cobbled West End lane near the University of Glasgow is full of bars, restaurants and a cinema, lit with fairy lights at night.

1-day itineraries in Glasgow

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

Glasgow Necropolis and around

🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops

1Glasgow Necropolis
2Glasgow Cathedral
3George Square
4Gallery of Modern Art
5Glasgow School of Art

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Day 2 of 2

Riverside Museum and around

🕘 9:30–17:30📍 5 stops

1Riverside Museum
2Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
3University of Glasgow Main Building
4Ashton Lane
5Glasgow Botanic Gardens