Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, but not the capital. Like Edinburgh, it offers many attractions and the Scottish lifestyle can be enjoyed here too.
Glasgow is the third most populous city in the United Kingdom. Its name in Gaelic means “green place”. Located along the River Clyde, in the central-western part of the Scottish Lowlands, it is 75 km west of Edinburgh.
You can read my day trip to Glasgow here!
Table of Contents
Attractions in Glasgow
Glasgow Cathedral
The seat of the Archbishop of Glasgow, it is the oldest cathedral on the Scottish mainland and Glasgow’s oldest building.
Dedicated to Saint Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint, whose tomb is in the middle of the lower church, the cathedral was built in the 12th century. Although beautiful inside and out, it is considered “average” among the famous cathedrals.
Admission is free, but it is advisable to book in advance! (You need to reserve a specific time slot.)
Necropolis
Next to the cathedral, on a hill, lies a bizarre yet beautiful place: a Victorian cemetery where wealthy Glaswegians were buried in the past.
There are many interesting and beautiful graves, offering a nice view of the city. The hill can be accessed via the Bridge of Sighs next to the cathedral.
George Square
Glasgow’s main square, named after King George III, is adorned with statues of famous Scottish people.
In the center stands the Sir Walter Scott memorial, and on the east side is the impressive City Hall.
Buchanan Street
Close to George Square, running north-south, is Glasgow’s main shopping street.
The nearly 1 km long street between St Enoch Square and The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is lined with elegant shops, restaurants, and bars.
Kelvingrove Park
This 34-hectare park west of the city center offers tranquility.
The park features playgrounds, a lake, a music pavilion, statues, and a fountain. It is Glasgow’s most important public park.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Located in the southwestern part of Kelvingrove Park, this is not only one of Glasgow’s, but also Scotland’s most popular attractions.
The museum’s collections mainly come from the original Kelvingrove Museum and the McLellan Galleries. It boasts one of the world’s most beautiful collections of arms and armor, as well as a vast natural history collection. The collection includes many outstanding European artworks, the most famous being Salvador Dalí’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross.
Admission is free! All information can be found here!
University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451, the university has produced and employed world-famous scholars. Visitors can explore its campus.
The main building houses the Hunterian Museum, which, in addition to significant ancient artifacts, displays items and original inventions of Lord Kelvin. The museum is free to visit.
The Lighthouse
Located in a street parallel to Buchanan Street, this famous exhibition space designed by Rennie Mackintosh showcases architecture, applied arts, and city history.
Visitors can climb a spiral staircase to the top of the building’s tower for a beautiful view of the city center.
Riverside Museum
Situated along the River Clyde, this building houses Glasgow’s transport museum, which many consider one of the best in the world.
Primarily showcasing the city’s transport history, it features numerous vehicles and interactive exhibits. A ship is also visitable in front of the building.
Admission is free!
Glasgow Science Centre
Almost opposite the Riverside Museum, on the other side of the River Clyde, is a museum perfect for children.
It is actually a science and technology museum consisting of three main buildings: the Science Mall, Glasgow Tower, and an IMAX cinema. Many interactive exhibitions make it an enjoyable experience for children.
All information can be found here!
The Tenement House
At 145 Buccleuch Street, this property is an apartment in a tenement house built in 1892, preserved in its early 20th-century condition.
The apartment was owned by Agnes Toward from 1911 to 1965, and after her death, an organization turned it into a museum. Visitors can see a close-to-original representation of how local residents lived at that time.
All information can be found here!
Kibble Palace and Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Along the River Kelvin, this 1000 sqm park features several greenhouses and is home to many beautiful plants.
Kibble Palace is a 19th-century wrought iron-framed greenhouse, primarily housing New Zealand and Australian ferns. The park is also inhabited by many tame squirrels, which can be fed.
Admission is free!
People’s Palace
Located in Glasgow Green park, this museum and greenhouse showcases Glasgow’s industrial past and local dialect through exhibitions.
The museum hosts a collection of artifacts, photographs, prints, and films that depict how Glaswegians lived and worked in the past.
In front of the building is the beautiful Doulton Fountain.
