10 Things to Do in Glasgow

There are many things to see and do in Glasgow, one of the most important cities in Scotland and the United Kingdom, especially in terms of culture and art, as it has a large number of museums, galleries, and cultural centers. The streets are also a canvas for artists, who have beautified the city with their street art.

If you are thinking of visiting this Scottish city, you will discover a wide range of options to enjoy during your stay, such as viewing outstanding works of art from around the world or taking the best tours of Glasgow to learn about its culture, cuisine, traditions, and even its passion for soccer. Here's what you can't miss when you visit this city.

Glasgow is a city that stands out for its street art, where every corner is an artistic treasure waiting to be discovered. This began with the City Council's initiative to breathe new life into the city's walls for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and was later joined by art galleries and independent artists.

There are around 30 murals that embellish the city and which you can see during your visit to Glasgow. Most are located in the center, making it an ideal route to do on foot. You can start your tour near Glasgow Cathedral, on High Street, where you will find the mural of St. Mungo, the patron saint of the city, and that of St. Enoch and his son, both by the artist Smug.

Then take W George Street and explore the area around the Gallery of Modern Art, where you can see many murals. You can consult this map so you don't miss any. Another option is to join a guided tour with a local expert, which is a good idea if you want to learn more about the meaning of the works and their cultural significance.

Glasgow is a city where soccer is lived with passion and where you can visit two iconic stadiums for lovers of the sport. Hampden Park was the largest stadium in the world until 1950, while Celtic Park, founded in 1892, is one of the oldest in Europe. Both have hosted major sporting events.

The best way to visit these stadiums is to join guided tours with local guides. Keep in mind that schedules may change depending on the matches being played, so it is best to book these tours in advance.

Hampden Park Stadium

Hampden Park Stadium is the home of the Scottish national soccer team, where internationally important tournaments have been played.

If you join a guided tour of Hampden Park Stadium, you can visit all the facilities, from the pitch to the changing rooms, and even walk through the tunnel where the players make their entrance. You can also visit the Scottish Football Museum, where you can see the first Scottish Cup, vintage jerseys, and other memorabilia.

• Location: Letherby Dr, Glasgow G42 9BA, United Kingdom.
• Opening hours: every day from approximately 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Opening hours may vary when there are matches.

Celtic Park Stadium

Celtic Park is the home stadium of the legendary Celtic Park soccer team, one of the most successful in the country, along with Rangers. It is also the largest stadium in Scotland.

During one of the guided tours of Celtic Park, you can see all the club's facilities, such as the changing rooms, the press room, and the pitch, and relive the excitement of the matches played there. You can also watch audiovisual material on the history of the club and its sporting achievements.

• Location: Janefield St, Glasgow G40 3RE, United Kingdom.
• Hours: daily from approximately 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Hours may vary when there are matches.

You don't really know a city until you've tried its cuisine, so sampling Glasgow's traditional dishes is a must during your stay. What's more, if you take a tour, the flavors of the city and the country will also accompany you on the best excursions from Glasgow to discover the natural wonders that surround it.

Some of these typical dishes include haggis, Scotland's national dish made from lamb; Cullen Skink, a traditional Scottish soup made with fish, potatoes, and milk; and Scotch Pie, a meat-filled pastry. You can also try cranachan, made with cheese, whiskey, oats, and raspberries. Don't miss out on whisky, considered a national drink, or Irn-bru, a soft drink that many Scots are addicted to.

One of the most recommended neighborhoods for its cuisine is Finnieston, where you'll find a wide variety of restaurants. There you'll find The Gannet, a restaurant offering typical Scottish dishes, and Ox and Finch, where you'll find a varied menu.

In cosmopolitan Glasgow, you can also try food from all over the world, such as at the Hard Rock Café, where American dishes take center stage. Don't forget to book in advance if you decide to eat at any of these restaurants, as they are some of the most popular in the city.

Tasting whisky is something you can't miss on your visit to Glasgow, as it is considered Scotland's national drink and an important part of its culture. One of the best ways to do this is to visit Clydeside, a prominent distillery in the city located next to the River Clyde.

Clydeside is located in an old building constructed in 1877, The Old Pump House, which was once used for port activities. It is one of the most interesting buildings in the city, with its large windows overlooking the river and old photos on its walls. There you can join a guided tour of the factory to learn how whisky is made and learn about the history of this drink in Glasgow.

If you join the guided tour, you can also enjoy a tasting of some varieties of whisky. Clydeside specializes in a light and spicy single malt. You can also take a bottle with you, if you wish, to enjoy during your stay.

Details of interest

• Location: 100 Stobcross Rd, Glasgow G3 8QQ, United Kingdom.
• Hours: Tours usually take place every day between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Ticket price: around €21 for adults.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a century-old institution that opened its doors in 1901. It is Glasgow's main museum and one of the most visited in Scotland and the United Kingdom. It is located in the West End, a vibrant cultural district on the banks of the River Kelvin.

There you can explore its 22 galleries with a wide variety of permanent and temporary collections, ranging from ancient Egyptian archaeological pieces, such as the sarcophagus of Pa-Ba-Sa, to ancient armor, fossils, design objects, and modern artworks. Highlights include Salvador Dalí's Christ of Saint John of the Cross and Rembrandt's Man in Armor, as well as works by Botticelli, José de Ribera, and Van Gogh.

The building is also worth visiting for its impressive architecture, as it is located in a Baroque-style mansion in Kelvingrove Park, one of the city's main green spaces. The museum, the park, and the University of Glasgow are attractions that are always included in one-day itineraries in Glasgow and are not to be missed.

In addition to touring the collections, you can attend one of the free organ concerts held in the main hall. The organ was part of an exhibition in 1901, but was eventually installed in the museum, to the delight of all visitors.

Interesting details

• Location: Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG, United Kingdom.
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organ concerts Monday to Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
• Admission: free.

If you want to take a break from the city and enjoy nature, Glasgow Botanic Gardens is the perfect place. Located in the West End, it covers around 11 hectares next to the River Kelvin. It is one of the most beautiful places in the city to take a stroll and enjoy the diversity of plants from around the world.

The Botanic Gardens consist of two Victorian wrought-iron greenhouses, Kibble Palace and Hopkirk Building, where you can see the diverse collections of plants, ranging from orchids to century-old ferns, trees, and flowers. It is also a venue for events, talks, readings, and workshops, so I recommend checking the calendar so you don't miss anything.

You can also sign up for one of the guided tours that take place once or twice a day, depending on the season. These are led by volunteers and require prior registration. If you're visiting Glasgow with children, they'll love this outing, as the garden is surrounded by a public park where squirrels are often seen.

An interesting way to get to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens is on two wheels, as there are bike lanes along the River Kelvin. You can also join a guided bike tour, which usually includes visits to green spaces such as this garden and Kelvingrove Park, as well as museums and art galleries.

Details of interest

• Location: 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE, United Kingdom.
• Opening hours: the park is open every day from 7 a.m. until dusk. The greenhouses are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in winter.
• Admission: free.

The University of Glasgow is one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and is often ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. Its alumni include illustrious figures such as the philosopher Adam Smith, and even Albert Einstein has taught in its classrooms. It is also one of Glasgow's most popular attractions.

Located opposite Kelvingrove Park, the University of Glasgow has several museums within its walls: the Hunterian Museum, the Hunterian Art Gallery, and the Zoological Museum. To get to know the university, you can explore it on your own or join one of the tours usually given by the institution's students.

One of the most beautiful parts of the university is its Gothic cloisters, where you'll feel like you're in a Harry Potter movie. Don't miss the gardens, where you can take a relaxing stroll or sit on a bench and enjoy the fresh air. If you've seen Outlander, you'll know that the courtyards have been used as a set in the acclaimed series.

Glasgow University Museums

These are the museums you can explore during your visit to the University of Glasgow:

• Hunterian Museum: one of the oldest museums in Scotland. Here you can see dinosaur fossils, minerals, and many anatomical studies preserved in formaldehyde. There is also a collection on the Roman period in Scotland. Located in the main university building, it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hunterian Art Gallery: contains works of art by painters such as Rembrandt and Rubens and an extensive collection dedicated to the Scottish architect, designer, and artist Charles Mackintosh, who created his own architectural style, the Glasgow Style. The gallery is located in the main university building and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Zoological Museum: this museum is dedicated to the animals that inhabit the United Kingdom. It is located in the Graham Kerr building. It is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Details of interest

• Location: 85 Rue Dalhousie, Québec, QC G1K 8R2, Canada.
• Hours: The university is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10:50 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7:20 p.m. Students give guided tours Thursday through Sunday at 2 p.m.
• Admission price: Admission to the university and museums is free.

In addition to whisky, Glasgow is known for its beer culture and long tradition of beer production. One of the country's most popular breweries, Tennent's, is located in this city, so a visit is a must.

Tennent's is a traditional brewery whose origins can be traced back to 1556, when its founder Robert Tennent established the first brewery in Glasgow. It began to be marketed in the 18th century at the Wellpark factory, which you can visit in this city. The tradition has continued in the family to this day.

During your visit to the brewery, you can join a guided tour to learn about the facilities and the beer-making process. You can also learn about the history of beer in Glasgow and taste its different varieties. And if you're left wanting more, you can take a few bottles with you to enjoy during your trip.

Details of interest

• Location: 161 Duke St, Glasgow G31 1JD, United Kingdom.
• Opening hours: Guided tours usually take place every day between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Admission price: around €26 for adults.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a Scottish architect, designer, and artist whose importance is often compared to that of Gaudí in Spain. He created his own architectural movement, known as the Glasgow Style, and you can see its main examples in this city.

One of the artist's most celebrated buildings is The Lighthouse, an iconic construction with a tower that emulates a lighthouse and houses the Scottish Design and Architecture Center and the Interpretation Center about the artist. Itsspiral staircase is truly amazing.

Another of Mackintosh's iconic buildings is the Glasgow School of Art, considered his masterpiece. Its style combines aesthetics and functionality, as well as traditional Japanese architecture, Art Nouveau, and Scottish architecture.

You can also visit The Willow Tea Rooms, where, in addition to admiring the artist's works, you can enjoy teatime, a tradition that is as Scottish as it is English. This tea room was founded by the artist's wife based on Mackintosh's design and offers items inspired by his art. You can also visit The Mackintosh House, a house recreated as it was designed by the artist and his wife.

Details of interest

• The Lighthouse: 11 Mitchell Ln, Glasgow G1 3NU, United Kingdom.
• Glasgow School of Art: 167 Renfrew St, Glasgow G3 6RQ, United Kingdom.
• The Mackintosh House: 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.
• The Willow Tea Rooms: 97 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 3HF, United Kingdom.

The Riverside Museum is a museum dedicated to transport that stands out for its avant-garde and original construction with undulating shapes. Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, it was built in the 21st century at the confluence of the Clyde and Kelvin rivers. It has two entrances, one in the city and one on the riverbank.

Inside the museum, which received the European Museum of the Year Award in 2013, you can see an extensive collection of around 300 vehicles from different eras, ranging from bicycles to trains and buses. You can also see a sailing ship over a hundred years old, The Tall Ship at Riverside, which is moored on the river in front of the museum.

Not only is the Riverside Museum building a work of art, but the way the vehicles are displayed is also very striking. Many of them, regardless of their weight, are displayed on shelves on the walls, defying gravity.

Something you can't miss in this museum is the reconstruction of three streets in Glasgow with carriages, trams, and other vintage vehicles that you can walk around, and the two meters that you can board to transport yourself back in time.

Interesting details

• Location: 100 Pointhouse Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS, United Kingdom.
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Admission: free.