Things to Do in Glasgow: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is known for free world-class museums, grand Victorian architecture, Charles Rennie Mackintosh designs, giant street murals and one of the UK's best live music scenes.
This guide covers the best things to do in Glasgow, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Highlands, plus food, pubs and where to stay.
Top things to see in Glasgow
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Free museum with Dalí's Christ of Saint John of the Cross.
Glasgow Cathedral
Rare medieval cathedral that survived the Reformation.
Necropolis
Victorian hilltop cemetery with city views.
City Centre Mural Trail
Giant street art across the centre.
Riverside Museum
Transport museum designed by Zaha Hadid.
West End
University, Botanic Gardens and Ashton Lane.
Mackintosh at the Willow
Restored 1903 tearooms.
Burrell Collection
Art and antiquities in Pollok Country Park.
Glasgow in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · City centre
Start at George Square and the City Chambers, then follow the Mural Trail through the centre. Lunch in the Merchant City. In the afternoon, visit Glasgow Cathedral and climb through the Necropolis for views. Spend the evening at a gig at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut.
2Day 2 · West End
Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, then walk through Kelvingrove Park to the Gothic University of Glasgow. Lunch on Byres Road. In the afternoon, explore the Botanic Gardens and the Kibble Palace glasshouse. Spend the evening on cobbled Ashton Lane.
3Day 3 · River Clyde
Visit the Riverside Museum and the Tall Ship Glenlee moored outside, then the Glasgow Science Centre across the river. Lunch in Finnieston. In the afternoon, walk the Clyde waterfront past the SEC Armadillo. Dinner in one of Finnieston's restaurants.
Glasgow in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Loch Lomond
Take the train to Balloch for a cruise on Loch Lomond, then visit the pretty village of Luss. Lunch by the loch. In the afternoon, hike Conic Hill for views over the islands. Return to Glasgow in the evening.
5Day 5 · Stirling
Visit Stirling Castle and its Great Hall, then the National Wallace Monument. Lunch in Stirling's old town. In the afternoon, see the giant Kelpies sculptures near Falkirk. Return to Glasgow for dinner.
Glasgow in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Highlands
Join a full-day tour to Glencoe and the Highlands, driving past Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor. Lunch in Glencoe village. In the afternoon, stop at Inveraray or the Rest and Be Thankful pass. Return late to Glasgow.
7Day 7 · Last day
Visit the Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park and see the Highland cows, then do last shopping on Buchanan Street. Lunch in the city centre. Glasgow Airport is about 20 minutes away by bus or taxi.
What to do in Glasgow on a weekend
For a weekend in Glasgow, combine the city centre, the West End and Kelvingrove with a night of live music.
Edinburgh is under an hour away by train.
What to do in Glasgow in the evening
Evenings mean live music at King Tut's and the Barrowland Ballroom, plus traditional pubs.
Ashton Lane and Finnieston are lively bar districts.
Glasgow for couples
Couples can enjoy dinner in Finnieston, a whisky tasting at the Clydeside Distillery and a sunset view from the Necropolis.
Glasgow with kids
Families love the Science Centre, the Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove and the Highland cows at Pollok Park.
What to eat in Glasgow
Haggis
Scotland's national dish.
Full Scottish breakfast
Hearty start to the day.
Tunnock's teacakes
Classic local treat.
Irn-Bru
Scotland's famous soft drink.
Scotch whisky
Try it at the Clydeside Distillery.
Where to stay in Glasgow: best areas
City Centre
Central and well connected.
West End
Leafy and lively.
Merchant City
Stylish bars and restaurants.
Finnieston
Foodie hotspot.
What to do in Glasgow when it rains
On rainy days, visit the free museums: Kelvingrove, the Riverside Museum, the Burrell Collection and the Gallery of Modern Art.
How much does a trip to Glasgow cost?
Expect £90 to £180 per night, £12 to £25 for a meal and free entry to most city museums.
Practical tips for Glasgow
Best time to visit
May to September.
Getting around
Subway, buses and trains; easy rail links for day trips.
Our practical tips
- Most museums are free.
- Use the Subway loop.
- Always carry a rain jacket.
- Book popular gigs early.
- Take day trips by train.
- Try a ceilidh.
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the West End.
- Forgetting rain gear.
- Ignoring day trips.
- Driving in the city centre.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Glasgow?
Kelvingrove, the Cathedral and Necropolis, the Mural Trail and the West End.
Are Glasgow's museums free?
Most of them are, including Kelvingrove and the Riverside Museum.
How far is Edinburgh?
Under an hour by train.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring to early autumn.