This list of places to see in Glasgow will help you get to know Scotland's second largest city, which boasts a wide range of cultural and leisure activities.
Living practically all its life in the shadow of its neighbour Edinburgh, we are sure that Glasgow will thrill you with the Gothic architecture of its most representative churches and historic buildings, where you can also enjoy walks through its well-kept parks, visit its many and varied museums, be amazed by the quality street art, have a good pint in one of the most famous pubs and enjoy the good vibes that the Scots of Glasgow transmit.
Based on the experience of our time in the city during our trip to Scotland, we have created this list of what we think are the 10 must-see places to visit in Glasgow. Let's get started!
1. St Mungo's Cathedral
St Mungo's Cathedral or High Kirk, a symbol of gothic architecture in Scotland, is the oldest building and one of the best preserved places to see in Glasgow.
Built in the 12th century, but renovated and enlarged in the 15th century, this church has its great jewel in the tomb of St Mungo, patron saint of the city, which is hidden in a 13th century crypt.
Inside the cathedral, in addition to the crypt, you can see huge contemporary stained glass windows, seven figures symbolising the Seven Deadly Sins and a wooden ceiling from the end of the 15th century.
Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3.30pm and Sundays from 1pm to 3.30pm.
St. Mungo's Cathedral
2. Necropolis
The Necropolis, located on a low hill just next to the cathedral, is a beautiful Victorian cemetery and another of Glasgow's must-see places to visit.
Inspired by the Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, this garden cemetery has an estimated 50,000 people buried in it, although many graves are unmarked while others are decorated with elaborate sculptures, mausoleums and gravestones.
As well as strolling through the cemetery we recommend you climb to the top to enjoy magnificent views of the Cathedral.
Visiting hours: daily from 7am to 4.30pm.
Necropolis
3. George Square
George Square, located in the commercial area of the city centre, known as Merchant City, is the main square and another of the places to see in Glasgow. This square, built in 1781 in honour of King George III, is decorated with sculptures and monuments dedicated to illustrious figures and surrounded by historic buildings, including the impressive City Chambers.
This huge Victorian building is well worth a visit on one of the free 45-minute guided tours that run on weekdays: one at 10.30am and another at 2.30pm.
In addition to the Town Hall, this area of Merchant City is lined with pedestrianised avenues such as Buchanan Street, where you can find all kinds of shops, bars, restaurants and street performers, giving it a unique atmosphere.
A good option to get to know the history of the city and not miss anything is to book this Free Tour of Glasgow with English speaking guide, which departs from George Square, or this private tour.
City Hall opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.
4. Kelvingrove Museum, one of the best places to see in Glasgow.
If you had to tell you to visit one of the many free museums that the city has to offer, we would recommend the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Glasgow.
This museum, surrounded by one of the most beautiful parks in the city, is the most visited museum in the UK outside London and has a wide variety of pieces including works of art such as The Annunciation by Sandro Botticelli, the Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dalí and paintings by great masters such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt, which are mixed with collections of Egyptian and medieval art, as well as an area of the museum dedicated to Natural Sciences.
If you don't have much time, we recommend booking the Glasgow sightseeing bus which stops at points of interest further out of the centre, such as this museum or the University.
Visiting hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Fridays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm.
5. Ashton and Hidden Lane
The lanes, another of the places to visit in Glasgow, are cobbled alleys full of atmosphere and charming locals, perfect to go out for a drink at sunset or to buy some original items.
The most famous and atmospheric lane is Ashton lane, located in Glasgow's university quarter, which is dominated by bars and restaurants that start to fill up on Friday afternoons. Recommended venues include the Ubiquitous Chip restaurant and for drinks and live music, Jinty McGuinty's pub.
Note that if you're looking for peace and quiet, Hidden Lane is less busy and quieter, although this doesn't detract from its charm with its brightly coloured facades, artists' studios, shops and cafes.
Our recommended hotel in Glasgow
For accommodation in Glasgow we recommend The Z Hotel Glasgow or Motel One Glasgow, both located less than 10 minutes from the city centre and close to Queen Street train station. In addition to their excellent location, both offer comfortable rooms, attentive staff and some of the best value for money in the city.
6. Mackintosh Buildings
The famous local architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the leading exponent of the Art Nouveau style in Scotland, left a legacy of several must-see buildings in Glasgow.
Starting with The Lighthouse, a lighthouse-like tower with a magnificent spiral staircase leading to a viewing platform and a small free museum about the architect. Another of Mackintosh's most important buildings and among the first to see his hand at work is the Glasgow School of Art, another of the recommended places to visit in the city.
You can complete the Mackintosh route with an afternoon tea at the famous Willow Tea Rooms as well as a visit to the beautiful Victorian-style House of an Art Lover.
7. Glasgow University
The University of Glasgow, one of the UK's most prestigious universities with several illustrious Nobel Prize-winning alumni, is another of the most beautiful places to see in Glasgow.
This ancient university, which dates back to 1451, has several outstanding gems inside such as the wonderful gothic cloister, the Hunterian Museum and the Mackintosh House, located inside the library building.
In addition to these buildings, it is worth strolling through the well-manicured lawns and admiring the facades of the colleges.
For Harry Potter fans it is also a special place as it is considered by several sources, the place where the author J.K. Rowling was inspired to create Hogwarts School.
Visiting hours: Monday to Friday from 7am to 10:50pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 7.20pm.
8. Mural route
In recent times, urban art has made a strong impact in this city and has become another of the attractions to visit in Glasgow for travellers.
These colourful and high quality graffiti have given a facelift to some of the city centre streets to the point that the city council has created an official route called the Center Mural Trail, which has also included a map that you can see here so that you don't miss any important mural.
The mural trail includes 22 graffiti including St. Mungo's, Glasgow's Tiger, The Clutha, The world's most economical taxi, Fellow Glasgow Residents and Honey, I shrunk the kids, I'm sorry, among many others.
To make sure you don't miss any of them and learn more about their history, we recommend you book this guided tour in English.
Route of the murals
Recommended travel cardsRemember that to avoid paying commissions and to always have the current exchange rate, we recommend you use the Revolut card and the N26 card, which are the ones we use, are free and will save you a lot of money.
You can find more information in this article on the best cards for commission-free travel.
9. Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden, a public park of about 11 hectares created in 1817, is perfect for a stroll and a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
The park's jewel in the crown is the beautiful wrought iron and glass Victorian Orangery, Kibble Palace, one of the most beautiful buildings to see in Glasgow. Inside, statues mingle with tropical plants and flowers from all over the world.
When the weather is good, especially in spring and summer, locals take advantage of the park to stroll along its paths, have a picnic surrounded by squirrels or play sport.
10. Glasgow excursions
If you've completed the list of must-see places in Glasgow and still have a day to spare, we recommend taking one of these guided tours:
- Book Loch Ness tour, considered one of the must-see places to visit in Scotland, where you will learn about the legend of the monster Nessie and see the impressive Urquhart Castle.
- Book a tour of William Wallace, where you'll learn the story of this mythical Scottish hero who led the war against England and was the basis for the film Braveheart starring Mel Gibson.
- Book an excursion to Oban, where you'll tour some of the country's most beautiful landscapes and castles.
- Book an Outlander set tour, which will take you to the places frequented by Jamie and Claire in the famous British series.
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Getting to Glasgow
The quickest and most convenient way to get to Glasgow is to fly into Glasgow International Airport or Prestwick Airport. Both airports are well connected to the city centre. Glasgow Airport has buses every 10 minutes and Prestick Airport has a train station next door.
Another way to get to Glasgow is to land at Edinburgh Airport, 78 kilometres from the city, where you can catch the Citylink Air bus which takes less than an hour to reach the city.
If you want to save time and convenience, you can book a private transfer here, where a driver will meet you outside the terminal with a sign with your name on it and take you straight to the door of your hotel in Glasgow.
If you're staying in Edinburgh, you can travel to Glasgow by train from Waverley Station or by bus from Edinburgh Bus Station, both of which are located in the city centre.
If you only have one day and are staying in Edinburgh, it may be worth booking this tour of Glasgow with English speaking guide which includes Lakes Lomond and Katrine, other interesting places to see in Glasgow.
Map of places to visit in Glasgow
Do you want to organise a trip to Glasgow?
Get it here:The best deals on Flights to Glasgow here.
The best hotels at the best prices in Glasgow here.
Book your transfer to Glasgow Airport here
Book the best tours and excursions in Scotland in English here
10 tips for travelling to Scotland
Rent your car in Scotland at the best price here
10 must-know travel tips for the UK
15 must-see places to visit in Edinburgh
If you fancy helping us to complete our list of the top 10 must -see places to visit in Glasgow, add your own in the comments.
