10 Best Things to Do in Glasgow
What is Glasgow Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Glasgow give you plenty of memorable experiences throughout your holiday. This vibrant city has an eclectic mix of trendy shopping malls, gothic architecture and concert halls. Art lovers can find plenty of museums dedicated to European art, culture and history, while music enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of music at the city’s many concert halls, public parks and live music bars.
Fashion boutiques, vintage shops and high-street outlets are set along pedestrian-friendly streets in central Glasgow. Take a short walk or train ride to the western end to find quirky nightclubs, cabaret theatres and rooftop bars that stay busy until late.
What are the best things to do in Glasgow?
1. Glasgow Cathedral
Discovering the Gothic grandeur
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
The imposing Glasgow Cathedral is a prime example of Scottish Gothic architecture, with its stained glass windows, carved stone bosses, ribbed vaults and effigies of holy figures. Located along Castle Street, the church is a 15-minute walk from George Square.
Free guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the cathedral, and last about 1 hour. If you’re travelling to Glasgow in autumn, the cathedral hosts a week-long festival where you can enjoy live music, poetry, film, art and multimedia collaborations during your visit.
Localização: Cathedral Precinct, Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0QZ, UK
Abre: October–March: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. April–September: Monday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)14 1552 6891
Glasgow Cathedral
2. George Square
The hear of Glasgow
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
George Square is arguably the focal point of Glasgow, where you can spend hours exploring its many historical buildings, columns and statues. It’s also a popular venue for concerts and annual festivities, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
A must-visit here is the City Chambers, a grand civic building located on the east side of the square. Built in 1888, the Chambers are home to the largest Italian Carrara marble staircase in Western Europe. If you want to learn about its history, free guided tours of the Chambers are held on weekdays at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm.
Localização: Glasgow G2 1DH, UK
George Square
3. Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Stunning glasshouse and lush landscapes
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Foto
Glasgow Botanic Gardens, located in Glasgow’s West End, is a verdant haven showcasing an incredible selection of plants and flowers. The landscape is dominated by the recently restored Kibble Palace, a stunning curvilinear glasshouse that houses the national collection of tree ferns, alongside a beautiful fish pond. Just a short walk from Hillhead subway station, the gardens are easily accessible and free to enter.
Wander through the glasshouse, stroll along the scenic River Kelvin or explore the trails winding through the beautifully maintained outdoor gardens. Families will especially enjoy the Minibeasts, Birds and Trees trail designed for young children. Pick up a brochure of the trails in the Kibble Palace and start your tour.
Localização: 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE, UK
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +44 (0)1412 761614
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
4. Glasgow’s Style Mile
Shopping in the heart of the city
Ideal para: Luxo, Compras
Glasgow’s Style Mile is home to hundreds of designer outlets, local boutiques and major British flagship stores within a square-mile radius. Located within Glasgow city centre, its 3 main shopping boulevards are Argyle, Buchanan and Sauchiehall Streets.
The Style Mile has wide pedestrian walkways, making it convenient to go from one store to the next. Prominent shopping malls here includeArgyll Arcade, Buchanan Galleries and Princes Square. A variety of street performances are also held along the Style Mile, from jazz bands to bagpipers in full costume.
Glasgow's Style Mile
5. Glasgow Mural Trail
Vibrant murals by renowned street artists
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico
The Glasgow Mural Trail runs along prominent streets within the city centre and features colourful art installations by some of the city’s most popular street artists. Some of its most impressive murals include a 200-metre-long portrait of students at Strathclyde University, a modern depiction of patron saint St. Mungo and a gigantic portrait of a young girl with a magnifying glass.
If you want to learn about the story behind each piece of street art, you can view the Glasgow Mural Trail map on your phone or grab a brochure from a nearby tourist information centre.
Glasgow Mural Trail
6. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Home to 22 galleries and over 8,000 treasures
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, established in 1901, is one of Glasgow’s most popular museums. Occupying a Spanish Baroque building on Argyle Street, the museum has 22 galleries with over 8,000 items on display, including 20th-century furnishings, paintings, sculptures and weaponry.
The museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits, from Ancient Egypt to Scottish art. It also houses a 20th-century organ with daily recitals held from Monday to Saturday at 1 pm and on Sunday at 3 pm. Entrance is free of charge, but you should visit the museum on a weekday if you’re not a fan of crowds.
Localização: Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG, UK
Abre: Monday–Thursday & Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)14 1276 9599
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
7. River Clyde
Glasgow’s glorious past and exciting future
Ideal para: História, Foto
Glasgow was built on the River Clyde both literally and metaphorically. Not only does the city straddle the waterway, but it was the source of much of its past prosperity. Along the banks of the river, there are still signs of that past glory, as well as plenty of striking modern structures, making this a fantastic destination for photographers.
Among those attractions are the Glasgow Science Centre, Riverside Museum (and its colourful tall ship), the BBC Scotland building and the SEC Armadillo. For a glimpse of the Clyde’s history as a hub of shipbuilding and shipping, look out for the Finnieston Crane. River cruises and boat tours are available to help you see the sights from the water.
River Clyde
8. Merchant Square
An indoor nightlife and dining hub
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Alimentação
Merchant Square is an indoor nightlife and dining hub in central Glasgow. Located in Merchant City, this trendy square is a 5-minute walk from George Square. Here, you can find a wide range of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. There are also plenty of bars and pubs within the square, many of which offer live music and cabaret shows until late.
From burgers, steaks and pizzas to authentic Italian, Mediterranean and French cuisine, Merchant Square attracts a crowd of hungry patrons with its diverse range of dining options.
Localização: 71 Albion St, Glasgow G1 1NY, UK
Abre: Monday–Thursday from 8 am to midnight, Friday from 8 am to 3 am, Saturday from 9 am to 3 am, Sunday from 9 am to midnight
Merchant Square
9. West End whisky tour
Learning about all things whisky
Ideal para: Casais, Luxo
A West End whisky tour offers not only a fun evening exploring some of the city’s most popular bars, but also interesting facts about the history of this Scottish tipple.
The tour offers a wide range of whiskys, with 4 premium single-malt Scotch whiskys included in the price. Guided by a local expert, you’ll uncover quirky facts about whisky while visiting 4 unique whisky bars. As you discover the cultural richness and vibrant atmosphere of the West End, you learn to taste whisky like a pro.
West End whisky tour
10. King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
Glasgow’s iconic live music venue
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Foto
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, located on Vincent Street, has been Glasgow’s go-to spot for live music since 1990. It’s where British rock band Oasis was discovered and signed by a record label back in 1993. Since then, the venue regularly hosts concerts by world-renowned artists such as The Verve, Artic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand.
The stairway leading up to the venue is a popular spot for photos as each step is engraved with the names of iconic bands that have played here throughout the years.
Localização: 272A St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5RL, UK
Telefone: +44 (0)14 1846 4034
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
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