Best Things To Do In Glasgow 2025

Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is a vibrant mix of history, culture, green spaces, and exciting attractions. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, outdoor enthusiast, or visiting with family, there’s something for everyone in this lively city. Plus, with so many free attractions, it's a budget-friendly city to explore!

In this article, we’ll share the best things to do in Glasgow to help you plan your trip. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more, get ready to experience the best of this city. Let’s get started!

Top Glasgow tourist attractions

Glasgow Cathedral

​​Glasgow Cathedral, also known as St. Mungo’s Cathedral, is one of the most important and breathtaking historical sites in Scotland. Built in the 12th century, it is the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the Reformation intact. With its Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass, and deep historical significance, this cathedral is a must-visit for anyone exploring Glasgow. 

The lower crypt houses the tomb of St. Mungo, the patron saint and founder of Glasgow, his story is deeply woven into Glasgow’s identity making this a place of cultural significance 

The cathedral has also been used as a filming location, appearing in shows like Outlander, and inspired countless legends and stories, making it a fascinating place for history lovers.

Right behind the cathedral lies the Glasgow Necropolis, a hauntingly beautiful Victorian cemetery with some of the best panoramic views of the city, speaking of which… 

Glasgow Necropolis

Glasgow Necropolis is a breathtaking Victorian cemetery that sits on a hill overlooking the city, offering a mix of history, stunning architecture, and eerie beauty. This vast 37-acre graveyard is home to over 50,000 burials, with elaborate tombs, gothic mausoleums, and some of the best panoramic views of Glasgow making it a great spot for photography!

The cemetery is both peaceful and mysterious, filled with towering statues, intricate headstones, and winding pathways that feel like stepping back in time, Perfect for those who love gothic architecture, history, or atmospheric walks.

The necropolis is home to the John Knox Monument, an imposing 58-foot (18m) column dedicated to John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation. The monument, built in 1825, was one of the first structures in the Necropolis, even before it became a cemetery.

It is often possible to find donation based tours of the cathedral and necropolis, however, private walking tours are available as well.

City exploration

No visit to a city is complete without aimlessly wandering through streets and back alleys. Some key areas you should check out whilst exploring are George Square, the Glasgow City Chambers, Buchanan street and Princes Square.

George Square is the heart of Glasgow, surrounded by historic statues and impressive architecture. Home to the Glasgow City Chambers, a stunning Victorian-era building with free guided tours.

Buchanan Street is lined with grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings, and probably the best place to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. What could be better than shopping amongst some of the most beautiful buildings in Glasgow? 

Whilst many opt to roam the center themselves, there are plenty of walking tours that will show you the highlights along with some hidden gems whilst peppering you with Glaswegian history

Clydeside Distillery 

The Clydeside Distillery is a modern whisky distillery located on the banks of the River Clyde, right in the heart of Glasgow. It brings a new twist to Glasgow’s rich whisky heritage, producing high-quality single malt Scotch whisky. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century warehouse, the distillery not only offers a chance to taste some fantastic local whisky but also provides insight into the traditional whisky-making process. Enjoy a guided tour of Clydeside distillery - or in fact any distillery near Glasgow to get a great Scottish experience.

Glasgow Cultural experiences 

Celtic Park Stadium

Celtic Park is the legendary home of Celtic Football Club, one of Scotland’s most successful and iconic teams. Located in the East End of Glasgow, this 60,000-seater stadium is the largest in Scotland and offers an electric atmosphere on matchdays. Whether you're a football fan, history lover, or just want to experience Glasgow’s sports culture, visiting Celtic Park is an unforgettable experience.

Take a Stadium Tour and walk through the players' tunnel, dressing rooms, dugouts, and VIP areas, stand in the manager’s technical area and imagine the roar of 60,000 fans and learn about Celtic’s fascinating origins and impact on Scottish football.

Alternatively try and see a live football match (although definitely try and buy a ticket for this early as they’re likely to sell out). 

Theatres and shows

Glasgow has a rich theatre scene, with historic venues, modern playhouses, and lively performance spaces showcasing everything from Broadway-style musicals to indie plays and stand-up comedy. Whether you're into drama, comedy, ballet, opera, or live music, Glasgow’s theatres offer something for everyone.

The King’s theatre is a stunning Edwardian piece of architecture built in 1904, known for its ornate interiors and grand atmosphere. It hosts West End musicals, ballet, opera, and the city’s most famous Christmas pantomimes - check the theatre schedule here.

The Theatre Royal is Glasgow’s oldest theatre, dating back to 1867, with a mix of modern and classical design after renovations. The home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, making it a top choice for lovers of high-art performances. It hosts drama, West End productions, as well as live concerts - check the theatre schedule here.

Museums and Galleries

Glasgow is also home to some truly spectacular museums, covering art, history, science, transport, and even football!

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is Glasgow’s most famous museum, and it’s free! With 22 galleries covering art, history, and natural sciences it would be easy to lose a full day in this museum. It also boasts dinosaurs, mummies and a hanging WW2 spitfire so it’s ideal for adults and children alike.

The Riverside Museum is Scotland’s best transport museum, featuring historic cars, trains, trams, and motorcycles, there’s even a dedicated section on skateboards! Alongside the great collection of vehicles, the museum houses a recreated early 1900s Glaswegian street, and A fully restored 19th-century sailing ship, docked beside the museum. You can explore the decks, cabins, and engine room to see what life was like for sailors in the past. This is a very interactive museum and also free so great for families.

The Gallery of Modern Art is Glasgow’s leading contemporary art museum, housed in a stunning neoclassical building in the heart of the city. It features thought-provoking exhibitions, international and Scottish contemporary artists, and interactive installations that challenge traditional ideas of art. Unlike traditional art galleries, GoMA constantly updates its exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Some exhibits encourage visitor participation, making it a great place for both casual visitors and serious art lovers. This gallery is also free, making it a great stop even for those non-art lovers to take cover from the rain.

Glasgow nature and wildlife activities 

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

The Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a beautiful public park and botanical haven filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and historic glasshouses. Nestled in the West End, it offers a peaceful escape from the city with beautiful walking paths, a variety of plant species, and the iconic Kibble Palace, one of Scotland’s most stunning Victorian glasshouses.

The Kibble Palace is a 19th-century glasshouse with a breathtaking collection of exotic plants, tropical ferns, and sculptures.It houses rare plant species from around the world, including Australian tree ferns, orchids, and carnivorous plants. The combination of glass, metalwork, and Victorian architecture makes it a stunning spot for photography.

Access to the gardens is free to visit and often hosts family-friendly events, seasonal workshops, and plant sales, making it a great place to explore year round.

Pollok Country Park & Pollok Gardens

Pollok Country Park is Glasgow’s largest park and a beautiful green space just south of the city center. It’s home to the stunning Pollok House, Pollok Gardens, and the world-famous Burrell Collection. This historic estate offers woodland walks, manicured gardens, Highland cows, and scenic picnic spots, making it a perfect getaway from the busy city.

The Pollok Gardens, located within the park, are formal gardens surrounding Pollok House, filled with vibrant flower displays, sculpted hedges, and elegant fountains.

Glasgow family friendly fun

Most of the tours and experiences mentioned in this article are children friendly so there definitely isn’t a shortage of things for a family to do in Glasgow, but here are a few extras just in case you don’t have enough ideas yet.

Science centre 

The Glasgow Science Centre is one of the UK’s most exciting science and technology museums, packed with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and live science demonstrations. Set along the River Clyde, it’s made up of three main attractions: the Science Mall, IMAX Cinema, and the Glasgow Tower. Whether you're interested in space, physics, biology, or engineering, this is the place to explore the wonders of science in a fun, engaging, and educational way.

The Science Mall features over 300 exhibits, where you can explore physics, robotics, engineering, space, and more. Interactive zones cover topics like human biology, energy, light and sound, and the solar system, making it perfect for both children and adults. Tickets range between £10-15 for children and adults.

Blair Drummond Safari park

Blair Drummond Safari Park is a wildlife park that offers an exciting day out for the whole family. With a unique drive-through safari experience, visitors can get up close and personal with a wide range of animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants. The park also has walk-through enclosures, a petting zoo, and adventure playgrounds, making it the perfect blend of wildlife, fun, and education.

It’s set in over 120 acres of scenic parkland, with seasonal events and activities throughout the year to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

Note that you will need your own car (or rent a car) to do this participate in the drive through safari

Things to do near Glasgow

By now hopefully you’ve seen quite how much there is to do in Glasgow, but there’s just as much to do a stone’s throw away from the city, here are a few of the absolute best day trips from Glasgow.

Highland day trips

You can’t come to Scotland and not see some of its natural beauty; the Highlands are renowned for towering mountains, deep lochs, and vast glens. There are a huge number of things to do in this area but some of the highlights are Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the railway for the Hogwarts’ express).

Whether you want to see castles, lochs, or the fairy pools, there will be a tour leaving Glasgow to take you there (and with any luck bringing you back!).

If you really want to see it all, a multi-day tour of the highlands is your best bet giving you the best exposure to everything that Scotland has to offer!

Edinburgh

Just a short 50 minute train ride away from Glasgow, is Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. Spend a day roaming the castle, pretending to be a royal in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and maybe even going on a ghost tour! Edinburgh has something for everyone and it would be a crime to come to Scotland and not visit it, check out our full Edinburgh guide here.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most important and iconic landmarks, steeped in history and royal significance. Perched on a rocky hilltop, it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a key symbol of Scotland’s past. Once the residence of Scottish kings and queens, it served as the seat of power for centuries, hosting Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI among others. Today, the castle is a major heritage site and museum showcasing Scotland's royal history through interactive exhibits and well-preserved interiors. 

Wander around the castle’s formidable walls, towers, and fortifications, which have withstood centuries of battles. Explore the Castle Esplanade and the historic drawbridge, and take in the panoramic views of Stirling and the Trossachs. Visit the King’s Knot, a ceremonial garden, and see where medieval royal events took place.