Glasgow houses some of the best tourist attractions in Scotland, with most of them free! Explore the diverse, unique offerings and neighborhoods of this Scottish city depending on your mood and the time you have in hand. Choose to shop, dine, and get unique experiences through Glasgow tourist attractions. Being the core of Scotland’s cultural scene, Glasgow is home to countless treasures housed in its art galleries and fascinating museums. We have collated a list of fun things to do in Glasgow, Scotland, to enlighten all moods.
City Centre Mural Trail
One of the top Glasgow tourist attractions showcasing the marvelous art scenery in the city. The walls and corners of the city center are decorated, adding a unique vibrancy to the location. The fascinating collections from renowned artists like Ejek, Art Pistol, and Ali Wyllie – will feature in every Glasgow sightseeing itinerary list. In addition, the easy walking trail displays fascinating artwork that will capture the attention of any tourist or visitors passing by. The murals have been placed on shop units, buildings, and hoardings.
Glasgow Cathedral
A classical Glasgow sightseeing attraction forms the core blocks of the Glasgow heritage. The St. Mungo Cathedral or the High Kirk of Glasgow is a 12th-century classic whose exteriors and interiors are equally ravishing and resemble being dropped from a giant mold. The main hotspots include the south transept, Blackadder’s Aisle, inspired by the first bishop of Glasgow, and the grand room named crypt housing the tomb of St. Mungo, the founder of the bishopric.
Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
The oldest public Scottish museum is a perfect example of wonderful artwork, science, and history—one of the best Glasgow tourist attractions featured in every itinerary. The vast collections include the permanent gallery dedicated to the Antonine Wall, the final frontier of Rome, the finest artwork of Rembrandt’s Entombment, and iconic collections of James McNeill Whistler. In addition, browse through the revolutionary scientific discoveries and several paleontological, geological, and zoological specimens.
Glasgow School of Art
This art academy is heaven for all the art lovers out there. Displaying replicas of fine architecture, the designer’s reputation, Charles Mackintosh, has further been enhanced. The grand west façade dominates the oriel windows that are 65 feet high, with the small windows on the east front reminding us of the ancient Scottish castles. Some of the most popular rooms here include the Principal Room, the first room designed by Mackintosh, a unique library, and an art gallery featuring Mackingtosh’s works and influence, including his furniture and other works.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
One of the most popular Glasgow tourist attractions is millions of tourists and visitors each year. Home to antique 8,000+ exhibits from Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John of the Cross to World War II Spitfire. Explore among ancient armors, dinosaur ruins, and mesmerizing works by the Dutch Old Masters, Scottish Colourists, and French Impressionists. Taxidermy of Sir Roger the Elephant standing 10.5 feet tall is the highlight of the place.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Spread lavishly over 50 acres of lush green spaces right in the heart of the west end, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the Kibble Palace, an iron-framed Victorian glasshouse stuffed with exotic trees ferns are hot tourist hotspots. The other 11 balmy glasshouses house a wonderful collection of rare orchids and begonias. Follow the walking trail to reach the riverside walk with incredible and picturesque natural vistas for a relaxing walk.
George Square and the Merchant District
George Square is decorated with gorgeous flowers and houses 12 famous statues of renowned personalities like Walter Scott, Queen Victoria, and Robbie Burns. The Town Hall and the 230 feet tower dominate the east end. The southern end is decorated with 19th-century warehouses housing cafes, designer boutiques, and restaurants—a popular Glasgow tourist attraction in the winters with vibrant Christmas lights decorating the entire landscape.
Riverside Museum
One of the fun things to do in Glasgow especially designed for the kids. An award-winning museum provides a deeper insight into transport history, from tramcars and rigid buses to vintage cars and steam engines. These are placed in a fascinating building that popular architect, Zaha Hadid, has beautifully designed. Locally referred to as “Glasgow Guggenheim,” the Riverside Museum features 3,000 exhibits. The exterior landscape is decorated by Glenlee, a three-masted barque made of steel, and one of the five sailing ships built on River Clyde.
Pollok Country Park
Spread lavishly over an area of 360 acres; the Pollok Country Park decorates the Southern outskirt landscapes of Glasgow city. You can notice the Highland cattle herds who have been bred since 1830 when you enter the park. Easy navigation signs decorate the woodland paths, gardens, and tranquil parkland. Check out the Burrell collection that houses popular artists like Cezanne, Degas, and Rodin, along with Chinese and Islamic artwork. You can also check out the admirable Spanish art collection at the stately home of Pollok house.
Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre
One of the best things to do in Glasgow is to visit the weird world of kinetic sculptures housed in the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatres. A magical toyshop destination houses a beautiful collection of toys as these characters come to life with theatrical performances with enticing music and equally vibrant lighting. One of the fun things to do in Glasgow is if you have kids along with you, celebrating the circle of life and the human spirit.