Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is a treasure trove of culture, history, and world-class tourist attractions. Located around the River Clyde in the country’s western Lowlands, it’s the largest city in Scotland and the fifth largest in Britain.
Glasgow’s location on the River Clyde played a significant role in its development. The city grew from a small rural settlement on the riverbank in the 6th century to become a major centre of the Scottish Enlightenment by the 18th century.
During the Industrial Revolution, it was a hub for shipbuilding and was known the world over for the ‘Clyde-built’ ships, which helped usher in a new age of trade between far-flung countries. Today, the city is a leader in the fields of digital technology and engineering and is a pioneer in medicine and life sciences.
While the enormous shipyards of yesteryear are now long-gone, they’re memorialised at several places on the Clyde such as the Riverside Museum of Transport and the Finnieston Crane, both of which are just a short walk from the Scottish Event Campus Centre – the largest arena in the country.
The city’s architecture is a testament to its history and forward-thinking design culture. From the grandeur of the Glasgow City Chambers in George Square to the modernist marvel that is the SEC Armadillo, Glasgow’s skyline is truly a sight to behold. This theme runs through the heart of Glasgow and it’s renowned for the works of the celebrated architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh whose unique designs are seen in numerous buildings throughout the city, including the Glasgow School of Art and the House for an Art Lover.
Art enthusiasts will love Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in Europe, and children will have a blast at the Glasgow Science Centre which offers an interactive experience that both educates and entertains.
For those who appreciate natural beauty, Glasgow is a must-visit. The city is home to over 90 parks and gardens, the highlight being Pollok Country Park which features lengthy cycle routes, the historic Pollok House, and the fascinating Burrell Collection – a world-class museum with over 9,000 objects on display.
Finally, no visit to Glasgow would be complete without exploring its vibrant food and drink scene. From traditional Scottish fare to international cuisine, the city’s restaurants and pubs are guaranteed to be a delight for foodies, especially in the West End which is highly regarded for its trendy cafes, teahouses, and bistros.
Subcategories
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14 Free Things to Do in Glasgow
Visiting Scotland’s tourist attractions can be an expensive business, especially for those visitors travelling with a family. In this article you will discover a list of completely free-to-visit attractions in Glasgow that are suitable for all ages, including historic buildings, walking routes, museums, and public parks.
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Fascinating Facts About Glasgow
From the attractions on the River Clyde to the exciting buzz of the city centre you’re guaranteed to find something to do in Glasgow. Discover a collection of fascinating facts about the city in this article that covers everything from its history to its tourist attractions.
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Gallery of Modern Art Visitor Guide
The Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art (known locally as the GOMA) features temporary and permanent exhibitions of Scotland’s greatest modern artworks. The gallery is located in a former city mansion and is regarded as one of the finest collections of modern art in Scotland. Discover the GOMA with this complete visitor guide.
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George Square Visitor Guide
George Square is the main civic centre in Glasgow. The square hosts several major events throughout the year and is home to many historical monuments. Glasgow’s main war memorial is sited at one end of the square in front of the Glasgow City Council Chamber and attractions including the city’s modern art gallery are within…
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Glasgow Botanic Gardens Visitor Guide
The ever-popular Glasgow Botanic Gardens are a green oasis of plant life from across the globe located right in the heart of the city on Great Western Road. There are several attractions in the gardens including a Victorian glasshouse, a large tropical greenhouse, a café, lawns, and a maze of paths through trees and flowerbeds.…
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Glasgow Cathedral Visitor Guide
The beautiful 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in Glasgow and it is the most complete medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland. The cathedral is open to the public and is centrally located between the Glasgow Necropolis and St. Mungo’s Museum.
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Glasgow City Centre Mural Trail Visitor Guide
The Glasgow city centre mural trail takes walkers on an interesting route through the city centre to view giant public artworks that have been painted on buildings and walls. Discover this fascinating trail in this complete guide which provides an overview as well as handy visiting advice.
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Glasgow Green Visitor Guide
Glasgow Green is a 55-acre park set in the centre of Glasgow. It is the oldest park in the city and is also home to the People’s Palace social history museum. Popular events including the TRNSMT music festival and the World Pipe Band Championships are staged in the park annually while the remainder of the…
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Glasgow Necropolis Visitor Guide
The Necropolis is a Victorian garden cemetery sited on a hill overlooking Glasgow Cathedral. It is the final resting place of fifty thousand people and it was one of the first multi-faith graveyards in the world. The Necropolis is well-known for the elaborate monuments and gravestones that cover the 37-acre site. It is free to…
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Glasgow Science Centre Visitor Guide
The Glasgow Science Centre is situated on the River Clyde waterfront in Glasgow. The family-friendly attraction features a science mall, a 127-metre viewing tower and an IMAX cinema. Discover one of Glasgow’s top tourist attractions with this guide which features an overview and useful visiting advice.
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Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum Visitor Guide
Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is the highlight of Kelvingrove Park, the 84-acre green area in the centre of the city. The museum features a vast number of exhibits sourced from around the world in a series of themed exhibition spaces. Discover this fascinating attraction with this complete guide which features an overview, visiting…
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Kelvingrove Park Visitor Guide
Kelvingrove Park is located in the West End of Glasgow. The public park features Kelvingrove Museum, the River Kelvin, and the Stewart Fountain. Visitors can enjoy 85 acres of parkland that feature an array of flowerbeds, wide expanses of lawn, historic monuments, children’s play parks, ponds and sports venues. Discover Kelvingrove Park with this complete…
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Pollok Country Park Visitor Guide
Pollok Country Park is one of the largest public parks in Scotland. This award-winning green space is located two miles south of Glasgow city centre and is easily accessible by car, train and bus. The park was named Britain’s best in 2007 and was named best in Europe in 2008. Highlights include Pollok House with…
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Riverside Museum of Transport Visitor Guide
The Riverside Museum of Transport showcases transport memorabilia from across the globe. It is located next to The Tall Ship on the River Clyde at Pointhouse Place in Glasgow. Visitors can view exhibits including steam trains, historic cars, trams, motorbikes and much more. Entry is free. Discover Glasgow’s Riverside Museum of Transport with this visitor…
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Scottish Event Campus Visitor Guide
The Glasgow SECC is Scotland’s largest exhibition arena. It is located close to the banks of the River Clyde in the centre of Glasgow and is easily reached via the city’s subway stations and bus stops. The SECC has three main buildings – the Armadillo, the Hydro, and the SEC Centre. Discover the SECC with…
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St. Mungo Museum of Religion Visitor Guide
The St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is located near Glasgow Cathedral where it showcases a varied collection of religious artefacts from across the globe. The museum offers a very good café and gift shop in addition to the displays and exhibits in its multi-level historic building. Discover Glasgow’s St. Mungo Museum with…
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The Best Itinerary for a Weekend in Glasgow
Glasgow is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Scotland and it’s frequently voted one of the best tourist cities in the world. Discover a collection of the top attractions you can see on a weekend break in Glasgow with this detailed guide that will take you from Kelvingrove Museum to the Glasgow Necropolis and…
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The Best Things to Do in Glasgow City Centre
Glasgow is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, music, or food, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do in this dynamic Scottish city. in this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top…
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The Best Things to Do in Glasgow for Adults
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and is famous for its superb collection of free attractions that include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum of Transport, and Glasgow Cathedral. Discover the best attractions for adults in Glasgow with this complete visitor guide which includes overviews of the top places, a map,…
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The Best Things to Do in Glasgow for Couples
There’s a lot to like about Glasgow. Not only is it Scotland’s largest city but it’s also home to a dizzying number of world-class art galleries, museums, theatres and music venues. Take a look at the best attractions in Glasgow for couples with this article which features overviews of the top places to visit and…
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The Best Things to Do in Glasgow With Children
In this article you will discover the best places to take children in the bustling city of Glasgow, which is famous for the wide range of superb attractions and activities it offers. The renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the educational and fun Riverside Museum of Transport, and the historic Tall Ship are just a…
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The Burrell Collection Visitor Guide
The Burrell Collection – located in Pollok Country Park – is one of Glasgow’s largest free museums. The collection of artworks was donated to the city by Sir William Burrell in 1944 and is now cared for by a charity. There are more than 9,000 objects in The Burrell Collection including tapestries, paintings, sculptures, weaponry,…
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The Hunterian Museum Visitor Guide
The Hunterian Museum, located in the University of Glasgow, features a collection of exhibits from the fields of zoology, geology, archaeology, and more. The museum is a popular free attraction that’s often overlooked by visiting tourists as it is located within the city’s university complex. Discover the Hunterian Museum with this complete visitor guide.
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The Tall Ship Visitor Guide
The Tall Ship is a 19th-century fully-restored sailing ship and museum moored up at Pointhouse Quay next to The Riverside Transport Museum in Glasgow. The floating museum features a restored interior with authentic displays of life at sea in the Victorian era. The attraction also houses a shop and a café. It is currently free…
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