Glasgow: The Best Things to Do

Glasgow

Glasgow is a treasure trove of culture, history, and world-class tourist attractions. Centred 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 to 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 memorialized at several places on the Clyde including 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, meanwhile, 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 including the Glasgow School of Art and House for An Art Lover.

Tourists are spoilt for choice in the city as there are a plethora of attractions, with something to suit every taste.

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 lovely 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.

Find places to visit and things to do in Glasgow with these visitor guides.

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Craig Neil

Craig Neil is a travel writer from Edinburgh with a passion for visiting Scotland’s tourist attractions. Over the last 15 years he has explored Scotland from the Shetland Islands to the Scottish Borders, and he shares his travel experiences in Out About Scotland.