From music tours to world-class art collections, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in the city. Below, we explore some of our favourite things to do in Glasgow.
Finding the best things to do in Glasgow
Whether it's fun things to do for young adults, older couples or lone adventurers, Glasgow has something for everyone to build a fun-filled itinerary.
Historical attractions in Glasgow
Glasgow Cathedral, a beacon of the city's historical charm, stands tall against the skyline. This Gothic marvel showcases the intricacies of medieval design, its spires reaching towards the heavens.
A short walk away, you're ushered into the realm of Provand's Lordship.
The timbered essence of Glasgow's oldest house feels like stepping into a time machine, where every nook and corner reflects the 15th-century way of life. Exploring these two places offers a comprehensive view of Glasgow's history.
Things to do for families in Glasgow
For fun things to do in Glasgow with kids, you’ll want to start at the Riverside Museum for a deep dive into Glasgow's industrial heritage.
Rows of historic trams and steam engines recreate scenes from a time when the city was rapidly transforming. These engaging exhibits will both inform and inspire children of all ages.
Beyond this hub of human invention, nature calls at Pollok Country Park. It's a spot of green serenity amidst Glasgow’s urban hustle. Walk its trails, enjoy the breeze and keep your eyes peeled for the resident Highland cows. This is an area where adults can unwind and children have plenty of room to play.
Glasgow’s largest park is also home to the Burrell Collection, scenic river scenes, cycle routes, woodland walks, an adventure playpark, old stables, a fairy trail, and more.
The Burrell Collection reopened in spring 2023 following a major refurbishment, which transformed it into a greener, more modern and more accessible museum.
Tours in Glasgow
Glasgow has numerous bus, bike, and walking tours across a range of subjects.
For an overview of the city’s top landmarks and attractions, then the City Sightseeing Bus is ideal. The tour operates all year round and has 22 stops, with informative commentary on board about the city’s history, architecture and places to visit.
Looking for something more niche? Two city centre walking tours that come highly rated are the Glasgow City Music Tour and the City Centre Mural Trail. The music tour takes you on a journey through the musical history of an iconic music city.
Meanwhile, you can take a self-guided tour of the huge murals or join a group tour by Walking Tours in Glasgow and hear stories from experts about these colourful pieces of street art.
Romantic things to do in Glasgow
The allure of Ashton Lane is undeniable and certainly worth visiting. As you wander its cobbled path, the ambient glow of the twinkling fairy lights that run along its course creates a charming atmosphere.
The lane is also dotted with cosy pubs and charming restaurants, ensuring a romantic meal for two is never far away.
Glasgow Green offers the chance to enjoy a quiet moment together. Here, you can enjoy the many walking routes set adjacent to the River Clyde. The park is known for its monuments including the People's Palace, a museum and glasshouse that is currently being refurbished.
Musical things to do in Glasgow
As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow has a lively and varied music scene.
Experience the city's musical heartbeat at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut. Nestled in the vibrant St. Vincent Street, this venue is steeped in history and has hosted early gigs of now global bands. It's locally considered a rite of passage for budding artists.
You can also see global artists at the OVO Hydro arena or join one of Glasgow’s hottest spots at the Barrowland Ballroom.
For festivals, there’s the world music festival, Celtic Connections, in January as well as the star-studded TRNSMT, which takes over Glasgow Green in the summer months.
Sporty things to do in Glasgow
Celtic Park stands monumental in Glasgow's east end, offering not just football matches, but complete cultural immersion. On the opposite side of the city stands the Ibrox stadium. The homes of these two footballing rivals create a palpable sense of community that encapsulates the spirit of Glasgow's football legacy.
Plan your Glasgow trip with Avanti
Dive into the many things to do in Glasgow and start planning your trip with our Avanti app. With no booking fees, live timetable updates and instant amendments to your travel itinerary, you can be confident you can enjoy all the fun of Glasgow with ease.
