Glasgow Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
George Square which includes a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Glasgow Travel Guide Video

A hotspot for live music venues and surrounded by natural beauty, this port city is an exciting hub of Scottish culture and art.

Glasgow stretches along the River Clyde with art nouveau and Victorian architecture among contemporary art and cultural spaces. Visit Glasgow and on any one day you could discover the paintings of Dutch Old Masters, explore edgy street art and study dinosaur skeletons. Along the way, the UNESCO City of Music offers acclaimed entertainment and a thriving food scene.

Time your trip with the annual Glasgow International Comedy Festival or the World Pipe Band Championships. A gift from Japan, cherry blossom trees burst into bloom across the city in spring. Along with Christmas markets and ice rinks, the winter festive season brings fabulous shows to iconic venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Things to do in Glasgow

As you explore the Glasgow City Centre, follow the Mural Trail to see brilliant urban artworks across walls and rail arches. Discover statues of famous Scots in George Square and get ready to shop till you drop nearby. Largely pedestrianised, Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street join Princes Square for retail therapy. It’s hard to miss the medieval majesty of Glasgow Cathedral. Go inside to see stunning stained-glass windows.

Stroll through the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, with the wrought iron-framed Kibble Palace glasshouse that’s home to the national collection of tree ferns. If you’re travelling with children, there’s a playground and plenty of green space for running around. Continue to the riverside walk and you’ll reach Kelvingrove Park and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

On the outskirts of the city, Pollok Country Park has been home to herds of Highland cattle since 1830. Walk across the network of trails through parklands and woodlands. Then, admire the Burrell Collection in an award-winning building in the centre of the park. Among around 9,000 objects, you’ll see works from Rodin and late medieval art.

History and culture in Glasgow

Set aside a few hours to visit the oldest public museum in Scotland, The Hunterian. Fascinating collections include medieval armour and ethnographic items from Captain Cook’s voyages. Thousands of exhibits display everything from French Impressionist paintings to a taxidermy called Sir Roger the Elephant. GoMA is the home of the city’s vast modern and contemporary art collection, located in Royal Exchange Square.

Transport fans flock to the Riverside Museum, with a three-masted, 1896 sailing ship called the Glenlee moored outside. Head inside to gaze at steam engines and tramcars among vintage car displays. Set in Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest public space, the People’s Palace offers a glimpse at Glasgow’s social history with interactive displays and photographs. For something unique that’ll thrill kids and big kids alike, visit Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Animated kinetic installation art pieces perform inspiring shows, telling stories with synchronised sound and light.

Dining and nightlife in Glasgow

When you visit Glasgow, be sure to try all the Scottish classics, such as haggis then cranachan for dessert, in traditional pubs. Or indulge at fine dining restaurants where international dishes are made with fresh, seasonal produce. Take a guided food walking tour through the lively West End or simply take your appetite to Ashton Lane. The cobbled, pedestrian street is lined with restaurants, pubs, bars and a cinema.

Merchant Square is another drinking and dining hub that hosts events and fairs on the weekend. Catch a live music concert at a dazzling array of venues. The OVO Hydro hosts many of the world’s top performers. Book tickets at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for classical and traditional music. From rocking nightclubs to whisky bars and basement pubs, nightlife in and around the city centre is among the UK’s best.

Getting around Glasgow

Fly into Glasgow Airport and drive or take the express bus service to be in the city centre in about 15 minutes. With the subway, trains and buses, Glasgow’s public transport system ensures it’s easy to get around. However, the city centre is compact and walkable, with many attractions close to hotels. Bike rental and share systems are available should you decide to make use of the network of cycling trails to see the sights on two wheels.

Where to stay in Glasgow

George Square which includes a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

City Centre Glasgow

4/5(1,965 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in City Centre Glasgow. Check out top attractions like Buchanan Street and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and jump on the metro at Buchanan Street Station or St Enoch Station to see more of the city.

City Centre Glasgow
Glasgow featuring dining out and interior views

Glasgow Westend

4.5/5(590 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Glasgow Westend. Check out top attractions like OVO Hydro and Kelvingrove Park, and jump on the metro at Hillhead Station or Kelvinhall Station to see more of the city.

Glasgow Westend
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum showing art and interior views

North West

4/5(49 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in North West. Check out top attractions like OVO Hydro and Botanic Gardens, and jump on the metro at Hillhead Station or Kelvinbridge Station to see more of the city.

North West
People\'s Palace and Winter Gardens showing interior views

East End

4/5(12 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in East End. You might want to make time for a stop at Celtic Park or Emirates Arena.

East End
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North Glasgow

4/5(5 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in North Glasgow. You might want to make time for a stop at Hillside Path or Spinal Chord.

North Glasgow

Pollokshields

4/5(14 area reviews)

When in Pollokshields, you can plan a visit to OVO Hydro and Queen's Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pollokshields
Motel One Glasgow
Motel One Glasgow
3.5 out of 5
78-82 Oswald Street, Glasgow, Scotland
The price is £69 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£69
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Glasgow. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,280 reviews)
"Reception staff very welcoming. Last minute booking due to cancelled train. Extremely close to Glasgow Central train station."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Motel One Glasgow
Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow
Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow
4 out of 5
80 Jamaica Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £80 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
£80
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Glasgow. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,636 reviews)
"the hotel was nice, room very comfortable. Shower was nice as was the bed. Nice view of the river. Staff was friendly and nice. Food in the restaurant/bar area was just so so, nothing spectacular. Overall, I'd stay here again for the location"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow
Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
4 out of 5
50 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, Scotland
The price is £80 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£80
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Glasgow. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,507 reviews)
Excellent hotel, service and food
"What a lovely hotel, rooms are spacious and comfy. Great shower! Reception staff are very helpful, extremely friendly. Bar staff weee also friendly and kind. We had a Fantastic stay. Thank you"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central
Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central
4 out of 5
5 DIXON STREET, Glasgow, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Glasgow. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (455 reviews)
"Modern, clean apartment with lots of room and comfy beds. We stayed here with 3 very yojng children and it was perfect."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central
Native Glasgow
Native Glasgow
4 out of 5
14 St Vincent Place, Glasgow, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Glasgow. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (805 reviews)
"Ideally placed in the heart of the city, near transport, food and entertainment venues. Very well equipped for a studio apartment with extremely comfortable mattress and bedding. Can improve on in-house and breakfast offerings."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Native Glasgow
Fraser Suites Glasgow
Fraser Suites Glasgow
4 out of 5
1-19 Albion Street Merchant City, Glasgow, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Glasgow. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,866 reviews)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, the rooms were well equipped, clean and spacious, the staff were very friendly. However we stayed thurs-Sunday and the music was very loud from the bar next door until 3am."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Fraser Suites Glasgow
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Glasgow

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1041
" "5 - Excellent 51.17994100294985%
4 - Good
763
" "4 - Good 37.51229105211406%
3 - Okay
169
" "3 - Okay 8.308751229105212%
2 - Disappointing
45
" "2 - Disappointing 2.2123893805309733%
1 - Terrible
16
" "1 - Terrible 0.7866273352999017%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
21 Mar 2020

My Scottish London. Always a pleasure to visit an something different to do everytime.... Will be back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Mar 2020

Plenty to see in the city itself. convenient roads out of the city to visit nearby attractions such as Falkirk and Loch Lomond

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Mar 2020

We enjoyed our brief break. The hotel was easy to find & taxis were plentiful for when we needed to venture further into Glasgow for food. The people in Glasgow are so helpful and kind and they made our mini-trip all the better.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

A fantastic time to be had from a visit to this great city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Mar 2020

Fantastic riverside museum!! Just an amazing place

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

Great city, great shopping. You should try it! There is life north of Watford. 

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