Things to Do in Glasgow When It’s Raining

“If the Friendly City is known for the warmth and sunny disposition of its residents, it’s probably because they do a good job of compensating for the weather. Glasgow does see its share of sun, but more than its share of rain – fortunately, though, that means the city is well-set-up for it and no less fun. Here are the best things to do in Glasgow when it’s raining.

Discover Glasgow’s Museums
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Glasgow’s diverse range of museums and galleries means there are plenty of choices to keep you occupied. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has an outstanding collection of Old Masters paintings, as well as works by local greats the Glasgow Boys, plus natural history, astrology and a Spitfire. Alternatively, there’s the Riverside Museum, the Science Centre and the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). For something different, try the award-winning Glasgow Police Museum, which gives an enlightening history of the UK’s oldest police force.

Sample Scottish Whisky
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One way of warming yourself up on bad-weather days is with a dram or three of Scotland’s finest whiskies. Head down to the docks for a tour of the Clydeside Distillery where you’ll hear the story of how this urban distillery first began, then watch the artisans at work before trying a few 10-year-old single malts for yourself. To brighten your day further, there’s an option to pair whisky with artisan chocolates on a gourmet tour.

Watch a Kinetic Sculpture Theatre Performance
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It may not be the most obvious attraction in Glasgow, but the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is a quirky thing to do here when it rains. Russian metalworker Eduard Bersudsky and theatre director Tatyana Jakovskaya made a series of characters, carvings and scrap metal sculptures into a weird, wonderful and sometimes haunting story of the human spirit set to music. If it’s still raining outside after the 45-minute show, stay in the Trongate 103 arts centre a little longer to explore the galleries.

Go Shopping at an Indoor Arcade
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Glasgow has some excellent shopping and, happily for wet-weather days, a lot of it is indoors. The Style Mile is a hub of malls and high-street favourites in the city centre with plenty of places to eat too. Start at the Buchanan Galleries, then move on to Princes Square or browse the jewellers in the 19th-century-style Argyll Arcade. If you’ve got kids in tow, head to the St Enoch Centre for the Disney Store and Hamleys, then stop for a Kimble’s hot chocolate.

Catch a Movie
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Snuggling up in a comfy seat with a warm bag of popcorn is a great way to spend a rainy day, and there are several cinemas to choose from. The Grosvenor is an independent cinema along the cobbled West End lanes. Its location means you’re also surrounded by plenty of excellent (also independent) restaurants, pubs and bars if you decide to make a night of it. Glasgow also has numerous multiplex cinemas, and the IMAX at the Science Centre shows both blockbusters and immersive 3D experiences.

Take Afternoon Tea on a Vintage Bus
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For a unique tour of the city, hop on the Red Bus Bistro to drink tea and eat scones while being driven around the top tourist sites. Yes, the views might be better if it wasn’t raining, but this is Glasgow – it rains a lot – so at least you’ll see it all without needing a brolly. If the afternoon tea doesn’t appeal, choose a tour with pizza and prosecco, cocktails, or Italian antipasti and wine.

Book it: Glasgow Gin Tea Vintage Bus Tour

Tread the Boards at the Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
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Stan Laurel made his debut in this Victorian music hall, which is now is a hidden attraction in the Merchant City area. From Tuesday to Saturday the exhibition is open until 5pm, with volunteers who’ll regale you with stories of the theatre’s colourful past. If the experience inspires you, book tickets later for one of Glasgow’s many other theatres – the Theatre Royal, King’s Theatre, Citizen’s Theatre or the Tron Theatre all have a year-round schedule.

Follow the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Trail
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There’s no shortage of works by Glaswegian architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh to see during your stay. While many of them have a splendid facade, you can use rainy days to appreciate the indoors as well. Start at Scotland Street School Museum to discover what it was like to go to school here in years gone by, then head to the Queen’s Cross Church to catch an afternoon concert. Later visit the collection at the Mackintosh House, then have afternoon tea at Mackintosh at the Willow.

Visit Glasgow Cathedral
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Leave your brolly at the door and go inside Glasgow’s medieval cathedral to explore its shadowy interiors. In summer there are guided tours Monday to Friday, or simply wander through by yourself to see the Gothic architecture, stain glass windows and the tomb of St Mungo. If the rain clears, take a walk to the necropolis on the hill behind the cathedral for excellent views across the city.

Find a place to stay with our selection of hotels in Glasgow.”