glasgow travel guardian

A weekend in Glasgow: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Everything you need to know for a break in Scotland’s city of culture

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1. Why you should visit Glasgow

2. top attractions: things to see and do, 3. hotels and accommodation: where to stay, 4. restaurants, bars, pubs and whisky: where to eat and drink, 5. transport: how to get there, 6. what the locals say….

Most visitors to Scotland will fly into the capital city Edinburgh before “dashing out to explore a slice of the Highlands”, either to Loch Ness or the Isle of Skye, said Barometer Earthstar on Medium . But “I am here to convince you” that Glasgow is “not to be overlooked”. Sure, Scotland’s biggest city “doesn’t have an Arthur’s Seat”, or an “imposing Castle”, but it “more than makes up for this in other ways”.

Glasgow’s new-look Burrell Collection: one of Britain’s great museums is back A weekend in Edinburgh: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Scotland’s “funniest and most unpredictable” city has long lived in Edinburgh ’s shadow when it comes to tourism, said Jamie Lafferty in The Times . “Part of this comes from its reputation”. It never seems quite able to “shake its clichés, nor, in truth, does it entirely want to”. From the “often fierce” Old Firm rivalry of its football teams, Rangers and Celtic, to its “symbiotic relationship” with alcohol, “Glesga” always seems to be trying to overcome adversity.

There is no doubt though that “vibrant” and “creative” Glasgow is Scotland’s city of culture, said Kayleigh Dray on Stylist . Visitors can enjoy museums, galleries, cocktail bars, cafes, restaurants, green spaces, comedy clubs, music venues, shopping districts and breath-taking architecture.

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With “in-your-face inner city swagger” and a “rip-roaring” restaurant scene, Glasgow “delivers a knockout kiss”, said Mike MacEacheran in The Independent . It’s a “dream destination” for a city break, “no matter where you’re coming from”.

You will “for sure” love Glasgow, said VoyageTrips.com . One of the “most dynamic” and “modern” cities in the UK, it has been awarded “City of Culture”, “City of Architecture and Design”, and “City of Sport”.

Arts, museums and nightlife

There are so many things to see and do in Glasgow, especially the “fantastic” art galleries and “amazing” street art, said Jessica Norah on the Independent Travel Cats blog.

All the major museums and art galleries in Glasgow are free to visit . Must-visit attractions include the Gallery Of Modern Art, the centre for Glasgow’s extensive modern and contemporary art collection, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which features 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying 8,000 objects. Described by Gabrielle Schwarz in The Daily Telegraph as a “remarkable museum”, The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park has reopened to the public after a six-year, £68m refurbishment.

As well as the galleries and museums, you can also find “one of most vibrant music scenes in the UK”, said Lafferty in The Times. It’s also “incontestably” the best night out anywhere in Scotland.

Buildings and architecture

With its “rare timelessness” and “dark, imposing interior”, Glasgow Cathedral is a “shining example of Gothic architecture”, said Lonely Planet . And unlike nearly all of Scotland’s cathedrals, it “survived the turmoil of the Reformation mobs almost intact” because the Protestants decided to repurpose it for their own worship. “Most of the current building dates from the 15th century.”

Glasgow showcases a number of impressive buildings that should be on every traveller’s bucket list, said Trip101.com . Once home to the Glasgow Herald newspaper, The Lighthouse is today known as Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture. The Beaux Arts-style Glasgow City Chambers building in George Square is “so impressive both inside and out” that it has been used as a film set for various movies such as An Englishman Abroad and The House of Mirth .

Parks and open spaces

Its Gaelic name, literally the “Dear Green Place”, is apt given its 70 parks and open spaces, said Barbara Radcliffe Rogers on PlanetWare.com . Located in the heart of the historic Victorian city centre, the “flower-bedecked” George Square is home to 12 statues of famous people associated with the city, including Robbie Burns, Walter Scott, and Queen Victoria. And next to Glasgow Cathedral is the Necropolis, a 37-acre Victorian Gothic garden cemetery that has been famously described as a “city of the dead”.

One of the best things to do in Glasgow is to escape to Pollok Country Park, said TimeOut . This slice of “gorgeous countryside” is just a rather scenic ten minutes away from Glasgow Central and once there, get the “blood pumping with a stroll through serene surroundings, followed by some cooing over the Highland cows and Clydesdale horses”.

One of the “prettiest green spaces” you’ll spy in Glasgow is the Botanic Gardens, which is “filled to the brim” with history, botany and fine architecture.

From smart Georgian mansions to country house retreats, Glasgow “has it all”, said MacEacheran in The Independent . Kimpton Blythswood Square offers “best for glamour”; Native Glasgow “best for art deco”; CitizenM “best for Generation Z”; and ABode Glasgow is “best for shopaholics”.

If a luxury boutique is what you’re after then the Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens offers a “country house vibe, opulent rooms and an award-winning restaurant”, said The Telegraph . It’s also the “connoisseur’s choice”, and that of “a galaxy of A-list celebrities”.

For the “best in affordable luxury” and “top quality cuisine”, head for Dakota Glasgow, said The Luxury Editor . Just steps from Sauchiehall Street, “you couldn’t be closer” to the city centre pubs, restaurants, clubs and theatres.

Restaurants

Two restaurants in Glasgow city – Unalome by Graeme Cheevers, and Cail Bruich – have one star awarded by the Michelin Guide . Unalome by Graeme Cheevers on Kelvingrove Street has a “boldness and a sophistication to the cooking” and it’s well worth going for the full tasting menu and the thoughtfully considered wine pairings. At Cail Bruich on Great Western Road, guests are drawn by Lorna McNee’s “refined, confident cooking”. To see her skills in action, book the kitchen counter and choose the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Four restaurants – Celentano’s (Italian), Ox and Finch (Mediterranean), Ka Pao (Asian), and Monadh Kitchen (Modern British) – have been awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin .

Fancy a pint or three? Thankfully, Glasgow has plenty of pubs to pick from, said TimeOut . The Belle is one of the West End’s “cosiest wee pubs” while “modern Scottish” The Gate is one of Glasgow’s newer pubs and has “already become the talk around town”. It has everything from high-quality craft beers and an expanding selection of gin to more 160 whiskies and “unbelievably good toasties”.

It might not be Scotland’s whisky capital, but Glasgow’s got a “whisky scene all its own, featuring some of the country’s finest institutes”, said Stewart Craigon on the World Whisky Day website. Some of the best places to enjoy a dram include The Ben Nevis Bar in Finnieston and The Lismore Bar in Partick, which have a great selection of whisky. For Craigon, the “Holy Grail of whisky bars” is The Pot Still, which is “one of the finest whisky bars I have ever visited”.

Glasgow Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport and serves more than 30 airlines and 120 destinations worldwide. Located around 20 minutes from the city, the Glasgow Airport Express service 500 goes to and from Buchanan Bus Station in the centre.

As well as flights visitors can also take direct trains from a number of different towns and cities across the UK, including the Caledonian Sleeper service between Glasgow Central and London Euston. The city has two main stations: Glasgow Central Station, which links Glasgow to the south; and Glasgow Queen Street Station, which operates routes mainly to Edinburgh and the north.

Artist Annie Hutchinson has “fallen in love” with Glasgow since moving there to live and work. In her local’s guide on The Guardian , she picked out the iconic Barras market as somewhere you can buy “literally anything”. It’s such a “magical, motley collection” of things for sale and there’s “something special” about this whole area.

In his TV show Parts Unknown , the late American chef Anthony Bourdain controversially characterised Glasgow as somewhere to go “ for a beer and a beating ”, said Claire Boyle on Rough Guides . Bourdain poked “good-natured fun” at the city’s notoriety, where the “drinking culture looms large and the language is colourful”. However, he also represented Glasgow’s lesser-known highlights: its charms and culinary delights. “This is the side of the city you need to discover,” Boyle said.

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Mike Starling is the digital features editor at The Week, where he writes content and edits the Arts & Life and Sport website sections and the Food & Drink and Travel newsletters. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon. 

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Glasgow Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Glasgow is a former industrial city reviving itself as an art and tech hub. As the first UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow is a hot spot for live music, from larger, famous venues like The Barrowlands, to free gigs from up-and-coming musicians at the local pub.

A bustling and expanding city with a university, I really loved my time here. It was a lot different than I expected and I had a lot of fun. With plenty of parks, walking trails, historical monuments, outdoor tours, and free museums, there is plenty to do on a budget. I loved the vibe here; the city was lively and fun.

While Edinburgh may be the capital, Glasgow exemplifies the urban soul of Scotland , and shouldn’t be missed.

This travel guide to Glasgow can help you save money and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Glasgow

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Glasgow

1. People watch at George Square

Located in the heart of the city, this park is the perfect place to eat, people watch, and admire the architecture of the nearby Victorian buildings. The square, which opened in the 1780s, is a hub for all sorts of local activities such as holiday parades, Christmas festivals, and concerts.

2. Relax in Glasgow Green

Founded in the 15th century, the park was initially used for livestock grazing. Spanning over 130 acres, today the park has a lot of riverfront walking paths, the People’s Palace (a small museum on the city’s history), a football green, and tons of little places to picnic or nap.

3. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Opened in 1901, this museum hosts an extensive collection of art. There are 22 galleries within the museum with exhibits ranging from ancient Egypt to Renaissance art to French Impressionists. There are some popular temporary exhibitions as well.

4. Spend the day at the Loch

Located an hour from the city is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The park covers almost 2,000 square kilometers and is home to mountains and lots of wildlife. It’s a nice place to hike for the day or visit for a longer period with a campervan or tent.

5. See Glasgow Cathedral

Built in 1136, the Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in the city and a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Compared to other cathedrals (which are usually more ornate) the interior rather austere. Nevertheless, I think it’s a must-see. It’s free to visit.

Other Things to See and Do in Glasgow

1. take a free walking tour.

Whenever I arrive in a new city, I like to take a free walking tour. They’re an insightful way to get the lay of the land and learn about a city’s culture and history. Glasgow Gander runs tours a few times a week that cover all the major highlights. The tours last 2-3 hours and are free (just be sure to tip your guide at the end).

2. Shop at The Barras Market

The Barras is a weekend market in Glasgow that dates to the 1920s. Its name stems from the Glaswegian word from “barrow” (as in wheelbarrow) as the original market vendors sold their goods from handcarts. The weekend market is held both indoors and outdoors, offering food, clothing, furniture, antiques, and other goods. It can get a little crowded so it’s best to visit in the morning when the crowds are thinner. The market is open Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am-4:30pm while the nearby shops (the actual stores in and around the market) are open daily.

3. Visit the University of Glasgow

The university was founded in 1451 and is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It played an important role in the Scottish Enlightenment in the 18th century, boasting famous alumni like economist Adam Smith and James Wilson (one of the Founding Fathers of the US). While you can wander the grounds for free, campus volunteers offer hour-long tours from Tuesday-Saturday that explain the history and architecture of the university. Tours are 10 GBP and need to be booked in advance.

4. Wander through the Gallery of Modern Art

Opened in 1996, this is Scotland’s most-visited art gallery. Personally, modern art is not my cup of tea, but this museum does a solid job of making the works accessible and enjoyable. There are paintings, photos, and sculptures from both local and international artists, including works by Andy Warhol. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are also rotating temporary exhibits so be sure to check the website to see what’s available. Admission is free (the temporary exhibits cost extra).

5. See a football match

Glasgow is famous for its love of football (soccer). The city has four professional clubs: Celtic, Rangers, Partick Thistle, and Queen’s Park (which is the newest club, founded in 2019). There is a persistent rivalry between Celtic and the Rangers, one that locals take seriously so avoid getting involved in any debates if you can (I mean it. Fights break out over this). That being said, the Rangers are actually one of the best football clubs in the world, having won almost 120 trophies. Celtic Park (the stadium where Celtic plays) is the biggest in all of Scotland and a great place to catch a game, though Ibrox Stadium (home of the Rangers) is just as good. Expect to spend around 30 GBP for a ticket.

6. See the Scottish Football Museum

If you’re a football/soccer fan, don’t miss this national museum. The museum is home to over 2,000 antiques and memorabilia, including the world’s oldest cap as well as a ticket from the first official international soccer match in 1872. Additionally, the museum houses the world’s oldest national trophy (the Scottish Cup), which dates to 1873. The museum is in Hampden Park, one of the city’s football stadiums. Admission to the museum is 13 GBP and also includes a stadium tour.

7. Enjoy the nightlife

Glasgow is by far the best place to party in Scotland. With cheap bars and massive clubs, it’s easy to dance the night away here. Make sure to go to a bar before you head to a club (or just buy your own alcohol at a shop beforehand) as the drinks in the clubs are overpriced. Nice ‘N’ Sleezy and The Garage (Scotland’s largest nightclub) are two Glaswegian nightlife institutions, and you’ll have a great time at either. Another fun (and affordable) club is Sub Club. Keep in mind that most clubs don’t open until 11pm and close at 3am.

8. Have fun at the Glasgow Science Center

Opened in 2001, this is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Their BodyWorks exhibit lets you perform a virtual autopsy and has a giant hamster wheel that teaches you about energy and how it’s burned. There is also a space exhibit, a planetarium, an adult lecture series, and an IMAX theater. Tickets are 10.90 GBP (IMAX and planetarium not included).

9. Spend the day at Linn Park

Spanning over 200 acres, Linn Park is a beautiful and scenic park that offers visitors a chance to relax and stroll along the Cart River. It’s a perfect place in the summer to picnic, jog, and relax with a book. There are a few play areas in the park for children as well. Additionally, the ruins of Cathcart Castle (which dates to the 15th century), a golf course, and an orienteering course can all be found here.

10. Stroll through the Glasgow Necropolis

The Glasgow Necropolis is located on a hill next to Glasgow Cathedral, offering beautiful views of both the cathedral and the city below. Established in 1832, this Victorian cemetery has over 3,500 monuments and is reminiscent of the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris . It spans over 37 acres and makes for a relaxing place to take a stroll. Entrance is free.

11. Go street art hunting

Glasgow has made a name for itself in the street art scene, with a plethora of unique murals adorning walls in the heart of the city. Glasgow-based artist Smug has been especially prolific in the city. Don’t miss his St Mungo mural featuring the patron saint of Glasgow, or Four Seasons, a wildlife mural depicting the four seasons of the city. Enjoy the street art by exploring on your own, or take a guided street art tour from Walking Tours in Glasgow .

  For more information on other cities in Scotland, check out these guides:

• Edinburgh Travel Guide

Glasgow Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 6-8-bed dorm costs 18-20 GBP, though prices rise a few pounds in the summer and drop a few in the winter (you can find dorms for as little as 15 GBP in the winter). A bed in a room with 10-14 beds costs 10-15 GBP. Free Wi-Fi and lockers are standard, and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Private rooms in a hostel cost around 35-40 GBP per night.

Camping is available outside the city, specifically out in the nearby national park. Expect to pay around 17 GBP per night for a basic plot (a flat space for a tent, usually without electricity). Just keep in mind most campgrounds close for the winter so availability is limited come late October/early November. If you’re in a car or campervan, you can use the app ‘park4night’ to find paid overnight parking, free overnight parking, and available campgrounds.

Budget hotel prices – A budget hotel room costs around 55-80 GBP per night. These usually include free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

Airbnb is a budget-friendly option in Glasgow. A private room costs 35-40 GBP while entire homes/apartments start at 55 GBP per night. Most offerings tend to be a bit out of the downtown area so expect to pay more if you want something in the heart of the city.

Food – Scottish food is hearty, heavy, and filling. Seafood is abundant, and popular traditional dishes include blood pudding, minced beef, fish and chips, smoked herring, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), and of course haggis (a dish composed of minced sheep’s organs and spices inside a sheep’s stomach casing). Porridge is a common breakfast choice, though a larger breakfast of sausage, eggs, beans, and bread is not uncommon either. Sticky toffee pudding is a favorite dessert, and of course, you can’t visit Scotland without sampling some scotch.

Expect to pay around 9-12 GBP for a basic meal (like a Scottish breakfast or a hearty meal of haggis). For a full three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, prices begin at around 25-30 GBP.

For pub food like fish and chips or a burger, prices are usually between 15-22 GBP.

A classic fish and chips from a no-frills takeaway spot is around 6 GBP, while Chinese takeaway is around 8-10 GBP. A basic fast food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 6 GBP. Street food (like from a food truck) costs around 6-8 GBP.

A pint of beer costs 4 GBP while a glass of wine starts at 6 GBP. A latte or cappuccino generally costs 2.70 GBP.

A week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 GBP depending on your diet. This covers basic staples like pasta, vegetables, and some meat. The cheapest supermarkets to look out for are Aldi, Lidl, Asda, and Tesco. If your accommodation includes free breakfast, you can cut this down a bit.

Backpacking Glasgow Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Glasgow for around 55 GBP per day. This budget means staying in a dorm room or camping, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking, free walking tours, and free museums.

On a mid-range budget of about 105 GBP per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out at cheap local restaurants, do more paid activities (such as visiting the Science Center or watching a football match), enjoy a few drinks, and take the occasional taxi to get around. You’re not going to live large, but you can get by without worrying too much about your daily spending.

On a “luxury” budget of 220 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, take taxis or Uber, and visit as many paid museums and attractions as you’d like. You can also afford to rent a car or van to take a day trip out to the nearby national park. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. You can easily spend more if you really want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Glasgow Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Glasgow is an expensive city. It’s less expensive than Edinburgh but visiting here still costs a pretty pound! Here are tips to help you stay on budget during your trip:

• Visit the free museums – Most museums in Glasgow offer free entry. Free attractions in the city include the Gallery of Modern Art, the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow Cathedral, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
• Visit the West End – This bustling area of Glasgow is filled with bohemian shops and restaurants, offering great chances to people watch. The places here tend to be cheaper than in other parts of the city.
• Eat in the pub – The best food in the city is often in the pubs, and for a fraction of the price that you would pay in a proper restaurant too. Also, pubs generally give you a true taste of Scottish culture.
• Picnic in the park – There are many parks in Glasgow, and almost all are free to enter. Bring your lunch and admire the lakes, rivers, and nearby castles.
• Use apps to get food deals – The app Too Good to Go, (on which participating eateries sell severely discounted meals/groceries/baked goods at the end of the day) has good coverage all across Scotland, including Glasgow. For discounts on takeout, try the app Secret Takeaways which supports local restaurants by cutting out the delivery app middleman (and their high fees).
• Eat during lunch – Many cafes, bakeries, and chains offer lunch deals for as little as 3-5 GBP.
• Stay with a local – The best way to save money on accommodation in Glasgow is to stay with a local for free. Not only do you save money, but you also get local insight into the city. This is the best way to get off the tourist trail and learn more about Glasgow and its hidden gems.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber is sometimes cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Cook your own meals – Eating out in Glasgow is expensive — even if you’re just eating at the pubs. To save money, cook your own meals. It’s not fancy, but it’s cheap!
• Rent a campervan – If you’re planning to get out of the city, rent a camper van. You can get them for as little as 25-30 GBP per day and they come with basic self-catering facilities so you can cook your food and have somewhere cheap to stay. There are lots of free places to park around the country. Just use the app park4night to find them.
• Use discount websites – Groupon, Wowcher and Living Social have good deals on accommodation, attractions, and dining out.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

Glasgow has a few hostels and they’re all comfortable and sociable. These are my favorite places to stay in Glasgow:

• Glasgow Youth Hostel
• Euro Hostel Glasgow

How to Get Around Glasgow

Public transportation – Single-journey bus tickets in Glasgow start at 1.60 GBP and go up depending on the distance. You need exact change so download the First Glasgow bus app to buy tickets online and save the hassle of fumbling with exact change. Day passes cost 4.60 GBP and are non-transferable to the metro system. A week pass is 17 GBP.

Glasgow is the only city in the country with a metro system, which is comprised of 15 stations. To save on fares and top up as you go, get a SmartCard for free by registering online. You can also purchase a card for 3 GBP at any station. SmartCard tickets start at 1.55 GBP and go up depending on how far you travel. Day tickets cost 3 GBP while a 7-day pass costs 14 GBP. The subway operates from 6:30am-11pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sundays.

To get to/from the airport you can take the bus or the train. The ride is 15-20 minutes and costs 3-5 GBP.

Taxi – Taxis aren’t cheap here so I would avoid them as much as possible. Rates start at 3 GBP and go up by 2 GBP per kilometer. Stick to public transportation if you’re on a budget unless you don’t have another choice or are splitting the ride with someone.

Gett is the most common platform used for taxis. It’s linked to the Google Maps app, so you can use that to get price estimates if you’re comparing modes of transportation. That being said, Glasgow has safe and reliable public transportation, so I’d avoid taxis unless you have no other option as the costs add up fast.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Glasgow, but it’s not always cheaper than taxis and there are usually more taxis available than Ubers. If you’re set on using Uber, leave yourself ample time to find a ride.

Bicycle – Nextbike Glasgow is the city’s bike-share system, with 700 bikes for rent across 70 locations around the city. You can rent a bike via Nextbike’s app or by the on-bike computer. Bike rentals start at 1 GBP for 30 minutes. E-bikes are 2 GBP for 20 minutes. The city is easy to navigate on bike — just remember the traffic flows on the left.

When to Go to Glasgow

Summer is the most popular time to visit Glasgow. In July and August, there’s warm weather and minimal rain, with temperatures reaching highs of 20°C (68°F). This is also the busiest time of the year, so expect crowds in the cities and lots of people out enjoying the nearby national park, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs National Park.

September is a rather wet month, though in October there’s incredible fall foliage. October is a great time to visit — especially if you plan on renting a car or camper and heading to Loch Lomond or the Cairngorms (Scotland’s biggest national park, which is only a couple of hours from the city). Seasonal businesses and accommodations in the national parks start to close in mid-October so be sure to keep that in mind when planning. Expect October temperatures to sit around 12°C (55°F) during the day.

The spring is a great time to visit, with April and May offering minimal rain and no crowds. There’s still be snow and cool temperatures in the highlands, but the city is lively without being crowded.

Winters in Scotland are cold and dark. December is relatively dry but the temperatures dip to 5°C (41°F) — sometimes colder. It’s nevertheless a popular time to visit, with many locals and tourists heading to Edinburgh for the huge Hogmanay New Year’s Eve celebration, one of the biggest new year’s festivals in the world. Therefore, Glasgow city doesn’t get too busy.

By February, snow is common so keep that in mind if you plan on renting a vehicle. Unless you’re coming to engage in winter sports, I’d avoid a winter visit unless you don’t mind the grim and grey atmosphere.

How to Stay Safe in Glasgow

Scotland is a safe country, and you won’t need to worry about crime while you’re here. As in any destination, keep your valuables secure and out of sight just in case. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation so always keep your things out of reach.

Glasgow is safe for solo female travelers though women should take the standard precautions when traveling alone at night (don’t travel alone intoxicated, keep an eye on your drink, etc.).

If you are hiking (for example, in the nearby Loch Lomond park), make sure you have the appropriate equipment and that you notify your accommodation of your plans just in case.

The nightlife here can be a little boisterous so keep your wits about you if you find yourself out late. Also, football (soccer) rivalries are taken quite seriously, so don’t get into any discussions/arguments with other sports fans if you can help it. They are known to start fights over this topic.

While scams here are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re concerned.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it in Glasgow.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Glasgow Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Edinburgh Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Scotland and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Edinburgh

The Best Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Where to Stay in Edinburgh: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh

A Complete Visitor’s Guide to Rosslyn Chapel

Searching for the Perfect Dram on Islay

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Glasgow travel guide

What to do, where to stay and why you’ll love it.

Why you’ll love it

T his article contains links from which we may earn revenue. These links are signposted with an asterisk. More information here .

Scotland’s largest, funniest and most unpredictable city has long lived in Edinburgh ’s shadow when it comes to tourism. Part of this comes from its reputation — Glasgow never seems quite able to shake its clichés, nor, in truth, does it entirely want to. From the often fierce rivalry of its football teams, to its symbiotic relationship with alcohol, the Dear Green Place always seems to be trying to overcome one adversity or other.

Heavily bombed during the Second World War and always the poor man compared to Edinburgh, it’s nowhere near as pretty as its nominal rival, but then it doesn’t pretend to be. As its promotional slogan says: People Make Glasgow. Mostly, they make it laugh — while Edinburgh is rightly lauded for the Fringe festival, Glasgow is the birthplace of Billy Connolly, Armando Ianucci and Frankie Boyle, to name a few.

Outside the comedy clubs you’ll find galleries and museums, one of most vibrant music scenes in the UK, beautiful city parks, and incontestably the best night out anywhere in Scotland , all just 45 minutes away from mighty Loch Lomond. By all means enjoy Edinburgh’s Unesco-endorsed sheen, but it’d be a grave mistake to ignore the city of Glasgow.

Main photo: River Kelvin, Glasgow (Getty Images)

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Anyone arriving at Queen Street Station will be greeted by George Square. It’s always a place of protest and celebration, and also helps newcomers orientate in the city centre. Missing from the square is George himself — furious tobacco and cotton barons had successive statues of George III torn down after he lost their land in the American War of Independence. Today, the nearby quadrant known as Merchant City is instead thriving with nightlife and boutique shopping and is full of things to do in Glasgow . Just west from there, Sauchiehall, Buchanan and Argyle streets make up the collective retail artery known as the Style Mile.

The city’s historic West End feels like it belongs to a different universe by comparison: one of sumptuous parks, the incredibly ornate Glasgow University buildings and the ever-popular Kelvingrove Museum, which is home to everything from works by Salvador Dali to Glasgow’s master architect and polymath Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

It’s impossible to visit Glasgow and not interact with the River Clyde, too, the banks of which today host the restored Tall Ship Glenlee and the excellent Riverside Museum. The SSE Hydro is nearby, but for more intimate gigs, head to the legendary Barrowlands Ballroom or King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, the venue in which Oasis were discovered.

Where to stay

Glasgow’s lack of tourists is perhaps most evident in the paucity of accommodation options. It may not have a long list of recognisable international brands, but around the Blythswood Square area of the city centre, there are several tempting Glasgow hotels , including the sleek Dakota* and the grand Kimpton Blythswood Square* .

For anyone looking to instead stay close to Glasgow Central Station, its eponymous hotel is located within the spectacular Victorian building, just yards from the concourse. Trains from here head south, but for those looking to travel further north or east, then it’s best to be closer to the newly refurbished Queen Street Station by George Square — The Z Hotel* is the best place to bed down near by.

In the West End, Hotel Du Vin* is one of several good options close to the bustling Byres Road, which connects Glasgow University, the Botanic Gardens and Finnieston. If you’re visiting the city for gigs or events at the SSE Hydro or the SEC Centre, you’ll find lots of large chain hotels close to the Clyde.

Food and drink

The Merchant City has a version of most cuisines for most palates. Standouts are Obsession of India, the wonderful, evergreen Café Gandolfi fish bar and the implausibly popular Paesano Pizza. The bars may be a little forgettable, but that doesn’t stop them being immensely busy. For a quieter pint, head to the recently revived Babbity Bowster.

Perhaps predictably, things are a good deal more upmarket in the West End. Stravaigin is a long-time local favourite close to Glasgow University. Not far from there, on Great Western Road, Cail Bruich recently ended Glasgow’s 17-year wait for a Michelin star when it was recognised in the 2021 guide. A short walk south is the cobbled Ashton Lane: a night out in its own right, with bars and restaurants packed tight, including the perennially popular Ubiquitous Chip.

Looking to venture south of the Clyde? Julie’s Kopitiam has fans of Malaysian food raving while Nanika is a brilliant little Asian fusion restaurant in the much-maligned Govanhill area. Close by, the Rum Shack has over 100 different rums on offer, but if you’d prefer to keep things civilised, head to the café Gnom near Queen’s Park.

Not so very long ago, Finnieston was a place to be avoided. It wasn’t necessarily dangerous, but there were few reasons to walk its tenement-lined streets. For Glaswegians, the neighbourhood’s transformation over the last 15 years has been close to miraculous. Today it’s arguably the coolest postcode in Scotland, a locale thriving in a way that gives hope of rejuvenation across the city.

You’ll find it’s a hub of independent shops, bars and boutiques just south of the splendid Kelvingrove Park. It unapologetically caters to the hipster market and you’ll stumble across microbreweries and bohemian coffee shops with hardly a chain brand in sight. Restaurants are some of the most interesting and diverse here as anywhere in the city. Alchemilla and Crabshakk have diehard fans, while the Ox and Finch and the Butchershop Bar & Grill have carnivores queuing for their best cuts. Amid very stiff competition, however, The Gannet is perhaps the best restaurant in Glasgow, with tremendous, affordable tasting menus championing Scottish cuisine in a petit, well-loved restaurant on Argyle Street.

Know before you go

While most of the city’s attractions are within walking distance, Glasgow is home to the world’s third-oldest underground trainline. Spinning around a single loop either on the inner or outer line, it’s impossible to misread. On days when the city’s Old Firm rivals Rangers and Celtic play each other, it’s best to avoid the areas around Celtic Park in the east of the city and Ibrox to the south. One of sport’s most vicious rivalries remains remarkably barbed after more than 130 years.

Take me there

Inspired to visit Glasgow but yet to book your trip? Here are the best hotels from Booking.com* and Hotels.com* .

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TOURIST INFO

Glasgow is one of the friendliest cities in the world and the local Glaswegians will be happy to help you if you need directions or recommendations. On this page is information about travel, accommodation, and essentials. Also check out our tourist guides, including a checklist of things to do before you leave the city, translations of some of the more common and colourful phrases you may hear during your visit, and information on some of the amazing sites that can be found within easy reach of Glasgow.

tourist checklist  

A list of things to do on your visit to Glasgow. How many can you check off before you leave?

glasgow translated

Glasgow has a very distinct dialect along with several slang terms and sayings.

beyond glasgow

Glasgow is a great hub for exploring more of Scotland. See what lies beyond the city.

glasgow essentials

A quick guide to some things you will want to have with you before you visit Glasgow. 

umbrella or rain jacket

Glasgow is known for its rainfall, even in the summer months, so bring a brolly just in case.

 WALKING BOOTS

The city is built on a series of drumlins, so bring a good pair of shoes for those steep hills.

Hearty beer, fiery whiskies, spicy haggis and succulent salmon - indulge those taste buds!

A SENSE OF HUMOUR

The citizens of Glasgow love a good laugh, so bring a sense of humour to join in the banter.

glasgow TRAVEL

For bus, train and subway stations and timetables, visit Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)

Glasgow Airport (International)

glasgowairport.com

t: 0844 481 555

Glasgow Airport (Prestwick)

glasgowprestwick.com

t: 0871 223 0700

Glasgow Central / Queen St

scotrail.co.uk

t: 08457 48 49 50

Glasgow Subway (SPT)

spt.co.uk/subway

t: 0141 332 6811

Buchanan Bus Station

spt.co.uk/bus

t: 0141 333 3708

First Bus Glasgow

firstbus.co.uk

t: 0345 646 0707

Glasgow Taxis

glasgowtaxis.co.uk

t: 0141 429 7070

Uber Glasgow

t: via the app

glasgow ACCOMODATION

Glasgow has hundreds of hotels that cater to a variety of budget and location needs. Here is a selection we would recommend based on personal experience.

We recommend Booking.com to find the best hotel deals in Glasgow

The Kelvin Hotel West End

Clifton Hotel

Euro Hostel Glasgow

Point A Hotel

Acorn Hotel

Village Hotel Glasgow

ABode Glasgow

Radisson Blu/Red

Malmaison Glasgow

One Devonshire Gardens

Blythswood Square

Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor

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