The best things to do in Glasgow!
Discover the Best Things to Do in Glasgow: Top Attractions and Must-See Sights!
Scotland’s largest city is bold, creative and full of character. Glasgow blends striking Victorian architecture, industrial heritage and a thriving modern culture scene. From grand civic buildings to hidden historical gems and guided tours that bring the city’s stories to life, there’s plenty to fill your time.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, social history, street art or immersive walking tours, Glasgow offers something for every type of traveller. In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Glasgow, including the City Sightseeing Bus Tour, the Glasgow City Centre Walking Tour, The Tenement House, Holmwood House and Alternative Glasgow’s Street Art Tour. Each offers its own perspective on this dynamic Scottish city.
The best thing about all these experiences? They are included with the Glasgow City Pass which you can buy here.
City Sightseeing Glasgow Bus Tour
George Square, Glasgow G2 1BA
One of the easiest ways to explore Glasgow is from the top deck of the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. The route connects the city centre, West End, Riverside and cathedral district, allowing you to see the highlights efficiently while learning about Glasgow’s trading, industrial and cultural past.
It’s the perfect introduction to the city and a smart way to orient yourself before exploring in more depth.
- Top Tip: Glasgow locals will always remind you to “Look up” to experience the detail in Glasgow’s iconic Architecture. Get yourself to the top deck for the best views!
Glasgow City Centre Walking Tour
George Square, Glasgow
Explore the heart of Glasgow with a guided walking tour through its vibrant city centre. This tour takes you on a journey through time, unveiling the city’s architectural marvels, cultural landmarks, and fascinating stories of its past. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just curious about Glasgow, this tour is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the city’s charm.
- Top Tip: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack a rain jacket, just in case!
The Tenement House – Life in 20th Century Glasgow
145 Buccleuch St, Glasgow G3 6QN
Step inside a remarkably preserved early 20th-century Glasgow tenement and experience urban life as it was lived by Miss Agnes Toward between 1911 and 1965. This four-room flat, complete with original furnishings, a coal-fired kitchen range, gas lighting and personal belongings, offers an intimate and authentic glimpse into the domestic world of a working woman in industrial Glasgow.
Guided by knowledgeable staff, visitors uncover the details of everyday life through carefully kept household objects, unexpected curiosities such as a jar of 1929 jam, and the personal stories that reflect a thriving community at the height of the city’s industrial era.
- Top tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times.
Glasgow’s Mural Trail
From Mitchell St, Glasgow
Glasgow’s Mural Trail is an open-air gallery that turns the city centre into a vibrant canvas of colour, creativity and community storytelling. This walking route links together striking large-scale artworks that celebrate Glasgow’s people, heritage and sense of humour. Highlights include the iconic St Mungo mural by Smug, honouring the city’s patron saint in a bold contemporary style, and the playful Honey, I Shrunk the Kids-inspired “Fellow Glasgow Residents” mural by Klingatron, which brings everyday city wildlife to life in unexpected ways. Our guided walking tour brings these artworks into context, exploring the artists behind them, the stories they tell and how the trail has helped transform urban spaces into welcoming, culturally rich destinations.
- Top Tip: Wear comfy shoes and pack a bottle of water!
Holmwood House – an Architectural Gem
61-63 Netherlee Road, Glasgow, G44 3YU
Discover a true architectural treasure in Glasgow’s Southside at Holmwood House, the finest domestic design by Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Cathcart, this beautifully restored 19th-century villa immerses visitors in Thomson’s distinctive vision, where classical Greek influence meets bold Victorian creativity. Rich decorative schemes, carefully considered proportions and original detailing make Holmwood House an essential visit for lovers of architecture, design and Scotland’s built heritage.
- Top tip: Holmwood sits on the edge of the scenic Linn Park. Take a stroll or bring a picnic to enjoy Glasgow’s second-largest park, filled with woodland trails, wildlife, and a picturesque waterfall.
Immerse Yourself in Culture, Museums and Galleries
Glasgow is famous for its world-class museums and galleries — and the best part? Many of them are completely free to visit. Whether you’re into fine art, social history or contemporary culture, there’s something to explore.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
An icon of the West End, Kelvingrove showcases everything from Old Masters to natural history. After exploring, enjoy a stroll through neighbouring Kelvingrove Park.
The Burrell Collection
Set within beautiful Pollok Country Park, this award-winning museum houses an eclectic mix of art and artefacts, from medieval tapestries to Chinese ceramics.
Gallery of Modern Art
Right in the city centre, GoMA hosts thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions and is an easy stop while exploring Royal Exchange Square.
- Top tip: Glasgow’s free museums are generously sized — so don’t try to rush them all in one day. Pair one major museum (like Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or The Burrell Collection) with a park walk or coffee stop nearby. It keeps the day relaxed and gives you time to properly enjoy the collections rather than racing through them.
Some of our other favourite things to do in Glasgow…
- Glasgow Cathedral & Necropolis See stunning medieval architecture and then wander through the Necropolis’s Victorian monumental cemetery for sweeping city views and intriguing stories. Famous for appearing in Chris Nolan’s Batman film!
- City Chambers – Free Tour One of Scotland’s finest civic buildings, city tours take you through gilded halls, marble staircases and historic chambers — perfect for architecture lovers.
- Glasgow offers three very different shopping experiences within easy reach of each other.
- Stroll stylish Buchanan Street, the city’s main shopping boulevard, and step inside the beautifully marbled Princes Square for boutiques and dining in elegant surroundings.
- Head to Sauchiehall Street for high street favourites and a lively city buzz.
- Or explore The Barras, Glasgow’s famous market, for vintage finds, street food and a taste of the city
Ready to start your Glasgow adventure?
The Glasgow City Pass saves you money and is easy to use.
Each pass is valid for two consecutive calendar days and is simply scanned at each experience to gain entry. Your pass includes access to multiple attractions and experiences around Stirling, including a hop-on hop-bus tour. You can see our up-to-date list of what’s included and buy your pass by clicking the button below.
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