From history to fine dining to sports, there’s something for everyone when it comes to Glasgow. But be warned – you’ll want to come back time and time again once you’ve had a taste Scotland’s largest city.
Glasgow has been awarded the prestigious title of a UNESCO Creative City, and it’s easy to see why! There are plenty of fun things to do in Glasgow, whether it’s checking out the variety of museums, enjoying Scottish delicacies, or revisiting the past with cathedrals and spooky cemeteries.
Gothic Glasgow
There’s not much left in town that dates back past the 19th century Industrial Revolution, however if you’re after something with a bit more history, spend a day in the East End. Here you’ll find the impressive Glasgow Cathedral in all its medieval glory; a Gothic church built in 1197 which stands on a site first consecrated in 397AD. There’s more than just the cathedral to see though – wander around the nearby 1833 Necropolis located on the top of the hill if your legs can take it!
Tour the museums
Perfect for day trips, Glasgow has some of the best museums outside London and to make it even better, most are free! Top of your list should be the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a public Victorian landmark. It’s not your regular stuffy museum; it’s an interactive experience with famous artwork from Dali, Van Gogh and Monet, ancient Egyptian artefacts, prehistoric fossils and a hall filled with arms and armour. The Riverside Museum is another must-see, with its collection of Glasgow trains, cars, buses, planes and the Glenlee, a Clyde built sailing ship. Topping off the Glasgow museum trail is the Glasgow Science Centre, where you can sit in a shrinking chair then walk through a giant’s door, see far away galaxies in the planetarium, or catch a film at the on-site IMAX Cinema.
Afternoon delights
What better way to spend an afternoon than sampling one of Scotland’s original high teas, complete with homemade finger sandwiches, buttered shortbread and cakes of the day? The Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street is one of the most popular fun places to go in Glasgow, something every tourist needs to try. And if you feel like a sneaky glass of champagne to wash down your high tea then head over the Buchanan Street café, where you can sample champagne, wine or beer for an extra special treat.
Dinner for two?
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Glasgow for couples, there are plenty of romantic options. Did you know the city is actually known as Scotland’s ‘City of Love’ and is also the final resting place of Saint Valentine? For an unforgettable Glasgow night, go for dinner, drinks and dancing at the beautiful Corinthian Club, a luxury 5-floor Victorian venue with a casino, restaurants, bars and an exclusive club. Start off with drinks and piano music at Charlie Parkers, enjoy a fine dining experience at Tellers Bar and Brasserie, or try your luck at the extravagant underground casino, the Cotton Club.
For the football fans
Glasgow is home to the three biggest football grounds in Scotland. Hampden Park is the National football stadium also includes the Scottish Football Museum. Celtic Park is home to Celtic Football Club, where you can take a tour of this 60,000 capacity stadium and try to get hard-to-find tickets to a game. And finally Ibrox, home to the Rangers Football Club where tours take you behind the scenes to the dressing room, Trophy Room and even lets you run down the tunnel!
