Much like Derry and Belfast in Northern Ireland, Glasgow is often skipped over in favour of Edinburgh. Both cities are great Scottish destinations, so make sure you don’t make the common mistake!
Glasgow is full of culture, oomph, and history. Edinburgh does have a reputation as the safest, more interesting of the cities, but this isn’t a fair judgement. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh have areas you should avoid AND areas full of fascinating attractions. So, we’ll leave that assumption at the door or in the nearest bin where it belongs.
Excited about your visit? Good. Here are ten things to do in Glasgow to add to your itinerary.
Catch the views from the Glasgow Science Centre Tower
Where better to get your bearings than from a 127-metre tower? Glasgow Tower is the ‘tallest freestanding building in Scotland’ and provides 360-degree views over Glasgow.
If that isn’t impressive enough, it also holds a Guinness World Record for the ‘tallest fully rotating freestanding structure in the world’! These might sound to be quite niche accomplishments, but the views speak for themselves. You can also use iPads that are scattered around the viewing platform to zoom in on distant landmarks virtually.
Entrance tickets cost £6.50 per adult, or £3.50 when bought alongside a Science Mall entrance ticket.
Go bungee jumping off Titan Crane in the city centre
For adrenaline lovers, Glasgow is the perfect place to try your first bungee jump or add another jump to your belt. Titan Crane hovers over the River Clyde, offering jumpers a heart-racing 50-metres of freefall.
Bungee jumps at Titan Crane run from May to September and costs £89 per adult. Anyone over the age of 14 years old is welcome to jump, but you’ll have to weigh over 50kg.
Pollok Country Park
Outlander fans, listen up. Pollok Country Park is free to enter and was used for multiple Outlander film sets.
Fans may recognise the ‘Castle Leoch grounds’, the ‘gypsy camp’ setting, and the location of Jamie and Jack Randall’s duel. The park is over 360 acres, so you’ll have plenty of space to wander around and spot locations.
Pollok Country Park is also known for its Highland cows, so keep an eye out on your wanders.
Go skiing at Snow Factor
Who needs to venture abroad when you can go skiing in Glasgow! Going skiing at Snow Factor is easily one of the most exciting things to do in Glasgow.
Snow Factor’s also open all year, meaning no waiting for ski seasons. And, since the resort is entirely indoors, you can enjoy winter sports, rain or shine.
Experienced skier? Great, you can book a 2-hour lift pass for £25 per adult and £19 per concession. Worried you might be a bit rusty? No problem, you can book a Ski Refresher session for a reasonable £39.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
If you like the idea of galleries and museums but hate stuffy, boring exhibitions, Kelvingrove is for you. Variety may as well be its middle name, and you’ll have 22 (polar opposite) galleries to pick from.
Head to discover Ancient Egypt on the Ground Floor or cinematically experience the rainforest on the First Floor – the choice is yours. The art displays are particularly extensive, with pieces by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and The Glasgow Boys.
If you need any more persuasion, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is free to enter. For a budget-friendly and rain-proof activity, Kelvingrove is one of the best things to do in Glasgow.
Watch a Rangers or Celtic game
For a taste of the true Glaswegian spirit, book tickets to watch a Rangers or Celtic game. Both the Rangers and Celtic are Glasgow-based teams but have one of the world’s most famous rivalries.
The Rangers are associated with the Protestant community, while Celtic is associated with the catholic community. Sectarianism has blended with fierce football following, fuelling a massive rivalry over the years.
Check to see if Rangers or Celtic are playing when you visit, and make sure to attend if they are. Even better, time your visit to coincide with a Glasgow derby. Watching the Rangers and Celtic play each other is real-time sporting history.
Embark on a walking tour of Glasgow Necropolis
This suggestion might sound slightly strange, but touring the necropolis is one of the most popular things to do in Glasgow.
The necropolis has over 3,500 tombs and is spread over 37 acres! From admiring the architecture to hearing body-snatching stories and ghost hunting, a visit to Glasgow Necropolis is as creepy as you make it.
The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis run free two-hour walking tours, although they welcome donations to contribute to the necropolis upkeep.
Go shopping on Buchanan Street
Whether you want to purchase souvenirs or just indulge in retail therapy, Buchanan Street is where to go for your shopping needs.
Expect a variety of shops, from the Tartan House of Scotland to H&M and Jack Wills. On Buchanan Street, you can purchase a traditional kilt or the latest trending top – make it an exciting, diverse way to spend a morning.
Once you’ve tired yourself out shopping, there are plenty of cafes to grab lunch and a bite to eat. Watch out for The Wild Olive Tree café, which is especially popular.
Spot monuments on Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green is the city’s oldest park and is spread over a considerable 136 acres.
On a sunny day, grab a takeout coffee from Coffee on the Green and wander along the park’s walking paths. You’ll spot multiple landmarks and monuments, including Nelson’s Monument, built in memory of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson.
If the weather isn’t on your side, Glasgow Green is also home to the People’s Palace. A dedicated social history museum, the People’s Palace is free to enter and one of the best things to do in Glasgow.
Climb Earl’s Seat
So, you’ve climbed Arthur’s Seat, but what about Earl’s Seat? Earl’s Seat is the tallest of the Campsie Fells, a set of hills approximately an hour’s drive from Glasgow City Centre.
Those who scramble the 578-metre-tall hill will enjoy views of the Scottish Highlands, Glasgow, and Loch Lomond – more than a fair reward for your efforts. To visit Earl’s Seat, it’s best to rent a car and park at the lay-by near Glengoyne Distillery (also worth visiting).
Venturing out to Earl’s Seat is one of the best things to do in Glasgow and a good way to balance city life with Scottish countryside.
Glasgow is easily one of the best places to visit in Scotland. Feel free to share any extra recommendations in the comments below!