12 Top Things To Do in Glasgow

As Scotland’s friendliest city, there are so many fantastic things to do in Glasgow. Whether you’re looking to keep the kids entertained or hoping to enjoy a romantic night out in the city – Glasgow has got something for you. With so much to do, how can you keep track? Luckily, you’re in the right place. With some help from Groupon you’ll find the cream of the crop in Glasgow, from the cosy eateries of Ashton Lane to the amazing exhibits at the Glasgow Science Centre.

#1 Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

West End Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is a treasure of Glasgow’s West End; a favourite destination for both educational family days out and soaking in the charm of their extensive collection of artefacts, paintings and exhibits. Kelvingrove Museum has regular seasonal exhibits, so you’ll always be able to find something new and interesting to learn about any time of year.

kelvingrove art gallery museum

 

#2 Pollok Country Park

Large Southside Park

Claiming past titles to both Britain and Europe’s awards for best park, Pollok Country Park is an expansive area of greenery stretching across 360 acres of Glasgow. Complete with its own herd of Highland Cattle and the stunning Burrell Collection gallery, Pollok Country Park is a calm and serene oasis perfect for a picnic or a romantic stroll.

pollok country park

 

#3 Explore The Lighthouse 

Design & Architecture Gallery

Located in a quiet alley just a stone’s throw from the busy shoppers on Buchanan Street, The Lighthouse is a beautiful gallery/museum that offers some wonderful views of the city on its 2 viewing areas. Entry to The Lighthouse is free, so whether you’re interested in design and architecture, or you’re just there for the view, it is well worth nipping in.

the_lighthouse

 

#4 Glasgow Cathedral

Large Gothic Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city’s best examples of beautiful Gothic architecture. As one of Glasgow’s most historic buildings, the Cathedral is the perfect place to learn about the past of the city. Once you’ve had your fill of history, the gorgeous architecture and Sunday choir performances are worth the visit all on their own.

Glasgow Cathedral

 

#5 Gallery of Modern Art

Art Gallery in City Centre

Located right in the centre of Glasgow in swanky Royal Exchange Square, the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is one of the city’s best galleries. With its finger firmly on the pulse of Modern Art, the GoMA features frequently changing exhibitions from artists who work with everything from film, to sculpture and performance art.

gallery of modern art

 

#6 Glasgow Necropolis

Victorian Graveyard in East End

Nestled behind Glasgow Cathedral, as the city’s largest Victorian-era graveyard, the Glasgow Necropolis is a beautiful area for a daylight stroll with imposing tombs and crypts spanning all 37 acres of its grounds. If you have nerves of steel, you can return once it’s dark for a ghost tour highlighting the spookier stories behind some of the graves.

glasgow_necropolis

 

#7 George Square

Main Square of Glasgow

The literal and metaphorical heart of the city, George Square is Glasgow’s  home to many of the city’s biggest local events. Even when there’s nothing on at the square, the striking columns, statues and view of the nearby City Chambers make it the perfect window into the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

george_square

 

#8 Kelvingrove Park

Scenic West End Park

This park has one of the most picturesque walks in Glasgow alongside the banks of the River Kelvin. Situated in the West End, Kelvingrove Park can be a welcome break from the city with the historic Glasgow University campus nearby making it a common spot for students to hang out.

kelvingrove_park

 

#9 Celtic Park

Football Stadium in East End

Scotland’s biggest football stadium is a landmark destination in Glasgow and home to Celtic Football Club, one of the largest football clubs in Scotland. Celtic Park of course sees regular football matches, but it also has its own museum about the club and even plays host to large scale music events.

celtic_park

 

#10 visit and explore Scottish Football Museum

National Museum of Football

Football is one of Glasgow’s most popular sports, so there is no surprise that the Scottish Football Museum is found here. Situated in Hampden Park, the National Stadium of Scotland, the Scottish Football Museum includes over 2,000 pieces of historic football memorabilia. Football fanatics can even take park in an in-depth tour of Hampden Park.

scotish_football_museum

 

#11 Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Picturesque Scottish National Park

A short distance from Glasgow itself, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a local favourite for a quick getaway from the city. The extensive national park is packed full of nature trails, beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. You can even take a ferry across Loch Lomond itself for some spectacular views – perfect for updating your Instagram.

loch_lomond_and_the_trossachs_national_park

 

#12 go and rest in Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Victorian Glasshouses in West End

Filled with exotic plants and tropical temperatures, Glasgow Botanic Gardens offers the perfect opportunity to dive into an entirely different world, amongst the hustle and bustle of the West End. The beautiful construction of the glasshouses, and the plant life within, makes this an ideal spot for snapping some photos or just sitting back to relax in the tearooms.

 

Events in GlasgowView All

Two-Course Meal and Show for Two, Four or Eight at The Ferry (Up to 67% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Two-Course Meal and Show for Two, Four or Eight at The Ferry (Up to 67% Off)
Glasgow • 0.7 km
£59.90 from £29.95
250+ bought
50% discount_off
Spy Game with Two-Course Meal for Two or Four at Spirit of Glasgow (50% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Spy Game with Two-Course Meal for Two or Four at Spirit of Glasgow (50% Off)
Glasgow • 2.5 km
£100.00 from £50.00
1 bought
50% discount_off
Thursday, Friday or Saturday Night Comedy Show for Up to Four at Rotunda Comedy Club (Up to 55% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Thursday, Friday or Saturday Night Comedy Show for Up to Four at Rotunda Comedy Club (Up to 55% Off)
City Centre • 1.0 km
£8.82 from £5.00
(143)
43% discount_off
9 DAYS LEFT! Rock en Seine 2019 w/ The Cure, Foals, Major Lazer, 23–25 Aug at Clemenceau, Paris, France (Up to 33% Off)
9 DAYS LEFT! Rock en Seine 2019 w/ The Cure, Foals, Major Lazer, 23–25 Aug at Clemenceau, Paris, France (Up to 33% Off)
Place George Clemenceau
£102.22 from £70.00
(440)
32% discount_off
The Scottish Car Show, 14 July, The Royal Highland Centre (Up to 50% Off)
The Scottish Car Show, 14 July, The Royal Highland Centre (Up to 50% Off)
Royal Hghland Centre • 41.9 km
£12.00 from £6.00
650+ bought
50% discount_off
Oktoberfest, 6 September - 9 November, Seven Locations (Up to 61% Off)
Oktoberfest, 6 September - 9 November, Seven Locations (Up to 61% Off)
Multiple Locations • 2.4 km
£35.00 from £22.00
(67)
37% discount_off
UB40, 40th Anniversary Tour, 21 December 2018–9 October 2019, Multiple Locations (Up to 18% Off)
UB40, 40th Anniversary Tour, 21 December 2018–9 October 2019, Multiple Locations (Up to 18% Off)
Multiple Locations • 1.1 km
£42.54 from £38.53
(553)
9% discount_off
The Rum Festival, 27 April - 9 November, Multiple Locations (Up to 54% Off*)
The Rum Festival, 27 April - 9 November, Multiple Locations (Up to 54% Off*)
Multiple Locations • 0.8 km
£19.25 from £10.00
(64)
48% discount_off
Watch Closely - An Evening of Magic: Ticket
Watch Closely - An Evening of Magic: Ticket
Glasgow
2 bought
£12.50
Barclaycard presents British Summer Time - Barbra Streisand, 7 July at Hyde Park
Barclaycard presents British Summer Time - Barbra Streisand, 7 July at Hyde Park
Hyde Park
(440)
£79.95
The Greatest Showman Singalong Tour, 5 April - 19 October, Multiple Locations (Up to 36% Off)
The Greatest Showman Singalong Tour, 5 April - 19 October, Multiple Locations (Up to 36% Off)
Multiple Locations • 0.9 km
£22.45 from £18.00
(14)
20% discount_off
Barclaycard presents British Summer Time - Florence + the Machine & The National, 13 July at Hyde Park
Barclaycard presents British Summer Time - Florence + the Machine & The National, 13 July at Hyde Park
Hyde Park
(440)
£65.00
Circus Extreme, 25 July–4 August at Soar at Intu (Up to 50% Off)
Circus Extreme, 25 July–4 August at Soar at Intu (Up to 50% Off)
Circus Extreme • 4.5 km
£26.00 from £13.00
(297)
50% discount_off
Barclaycard presents British Summer Time - Celine Dion, 5 July at Hyde Park
Barclaycard presents British Summer Time - Celine Dion, 5 July at Hyde Park
Hyde Park
(440)
£79.95
Two or Four Early Bird Tickets to Circus Zyair with Popcorn and Brochure, 3–25 July, Six Locations (Up to 54% Off)
Two or Four Early Bird Tickets to Circus Zyair with Popcorn and Brochure, 3–25 July, Six Locations (Up to 54% Off)
Multiple Locations • 22.0 km
£23.20 from £14.00
(1579)
40% discount_off
link

Best Evening Classes in Glasgow for a New Hobby

Laura, Pearson Smith

Glasgow has a huge range of evening classes and community groups for nearly every hobby you can think of. This is a guide to the best places to take advantage of a new year by taking up a new hobby in Glasgow. Whether you want to pick up the knitting needles, or get some green fingers, there is somewhere just waiting for you to join in my list of h

Read More

Things to do in Glasgow with kidsView All

Taster Ski or Snowboard Experience or Lesson - Levels One, Two or Three for One or Two at Snow Factor (Up to 55% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Taster Ski or Snowboard Experience or Lesson - Levels One, Two or Three for One or Two at Snow Factor (Up to 55% Off)
Snow Factor, Braehead • 4.3 km
£29.00 from £14.00
(185)
52% discount_off
Zippos Circus, Side View Ticket, 31 May–3 July, Six Locations (Up to 46% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Zippos Circus, Side View Ticket, 31 May–3 July, Six Locations (Up to 46% Off)
Multiple Locations • 2.4 km
£18.50 from £9.99
(334)
46% discount_off
Two-Hour Jump Session with Grip Socks at Ryze Glasgow (Up to 50% Off)
TRENDING TRENDING
Two-Hour Jump Session with Grip Socks at Ryze Glasgow (Up to 50% Off)
Ryze, Glasgow • 1.4 km
£19.00 £9.50
(13)
50% discount_off
Indoor Climbing Package for Up to Four at The Climbing Academy - The Prop Store (Up to 70% Off)
Indoor Climbing Package for Up to Four at The Climbing Academy - The Prop Store (Up to 70% Off)
Glasgow • 2.1 km
£36.00 from £12.00
40+ bought
67% discount_off
Soft Play and Golf for Up to Two Adults and Two Children at Soccerworld & Kidzworld - Glasgow (Up to 50% Off)
Soft Play and Golf for Up to Two Adults and Two Children at Soccerworld & Kidzworld - Glasgow (Up to 50% Off)
Glasgow • 3.7 km
£18.00 from £9.00
(132)
50% discount_off
Two Games of Laser Tag for Up to Ten at Laser Quest, Three Locations (Up to 50% Off)
Two Games of Laser Tag for Up to Ten at Laser Quest, Three Locations (Up to 50% Off)
Multiple Locations • 1.4 km
£7.95 from £5.00
(136)
37% discount_off
Soft Play Entry with Meal for One or Two Kids at Go Wild Soft Play (Up to 58% Off)
Soft Play Entry with Meal for One or Two Kids at Go Wild Soft Play (Up to 58% Off)
Glasgow • 1.6 km
£9.45 from £3.95
(16)
58% discount_off
One-Month Kids Swimming Lessons at Kingfisher Swim School (55% Off)
One-Month Kids Swimming Lessons at Kingfisher Swim School (55% Off)
Multiple Locations • 2.5 km
£42.00 £19.00
160+ bought
55% discount_off
Football Tots or Development Coaching Classes for One or Two at Soccerworld & Kidzworld, Glasgow (Up to 47% Off)
Football Tots or Development Coaching Classes for One or Two at Soccerworld & Kidzworld, Glasgow (Up to 47% Off)
Glasgow • 3.7 km
£7.50 from £4.00
(132)
47% discount_off
Horror Walk at Glasgow Precinct Cathedral for One or Two with Spirit of Glasgow (42% Off)
Horror Walk at Glasgow Precinct Cathedral for One or Two with Spirit of Glasgow (42% Off)
Cathedral Precinct • 0.9 km
£12.00 from £7.00
9 bought
42% discount_off
Four One-Hour Guitar or Drum Lessons for One at Maryhill Community Music (65% Off)
Four One-Hour Guitar or Drum Lessons for One at Maryhill Community Music (65% Off)
Glasgow • 1.1 km
£50.00 from £17.50
100+ bought
65% discount_off
Five- or Seven-Week Summer Soft Play Pass for One Child at Soccerworld & Kidzworld, Glasgow (Up to 50% Off)
Five- or Seven-Week Summer Soft Play Pass for One Child at Soccerworld & Kidzworld, Glasgow (Up to 50% Off)
Glasgow • 3.7 km
£26.25 from £13.00
(132)
50% discount_off
Mystery Landmark Hunt Single or Race Pack from The Great Game (Up to 55% Off)
Mystery Landmark Hunt Single or Race Pack from The Great Game (Up to 55% Off)
Multiple Locations • 0.4 km
£22.00 from £9.95
(36)
55% discount_off
Recording Studio Party for Up to Seven Children at Star For a Day (91% Off)
Recording Studio Party for Up to Seven Children at Star For a Day (91% Off)
Glasgow • 2.3 km
£109.00 £9.95
8 bought
91% discount_off
Mystery Family or Cryptic Hunt from Treasuredays (Up to 51% Off)
Mystery Family or Cryptic Hunt from Treasuredays (Up to 51% Off)
Multiple Locations • 0.4 km
£18.00 from £9.00
(41)
50% discount_off

MAKING THE MOST OF GLASGOW WITH GROUPON

Whether you’re a natural born Weegie or you’re paying this historic city a visit, there are plenty of things to do in Glasgow today to keep you occupied from the break of dawn all the way through to the wee early hours. We’ve got you covered with deals and discounts to help you save while you explore all the things to do in Glasgow.

Free things to do in Glasgow

When you’re looking for free things to do in Glasgow, you’ll be more than a little spoiled for choice. All of the city’s parks are perfect for a free afternoon out and about – weather permitting - with favourites including Pollok Country Park, Kelvingrove Park and Glasgow Green.

If Glasgow’s grey skies and drizzle are hanging around, then you can head inside for some free shelter at some of the city’s best museums and landmarks. Access to Glasgow Cathedral is free, and when the rain dies down you can head outside to the nearby Glasgow Necropolis for some spectacular views across the city.

What to do in Glasgow this weekend?

Glasgow really comes to life at the weekend, with its energetic nightlife perfect for those looking for things to do in Glasgow at night. Heading into the city centre will give you a wide range of choices from a cosy evening watching a film at the Glasgow Film Theatre to da spirited ceilidh down at Sloans pub off Argyle Street.

One of the traditional things to do in Glasgow at the weekend is to attend a football match at the local stadiums of Celtic Park, Hampden Park or Ibrox. Don’t feel left out if there are no matches scheduled though, all these stadiums feature their own museums and tours.

Looking for educational things to do with kids in Glasgow?

Take a visit to some of the city’s museums and educational centres, including interactive exhibits at the Science Centre, the history of Glasgow at the People’s Palace and an impressive collection of antique vehicles at the Riverside Museum.

If you want to get a bit closer to nature, then a day trip to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a must. There are plenty of walks which are ideal for a family stroll, or you could head to SEA LIFE Loch Lomond to meet the otters.

Things to do in Glasgow’s West End

The West End is the trendiest area of Glasgow and the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for something a little bit different. The central Byres Road has lots of unique places to eat and shop, with more to be found down the adjoining streets. The Òran Mór converted church in particular is well worth a visit, with tasty food and live performances to enjoy.

Visiting the West End is also a great opportunity to see some of the more unusual things to do in Glasgow. For example, the Tchai-Ovna teahouse and vegetarian restaurant offers a cosy traditional tea drinking experience, complete with board games, meditation and calm music – perfect for relaxing afternoon a long morning of seeing the sights.

Essential travel tips & hacks for Glasgow

If this is the first time you’re visiting Glasgow, you might want to know about some of our essential tips:

  • Don’t be scared to leave the beaten track – Glasgow is filled with easily missed gems, like the Hanoi Bike Shop Vietnamese restaurant just off of Byres Road in the West End
  • Head to Royal Exchange Square to take some pictures of Glasgow’s unofficial mascot.  The Duke of Wellington statue with a traffic cone for a hat started as a reccurring practical joke but has become a permanent symbol of the city’s cheeky spirit - perfect for some fresh Insta snaps.
  • The 500 bus goes right from Glasgow Airport to the city centre within 15 minutes. They accept payment via contactless card or with their app too, so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or trying to find an ATM.

What’s the weather like in Glasgow?

The weather in Glasgow is stereotypically a little on the wet and overcast side, but that doesn’t mean that warm sunny days aren’t to be expected in the spring and summer. Since the weather can change at the drop of a hat, we recommend checking the latest weather forecasts.

 

Season

Min Temperature

Max Temperature

Winter

1 °C

6 °C

Spring

4 °C

11 °C

Summer

11 °C

19.2 °C

Autumn

6 °C

12.1 °C

How do I get around Glasgow?

The central hubs for transport in Glasgow are Central Station for trains running south/west and Queen Street Station for trains heading north/east (and to Edinburgh). Buchanan Bus Station is a walkable distance away for any bus connections, or you can take advantage of the free bus services which run between all the stations.

Hopping on and off of public transport to get anywhere in the city is easy– especially with the single line Subway which is cyclical and perfect for getting to and from the West End and Southside quickly.

Glasgow has lots of great options for private hire, with plenty of local taxi companies and coverage from Uber. If you’re ever stuck for a cab, you can usually hail a black cab near George Square or head to any of the main public transport stations for a taxi rank.

So, there we have it. With a little help from Groupon you can look forward to enjoying the very best that the wonderful city of Glasgow has to offer.

 

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