Glasgow Itinerary | 10+ Things to Enjoy in this Fantastic City

Glasgow is the most populous city in Scotland and one of the friendliest cities in the world. After visiting, it’s not hard to imagine why! The River Clyde cuts through the middle of the city, which helped it grow to be the largest seaport in Scotland. It was founded in the late 6th century. As a Canadian (where Canada was founded in the 1800s), I was so impressed at the amount of history that lives in the city. We just don’t have the historic buildings or history that some other parts of the world do! Read this Glasgow Itinerary for activities to do in the city.

Glasgow or Edinburgh?

You might be asking yourself “Should I visit Glasgow or Edinburgh?” and you should do both. However, if you’re interested in a city that’s not as touristy, is closer to the highlands, and very friendly, Glasgow is for you! If you love Harry Potter, Edinburgh is for you. You can visit in as little as 2 days, but 3-4 days would be a great length of time to visit. The city has a lot to offer!

Read more: Ultimate Scotland Itinerary for Harry Potter Fans | 10+ Things to Do

What to do in Glasgow

Free Walking Tour

Every city I visit, I start with a walking tour. While they are actually free, a donation (or tip) is often asked for at the end. Most paid tours are £10-20 but it’s up to you and your budget. There are a number of different walking tours that focus on different topics, such as history, architecture, and in different parts of the city! So, it’s really up to you which one you want to register for. I do recommend booking online because they do try to limit the number of people on a tour. Try the Free Glasgow Walking Tour.

---

Kevingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Opened in 1901, this free gallery and museum is close to the Botanic Gardens and University of Glasgow. It has 22 galleries, with a range of exhibits, including Renaissance art, taxidermy, and artifacts from ancient Egypt. It is a beautiful building in and of itself!

---

Enjoy a Full Scottish Breakfast

A full Scottish Breakfast varies but you’ll typically find the following on your plate: square lorne sausage, link sausages, fried egg, streaky bacon, baked beans, black pudding and/or haggis, tattie scones, fried tomatoes and mushrooms, and toast. See my full plate below! It will typically cost you around £15. You can find it at any restaurant that serves breakfast!

---

Glasgow Green

Glasgow Green is a park in the east end and the oldest park in the city. It is a perfect place to stroll or sit with a picnic on a warm summers day. The People’s Palace is a museum in the park with a cafe and museum shop. Walk or bike along the path beside the River Clyde!

---

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

The Glasgow Botanic Gardens are free and open year round. There are outdoor groups to explore, as well as the Kibble Palace and the greenhouses and I recommend both! It’s a great spot to bring a picnic, or to take photos. There is a tearoom on site, as well as a cafe.

---

Glengoyne Distillery

Set in the highlands is the Glengoyne Distillery. It is about 14 miles from Glasgow, but you can take a bus from Buchanan Bus Station (X10 bus, destination Balfron). For as little as £18 you can book a tasting and tour of the distillery. Scotland is well known for it’s scotch and there’s years of history to learn. A tour would be a fantastic way to taste local scotch!

---

Watch a Football Game

Celtic Park is home to the Celtic FC and Ibrox Stadium is home to the Rangers FC. Celtic Park is the largest football stadium in Scotland. If you’re lucky, you can watch the Celtic and Rangers play against each other. The Old Firm is the collective name for the Scottish football clubs Celtic and Rangers, which are both based in Glasgow. The two clubs are by far the most successful and popular in Scotland, and the rivalry between them has become deeply embedded in Scottish culture.

---

University of Glasgow Cloisters

Probably one of my favourite spots was the University of Glasgow, and the Cloisters. This beautiful arched entryway is actually in the middle of a building on campus and not nearly as busy as I thought it might be! While the Cloisters was a highlight for me, I also recommend exploring the campus and visiting the cathedral and museums.

---

Glasgow Necropolis and Glasgow Cathedral

The Glasgow Necropolis will pop up on just about every travel blog you will read and for good reason. Let me just say I was not at all interested in visiting the necropolis but I’m glad I made my way there to explore. It is truly awe-inspiring and way cooler than I thought it would be. You could spend hours upon hours exploring the cemetery grounds. Make sure to stop by the cathedral. There are tours you can book, and often you can walk in at the beginning of every hour to visit.

---

Afternoon Tea on a Red Double Decker Bus

A truly unique experience: enjoy Afternoon Tea (or a pizza dinner) on a red double decker bus with Red Bistro. They run in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Included in the ticket price is the bus (which drives you around Glasgow), finger sandwiches, scones, desserts and a glass of champagne. Additional drinks are available for purchase. I will admit the food is about 7/10 but the scones and experience are a 12/10 so I do recommend it!

---

Glasgow Murals

Take the City Centre Mural Trail in Glasgow. There are 26 murals on the map, so see if you can spot them all while you’re out exploring the city!

Read more: Glasgow on a Budget | Cost Breakdown and Free Activities