{"id":886755,"date":"2026-05-13T12:20:52","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T11:20:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=886755"},"modified":"2026-05-13T12:20:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T11:20:55","slug":"best-things-to-do-glasgow-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-things-to-do-glasgow-scotland\/","title":{"rendered":"Great Scot:\u00a015\u00a0Best Things to Do in Glasgow, Scotland\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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There’s a particular buzz around Glasgow this year, as Scotland’s largest city prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games from 23 July to 2 August. But international athletic events aside, there’s always plenty of exciting activities taking place across Glasgow year-round. Here are the 15 best things to do in Glasgow, from local markets, music and watering holes to hands-on family activities, world-class museums and even the city’s very own distillery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Take a walking tour\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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George Square<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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One of the best things to do in Glasgow is simply stroll through it; the city center and West End is wonderfully walkable, and giving time to see it on foot is ultimately rewarding. See the iconic George Square and its monuments, sight of its world-class museums, and lay eyes on gothic Glasgow Cathedral (plus so much more). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you travel with us<\/a>, our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER\u00ae Experience in Glasgow will take you on a striking street art on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. Start your walk at The Clutha, a much-loved pub supporting young people through the Clutha Trust. Discover stories of shipbuilding, comedy, creativity and community as you pass powerful murals across the city.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Glasgow Cathedral <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Seeing Glasgow Cathedral is to see the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 intact, giving us a stunning example of Scottish gothic architecture. Built in the 1100s, it sits where St. Mungo founded the city, it features a 13th-century crypt where you\u2019ll find St. Mungo\u2019s tomb, a striking green-copper roof, and a stunning collection of post-war stained glass. If history hasn\u2019t got you hooked, then its use as the filming location for Guillermo del Toro\u2019s star-studded Frankenstein <\/em>movie might. Another perk? Entry is free.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Clydeside Distillery  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Glasgow has its very own Scotch whisky distillery, The\u00a0Clydeside Distillery<\/a>.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0unusual to see a whisky distillery in the heart of a city, but Clydeside sits (perhaps\u00a0unsurprisingly) on the banks of the River Clyde.\u00a0When it opened in 2017, it was the first single malt Scotch whisky distillery in the city for over 100 years. When you travel to Glasgow with us,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0be treated to\u00a0a tour and a\u00a0whisky\u00a0tasting, sampling their delicious liquid as you\u00a0learn of\u00a0Clydeside\u2019s fascinating\u00a0history\u00a0with views over the river.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Glasgow Women\u2019s Library <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Glasgow Women’s Library isn\u2019t just a lending library \u2013 it\u2019s also the only Accredited Museum in the UK dedicated to women’s lives, histories and achievements. Housed in a historic former public library building, you can explore collections and exhibitions from Suffragette memorabilia and 1930s dress making patterns to rare 1970s Scottish Women\u2019s Liberation newsletters. Look out for any events or workshops taking place during your visit, such as their guided walks through the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Glasgow Botanic Gardens <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Kibble Palace Glasshouse<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Glasgow is famous for its dark, gothic architecture \u2013 but its plentiful green spaces (over 90 of them) are a welcome balance to its grey streets, earning the city the nickname. One of the most iconic is Glasgow Botanic Gardens, sprawling over 50 acres of leafy parkland in the West End. The Kibble Palace glasshouse is a highlight, made with iron and glass and home to an impressive collection of tropical species, tree ferns, and carnivorous plants. If you have time, explore the self-led Heritage Trail throughout the grounds.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Catch a ceilidh <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discover an alternative evening out and take part in a ceilidh to experience\u00a0a lively part\u00a0of local Scottish culture. One of the city\u2019s most famous\u00a0venues is\u00a0Sloans, which hosts a ceilidh every Friday night in the Grand Ballroom.\u00a0With a live in-house ceilidh band and the chance to win prizes for the best jig,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0always a night to remember.\u00a0Of course, there are plenty more venues where you can move your feet. Ask your Travel Director or locals you meet on your trip for their\u00a0favorite\u00a0ceilidh spots \u2013\u00a0just\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0forget to pack your dancing shoes!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Related blog<\/span>\n \n

9 fascinating facts you never knew about Scottish whisky<\/h2>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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7.\u00a0Explore local markets\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Soak up the local atmosphere and perhaps secure a souvenir or two at one of Glasgow’s markets. Taking in place in the West End every Saturday and Sunday, the world-famous Barras market is the perfect place to hunt for treasures from vintage clothing to antique nick-nacks, and great Scottish produce. Many stallholders come from families with a trading background spanning three or four generations, and the market itself has a history dating back over 100 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other popular markets include Park Lane Market, taking place on the first, second and last Sunday of the month, selling vintage clothes, homemade produce, jewelry and more, and The Rail Yard, a weekly farmers market held in the old Kelvinbridge railway yard each Saturday offering baked goods, gifts and local crafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8.\u00a0Enjoy a dram\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Enjoying a wee dram in one of the city\u2019s cozy whisky bars is certainly one of the best things to do in Glasgow. Learn about Scotland\u2019s national drink from knowledgeable bartenders while soaking up the atmosphere of a classic Scottish boozer. Fan favorites include the Pot Still, featuring over 1,000 whiskies, the Bon Accord, with a knowledgeable team behind the bar, and the Ben Nevis, set in an old-school pub with regular live music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Tall Ship & Riverside Museum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Tall Ship, Glenlee<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re visiting Glasgow, it\u2019s well worth brushing up on its fascinating maritime history. A trip down to Pointhouse Quay at the junction of the Rivers Kelvin and Clyde takes you to the Tall Ship<\/a>, one of the last few remaining ships out of the hundreds that were built here. Step aboard the restored 1896 ship and explore interactive exhibits, the captain\u2019s cabin and crew quarters \u2013 a particularly fun, interactive day our for families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s located directly next to the Step off the ship and enter the Riverside Museum (formerly known as The Transport Museum), an architectural wonder and purpose-built museum created to house the city\u2019s fabulous transport and technology collections, documenting Glasgow\u2019s global contributions to shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering industries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n