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  1. Home
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  3. Glasgow

Ashton Lane in the West End of Glasgow

Glasgow

Big-hearted, bold, and bursting with character, there’s an unmistakable energy to Glasgow.

Glasgow at a glance

  • Arts & culture:

    The Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)

  • Music:

    Barrowland Ballroom, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, OVO Hydro 

  • Nature & outdoors:

    Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Pollok Country Park, Riverside Museum 

Map of Scotland

What to expect in Glasgow

Glasgow's energy is felt in the laughter that spills from lively pubs, the stories woven through its streets and the creativity that flows through every neighbourhood. Discover the grandeur of Victorian architecture, lose yourself in Kelvingrove’s world-class collections, feel the rhythm of legendary music venues and taste Glasgow’s diverse food scene, from Finnieston dining to renowned curry houses. But the city’s unique spirit shines most of all through its people, whose warmth is felt in every conversation. Come for the culture, stay for the people. 

City Chambers at George Square

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow

Glasgow Necropolis

Browsing through prints in The Hidden Lane in Glasgow

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Highlights in Glasgow

Glasgow is a city where you’ll find moments full of character and culture. Spend the day browsing cute local boutiques, enjoy delicious food from around the world, and finish by dancing your socks off at a Glasgow gig. 

Live music scene

As Scotland’s UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow offers an unforgettable soundtrack for your visit. From global superstars performing at the OVO Hydro and legendary gigs at the Barrowland Ballroom to discovering emerging talent at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, catching a live show is one of the best ways to experience the energy, creativity, and culture of Scotland’s largest city. 

Music venues in Glasgow 

The crowd at a live show at the Barrowland Ballroom

The Barrowland Ballroom

Shopping

Glasgow is great for shopping, blending designer brands, high street favourites, and unique independent retailers. Stroll along Buchanan Street or explore the West End and Merchant City for boutique fashion finds. Why not update your wardrobe, search for a special gift for friends or find something to remind you of your trip. 

Find your next favourite buy 

Princes Square Shopping Centre, Glasgow

Food & drink

Glasgow’s food scene is really exciting and diverse. From acclaimed seafood restaurants in Finnieston and cosy West End cafés to buzzing dining spots in the Merchant City, there’s something for every taste and every day of your trip! Sample Scottish favourites, explore global flavours in Shawlands and Dennistoun and try The Barras Market for street food, local produce, and flavourful dishes from independent traders. 

Savour foodie favourites 

Glaschu, Glasgow

© hilarycaneat

Things to do in Glasgow

Discover historic tales on a guided walking tour, unwind in the beautiful botanic gardens, or enjoy live music and entertainment at some of the country’s top venues.

Find things to do in Glasgow

What's on in Glasgow

The people of Glasgow are ready to give you a warm and friendly welcome. Find out why the city is such a cultural hotspot.

Celtic Connections

Glasgow’s annual folk, roots, indie, world and traditional music festival celebrates the link between Celtic music and cultures across the globe.

Glasgow Film Festival

The Glasgow Film Festival boasts a varied programme of films including exciting new releases and cult classics.

TRNSMT Festival

See some of the biggest names take centre-stage at Glasgow Green.

World Pipe Band Championships

Hear the best pipe band drummers compete for the top prize!

See Glasgow through a new lens

Fuel your day with delicious coffee, discover quirky exhibits and collections at the Hunterian Museum or meet a friendly Highland cow at Pollok Country Park. 

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The stories behind Glasgow's walls

More than just artwork, Glasgow's vibrant murals capture the city's character, from local legends and cultural icons to stories of community and creativity.

Uncover the stories

Trip ideas in and around Glasgow

Make your trip to Glasgow a reality with these fantastic itineraries in and around the city that effortlessly combine some of the city’s best attractions. 

3 Days in Glasgow

Discover Glasgow's best bits in three days, from creative hotspots and foodie favourites to historic landmarks and film locations.

7 Days of iconic sightseeing in the west of Scotland

Vibrant city culture, stunning countryside, enchanting islands and coastline promise an unforgettable adventure.

Family adventures in Glasgow

Discover unforgettable family adventures, both on land and on water for little explorers and grown-ups alike.

Plan your trip

Getting to Glasgow

Bus and coach

If you’re travelling from Edinburgh, the Citylink 900 service is one of the easiest ways to reach Glasgow, with buses running every 12 minutes during peak times. Departing from Edinburgh Bus Station and calling at Princes Street and Haymarket along the way, the service takes around 1 hour 20 minutes before arriving at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, giving you a direct and hassle-free journey between the two cities.

Train

Glasgow has two main railway stations. Both Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street are located in the city centre. Glasgow is well connected by fast and frequent rail services from major cities across Scotland and the rest of the UK. The Caledonian Sleeper offers an overnight service from London. 

Flying

Fly into Glasgow Airport, located just over 8 miles from the city centre, with journey times of around 15 minutes by taxi, bus, or airport transfer. 

As one of Scotland’s busiest airports, Glasgow Airport offers excellent connections across the UK, Europe and beyond, with direct flights to major hubs including London Heathrow, Paris, and Amsterdam, as well as many key European destinations. 

Or fly to one of Scotland’s airports and travel to Glasgow by bus, or train. 

Find out more on bus travel from the airport 

Book a taxi to and from the airport 

Hire a car from Glasgow Airport 

Accessibility

Glasgow welcomes everyone. The accessibility charity AccessAble provides accessibility guides on accommodation, attractions, and inclusive experiences to help you explore the city with confidence. 

See detailed guides for Glasgow 

Explore nearby

From Glasgow, weekend getaways and day trips are easy! Think tranquil nature escapes, exciting outdoor adventures, and fascinating historical sites to explore.

Forth Valley

Welcome to the centre of Scotland. See The Kelpies, climb the National Wallace Monument and enjoy outdoor adventures with the whole family.

Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley

A beautiful landscape studded with lochs and coastal towns surrounding Glasgow.

Ayrshire & Arran

Discover Burns Country, championship golf courses and the stunning Isle of Arran.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Glasgow?

May to September is a great time to visit Glasgow thanks to a jam-packed calendar of events, festivals, and activities, but it’s a fantastic city to visit all year round. 

Spring (March–May): See cherry blossoms in full bloom at Glasgow Botanic Gardens and roar with laughter at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival in March.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy a sizzling selection of summer events including TRNSMT Festival in June and Piping Live! in August.

Autumn (September–November): Go for colourful autumn walks through Kelvingrove Park or visit the Riverside Museum or GoMA once the sun starts to set early.

Winter (December–February): Experience Celtic Connections in January, one of the world’s leading winter music festivals.

Where can I stay in Glasgow? 

From stylish city centre hotels and boutique stays in the West End to family-friendly accommodation close to top attractions, there’s a Glasgow stay to suit every kind of trip. Stay in the heart of the action or discover a quiet corner of the city, with top attractions, restaurants, and public transport just a short distance away. 

Find accommodation with Visit Glasgow 

How long should I stay in Glasgow?

You can explore many of Glasgow's highlights in two or three days. However, if you want to make the most of this vibrant city and go for a day trip to some of the fantastic places and landscapes nearby, for example the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, we recommend you stay a bit longer.

What neighbourhoods can I explore in Glasgow? 

One of the best ways to get to know Glasgow like a local, is by exploring its distinctive neighbourhoods, each with its own personality and local culture. Make the most of city life by visiting these fantastic locations. 

West End – known for its grand Victorian terraces, Kelvingrove Park, the Botanic Gardens and charming streets filled with independent cafes, shops, and boutiques. 

Merchant City – located in the heart of the city centre, wander through elegant streets lined with stylish restaurants, cocktail bars, and designer shops in Glasgow’s historic trading quarter. 

Finnieston – stretching west from the city centre towards the SEC and OVO Hydro, this former dockland district has become one of Glasgow’s trendiest areas. Get your fix on all things food, drink, and entertainment. 

Southside – found south of the River Clyde, you’ll find an eclectic mix of cafés, creative businesses, independent shops, and easy access to one of Glasgow’s beautiful green spaces, Pollok Country Park. 

City centre – centred around George Square and Buchanan Street, this is a hub for shopping, culture, and some of Glasgow’s most impressive Victorian architecture. 

Find your perfect neighbourhood to visit 

Are museums and galleries in Glasgow free to visit? 

Yes, many of Glasgow’s museums and galleries are free to visit, including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, The Burrell Collection, Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, and Provand’s Lordship. 

Enjoy a free day out at Glasgow’s museums 

Who was Charles Rennie Mackintosh and why was he important to Glasgow? 

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a pioneering Scottish architect with his legacy woven throughout the city. His iconic buildings, including the Glasgow School of Art and Willow Tea Rooms are some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks and continue to inspire visitors from around the globe. 

Read more about his legacy and other famous Scots stories 

Does Glasgow have a visitor levy? 

Yes – overnight accommodation stays in Glasgow are subject to a visitor levy. This is a small charge that your accommodation provider adds onto your bill. The money collected from the visitor levy goes towards improving facilities, services, and infrastructure that benefit both visitors and local communities. 

From January 2027, visitors to Glasgow will be charged 5% on all stays. 

Find out more about the visitor levy

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