Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and is a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland’s western lowlands. This city is famous for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture – a rich legacy of the city’s prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding.
Glasgow is also well- known for its beautiful, thriving shopping districts and the culture that it has to offer. It attracts a large number of tourists every year. No matter whether you want to experience culture, food or shopping, or breath-taking green beauty, you’ll find something to attract your interests within this up-and-coming city. The slogan, “People Make Glasgow”, really does fit the place. It is an easy city to love with its friendly and welcoming residents, dozens of free museums and attractions, burgeoning focus on food and drink, thriving live music, and beautiful country homes and parks.
1. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Situated within the heart of Glasgow’s famous West End, you can find Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Standing for more than a century with stunning architecture and a range of separate exhibit rooms, it stands as proud and beautiful today as it did when it was built. As a free attraction it really shouldn’t be missed, and it’s only a quick walk away from the Kelvingrove subway station… making it easy to get to.
Inside Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum you’ll find more than 22 themed galleries, and 8000 objects to capture your attention. Attractions range from exhibits on dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, a spitfire plane and medieval armor to Impressionist paintings like Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John of the Cross. If you only have time to visit one museum, this is your best bet.
2. Glasgow Science Centre and Tower
Have you got children you want to keep entertained while travelling? If so, then this is the attraction for them. The Glasgow Science Centre was built to both teach and entertain children – giving them an insight into the world of science and technology.
The Centre has three levels of hands-on and interactive exhibits designed to make learning fun. The museum is especially designed with kids and families in mind with a number of interactive exhibits on biology, physics, pollution, perception, and more. In addition to the museum, there is also an IMAX theater, planetarium, and Glasgow Tower.
The Glasgow Tower is a free-standing 417 ft. high tower that can rotate 360 degrees and has a viewing platform near the top. It is the tallest tower in Scotland so you can get a good bird’s eye view of Glasgow from the top.
3. Kelvingrove Park
Do you prefer to have a peaceful day out while travelling? Kelvingrove Park could be just the place for you. It is situated along the side of the River Kelvin, and extends 85 acres. It provides an urban haven for animals and people alike. There’s a possibility that you could come across animals as rare as kingfishers and otters or as common as red foxes. You should expect to see red foxes quite frequently in the West End of the city after the sun sets – they’re a common sight. When the weather is nice the park is popular with all kinds of people from dog walkers to the students of the nearby university. Have a leisurely stroll or sit down for a picnic. Maybe you could even take your family for an animal hunt in the park.
4. Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mungo and is the oldest building in Glasgow – dating back to 1136. It was originally a Roman Catholic church but is now an active Church of Scotland and is an important historic building. It is here on this historic site that the patron Saint of Glasgow – St. Mungo is buried in a crypt beneath the building.
Most of the medieval cathedrals that exist in Scotland are now ruins so you should take advantage of seeing one of the last remaining great cathedrals while you’re in Glasgow. It has been used for worship for more than 800 years and has one of the largest collections of post-war stained glass windows. You can see the brilliant arches, hand carved pews and memorial pieces that are dotted on every wall. If you have an interest in architecture, history or even photography, then the Glasgow Cathedral is the building that you want to see.
Outside, you can cross a footbridge to the Necropolis, which is a large hillside burial ground and a great place for a walk on a sunny day. The Cathedral and Necropolis are free to visit, although donations are appreciated.
5. The Necropolis
Sitting directly adjacent from the Glasgow Cathedral you’ll find one of the oddest attractions that you should see during your time in the city. Modeled on the Pere-Lachaise in Paris, The Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery in Glasgow. It is on a low but prominent hill to the east of Glasgow Cathedral and just a short walk away.
The Necropolis is now known as one of the most significant cemeteries in all of Europe. In the summer months you can find an array of flowers, bees and butterflies adding color to the 50,000 monuments that sit in the 37 acres of land. You’re safe to explore for free because Park Rangers patrol the cemetery on a daily basis. Chances are you’ll recognize an area or two, as The Necropolis has been featured in a wide range of television programs and films!
6. The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
Do you enjoy learning about the history of each new city that you visit? The People’s Palace is a social history museum and cultural center set in Glasgow Green that holds a collection of historical artifacts, art, photographs, and other objects that tell the story of Glasgow and its people from the mid-18th century until modern times.
This attraction tends to be weather dependent but it will give you the opportunity to view life the way it was in Glasgow throughout the 18th to the 20th century. Inside the main house you’ll find a collection of artifacts, photographs, prints and films from throughout the years. The Winter Gardens outside the house are beautiful and you can wander amongst plants from far-off lands and see the beautifully restored Doulton Fountain.
The building was designed by city engineer Alexander McDonald and opened in 1898 as a place for people to enjoy reading, art, and culture. The Winter Gardens, a Victorian glasshouse, is located behind the People’s Palace and it contains a collection of palms and exotic plants and also houses a café.
7. The Glasgow School of Art
Since the school was founded in 1845 as one of the first Government Schools of Design, it embraces the late 19th century fine art and architectural modalities.
You can learn a lot about the history of Glasgow from this attraction which features an hour-long tour. You can also learn about the famous Rennie Mackintosh and his life – from being a student to a master designer whose work is known around the world. Unfortunately, the building did suffer fire damage recently so it has had to be restored. The thing that really fascinates a lot of travelers about Mackintosh’s work is his mind. He managed to work in a variety of different sectors – acting as a lead architect, a painter, an interior designer and an all-around brilliant artist. His name is known to the vast majority of people who call Glasgow home…. and you will see why.
8. Pollok Country Park
As the only country park within Glasgow, it has its own reputation. Add to this that it has won awards such as the Best Park in Britain and the Best Park in Europe over the past decade and you’ll know that it’s worth seeing.
With walking trails set throughout 360 acres of green land containing over 1,000 species of rhododendrons, you will be fortunate enough to see an array of animals, including Highland Cattle, up close. Children will absolutely love it and they’ll also be entertained by the great areas built specifically for children to play in and the natural mini waterfalls that they’ll have the opportunity to see….. depending on which trail you take.
Just behold the lush greenery of Glasgow, Scotland. You have to work hard not to love this place!
References:
25 Things to do in Glasgow
https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-glasgow/
https://independenttravelcats.com/a-guide-to-glasgow-attractions-25-things-to-do-in-glasgow-scotland/
