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Glasgow rewards the curious with colour, sound, and stories. Tourists usually start by booking hotels in Glasgow, then explore the streets, where imagination and friendliness are evident. Here, culture is experienced, not exhibited.
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, often finds itself overshadowed by the more famous Edinburgh. However, Glasgow worth the venture to the west of Scotland and you can discover a Scottish city full of cultural treasures, fascinating history and plenty to keep you busy from music festivals to art galleries.
Glasgow Museums and Galleries
By far not a definite list, but having visited Glasgow a few times, these were some of my favourites that I can highly recommend to pop by. What is really amazing about the these cultural treasures that most of them are even FREE to visit.
Kelvingrove art Gallery and Museum
One of the most famous Scottish buildings, this beautiful palace of art has opened over 120 years ago and ever since it’s been one of the UK’s most visited museums. It’s free and the vast collection collection spans from natural history to civic art, divided into 22 galleries.
Riverside Museum
The Riverside is Glasgow’s transport and technology museum, with a huge collection spanning over the centuries on Glasgow’s part and contributions to heavy industries like shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering. Also free – pretty amazing, right?
The Burrell Collection
The Burrell Collection is the art collection of Sir William Burrell and Constance, Lady Burrell, with more than 9,000 artworks and artefacts gifted to the city, one of Glasgow’s cultural treasures. You’ll find tapestries, stained glass, ceramics and paintings from all eras. Free to all.
GoMA
GoMA is Scotland’s most visited modern art gallery and home to the City’s modern art collections with about 4800 art works by local, national and international artist. The gallery also hosts numerous temporary exhibitions. You’ll find mostly 20th century paintings, drawings, prints and photographs, sculpture, mixed media and video/film works. Entry is free.
Music and Performance
Sound is a significant aspect of life in Glasgow. Live music is played in halls of various sizes, big and small. The settings differ and create distinct atmospheres, yet the closeness between the performer and the audience unites them. There is also a flourishing of theatre and dance. The productions include classic plays and experimental work. Going to a concert gives one an idea of local talent and common ground. A single performance can influence perceptions of the city.
Famous Glasgow Neighbourhoods You Must Visit
The West End is a laid back and easy-going area with colorful streets and lots of cultural sights. The City Centre is attracts visitors with its shops, galleries, and historic buildings. Southside districts have a strong sense of community and lovely green spaces. East End streets reflect an industrial heritage with modern additions. Glasgow is truly Scotland‘s gem.
City Centre
Explore the history of the city of Glasgow through the medieval city trail, see the architecture as you walk though Trongate from St Enoch Centre. If you are an art-lover, follow the City Centre Contemporary Art Trail and find GoMa, join a free daily tour at the City Chambers, check out the art-deco Princes Square, its interesting and characterful restaurants and shops. Keep your ear out to street music at every corner!
East End
Hop on the bus in the City Centre and in 10 minutes you’ll be at this architecturally interesting area of Glasgow. Places that are must see include the Glasgow Cathedral, Necropolis and Victorian Cemetery. Pop over to Barras Market for shopping and street food, visit the Tennent Brewery and chill in the green spaces.
Finnieston
If you’re a foodie – this part of Glasgow is for you. Located along the River Clyde and sits between the City Centre and the West End, this hip neighbourhood has lots of independent restaurant, bars, cafes, tearooms. Home to the Glasgow Science Centre and SSE Hydro where with concerts and live music.
West End
The hidden gem of Glasgow with bohemian and artistic charm. This is the Glasgow you often see on photos these days: cobbled lanes, sandstone tenements, and lush green spaces, like Kelvingrove Park. Home to the University of Glasgow, so it’s hip and artsy. Cool eateries and pubs.
Southside
Glasgow’s posh neighbourhood with grand Victorian townhouses to buzzing food markets and multicultural cafés, where its diverse community is at the heart of the vibrant neighbourhood. You’ll find Pollock Country Park here and the Hidden Gardens too.
Merchant City
For those who’s looking to shop for the most fashionable, contemporary and luxurious things. The grand architecture of Merchant City reflects the prosperity of Victorian-era Glasgow – today it’s repurposed old buildings turned into luxury apartments and cool bars – plus shopping!
North Glasgow
Enjoy quiet canal side strolls, with stops at modern cultural hubs like Port Dundas, cafes and free guided walking tours around the area. Beautiful city views and countryside-like stillness.
Famous Glasgow Festivals
Throughout the year, calendars are crowded with music festivals, art events, and community celebrations:
- Glasgow Film Festival (February)
- Glasgow International Comedy Festival March)
- Glasgow Music Festival (March)
- Glasgow International Festival of Contemporary Visual Arts (April)
- Glasgow Art Fair (April)
- Southside Film Festival and Fringe (May)
- Glasgow Festival of Wine (June)
- Glasgow Science Festival (June)
- Glasgow International Jazz Festival (June)
- Glasgow’s River Festival (July)
- Glasgow Cabaret Festival (July)
- Merchant City Festival (July)
- Glagow Pride (July)
- Piping Live! Festival (August)
- Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival (September)
- The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival (October)
- Glasgay! Festival (November)
- Glasgow’s Hogmanaym (December)
- Glasgow On Ice (December)
