23 Astonishing Tourist Places to Visit in Glasgow in 4 Days Trip
Glasgow is a city in Scotland. Some of the best places to visit in Glasgow include museums, art galleries, medieval buildings and riverside attractions. The city is renowned for its museums, some of which have won awards for their preservation and inter-activeness. During Glasgow sightseeing, you get to explore museums dedicated to city’s history, transport history, art, architecture, design, and bagpipes. There are also museums that recreate lifestyle, culture, places of work and living quarters from bygone eras. These are some of the most interesting things to see in Glasgow.
The city was home to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a renowned Scottish architect. You will see exhibits in many museums dedicated to him and there are several historical buildings among places to see in Glasgow which were designed by him.
Another major aspect of Glasgow travel is the riverside. There are maritime museums to be explored and public parks for recreation. You also have a museum inside an old ship, which is among the most interesting places to go in Glasgow.
The city is also considered the cultural capital of Scotland. The music, comedy and art scenes of the city are outstanding. You will get to see several clubs, events and centers dedicated to these cultural forms. The food is another major cultural aspect which you should explore. It is especially well known for variety of vegan cuisine available. Some of the restaurants and street food joints are considered Glasgow attractions by themselves.
As you explore fun things to do in Glasgow, Scotland you will see incredible friendliness from the people. They are very hospitable, funny and genuinely helpful. You should explore regional experiences and outdoor activities in Glasgow alongside some locals to get a vibe of the city.
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Table of Contents
The Best 23 Tourist Places to Visit in Glasgow in 4 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Glasgow Botanic Gardens
These gardens are spread over an area of 27 acres and is known for a vast variety of plants and trees brought from several places in Scotland and also from abroad. It is also included among Glasgow attractions for its creative greenhouses and tearoom. You would need an hour or so to explore it.
2. Hunterian Art Gallery & Museum
This gallery and museum houses several pieces of public art of Scotland. It is among the best places to visit in Glasgow for those interested in local art. It would take you one hour for this museum.
3. Kelvingore Art Gallery and Museum
Another one of the free things to do in Glasgow, Scotland for art admirers, this gallery houses 9,000 art artifacts. The gallery is housed in a wonderful palace built in 1901. It will take you about 2 hours to explore this gallery when you visit Glasgow.
4. The Tenement House
This museum recreates a tenement house from the 20th century. It is among the most interesting things to see in Glasgow. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.
5. Glasgow School of Art
This school houses a collection of renowned and rare works of art along-with being one of the best institutions for fine arts, architectures and design. It is one of the most popular Glasgow tourist attractions. You would need about an hour and a half for this place.
6. The Museum of Piping / The National Piping Centre
This museum is dedicated to bagpipes, the instrument most associated with Scotland. It is among top cool things to do in Glasgow. This museum has the largest collection of bagpipes memorabilia. It showcases an important part of the heritage of the Great Highland Bagpipe of 300 years. You will need 2 hours from Glasgow travel for this museum.
Day 2
1. The Burrell Collection
This collection is one of the most fascinating places to visit during Glasgow sightseeing. It showcases eras and cultures from around the world through exhibition of about 9 thousand objects. You will need 2 hours to explore this collection.
2. Pollok House and Garden
This house used to be the resident of Maxwell and Jardine families during the mid 1700s. It is a beautiful mansion and talks about the history of the people who lived here. You will need about an hour for this mansion.
3. House for an Art Lover
The art center was designed after works of Scottish architect Charles Mackintosh. The house showcases works by some of the leading artists of Scotland. It is among the most wonderful Glasgow sights to explore. You will need an hour for this house.
4. Scotland Street School Museum
This museum recreates a school from the Victorian days. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Glasgow. It is interesting how similar and different educational system was during that period. It is one of the top things to do in Glasgow. You will need about an hour for this museum.
Day 3
1. Glasgow Green
This 15th century park is among Glasgow must see places. The park sits beside river Clyde and is home to the Doultan Fountain and the People’s Palace. You would need about an hour for this park.
2. People’s Palace
This is not actually a palace but a recreation of the life of people of the city between 1700s and the 21st century. It is among best places to visit in Glasgow for those interested in social and cultural history. You will need about an hour for this place.
3. Tennents Wellpark Brewery
This place is among the most fun things to do in Glasgow, Scotland as you get to see how Tennents beer is made and get to taste it at various stages of creation. You will need an hour and a half for tour of this brewery.
4. Glasgow Necropolis
This Victorian cemetery is one of the most fascinating things to see in Glasgow. The graves are marked monuments and sculptures which are wonderful works of art by themselves. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this cemetery.
5. Glasgow Cathedral
This 12th century cathedral is an integral part of history and culture of the city. It is among the most marvelous Glasgow attractions. The interior and exterior is absolutely magnificent. You will need about an hour to explore this place.
6. Provand’s Lordship
This manor is one of the oldest houses in the city dating back to the 15th century. It is exemplary of late medieval architecture and feudal lifestyle. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.
7. St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
The museum is named after the patron saint of the city. It exhibits several religious objects and artworks from various religions around the world. It among the most unique things to do in Glasgow. You will about an hour to explore this museum.
Day 4
1. Riverside Museum
This interactive museum has won awards for its design and innovation. It is one of the top Glasgow tourist attractions. It is dedicated to transport and maritime history of the city. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.
2. The Tall Ship / Glenlee
This museum is housed in an old ship called The Glenlee and focuses on the maritime history of Glasgow. It is one of the most unique museums to explore during Glasgow travel. You will need about an hour for this ship.
3. Glasgow Science Center
This is again and interactive museum and is dedicated to science. It is also home to a planetarium and also the tallest tower in Scotland. You will need an hour from Glasgow sightseeing for this center.
4. The Lighthouse
This lighthouse houses Scotland’s Center for Design and Architecture. This lighthouse was designed by renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and a significant part of the museum is dedicated to him. It will take you about an hour to explore this place.
5. Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)
Also known as GoMA, this museum showcases modern art by several artists from around the world. You will need an hour to explore it.
6. George Square
This historic square has been around since 1781. It is explored for several activities in Glasgow like sightseeing, shopping and street food. You will need about half an hour for this square.
If you are looking for more cool things to do in Glasgow, Scotland, check out the sections below.
Things to do in Glasgow
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Glasgow
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Riverside Museum
- Glasgow Cathedral
- Glasgow of Modern Art
- Hunterian Art Gallery
- Glasgow Necropolis
- People’s Palace
- The Lighthouse
- The Burrell Collection
- House for an Art Lover
- The Tall Ship Glenlee
- St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art
- Scotland Street School Museum
- Center for Contemporary Arts
- Central Chambers
- Provand’s Lordship
- Bothwell Castle
- Glasgow Museums Resource Center
- Scottish Football Museum
- The Tenement House
- Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
- National Museum of Rural Life
- Paisley Museum and Art Gallery
- The Mackintosh Church
- Equetrian Statue of the Duke of Wellington
- Kelvin Hall Open Collections
- Pollock House
- Glasgow Print Studio
- The National Piping Center
- Holmwood House
- Glasgow Police Museum
- David Livingston Birthplace
- The Mitchell Library
- Crookston Castle
- The Cameronians Scottish Rifles
- RGI Kelly Gallery
- Sma Shot Cottages
- Compass Gallery
- Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Andrew
- Fossil Grove
- The Common Guild
- Mugdock Castle
- St. Andrew’s Church
- The Friends of the Britannia Panopticon
- Glasgow City Chambers
- Govan Old Parish Church
- Doultan Fountain
- Roger Billcliffe Gallery
- Maryhill Burgh Halls
- Glasgow Sculpture Studios
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Glasgow
- Mugdock Country Park
- Forth and Clyde Canal
- Calderglen Country Park
- Cathkin Braes
- Drumpellier Country Park
- Campsie Fells
- Gleniffer Braes Country Park
- James Hamilton Heritage Park
- Seven Lochs Wetland Park
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Glasgow
- Glasgow Botanic Gardens
- Kevingrove Park
- Glasgow Science Center Tower
- Glasgow Green
- Pollock Country Park
- Glasgow Science Center
- Scottish Event Campus
- M&D’s Scotland Theme Park
- The Willow Tea Rooms
- Tramway
- Kibble Palace
- Snow Factor
- Strathclyde Country Park
- Bellahouston Park
- Tollcross Park
- The Time Capsule
- Linn Park
- The Glasgow Art Club
- Greenbank Garden
- Queen’s Park Playground
- Victoria Park Pond
- Finnieston Crane
- Calderglen Zoo
- Drygate
- Wonder World Soft Play
- Barshaw Park
- Titan Clydebank
- Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Center
- Cuningar Loop
Shopping in Glasgow
- The Barras Market
- Buchanan Galleries
- Savoy Center
- St. Enoch Center
- Loch Lomond Shores
- Princes Square
- Glasgow Fort Mall
- Argyll Arcade
- Intu Braehead
- The Italian Center
- Merchant Square
- Sauchiehall Street Center
- De Courcy’s Arcade
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Glasgow
- Boat Cruise
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Bungee Jumping
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
Sightseeing in Glasgow
- George Square
- Buchanan Street
- Ashton Lane
- Clyde Arc Bridge
- Blythswood Square
- Byres Road
- Royal Exchange Square
- Saint Vincent Street
- Bath Street
- Queen Street
- Great Western Road
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Glasgow
- Alchemilla
- Two Fat Ladies
- Julie’s Kopitiam
- Rogano
- Kimchi Cult
- Cafe Gandolfi
- Ox and Finch
- The Ubiquitous Chip
- Bilson Eleven
- Stravaigin
- Cail Bruich
- Crabshakk
- The Hanoi Bike Shop
- The 78 Bar
- The Gannet
- The Bungo
- Dakhin
- Battlefield Rest
- Five March
Where to Stay in Glasgow?
Here we have listed Top Rated all type of Hotels in Glasgow. Below you can check luxurious, mid-range and budget hotel for your stay in Glasgow.
Luxurious Hotels
- Dakota Glasgow
- Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
- 15Glasgow
- Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens
- Radisson RED Hotel, Glasgow
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
- Hilton Glasgow
Mid-Range Hotels
- ibis Styles Glasgow Central
- Carlton George Hotel
- Hampton by Hilton Glasgow Central
- Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel
- ibis Styles Glasgow Centre George Square
- Village Hotel Glasgow
- GoGlasgow Urban Hotel by Compass Hospitality
- Jurys Inn Glasgow
- Fraser Suites Glasgow
- CitizenM Glasgow
Budget Hotels
- Premier Inn Glasgow Pacific Quay (SECC) hotel
- Travelodge Glasgow Queen Street Hotel
- Argyll Hotel
- Sandyford Lodge
- The Sandyford Hotel
- The Z Hotel Glasgow
- Ibis Glasgow City Centre – Sauchiehall Street Hotel
- Premier Inn Glasgow East hotel
- Number 10 Hotel
- Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre South hotel
Custom Tours Package in Glasgow?
How to Reach Glasgow?
By Air
Glasgow International Airport is your best bet to reach Glasgow if you are traveling from outside Scotland. Other airport serving the city include Glasgow Prestwick International Airport. You can get direct flights from Belfast, Toronto, Dublin, London, Burgas, Amsterdam, Berlin, Birmingham, Bristol, Barcelona, Bordeaux, Split, Venice, Dubai, Reykjavik, Geneva, Krakow, Malta, Naples, Prague, Rome, Frankfurt, Paris and more. You can get buses and cabs to get to places to and from the airport.
By Road
You can get direct trains to visit Glasgow from London, Edinburgh, York, Newcastle, and several other major cities in the United Kingdom. There are several bus services to reach Glasgow from numerous cities, towns, and villages in the UK.
If you are planning to get to Glasgow by road, you should head for routes M77, M74, M73, A73, A726, A74 or A80.
By Water
You can get ferries for Glasgow travel from Belfast, Dublin, and Londonderry.
Image Reference
- Glasgow Botanic Gardens – dvdbramhall / Flickr
- Hunterian Art Gallery & Museum – dvdbramhall / Flickr
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum – Kamyq / PixaBay
- The Tenement House – Glen Bowman / Flickr
- Glasgow School of Art – Steve Cadman / Flickr
- The Museum of Piping / The National Piping Centre – Reading Tom / Flickr
- The Burrell Collection – Paul Trafford / Flickr
- Pollok House and Garden – John / Flickr
- House for an Art Lover – Alex Foster / Flickr
- Scotland Street School Museum – Teri / Flickr
- Glasgow Green – Open Glasgow / Flickr
- People’s Palace – Swee Oon / Flickr
- Tennents Wellpark Brewery – Shadowgate / Flickr
- Glasgow Necropolis – Shadowgate / Flickr
- Glasgow Cathedral – Viv Lynch / Flickr
- Provand’s Lordship – Silvia Storti / Flickr
- St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art – Graeme Churchard / Flickr
- Riverside Museum – nuklr.dave / Flickr
- The Tall Ship / Glenlee – AlxTheRed / Flickr
- Glasgow Science Centre – James Glen / PixaBay
- The Lighthouse – Romanorum animi / Flickr
- Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) – Seo J Kim / Flickr
- George Square – Daniel / Flickr