Top things to do in Glasgow for first-time visitors

Located in the southside, you could spend the whole day in Pollok Country Park, Glasgow's largest green space. It has 2 top visitor attractions, woodland walks, and Highland cows.

Explore the world-class Burrell Collection, winner of the Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2023, the world's biggest museum prize. It also won the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award 2024. You'll find an array of art from Rodin and Degas to Chinese and Islamic pieces, and an excellent café/restaurant.

Pollok House*, a Georgian mansion by the river, is also in the park. Visit The Burrell Collection to plan your day.

Top tip
There's a free electric shuttle bus that helps visitors get around. Catch it from the Pollokshaws Road entrance.

*Please note Pollok House is currently closed for a major conservation project.

The City Sightseeing Glasgow bus tour runs all year. Listen to informative commentary about the city’s history, architecture, and places to visit. Choose from two routes: red or yellow. The red route covers the city centre and the west, while the yellow route covers the east and south of the city. Visit City Sightseeing Glasgow for details.

Check out our tours in Glasgow page for more options, including bike, bus, and walking tours.

No visit to Glasgow would be complete without a trip to one of the many museums and galleries. Most are free to enter. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, in an iconic red sandstone building next to Kelvingrove Park, is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. Visit Glasgow Life for opening times.

Top tip
Time your trip with the daily organ recitals. They take place 1pm Monday–Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

Glasgow’s lanes and buildings feature colourful murals by talented street artists. You can explore these works of urban art at your own pace or join a guided tour. Visit our City centre mural trail page for more details. Book tours at Walking Tours In.

Glasgow has the largest collection of work by architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh. Discover their Art Nouveau style at Mackintosh House, House for an Art Lover, and Mackintosh at the Willow. Visit our Charles Rennie Mackintosh page to learn more.

Glasgow was the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, and a hotspot for live performances at iconic venues like The Barrowland Ballroom and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.

Experience lively trad sessions, festivals, tours, and late-night venues. Don't miss the Glasgow Music City Tour, which brings to life the people and places that helped shape the city’s legendary scene. Visit our music lovers' hub for more. Book a music tour at Glasgow Music City Tour.

Did you know?
Glasgow is known for its passionate audiences. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher once said of a Barrowland gig: "Glaswegian crowds are just madder than mad. It's beautiful chaos".

Glasgow has a rich and varied architectural heritage. The city's wealthy past has left a legacy of some of the finest Victorian architecture. Like the majestic City Chambers overlooking George Square.

Glasgow Cathedral is a fine example of medieval architecture. Next to the Cathedral, the Necropolis offers fascinating sculptures and stories. Visit our history and heritage page for more information.

Top tip
Don't forget to look up when you walk around Glasgow, and discover gems hiding in plain sight.

As Glasgow is a compact city, you can explore more than one neighbourhood in a day. Walk, cycle using the city’s Nextbike scheme, or hop on the city’s Subway. Each of the city's neighbourhoods has its own distinct charm, from the historic and creative east end to the leafy southside. Head to our neighbourhoods section to discover more.

Did you know?
Glasgow's Subway is over 125 years old; it's the third-oldest underground railway in the world.

Glasgow’s food and drink scene is diverse and growing. Try classic Scottish dishes at The Ubiquitous Chip or fresh seafood at Gamba. Enjoy street food at Barras Market or Michelin-star dining at Cail Bruich. Glasgow has some of the most exciting chefs and independent restaurants that focus on the finest locally sourced produce. Visit our Eat & Drink section for inspiration.

Did you know?
Glasgow hosted the Michelin Guide Ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland for the very first time in 2025.

Glasgow is a shopper’s paradise. In the city centre, you’ll find big brands and designer stores. Shopping centres Princes Square, St Enoch Centre, and Buchanan Galleries each have their own style.

Support local creators and traders at the Scottish Design Exchange, The Clydeside Collective, and The Hidden Lane. Or explore the vintage and pre-loved stores scattered throughout the city’s neighbourhoods. See our shopping page for more ideas.

Did you know?
Glasgow is the top UK shopping city outside of London.

Whisky is Scotland’s national drink and renowned globally, so add sampling a dram to your must-do list.

Located on the banks of the River Clyde, The Clydeside Distillery is the first dedicated single malt distillery in Glasgow in over 100 years. Visit The Clydeside Distillery for tour details. Explore all whisky experiences on our whisky in the city page.

Be sure to take in a traditional bar such as The Pot Still or The Ben Nevis, where friendly locals can help you navigate huge selections of whisky. Visit our traditional pubs page to find out more.