Top things to do in summer

Glasgow has beautiful green spaces. There are over 90 parks and gardens located throughout the city. Spend a day getting close to nature by going for a walk or a cycle, or why not take a book and a picnic and relax in the sun? Visit our parks and gardens guide to see our top picks of places to visit in each neighbourhood.

Whether you’re looking for a rooftop terrace, a beer garden or an outdoor café, Glasgow is full of options.

In the city centre, Royal Exchange Square is home to many restaurants with outdoor seating. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying a bite to eat after a long day of shopping.

Or why not check out one of Glasgow’s biggest beer gardens? You can find West Brewery in the east of the city. Visit our outdoor eating and drinking guide for some more inspiration.

Every summer, Glasgow plays host to Piping Live! It's the biggest bagpipe festival in the world. Enjoy live concerts, competitions and workshops at venues across the city. Visit Piping Live! to see the full programme.

The World Pipe Band Championships are also returning to Glasgow for 2 days of competition. Over 8,000 pipers and drummers from all over the world come to compete, but only one band can win the title. Visit Glasgow Life to book your tickets.

Minted on Byres Road specialises in small-batch ice creams. And they use locally sourced ingredients. Visit the Minted Instagram to keep up to date with their latest flavours. 

The University Café has been using the same traditional recipes and methods for over 100 years. It has served the people of Glasgow since 1918. Find out more by visiting The University Cafe's Instagram.

With 3 branches across Glasgow, Loop and Scoop is a great choice if churros and ice cream are your thing. Visit Loop and Scoop for more information.

In the southside, La Gelatessa creates small-batch Italian gelato. Follow La Gelatessa's Instagram to see what they offer.

Open-top bus tours are a great way to see more of Glasgow and learn about its history. There are 2 routes to choose from. One covers the city centre and west end, and the other the east and south of the city.

All City Sightseeing's buses are electric, making them the first operator in the world to have a fully electric fleet. Visit City Sightseeing Glasgow for more information.

Found in the north of the city, Pinkston Watersports is home to Scotland’s only artificial white-water course. Have a go at cold water swimming or white water tubing. You can also try canoeing and kayaking. Visit Pinkston Watersports to book.

There’s a lot of amazing street art to discover in Glasgow. One of the best ways to experience it is by following the city centre mural trail. The trail maps out a route of the artwork in and around the city centre. Visit our mural trail guide for more information on each one.

Or why not book yourself onto a guided tour? Visit Walking Tours in Glasgow to book.

Take advantage of the long summer nights and warmer weather by taking a day trip outside of Glasgow. Glasgow is the gateway to Scotland’s beautiful scenery. You can travel to places like Stirling, Loch Lomond and Ayr in under an hour. Visit our unforgettable day trips from Glasgow guide for inspiration.