Accessible Glasgow: Itinerary for wheelchair users
Morning
1. Hop on and off the City Sightseeing Glasgow Bus
Going on a bus tour is a great way to start your day and familiarise yourself with Glasgow. City Sightseeing Glasgow has two different tours that highlight the main attractions in the city. We chose the red tour, which covers the west and city centre, while the yellow tour explores the south and east.
We began our bus tour at George Square (stop 1), known as the heart of Glasgow. The complete loop takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, allowing you to relax, enjoy the sights, listen to informative commentary, and learn more about the city. Hop on and off at various attractions of your choice.
The City Sightseeing Glasgow buses are accessible for wheelchair users, featuring low floors and a ramp that makes it easy to board and navigate to the designated wheelchair space.
To find out more information and to book your tickets, visit City Sightseeing Glasgow.
2. Visit Glasgow Cathedral
The bus makes its very first stop at Glasgow Cathedral, which is Glasgow's oldest building. The Cathedral is stunning, showcasing medieval Gothic architecture and a rich history, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Necropolis.
However, don't just admire it from the outside. Although built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the cathedral is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to visit for tours, worship, or concerts.
There is a platform lift at the entrance and another lift inside that takes you to the upper level, where services are held and the most beautiful stained glass windows can be found.
Make sure to look up and appreciate the towering stone-arched columns, intricate ribbed vaults, and the wooden panelled ceiling adorned with heraldic decorations. Visit Glasgow Cathedral to find out more information.
3. Wander through the Necropolis
For great views over the city, take a wander through the Necropolis, which overlooks the Cathedral. It's worth noting that this Victorian cemetery is located on a hill, and while there are cobblestones in some areas, the majority of the pathways are wide and smooth. As a powered wheelchair user, I found the visit to the Necropolis manageable, but manual wheelchair users may find it more challenging. Discover more by visiting Glasgow Necropolis.
Afternoon
1. Have lunch at Purrple Cat Café
After all that exploring, you'll definitely need a pick-me-up. For something a little different, there's no better place than the Purrple Cat Café. Here you can enjoy a delicious lunch or afternoon tea while being surrounded by adorable cats (yes, please!).
The cats are content doing their own thing, whether that's lounging in their various beds or roaming above on the rope bridges. You are free to wander around the café both before and after your meal to relax and interact with the cats.
It's also fun to try to identify the 36 cats using the photo card that shows their pictures and names. Throughout our hour long visit, there were opportunities to buy cat gifts and toys, as well as have a go at winning 'Spin the Wheel'.
Visit Purple Cat Cafe to learn more and to book your table.
2. Visit the Gallery of Modern Art
Now that you've refuelled, let's head to the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). To get there, you can either catch the City Sightseeing bus at High Street for Merchant City (stop 3) or enjoy a 10-minute walk from the café to the museum.
GoMA offers free entry and is easily recognisable from the outside thanks to the iconic Duke of Wellington statue in front of the building. This statue is famous for the traffic cone placed on its head, making it a fun photo opportunity.
Inside the gallery you will find wheelchair access throughout, including a lift to the four galleries that showcase local, national, and international artists. The museum also features a library, a gift shop, and accessible toilets. If you need a Changing Places toilet, the nearest facility is at Queen Street Station, which is less than a 5 minute walk from the museum.
Visit Gallery of Modern Art for what to see, a floorplan, and important information for planning your visit.
3. Explore Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
A great way to spend the rest of the afternoon is by visiting one of the best museums in Glasgow. I recommend taking the bus to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow's west end.
The museum is impressive both inside and out and is free to visit. It features 22 galleries with around 8,000 objects. Its diverse collections cover topics such as natural history, arms and armour, and various art movements. Some highlights include Salvador Dali's renowned painting 'Christ of St John of the Cross', Sir Roger the Asian elephant, and a Spitfire plane suspended from the ceiling. My personal favourite is the 'Flying Heads' installation by Sophie Cave.
Take a break at the Centre Hall café where you can enjoy some tea and cake. You can also hear recitals from the grand organ in the centre hall at 1pm every Monday–Saturday, and 3pm on Sundays. Find out more about the museum by visiting Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Afterwards, finish off your afternoon with a stroll through Kelvingrove Park. Alternatively, you can head back to the city centre to relax at your hotel before dinner.
Evening
1. Have dinner at Paesano Pizza
After a day filled with adventures, it's time to treat yourself to a delicious dinner. If you're in the mood for pizza, head to Paesano Pizza in the city centre. This restaurant is famous for it's 100% authentic Napoletana pizza, and offers quick service.
It's a favourite among locals and can become quite busy, but since they don't take reservations, it's best to keep this in mind. I recommend the cotto ham with mushrooms or Tuscan fennel sausage pizzas followed by the New York cheesecake or ice cream with Amarena cherries for dessert. Follow Paesano Pizza on Instagram to keep up to date.
2. Rest your head at AC Hotel Glasgow
The AC Hotel Glasgow is a great choice for your overnight stay. Its central location in the heart of the city, just a stone's throw from George Square, make it an ideal base for spending a day in Glasgow.
The accessible rooms feature roll-in showers and provide a comfortable retreat after a busy day of sightseeing. The king size bed was accessible from all sides, with clearance underneath if travelling with a mobile hoist.
In the morning, start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast, choosing from a full Scottish breakfast or a continental selection with a variety of delicious options. Visit AC Hotel Glasgow to make a reservation.
About Emma
Since launching 'Simply Emma' in 2014, Emma has become a prominent voice in accessible travel. Through her lifestyle, travel, and disability blog, she offers in-depth reviews and guides that empower others to explore the world without limits.
In 2018 she was named in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list, and she was also awarded the British Empire Medal by King Charles in 2023 for her services to disabled people.
You can read more about Emma and her accessible travels by visiting simplyemma.co.uk.
