By admin@handinhandadventures.com 
Activities in Glasgow
From its many museums and galleries displaying its artistic heritage to its lively nightlife, Glasgow is one of the most culturally diverse and exciting cities in Scotland!
If you’re planning a trip to Glasgow but aren’t sure what you want to do, here are just some of the many options you have. There are plenty of places for kids to enjoy and families to spend time together. You will find something for everyone to enjoy during your stay in this great city! Whether you’re looking for a wonderful weekend away with friends or want to take the entire family for a longer holiday, Glasgow offers lots of options regardless of your budget.
The following travel guide will provide readers with the best experiences to consider while visiting Glasgow. We’ll cover cultural experiences, outdoor experiences, family-friendly experiences, and adult experiences while visiting Glasgow. In addition to covering what to do in Glasgow with children, there will be ideas that are relevant to both solo travellers and couple.
Why Glasgow Is a Top Destination in Scotland
Glasgow is known as the friendliest city in Scotland because of this reputation. It is famous for its warm hospitality and friendly people, and has a strong industrial heritage. The city combines traditional and modern attractions together and is also one of the largest cities in the entire country of Scotland, with Glasgow being a major centre for the arts, music, architecture, and sports, making activities in Glasgow, Scotland very diverse.
Glasgow is laid out in a very compact arrangement and can be explored easily with its many major attractions being located close to one another. From its extensive history to the various shops and restaurants available, as well as the various activities available outside of the city, Glasgow has provided year-round fun for those visiting.
Getting Around and Exploring the City
An awesome advantage to participating in things to do around Glasgow is that it’s easy to get around. The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, but there are also great public transportation options for getting to the outlying areas and attractions. Additionally, many tourists utilize a Glasgow taxi for a relaxing, quick ride between the various cultural, shopping, and entertainment options available to them when they’re short on time or the weather has taken a turn for the worse (i.e. “typically Scottish”).
Easy transportation allows you to experience more in less time, giving you freedom to focus on fun rather than logistics.
Cultural and Historical Activities in Glasgow
Explore World-Class Museums (Mostly Free!)
Glasgow offers a multitude of free museums, which are an incredible opportunity for cultural enthusiasts and travellers with limited means to experience the arts and cultures of Glasgow without the heavy cost of entry fees.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum- Houses over 8,000 items of collection, including decorative arts, original works by many of Scotland’s most excellent artisans, and the history of the natural world in conjunction with the heritage of Scotland.
Riverside Museum is a very impressive modern museum design and dedicated to the movement of people, things, and goods using various methods of transportation, such as vintage cars, bicycles, passenger ships, and interactive exhibits.
The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens provides visitors with insight into the history of Glasgow society through an array of museums and historical artefacts.
These museums combine education and engagement through multiple forms of entertainment and are therefore the perfect opportunity for both families and adults to enjoy fun activities while in Glasgow.
Discover Glasgow’s Architecture
Charles Rennie Mackintosh was one of the greatest Scottish Designers. The Glasgow School of Art, The Willow Tea Rooms, and House for an Art Lover are good examples of his work. All three sites showcase distinctive features associated with Mackintosh’s famous design style.
Arrival, Planning, and First Impressions
Most people arrive in Glasgow through it’s International Airport, which is located just outside of Glasgow City Centre. To plan for your arrival in advance will ensure that you have a hassle-free start to your visit, and many travellers decide to take a Glasgow Airport Taxi for a quick and direct transfer to their hotel or attraction in the city. Once you are settled into your hotel, you will be ready to begin experiencing all that Glasgow has to offer!
Fun Activities in Glasgow for Adults
Enjoy the Legendary Music and Nightlife Scene
Live concerts and events are an integral component of daily life in Glasgow as a UNESCO City of Music, creating a diverse range of opportunities for music lovers including intimate indie gigs to large-scale concerts.
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut—An internationally recognised venue that has gained fame for launching many famous global musicians.
Barrowland Ballroom—A legendary venue with iconic connotations.
Sub Club—Widely recognised as one of the best underground clubs around the world.
Glasgow’s nightlife for adults includes cocktail bars, classic style pubs, and energetic club atmospheres, leaving adults with plenty of options on how to enjoy themselves at night.
Whisky Tasting and Brewery Tours
Scotland and whiskey are interconnected. As part of this connection, visitors to Glasgow can partake in guided tastings, as well as visit a wide array of whiskey bars and breweries that feature locally produced craft beers. All of these guided tours offer an opportunity for a more in-depth view into the drink culture of Scotland while also creating a relaxed and social environment.
Outdoor and Nature Activities in Glasgow
Relax in Beautiful Parks
Glasgow Has Abundance of Green Space, a large City with A Lot of Green Parks.
Kelvingrove Park: Kelvingrove Park Is A Beautiful Waterfront Park, Ideal for Walking, Picnicking, and River Views.
Glasgow Green: Glasgow Green Is The Oldest Park In Glasgow, a Large Open Space with a Lot of History.
Pollok Country Park: Pollok Country Park Is An Amazing Country Park with Highland Cows and on the Grounds of Pollok House.
All of These Parks Provide Beautiful Scenery for Relaxing and Taking Photographs, Jogging, and Enjoying after a Day At The City.
Walk Along the River Clyde
The River Clyde has been instrumental to Glasgow throughout history. Today, walking and cycling routes by the river offer great views of both contemporary structures and earlier shipbuilding yards.
Things to Do in Glasgow with Kids
Interactive Museums and Science Fun
Glasgow has an array of opportunities for families with children to be entertained, especially with all the interactive experiences there are available:
Glasgow Science Centre: Built with fun, learning at the Glasgow Science Centre includes lots of different kinds of learning, from hands-on learning to science shows & planetarium shows.
The Riverside Museum: The Riverside Museum offers young visitors the chance to see antique vehicles and to climb onto the vehicles as they play.
The Tall Ship Glenlee: The Tall Ship Glenlee offers children the opportunity to roam freely around a true historic sailing ship.
Animal and Wildlife Experiences
Glasgow Zoo: Glasgow’s Zoological Park provides an opportunity to see exotic species from around the world while participating in educational and interactive family outings.
Pollok Country Park: Pollok Country Park gives children the chance to view Highland cattle and let their imaginations run wild in grassy areas.
Together, these attractions provide families with a combination of learning and enjoyment, thus helping to create an ideal family travel experience.
Shopping and Food Experiences
Shopping Streets and Local Markets
One of the favourite pastimes for those living or visiting Glasgow is shopping, with shops from high-end luxury through to high-street chain stores located predominantly along Buchanan St., Argyle St., and Sauchiehall St. Also, if there is a desire for something a little different than the norm, look no further than the West End of Glasgow, where many independent retailers and true weekend market stands can be found.
Taste Glasgow’s Food Scene
Food from Glasgow offers an incredible diversity, with everything from traditional Scottish cuisine to worldwide dishes, so there is something here for everyone. While you are here, be sure to try many local specialties such as haggis, locally sourced seafood and new styles of street food on offer.
Unique and Alternative Activities
All in all, Glasgow is a great place to explore something new:
Street Art Tours: Glasgow has some wonderful street art and they’re amazing to see!
Escape Rooms: A fun group activity and ideal for those rainy days!
Comedy Clubs/Theaters: Live entertainment beyond just music.
These are all unique and add diversity to your experience visiting Glasgow.
Seasonal and Event-Based Activities
Festivals and events happen in Glasgow every season.
Summer Festivals: Summer host festivals featuring live entertainment & food festivals.
Christmas markets: In December, Glasgow has Christmas markets.
Sporting Events: Glasgow also welcomes major sporting competitions, like Championship Soccer and annual Marathon Events.
Seasonal events provide visitors with an opportunity to experience their visit to Glasgow in multiple ways each time they return.
Travel Tips for Enjoying Activities in Glasgow
You should wear comfortable footwear; as walking is an essential component of your trip.
Make reservations ahead of time for the most famous attractions during high travel seasons.
You can adjust to the climate by participating in both indoor and outdoor activities. Include activities that will keep your children busy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best activities in Glasgow for first-time visitors?
The best things to do if it’s your first time to visit Glasgow are Kelvingrove Museum, West End, River Clyde, and Live Music Venues.
1. Are there many free activities in Glasgow?
Glasgow provides a wide range of free activities including museums, parks, galleries, and public attractions.
2. What are the best fun activities in Glasgow for adults?
Fun things to do for adults in Glasgow are Live Music, Nightlife, Whisky Tastings, Comedy Clubs, and Food Tours.
4. What are the best things to do in Glasgow with kids?
For children to enjoy, Glasgow Science Centre, Riverside Museum, Parks, and Zoo.
5. Is Glasgow good for outdoor activities?
Glasgow boasts plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities with Parks, Riverside Walks, and Countryside nearby.
6. How many days are enough to explore Glasgow?
The optimum time frame for viewing the top sites is two to three days. A longer visit will enable you to see much more.
7. Is Glasgow walkable for tourists?
Yes! Both the City Centre and West End have a compact layout and ample room for pedestrian movement.
What type of culture has Glasgow developed?
Museums, architecture, music, theatrical and artistic galleries are all important to establishing the culture of Glasgow.
What can visitors to Glasgow find during the winter months?
Visitors will find that many of the indoor attractions located in Glasgow are open during the winter: shopping, winter festivities, and museums.
10. Is Glasgow a good destination for families to vacation?
Glasgow has many educational and entertaining attractions covering a wide range of interests, making it an excellent choice for families travelling to Glasgow.
Final Thoughts
Every type of traveller can find things to do in Glasgow – from historic sites and cultural landmarks to exciting nightlife to activities for families. If you’re looking for great things for kids to do or planning your visits over the weekend, Glasgow has something that will remain a fond memory long after your trip.