Things to do in Glasgow
Glasgow is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do outside of conference sessions. There’s a variety of museums and art galleries to explore the works of artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, weekly Ceilidh’s, high street and boutique shopping, bike and walking tours - including the city centre Art Mural Trail - or take a stroll through one of the many parks and green spaces.
Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music with over 150 live music events per week, and other exciting events and festivals taking place throughout the year. The food and drink scene offers something for everyone, from traditional whisky pubs to fine dining, in a variety of lively neighbourhoods including Finnieston, the City Centre, the West End and Merchant City.
Glasgow has a rich and diverse local history, shaped by shipbuilding, railways, landscaped gardens, allotments, archaeology, architecture, immigration and more. The history is all around the city and Glaswegians are proud of their diverse history, giving them a sense of pride and identity in their city.
Further afield, but within easy access from Glasgow, visit the remains of the Roman Antonine Wall, see Highland cattle at Pollock Country Park, or get away from the city completely by the bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond in The Trossachs National Park.
Things to do in Glasgow and beyond
Eat and Drink
Ashton Lane
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Close to the University of Glasgow, Ashton Lane is a popular spot with locals and tourists for food and drink, and evening entertainment.
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Glasgow’s restaurant scene caters to every budget and cuisine, from Michelin starred fine dining to casual brunch.
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From traditional cosy pubs, whisky specialists to cocktail bars, Glasgow has something to suit your vibe. Find out more about pubs and bars in the city.
Museums and Galleries
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
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The Hunterian, part of the University of Glasgow, is the oldest public museum in Scotland.
The Hunterian Museum, Huntarian Art Gallery, The Mackintosh House and Huntarian Zoology Musuem house collections spaning arts, sciences and humanities. Featuring artists including Whistler, Mackintosh, Rembrandt, Rubens, the Glasgow Boys and Scottish Colourists and artefacts including the Bearsden Shark, Cleopatra Coin and Chinese Map of the World.
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Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is the place to go to see works by, and learn about Charles Rennie Mackintosh. With 22 galleries to explore, you’ll find everything from art to animals.
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Riverside Museum is Glasgow's award-winning technology and transport museum located at the junction of the Rivers Kelvin and Clyde in the city’s West End. Visitors can stroll along a cobbled street lined with shops, houses, and even a subway station, all authentically recreated to transport visitors back in time.
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Home to the city’s contemporary art collection, including works by Turner Prize winners and emerging artists.
GoMA’s collection includes a wide range of contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, videos, and digital art. The collection focuses on artists from Scotland, the UK, and the international art scene.
Arts, Entertainment and Culture
Barrowland Ballroom
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Glasgow has numerous venues for live music, including Barrowland Ballroom, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and Royal Glasgow Concert Hall, home of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
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From the Scottish Mask & Puppet Theatre, to the Theatre Royal, Glasgow hosts plays, ballet, opera and much more year round.
Find out what’s on in April 2026.
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Glasgow is one of the best cities in the UK for street art. Huge murals can be found on the side of city buildings, which, put together, form the city centre mural trail.
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Starting with the Mackintosh House at the University of Glasgow, discover the works of architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh in tea rooms and galleries.
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You can begin your journey at the University of Glasgow and discover Glasgow in 21 stops.
Shopping
Princes Square, Buchanan Street
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Buchanan Street, Argyll Arcade and Royal Exchange Square are the main shopping areas in Glasgow, home to familiar high street names and boutique luxury brands.
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You’ll find independent shops dotted across the city, selling everything from traditional Scottish crafts (including whisky!) to contemporary homeware.
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Find bargains, one-of-a-kind gifts and grab a bite to eat at one of the many weekend markets across Glasgow.
Outdoor Activities
Glasgow Green
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Did you know there are over 90 parks and gardens in Glasgow?
Glasgow Green is a great place for cycling, walking and running, or relax in the peaceful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens.
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Cycle the city’s Mural Trail, join a bike tour or potter along the banks of the River Clyde. Bikes are available to hire via the OVO Bike scheme.
Discover the history and heritage of Glasgow on foot with walking trails and guided tours.
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Golf originated in Scotland so it’s not a surprise that there are over 90 golf courses within an hour of Glasgow, including Gleneagles.
Further Afield
Pollok Country Park
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If a visit to Scotland isn’t complete without seeing the famous Highland cattle, Pollok Country Park is a must-visit. Enjoy the quiet woodlands and walled gardens, even though the centre of Glasgow is a stones-throw away.
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For history buffs, the Antonine Wall lies half an hour north east of the city centre.
The Antonine Wall was the northern most frontier of the Roman Empire and stretched from the western to the eastern coast of Scotland. Remains of the wall, forts and bathhouses can still be seen today.
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Less than an hour from Glasgow, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a haven for walking, cycling, climbing, watersports and boating.