Glasgow Scotland Kelvingrove Necropolis and West End Food

Why visit Glasgow

Glasgow grew rich on shipbuilding and trade, and that wealth left behind splendid architecture and generous public museums, many of them free. Today the city is known for its warm welcome, live music, design heritage and a dining scene that has come a long way.

Museums and landmarks

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

This grand red sandstone building holds everything from Dutch masters to Scottish art and natural history, including Salvador Dali's Christ of Saint John of the Cross. Entry is free, and the daily organ recital is a treat.

Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis

Glasgow Cathedral is a rare medieval Scottish cathedral that survived the Reformation almost intact. Behind it, the Victorian Necropolis covers a hill with elaborate monuments and views over the city.

Riverside Museum

Designed by Zaha Hadid on the banks of the Clyde, the Riverside Museum tells the story of transport with trams, cars and a recreated old street. The tall ship Glenlee is moored outside.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Glasgow is the city of the architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. See his work at The Lighthouse and take tea at Mackintosh at the Willow on Sauchiehall Street.

Neighbourhoods to explore

The West End

The leafy West End is home to Kelvingrove Park, the Botanic Gardens and Ashton Lane, a cobbled lane of pubs and restaurants strung with lights.

University of Glasgow

The university's Gothic Revival main building and its vaulted cloisters are among the most photographed spots in the city.

Merchant City

The old trading quarter is now full of restaurants, bars and boutiques in handsome eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings, close to George Square and Buchanan Street.

Parks and green spaces

Glasgow Green and the People's Palace

Glasgow Green is the oldest park in the city. The People's Palace museum tells the story of everyday Glaswegians, with a glasshouse full of plants next door.

Pollok Country Park and the Burrell Collection

South of the river, Pollok Country Park has woodland walks and Highland cattle. It is also home to the Burrell Collection, a remarkable museum of art and antiques from around the world.

Food and local flavours

Try haggis with neeps and tatties, a hearty full Scottish breakfast and fresh seafood from the west coast. Glasgow is often credited as the birthplace of chicken tikka masala and has a strong curry scene. For something sweet, look for tablet, a crumbly Scottish fudge, and wash it down with a bottle of Irn Bru.

Where to stay

The City Centre is close to the main stations, shopping streets and music venues. Merchant City has stylish hotels and great dining, while the West End offers a quieter base near the museums, parks and university.

Best time to visit

Late spring and summer bring the longest days and the most festivals. Rain is possible in every season, so pack a waterproof jacket. December is cold and dark, but the city glows with Christmas markets and lights.

Getting there and getting around

Glasgow Airport is a short bus or taxi ride from the centre, and Glasgow Prestwick serves some budget flights. Trains run from Central and Queen Street stations across Scotland and to London. The circular Subway, nicknamed the Clockwork Orange, links the centre with the West End and south side.

A suggested itinerary

First day

Visit the Cathedral and Necropolis, walk through Merchant City and spend the evening at a live music venue.

Second day

Explore Kelvingrove, the university and Ashton Lane in the West End, then visit the Riverside Museum.

Third day

Head to the Burrell Collection and Pollok Country Park, or take a day trip to Loch Lomond.

Practical tips

• Pack layers and a waterproof jacket in every season.
• Most major museums are free to enter.
• Book ahead on big football match days.
• Contactless payment works on the Subway and most buses.