Described as a “modern miracle,” Glasgow is full of wonders waiting to be explored. Over the years, the city has shifted from a rough past to become a capital of culture and design.
Once neglected buildings have given way to world-class museums and galleries, stylish shopping centers, trendy venues, and futuristic riverside redevelopment projects.
What to See in Glasgow
In the last two decades, Glasgow has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a capital of design and culture. Locals are proud to share the city’s many highlights, with most major attractions free for visitors. Glasgow: what to see and do—here’s a handy guide to help you plan your visit to this fascinating city.
Glasgow Museums
1 Glasgow Burrell Collection
Among Glasgow’s jewels are its museums, such as the Burrell Collection, nestled in the green heart of Pollock Park. Here you’ll find priceless archaeological treasures—Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman—as well as Asian lacquers, bronzes, and fine porcelain, late Gothic masterpieces, and paintings by Corot, Manet, Cézanne, Degas, Rembrandt, and more.
2 Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum
The Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, in the lush West End, brings together Victorian works by Scottish artists, masterpieces from the renowned Glasgow Boys movement (innovators in figurative arts and architecture), Italian 15th-century works, French Impressionism, and the latest European and local trends.
Glasgow: Top Things to Do and Visit
Besides being Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is a must-visit destination. Here are some unmissable sights in Glasgow you shouldn’t miss.
3 George Square
Beyond the artistic treasures, you can’t miss the historic heart of the city: the 18th-century George Square, dominated by the column bearing the statue of Sir Walter Scott, Scotland’s legendary novelist. It’s Glasgow’s main square, surrounded by many of its museums and monuments. As well as being a cultural hub, it’s at the center of the city’s nightlife, with countless pubs and nightspots open until late.
4 St. Mungo’s Cathedral
The magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Mungo, with its splendid choir and the panoramic, beautifully kept cemetery behind it—where sculptures, tombstones, and manicured trees create a striking landscape—is another essential Glasgow landmark.
5 Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow Botanic Gardens: this vast green space features beautiful glasshouses dating back to the early 1800s. Thanks to its stunning plant collections—including southern hemisphere ferns—it attracts nearly 500,000 visitors a year. Best of all, entry is completely free.
