Things to Do in Glasgow for First-Timers

Essi Eskelinen

Everyone knows Glasgow for its local charm and unique character, but if it’s your first time in Glasgow, you’ll be glad to know the city also delivers when it comes to iconic sights and memorable experiences. From world-class museums to quirky landmarks, there are plenty of things to do in Glasgow that’ll keep your camera roll buzzing. And yes, you’ll definitely want a photo of the statue with a traffic cone on its head (trust us — it’s a thing, keep reading).

We think you can tick off the main attractions while also discovering why ‘People Make Glasgow’ — follow our top tips and you’ll have conquered the city in no time!

1. Explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

One of the best museums in Glasgow is hands down the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Situated in the picturesque West End (filled with charming coffee shops by the way!), the museum is as charming outside as it is on the inside and it even has an impressive organ inside. If you time your visit right, you’ll hear free organ recitals that echo off the walls and back to you. After soaking up all that art and culture, why not wander through Kelvingrove Park and enjoy a wee bit of nature?

🌟 What to Expect: A mix of fine art, natural history, and ancient artefacts – all under one stunning Victorian roof.

📍 Location: Argyle Street, in the West End of Glasgow, right beside Kelvingrove Park.

🕒 Opening Hours: Open daily, typically 10am – 5pm (check ahead for holiday hours).

💲 Price: Free entry! Some temporary exhibitions may charge a small fee.

☕ Facilities: On-site café, gift shop, accessible toilets, lifts, and baby changing areas.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors:

Salvador Dalí’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross
The suspended Spitfire aircraft
Life-sized taxidermy displays and interactive kids’ zones

2. Ashton Lane

Whether you fancy a wee snack or a pint, Ashton Lane is the place for it! This cobbled street decorated with fairy lights is not only very Instagrammable, but also has several places to grab a drink or a bite.

🌟 What to Expect: A cobbled backstreet packed with charm – expect twinkly lights, buzzing bars, indie restaurants, and a lively atmosphere day or night.

📍 Location: Just off Byres Road in Glasgow’s West End – a short walk from Hillhead Subway Station.

🕒 Opening Hours: Varies by venue – pubs and restaurants typically open from late morning until late evening.

💲 Price: Free to wander – food and drink prices vary depending on where you go.

☕ Facilities: Bars, restaurants, a boutique cinema, outdoor seating, and public toilets nearby.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors:

Grab a pint at the cosy Ubiquitous Chip or Innis & Gunn
Catch an indie flick at the Grosvenor Cinema
Enjoy fairy lights overhead while exploring the cobbled lane

3. Pollok Country Park

Highland Cow at Pollok Country Park Glasgow

Looking to meet some of Scotland’s most iconic locals - the Hairy Coos? Pollok Country Park is home to several Highland cows, and you'll have the chance to spot them there. While at the park, take a stroll through its scenic grounds, visit The Burrell Collection, which houses the art collection of Sir William Burrell and Lady Constance Burrell, and explore the grand Pollok House.

🌳 What to Expect: A peaceful green escape from the city – think woodland walks, Highland cows, historic gardens, and one impressive stately home.

📍 Location: 2060 Pollokshaws Road, in the South Side of Glasgow – about 15 minutes from the city centre by train or car.

🕒 Opening Hours: Open daily, typically dawn – dusk. Pollok House and specific facilities may have separate hours.

💲 Price: Entry to the park is free – Pollok House charges a small fee (free for National Trust members).

☕ Facilities: Visitor centre, tearoom, public toilets, picnic spots, play areas, and car parking.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors:

Spot the park’s famous Highland cattle grazing in the fields
Visit Pollok House for period interiors and riverside gardens
Wander scenic trails through peaceful woodland and open meadows

4. Buchanan Street

If shopping's your cardio, then Buchanan Street is your playground! Shop till you drop at the variety of stores, and when you need a break, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants nearby. In addition, you’ll most likely see some amazing buskers while strolling through the main street of Glasgow.

🛍️ What to Expect: Glasgow’s main shopping boulevard – stylish, bustling, and packed with high-street favourites, designer stores, and street performers.

📍 Location: Runs between Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street in the heart of Glasgow city centre.

🕒 Opening Hours: Shops typically open 9am – 6pm (later on Thursdays); some cafés and bars stay open into the evening.

💲 Price: Free to explore – shopping and food prices vary.

☕ Facilities: Nearby cafés, restaurants, benches, toilets in shopping centres, and subway access at Buchanan Street and St Enoch.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors:

Enjoy live music and performances from talented buskers
Pop into Princes Square for a stylish indoor shopping experience
Admire the architecture, from grand Victorian buildings to sleek modern storefronts

5. University of Glasgow

University of Glasgow is a must-see for Potter fans! Walk around the campus and imagine Harry and his pals learning their spells. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Glasgow. Even though the university grounds weren’t specifically used as a filming location, it definitely feels like stepping into Hogwarts with its Gothic Revival architecture!

🎓 What to Expect: One of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world – expect Hogwarts-style cloisters, grand spires, and panoramic views over the city.

📍 Location: Gilmorehill campus, University Avenue – in the heart of Glasgow’s West End.

🕒 Opening Hours: Grounds are generally open daily; specific buildings like the Hunterian Museum have set visiting hours (usually 10am – 5pm).

💲 Price: Free to walk around the campus – entry to the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is also free.

☕ Facilities: On-campus cafés, visitor information centre, gift shop, and nearby public transport.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors:

Walk the famous cloisters featured in film and TV
Visit the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Scotland’s oldest public museum
Take in views across Kelvingrove Park and the city skyline from the main building

6. Riverside Walk

Watch the River Clyde roll by and enjoy a leisurely walk on the riverside path. Along the way, you'll pass some impressive architecture, vibrant murals, the iconic Squinty Bridge, and several must-visit museums - especially the impressive Riverside Museum. If walking isn’t your thing, hire a city bike and enjoy a scenic ride instead!

🚶‍♂️ What to Expect: A scenic stroll along the River Clyde – perfect for stretching your legs while soaking up city views, modern architecture, and iconic landmarks.

📍 Location: Starts near Glasgow Green and follows the Clyde west past the city centre, heading toward the Riverside Museum and beyond.

🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day – ideal for early morning jogs, daytime wanders, or sunset walks.

💲 Price: Free to enjoy.

☕ Facilities: Cafés, benches, cycle paths, public toilets at major points like Glasgow Green and the Riverside Museum.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors:

Spot the Armadillo and the SSE Hydro on the skyline
Cross the Clyde Arc (a.k.a. the Squinty Bridge)
End your walk at the award-winning Riverside Museum and Tall Ship

7. Glasgow Botanic Gardens

If you need a break from the city buzz, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a perfect serene escape. Situated in the West End of Glasgow, the garden holds over 900 plants and makes it one of the must things to see in Glasgow.

🌿 What to Expect: A beautiful, peaceful green space with exotic plants, glasshouses, and well-kept gardens – perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.

📍 Location: Great Western Road, in Glasgow’s West End, near the Botanic Gardens Subway Station.

🕒 Opening Hours: Open daily, usually from 10am – 6pm (closing times vary seasonally).

💲 Price: Free entry.

☕ Facilities: Café, gift shop, accessible paths, public toilets, and picnic areas.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors:

Explore the impressive Kibble Palace glasshouse filled with rare tropical plants
Wander themed gardens like the rock garden and the rose garden
Spot local wildlife such as ducks and squirrels in a serene setting

THE Statue (the one you’ve been waiting for)

The Duke of Wellington Statue (statue with the cone) is located right in front of the Gallery of Modern Art. Locals have been putting a traffic cone on Wellington’s head for decades, and despite the council’s attempts to remove it, the cone always finds its way back up. It's been like this for 40 years, and now the statue is a beloved Glasgow icon—even Banksy thinks it’s the best piece of art in the UK!

🗽 What to Expect: Glasgow’s cheeky and iconic statue famously topped with a traffic cone – a quirky symbol of the city’s humour and spirit.

📍 Location: Outside the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) on Royal Exchange Square, right in Glasgow city centre.

🕒 Opening Hours: Always visible in the public square, 24/7.

💲 Price: Free to visit.

☕ Facilities: Nearby cafés, restaurants, public seating, and public toilets in GoMA.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors:

Snap a photo of the statue with its trademark cone hat
Watch street performers and soak up the lively atmosphere of Royal Exchange Square
Visit the nearby Gallery of Modern Art for contemporary exhibitions

9. Clydeside Distillery

If ye fancy a wee dram of whisky, head to the Clydeside Distillery. Set in the restored Pumphouse by the River Clyde, Clydeside Distillery blends Glasgow’s industrial charm with Scotland’s whisky heritage. The distillery offers tours where you can learn about whisky-making and enjoy a dram of fine single malt.

🥃 What to Expect: A modern whisky distillery on the banks of the River Clyde – enjoy guided tours, tastings, and a glimpse into Glasgow’s whisky heritage.

📍 Location: 100 Stobcross Road, beside the Riverside Museum in Glasgow’s West End.

🕒 Opening Hours: Tours typically run daily, 10am – 6pm (book in advance).

💲 Price: Tour prices vary; usually around £15–£20 per person for guided tastings.

☕ Facilities: On-site café and bar, gift shop, accessible facilities, and nearby parking.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors:

Discover the whisky-making process from grain to glass
Sample Glasgow’s own single malt whiskies
Enjoy stunning views of the Clyde from the distillery’s riverside terrace

10. Wee Highland Day Tour

If you're itching to swap the city hustle for some stunning Highland scenery, check out our day tours from Glasgow. Whether you're keen to visit iconic Outlander filming locations, hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, or tick off a bucket-list experience by riding the Jacobite Steam Train, we’ve got the perfect day trip for you!

🥃 What to Expect: A braw day out from Glasgow to the epic Highlands.

📍 Location: Tours depart from Glasgow city centre - see exact departure info.

🕒 Departure Time: Tours typically departing the early morning. Check individual tours for departure time.

💲 Price: Tour prices vary; starting from £60.

☕ Facilities: USB charging, panoramic windows, climate-controlled bus.

⭐ Unique Highlights for First-Time Visitors: