If you decide to start exploring Scotland, then the sights of Glasgow will be a worthy starting point for this purpose. Musical events, free museums, interesting shopping. On your daily walks, you won’t even have a question about what to see in Glasgow, because the city is known for its rich historical heritage and modern innovations. From here it is easy to continue your tourist route further, to the islands or to the mountainous regions of the country.
What to see in Glasgow first
When considering the sights of Glasgow photos with names and descriptions when preparing for a trip, first choose the most well-deserved of them, which are famous throughout Scotland.
1. Merchant City District
The Tolbooth Clock Tower on the square in the Merchant City area
Be sure to include in your trip this legacy of a once thriving area where wealthy merchants lived. Over time, the area was reconstructed, supplemented with office centers and fashionable shops of industrial scale. The success of architectural metamorphoses and the level of development were so high that the district was awarded the title of Laureate of the Academy of Urbanism in 2006. This place is often called a hangout because of the large number of entertainment venues.
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2. City Council building
Monument to the victims of two world wars of the XX century (sarcophagus and two lions) in front of the city Council building
A bright architectural landmark that no tourist will pass by abstractly. The building is interesting with its ornate central pediment decorated with sculptures, the interior is dominated by mosaic inclusions. Marble columns, granite stairs, paintings lavishly painted with gold leaf, faience products, and precious stones deserve special attention. It seems that everything here is silent, but eloquently convinces of the prosperity and prosperity of the city.
3. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is a majestic building with Gothic-style turrets
One of the four oldest universities in England is considered one of the best attractions in Glasgow due to the architecture of the building, which is an example of the Neo-Gothic style. Today it is a major research center. 9 faculties, almost 6 thousand employees and more than two tens of thousands of students speak about the scale and prestige of the institution.
Official website: https://www.gla.ac.uk
4. Mitchell Library
Mitchell Library, where the archives of the city from the XII century are collected
A public library, one of the largest in Europe. The architecture of the building is notable for the statue installed on the green dome, which is a kind of symbol of Glasgow. The library collections are huge, most of them are collected in the western part of the library. There is a small theater with a capacity of up to 500 spectators on the territory of the building.
5. The Botanical Garden
Sculpture in the glass building of the Kibble Palace in the Botanical Garden
Although not the main one, but still the sights of Glasgow. A small, well-groomed territory welcomes visitors with blooming greenery. Manicured lawns, a large number of flowers and a lot of idly strolling people set up a relaxing mood. The greenhouse with tropical plants and succulents is very beautiful.
Official website: https://www.glasgowbotanicgardens.com
6. The Royal Concert Hall
Donald Dewar statue in front of the Royal Martin Abegglen Concert Hall
Most of the large-scale musical performances are given on the stage of this hall. The main concert hall, relatively young in the architectural sense, is ready to accommodate 2.5 thousand spectators at once. The genre in which the performers perform is wide: from rock to classical music. In addition to music, solemn and festive civic events are held here.
Official website: https://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com
7. Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum
Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum in night lighting
There are interesting places in Glasgow with huge expositions of paintings by famous artists. This Gallery was built at the junction of the XIX-XX centuries, the red sandstone building turned out to be massive and recognizable. The author of the project conveyed the style of Spanish Gothic through several towers topped with sharp spires, arched windows with characteristic frames and an arched colonnade on the facade. The exhibition of paintings features works by Rubens, Degas, Titian, Rembrandt, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Picasso. In addition to paintings, sculptures, weapons, and archaeological treasures are presented here.
Official website: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk .
8. The Burrell Collection
The L-shaped museum building on the park lawn
Listing the main attractions of Glasgow briefly, we will focus on this collection separately. The building in which it is stored is located in a country park. Burrell was a businessman who collected works of art. In the middle of the last century, he gave them to his hometown, however, with the condition of a certain approach to choosing a building for his exhibits. As a result, the Burrell collection settled in Pollock Castle, and today there are works of art from different periods.
Official website: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk
9. Gallery of Modern Art
Statue of the Duke of Wellington in front of the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Royal Square
The most striking cultural attraction of the city, which opened in 1996. The exhibition of works by artists, both beginners and well-known, is dedicated to the direction of avant-gardism. In addition to paintings, there are figurines, mosaics, photographs, and clippings from the periodical press. It is worth noting that some of the exhibits, although impressive in scope, are difficult to understand.
Official website: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk
10. Glasgow Science Centre
The Glasgow Science Centre building and the 125-meter Glasgow Tower
The interestingly designed building, sparkling in the sun with metal hemispheres, has earned the urgent recommendations of those who were lucky enough to visit here. It is worth seeing the rotating tower, going into the planetarium and getting into the experiment room. The children really like it here – there are a lot of things in the center that you can touch, pick up, turn on. A great place for a flight of imagination and the development of creativity.
Official website: https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
11. Clyde Arch Bridge
The Clyde Arch Bridge or the “oblique bridge” over the River Clyde Myriam Thyes
This landmark in Scotland is known as the “oblique bridge” because of its curved structure, spanning diagonally across the River Clyde.The unusual nature of the project, created in 2006, doomed this arched structure to fame not only in Glasgow, but throughout the country.
12. People’s Palace and Winter Garden
People’s Palace and Winter Garden – Museum and Greenhouse in Glasgow Green Park
Another pride of Glasgow. The red brick palace building is interesting, topped with a large green dome and a statue on top of the facade. Your trip to Glasgow will not be complete if you do not visit the magnificent greenhouse with ferns, palm trees and other tropical plants. The glass building with metal structures can be visited even on rainy days, and the photos taken here are very colorful.
Official website: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk
13. A house for art lovers
Design studio and educational center of the Art School in the building of the House for Art Lovers
We will advise you what to see in Glasgow for art lovers. They will surely be impressed by an exhibition hall, an art gallery, an art cafe with an unusual, exotic setting. The building is built in the Art Nouveau style with recreated interiors designed by the author-architect. There is a wonderful garden around it, which is fenced on all sides with a stone fence.
Official website: https://www.houseforanartlover.co.uk
14. Glasgow School of Art
View of the facade of the Glasgow School of Art building
The foundation of the higher art school dates back to the middle of the XIX century. Initially, it was planned to teach design here. Today, more than one and a half thousand students study cinematography, sculpture, painting, and photography at 10 faculties.
Official website: https://www.gsa.ac.uk
15. Provands-lordship
Provands Lordship is Glasgow’s oldest residential building made of rough-hewn dark stone
This is the oldest building of the city, decorated with its ancient coat of arms. Under the shield, you can still read the faded, but still distinguishable motto of Glasgow. The unique building presents the gradual struggle of the city’s inhabitants for this place, the way of life of the Middle Ages is clearly traced. Surprisingly, the structure has been preserved since its construction, even the pharmacy garden has remained.
Official website: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk
16. Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral on the city’s oldest High Street
For those who are interested in the history of the city, we will advise you what to see in Glasgow in 1 day. King David initiated the construction of the cathedral in the XII century, choosing a strict Gothic style for it. Due to its location on the slope, it is divided into Upper and Lower. Inside, on a sunny day, the cathedral sparkles with multicolored highlights thanks to the beautiful stained glass windows. The ashes of the patron saint of the city, Saint Munge, rest here, pilgrims come here. Good acoustics, amazing organ sound.
Official website: https://www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk
17. St. Andrew’s Cathedral
St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral from Clyde Street AlasdairW
The pointed towers with twisted elements and the general outlines of the building, as if striving upward, remind of the Neo-Gothic style in which this Catholic cathedral was built at the beginning of the XIX century. The reviews mention a rather restrained, no-frills interior, while people admire the Gothic facade, which has not changed its appearance since the day of its construction.
Official website: https://www.cathedralg1.org
18. Glasgow Necropolis
Tombstones of the ancient cemetery of the Victorian era on a high hill
The cemetery, built on top of a hill, keeps about 50 thousand dead in its land. It seems that what could be interesting here? But the reviews mention interesting monuments and sculptures, wonderful alleys at the top, where you can just wander around reading the inscriptions on the signs.
Although the tombstones look old, they date back to the 19th century. They are arranged in rows, for the convenience of visiting, some of them are impressive in their external luxury.
Official website: https://www.glasgownecropolis.org
19. Ibrox Arena
Ibrox Arena is the home ground of the Daniel Rangers Football Club
Football fans have a lot to visit in Glasgow. It is here that the legendary Glasgow Rangers football club “lives”. It is one of the oldest stadiums in the UK. In addition to its “football” fame, the stadium is also interesting architecturally. It became notorious as a result of two tragedies that happened in the last century, when about a hundred people died due to the collapse of structures.
Official website: https://rangers.co.uk
20. Celtic Park
Statue of Brother Walfid at Tom Brogan Celtic Park
This location of the football club of the same name is known to everyone who is not indifferent to football. For football fans, guides in Glasgow invariably recommend this stadium, describing it as the second largest in the country.Today, he hosts matches of various levels in his arena.
Official website: https://www.celticfc.net
Glasgow Attractions: What else to visit in Glasgow?
There are places here that are must-see, even if you are not very interested in history, architecture or art. When thinking about where to go in Glasgow, you should plan a visit to them.
21. Riverside Museum of Transportation
An ancient sailboat is moored at the south facade of the Riverside Museum of Transportation
Many excursions to Glasgow include this museum, one of the main attractions of the city, in their program. The original museum building is designed in a futuristic style and resembles a floating iceberg with jagged peaks. There is a huge exposition with a variety of vehicles, including vintage bicycles and the first subway cars. Interactive equipment simplifies obtaining information and makes the visit more “lively” and interesting.
Official website: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk
22. Titan Clydebank Crane
Top view of the Titan Clydebank crane – part of the Shipbuilding Museum
This 46-meter-high giant crane was created for the movement of warships and parts of ocean liners. Its capacities were used in the construction of large British ships of the last century. Today, the crane belongs to the Glasgow Shipbuilding Museum.
23. Glasgow Green Park
The Green Alley to the Nelson Monument in Glasgow Green Park
Having existed for the sixth century, the park not only serves as a recreation place for citizens and tourists, but also accommodates the most ancient architectural monuments on its territory. Among them are the People’s Palace with a historical museum, the MacLennan Arch. The park is located in the city center with access to the river. People come here to walk along the numerous paths, sit on a bench by the fountain, organize a picnic or exercise.
Official website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk
24. Pollock Park
Decorative garden with rare species of flowers and plants in Pollock Park
The city’s most extensive park has received a high tourist rating due to its purpose. This is the only park in the country created in the country format. It was once given to the city by the Maxwell family, so today you can see the house that belonged to them on the territory. Cows and bulls are kept on farms. Be sure to visit the museum located in the main building with the Burrell collection. Amazing sculptures, tapestries, paintings, and medieval weapons are on display here. The beautiful landscape and clean air will make you forget about the hustle and bustle in the center of Glasgow.
Official website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk
25. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Loch Lomond Lake on the background of green mountains
The National Park, which occupies about 2 thousand square meters, is spread over an area of stunning beauty. Trossachs is only a small part of it with lakes, mountain valleys and hills. Loch Lomonj is a 37 km long freshwater lake with 30 islands scattered around it. There are opportunities for water sports on the lake, and cycling and hiking along interesting routes are offered on land. Nearby there are hotels in Glasgow with impeccable English service.
Official website: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org
If you are lucky, you will get to the festivals that are held here regularly. In any case, you will enjoy your vacation in Scotland’s second largest city with its busy and interesting life.
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