Scotland has many wonderful and historic cities each worthy of its own merit. But spend a weekend in Glasgow, and you will discover a city packed to the rafters with charm, creativity and imposing architectural sights. Explore the best this city has to offer with this 3 day Glasgow itinerary.
FACTS ON GLASGOW AND WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT
Situated on the River Clyde in the West Central Lowlands of Scotland, Glasgow grew into the largest seaport in Britain from the 18th century onwards.
Shipbuilding and trade declined drastically in the 1960’s and 70’s, but the city used gritty determination to reinvent itself and evolve into the modern and sophisticated city it is today.
The Victorian-era has left a delightful legacy of imposing architecture which can be seen all over the city. Together with the best shopping outside of London, a legendary music scene, fine restaurants and bars and authentic friendly locals, Glasgow is firmly on the map as a must-visit Scottish destination.
In this Glasgow weekend guide, we cover all the top sights, a few cultural experiences, great food and recommendations on where to spend the night.
EVENING / CHECK-IN
To ease into your Glasgow weekend break, check into your city centre accommodation. Choose from the stylish décor of Leonardo Royal Hotel; the elegance of Dakota Glasgow, or the grandeur and pampering of the Blythswood Square Hotel.
If you’re looking for a restaurant to start the weekend off in style, Alston Bar & Beef is renowned for its 28-35 day dry-aged steaks, and huge selection of gins.
GLASGOW WEEKEND MAP
To help you get your bearings during your weekend in Glasgow, our map of the city has all the must-visit attractions and local experiences we’ve listed in this guide.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
DAY ONE: WEEKEND IN GLASGOW / MORNING
CLYDE WALKWAY
After breakfast, join the well paved and flat Clyde Walkway, a trail for both walking and cycling which runs close to the River Clyde for most of its length, from central Glasgow to New Lanark.
The River Clyde has witnessed somewhat of a rebirth in recent years. This is evident in the array of strikingly modern, almost futuristic looking buildings, that can be seen along the river as part of the redevelopment scheme.
Pass Clyde Arc, and Squinty Bridge, which offers great views up and down the river
Over on your right, there are still glimpses of the Clyde’s glory days, in the 175-foot high Finnieston Crane. In its heyday it loaded ships with heavy locomotives and is a permanent reminder of days gone by.
- Glasgow Science Centre on the left bank, consists of three main titanium-clad buildings, the largest of which was designed to represent the canted hull of a ship.
- Glasgow Tower, at 127metres high and the tallest freestanding building in Scotland, is capable of rotating 360 degrees and holds a Guinness World Record.
The pathway weaves away from the riverbank slightly as it skirts past Clydeside Distillery, before bringing you to your first stop of the morning, an icon of Glasgow’s shipbuilding past, the Tall Ship.
TALL SHIP (10AM-10.30AM)
Berthed alongside the Riverside Museum and one of only five Clyde-built sailing ships still afloat today, the “Glenlee” now serves as an independent museum.
- Get a taste of Glasgow maritime history as you explore every deck of this beautifully restored, three masted barque.
- Entrance Fee £4.50 for adults, with concessions.
RIVERSIDE MUSEUM – (10.30am-11.30am)
Just a two-minute stroll away is the eccentric-looking Riverside Museum. Zaha Hadid Architects designed this striking building to symbolize the flow from the city to the river, hence its location, where the rivers Kelvin and Clyde join.
It’s truly innovative zig-zag design with a zinc-clad roof and 36-metre-high glazed frontage overlooking the River Clyde, is impressive and a treat to view at night-time.
Inside “Glasgow’s Guggenheim” are over 3,000 transport themed vehicles, celebrating Glasgow’s transport heritage. The interactive displays, the ability to climb aboard the old public transport and discover the shipbuilding history of the city will leave you entertained, whatever your age.
Don’t miss the chance to walk through recreated 1890’s Glasgow streets and visit the shops and bar.
- If you didn’t grab a coffee on board the Tall Ship, there is a café inside the museum.
KELVINGTON ART GALLERY & MUSEUM – (12pm-1pm)
Leaving the Riverside Museum, walk west keeping slightly left, towards Ferry Road. Take the pedestrian tunnel, continue along Ferry Road then take a right onto Dumbarton Road. A left on Regent Moray Street leads to your next stop, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum.
Built in 1901 using red sandstone, its interior architecture is as stunning as the building’s exterior. You will undoubtedly spend as much time admiring the arches, pillars and ceilings as you do the impressive array of its 22 state-of-the-art, themed galleries, and 8,000 exhibits.
Part history museum, part art gallery there’s a magnificent concert pipe organ, a full-size WWII Spitfire hanging from the ceiling, stuffed wildlife, and diverse and eclectic collections to explore.
Grab a floor plan so you can decide which floors you want to focus on as you could quite easily spend most of the day here, exploring the 8,000 objects on display.
Works by French Impressionists can be found alongside a Charles Rennie Mackintosh display and Salvador Dali’s iconic painting, Christ of St John of the Cross.
TOP TIP: This is not the designated lunch stop, however if you prefer eating earlier and want to spend more time browsing the displays in Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, there are a couple of dining choices here on the lower ground floor and ground floor.
Leaving the grandiose façade of Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, turn right and cross the pedestrian ivy-clad bridge over River Kelvin, into picturesque Kelvingrove Park.
Weave your way through the park created in 1852 by Sir Joseph Paxton towards a sign for the Hunterian Museum.
Features include a bandstand dating from 1924, several notable statues and sculptures and a vast green openness, which offers an immensely pleasurable way to arrive at your next stop.
UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW – (1.30pm-2.00pm)
Founded in 1451 and the fourth oldest university in the UK, it is a myriad of buildings. Some of these were designed by renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, who is renowned for his work on Liverpool Cathedral.
It towers atop a hill in all its neo-Gothic splendour.
Wander through The Cloisters with their splendid columns to view the imposing fluted archways and impressive ribbed vault, considered so impressive, that TV shows have been filmed here.
KEMBER & JONES – (2.15pm-3.15pm)
Leaving the world of academia behind, turn left onto University Avenue and at the junction, take a left into Byres Road where you will find Kember & Jones at number 134 on your left-hand side.
If you have not eaten yet, this provides a most welcome lunch stop, and should be quieter with the lunchtime rush having been and gone. Choose from all day breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches and daily specials.
WEST END SHOPS
After lunch, resume your journey by continuing along Byres Road and start exploring the West End area of the city.
Byres Road acts as a main thoroughfare, crisscrossed with cobbled streets such as Ashton Lane packed with independent shops, vintage fashion boutiques, galleries, cafes and bars.
WEEKEND IN GLASGOW / EVENING
PRE-DINNER DRINKS
Ubiquitous Chip is a true Glasgow institution. For whisky lovers, the small and cosy “Wee Bar” offers every whisky you could want to savour. If cocktails and niche wines are more your style, the “Corner Bar” is a lively space with tables spilling out onto the lane.
Staying in the West End, walk to Ubiquitous Chip in Ashton Lane, for a perfect way to end your first day in Glasgow. Lovingly referred to by locals as “The Chip”, this is a true Glasgow institution.
DINNER
The restaurant at the Chip offers modern a la carte dining with a menu drawing inspiration from regional Scottish dishes, the restaurant serves dinner from 5.30pm-11pm.
The Brasserie offers more laidback dining and serves dinner from 5pm-11pm.For modern a la carte dining with a menu drawing inspiration from regional Scottish dishes, the restaurant serves dinner from 5.30pm-11pm.
TOP TIP: Make a reservation ahead of your trip.
At the end of the evening, it’s only a minutes’ walk to Hillhead Subway Station to take you back to your accommodation.
DAY TWO: WEEKEND IN GLASGOW / MORNING
BREAKFAST (10am-10.45am)
We suggest starting day two of your weekend in Glasgow with breakfast at Riverhill Coffee Bar in Gordon Street. It’s an independent café with a modern yet rustic look.
They have a great breakfast menu, and excellent coffee. Be sure to be here for when it opens at ten as it is quite small and extremely popular.
ST. ANDREW’S SUSPENSION BRIDGE
After breakfast, follow Union Street right down to the riverfront, crossing over the River Clyde and turning left to join Clyde Walkway.
The bright blue bridge dates to 1854/5, has a single span of 67 meters and connects Glasgow Green Park to the north and Hutchesontown to the south.
The four fluted Corinthian Columns are nearly 20ft high and the bridge serves as a picturesque way to enter Glasgow Green.
GLASGOW GREEN
By far the oldest city park, the 55-hectare public park was established in the 15th century and was the site where the idea of the steam condenser was conceived by James Watt, which launched the Industrial Revolution.
This public park, a park “for the people” has seen many different uses, including rally’s, a washing/drying area and even public executions until 1865. Today, the park hosts a firework display, concerts, and fairs.
- McLennan Arch
- Nelsons Monument
PEOPLE’S PALACE & WINTER GARDENS
The People’s Palace is a social history museum and has closed for a major refurbishment -reopening 2027.
Outside is the majestic ceramic 46ft tall Doulton Fountain, featuring a large statue of Queen Victoria at its apex and four water-carrier statues representing the colonies of Australasia, Canada, South Africa and India.
Leaving People’s Palace through the Greendyke Street exit, follow London Road to Glasgow Cross, where you will see, standing on an island in the middle, the Tolbooth Steeple.
Originally part of the old tollbooth dating back to 1625, it is now all that remains of the former Council Chambers, but still a recognizable reminder today, although there are no public hangings here anymore! Continue north on Albion Street.
MERCHANT SQUARE
Merchant Square is one of Glasgow’s oldest and historic quarters, built around 1750 when the area was bustling with warehouses of tobacco, sugar and tea owned by wealthy merchants.
There is a weekly weekend craft and design fair, brimming with quirky handmade goods, so wander around and soak up the atmosphere for an hour. It’s also a great spot for a leisurely lunch.
Continue north on Albion Street and you will pass City halls, dating back to 1841 and the city’s oldest purpose-built performance space, renowned for its excellent acoustics.
Next door is the old Fruit market, another versatile venue with a vaulted roof and period charm.
Turn right on Ingram Street then left onto High Street. Follow the road as it becomes Castle Street, and your next stop will be on your right-hand side.
COPPERBOX COFFEE
This bright blue old “Tardis” police box, ideally located near the cathedral, is a lovely spot for a coffee. If it’s a nice day, sit in either Saint Nicholas Garden or Cathedral Square.
GLASGOW CATHEDRAL
Next, head to Glasgow Cathedral, also known as St Mungo or St Kentigern. It is medieval in origin and a tour here should be included in any Glasgow itinerary.
The present gothic-styled building was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is a stunning masterpiece of architecture. From the mid-1200s crypt, the colorful stained-glass windows, the Blackadder aisle’s studded ceiling, and the 1400s carved stone screen between the choir and nave.
GLASGOW NECROPOLIS
Follow signs for Glasgow necropolis. If a visit here doesn’t interest you, simply stay longer looking around the Cathedral.
Sitting on a modest hill overlooking the city is the resting place for prominent, influential and wealthy industrialists of the day, in this Victorian-era cemetery. Based on Paris’ famous Pere Lachaise cemetery, it is a remarkable almost park-like space containing 3,500 graves adorned with elaborate memorials.
WEEKEND IN GLASGOW / EVENING
PRE-DINNER DRINKS
Start the evening with drinks at iasg (pronounced ee-usk), the beautiful bar at the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel.
DINNER
A short taxi ride away, The Finnieston housed in a diminutive blue building on Argyle Street, serves up the fantastic Scottish seafood. Over 60 brands of gin are on the shelves if you fancy a tipple.
It marks the end of a great second night in the city.
DAY THREE: WEEKEND IN GLASGOW / MORNING
BREAKFAST
Start your third day with breakfast at Gordon Street Coffee. Their unique coffee blends mirror the vibrant and diverse spirit of Glasgow. They are best savoured with a traditional Scottish Lorne sausage sandwich.
CITY CHAMBERS TOUR (10.30am-11.30am)
Built in the 1880’s to reflect the city’s wealth and prosperity, it was one of the first buildings in the country to have the luxury of being lit by electricity. The striking grandiose designed building has architectural flair, solid marble floors, alabaster wall panels and ceiling frescoes.
Your free public tour (Mon-Fri) starts at 10.30am, and as tickets are issued on a first come-first served basis, you must ensure that you arrive at the reception desk 30 mins prior to commencement of the tour, to obtain your ticket.
GEORGE SQUARE (11.30am-12.00pm)
George Square is a perfect place to see dramatic examples of Victorian architecture, all within the confines of this vast public plaza, in the heart of the city centre.
With several grand statues, listed buildings and historic monuments to see, take a stroll around the square. Admire the rich influential past now still evident through the striking Victorian architecture, designed by groups of architects of exceptional merit.
GALLERY OF MODERN ART (12pm-12.30pm)
Next, head to the Museum of Modern Art (GOMA). The centre for Glasgow’s extensive modern art and contemporary art collection is in Royal Exchange Square. Entry is free.
It’s an ostentatious gothic structure with an extraordinary fan-vaulted ceiling. The towering stained-glass window at the end of the nave is a breath-taking combination of engineering and art.
Outside the gallery sits the statue of the Duke of Wellington that is often adorned by a traffic cone, the late-night work of daring passers-by. Continue along Buchanan Street for lunch.
THE WILLOW TEA ROOMS (12.45pm-1.45pm)
The Willow Tea Rooms is housed in a famous Rennie Mackintosh building. Serving traditional Scottish food such as Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, Cullen Skink, and Scottish Rarebit, this makes a perfect lunch stop.
Be sure to book ahead.
WEEKEND IN GLASGOW / AFTERNOON
OPTION 1: GLASGOW BOTANIC GARDENS
Ride the subway from Buchanan Subway Station to Hillhead Subway Station. It is a 7 min walk to the entrance.
These impressive gardens have had their home here since 1839, with the collections of plants rapidly expanding to now include flora from all over the world. The setting, on the banks of the River Klein, is dominated by the impressive Kibble Palace, a curvilinear glasshouse designed by John Kibble.
Stroll around and admire the beautiful flora, arboretum, main range glasshouses and manicured formal gardens, and finish by enjoying a coffee in the delightful tearooms.
Admission is free. The Gardens are open 7am to dusk all year, while the Glasshouses are open 10am – 6pm (4.15pm in winter).
OPTION 2: THE CLYDESIDE DISTILLERY
For all whisky lovers, The Clydeside Distillery is Glasgow’s first dedicated single malt whisky distillery in over a century. Discover their dockside story, then embark on a tour including whisky tasting with an expert guide.
WEEKEND IN GLASGOW / EVENING
PRE-DINNER DRINKS
Start your last evening in Glasgow city with drinks at Bar Gandolfi. This tiny bar upstairs in the attic of the former warehouse, is charming and cozy. Choose from an ever-changing, innovative, cocktail menu along with naturally selected wines.
DINNER
After a few drinks, head downstairs to enjoy dinner at Café Gandolfi, a Merchant City local institution, and Glasgow gem. This is an extremely popular restaurant, so be sure to book a table in advance.
The kitchen serves up Gandolfi classics using the best specially sources Scottish ingredients, enjoyed in wood paneled surroundings and a welcoming setting. What a perfect end to your wonderful Glaswegian Weekend.
GETTING TO GLASGOW
Glasgow is in west central Scotland and is easily accessible from the rest of the UK and overseas by air, road, public transport, and sea.
BY ROAD:
With an extensive motorway road network Glasgow can be reached via the following places:
- M8 from Edinburgh
- M80 from Stirling
- M77 from the west coast of Scotland
- Either the M74, M6 or A1 from England
BY AIR:
Visitors can fly directly to Glasgow Airport from many UK and European cities, as well as Dubai, cities in the USA and Canada.
- Glasgow Airport is served by the Glasgow Airport Express bus between the airport and city centre.
Airport buses run 24 hours a day with a transfer time of roughly 25 minutes. The buses usually run every ten minutes.
- Edinburgh Airport is served by Edinburgh Tram and Skylink bus services.
London Heathrow is the most common airport for international travellers looking for direct flights into Glasgow Airport.
Most trains to Glasgow arrive into the city’s two main railway stations, Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GLASGOW?
The best time to visit Glasgow is during the summer months. However, the weather in Scotland is very unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to experience all types of weather in one day, so carry an umbrella with you.
As a general rule, mid-June to August usually bring warm weather, extended visiting hours for tourist attractions and long days.
This is also peak time for visitor numbers. However, to avoid the crowds in Scotland, spring (April-May) can also be a great time to visit, as can Autumn (September-October). Just be prepared for some rain and cold spells.
GETTING AROUND GLASGOW
WALKING: Glasgow is built on a grid system, is compact to navigate and perfect to get around on foot.
SUBWAY: Easy to use, the subway has 15 stations around the city centre and West End areas. An outer circle line runs clockwise, while an inner circle line runs anticlockwise, with trains every 5 minutes during peak times. A Single Ticket is £1.80 whilst an all-day Paper Ticket is £4.30.
HOP ON HOP OFF BUS: If you would rather reduce the amount of walking each day, you can purchase a ticket for the hop on hop off bus.
BEST AREA TO STAY IN GLASGOW
If this is your first visit to Glasgow we recommend choosing accommodation in the city centre for convenience, and ease of getting around.
LUXURY
THE BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE HOTEL
Luxurious 5-star experience in beautifully decorated rooms. Dating from 1823, with exquisite architecture and wood panelling. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy being pampered in the spa.
Book Your Room
STYLISH
LEONARDO ROYAL HOTEL
A slick modern four-star hotel just behind Glasgow Central Railway Station. An in-house Coffee bar, gym, and friendly staff to ensure you have a great stay.
Book Your Room
MODERN
RADISSON BLU HOTEL
A modern contemporary city-center hotel with carefully designed rooms and suites and first-class amenities.
Book Your Room
ELEGANT
DAKOTA GLASGOW
Luxuriously appointed bedrooms, elegant bar with a dedicated Champagne Room, and great location.
Book Your Room
Glasgow is a great place for a weekend break or as a base for further exploration in Scotland.
With offerings to suit all types of travellers, eclectic striking architecture, diverse shopping, numerous free attractions and a superlative food scene to suit all tastes, what’s not to like?
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