Glasgow Travel Guide

Historic buildings filling up the skyline in Glasgow, Scotland on a sunny summer day

Glasgow is a former industrial city reviving itself as an art and tech hub. As the first UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow is a hot spot for live music, from larger, famous venues like The Barrowlands, to free gigs from up-and-coming musicians at the local pub.

A bustling and expanding city with a university, I really loved my time here. It was a lot different than I expected and I had a lot of fun. With plenty of parks, walking trails, historical monuments, outdoor tours, and free museums, there is plenty to do on a budget. I loved the vibe here; the city was lively and fun.

While Edinburgh may be the capital, Glasgow exemplifies the urban soul of Scotland, and shouldn’t be missed.

This travel guide to Glasgow can help you save money and make the most of your visit!

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Glasgow

A sign on a bench pointing to the Glasgow Green in Glasgow, Scotland on a sunny summer day
1. People watch at George Square

Located in the heart of the city, this park is the perfect place to eat, people watch, and admire the architecture of the nearby Victorian buildings. The square, which opened in the 1780s, is a hub for all sorts of local activities such as holiday parades, Christmas festivals, and concerts.

2. Relax in Glasgow Green

Founded in the 15th century, the park was initially used for livestock grazing. Spanning over 130 acres, today the park has a lot of riverfront walking paths, the People’s Palace (a small museum on the city’s history), a football green, and tons of little places to picnic or nap.

3. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Opened in 1901, this museum hosts an extensive collection of art. There are 22 galleries within the museum with exhibits ranging from ancient Egypt to Renaissance art to French Impressionists. There are some popular temporary exhibitions as well.

4. Spend the day at the Loch

Located an hour from the city is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The park covers almost 2,000 square kilometers and is home to mountains and lots of wildlife. It’s a nice place to hike for the day or visit for a longer period with a campervan or tent.

5. See Glasgow Cathedral

Built in 1136, the Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in the city and a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Compared to other cathedrals (which are usually more ornate) the interior rather austere. Nevertheless, I think it’s a must-see. It’s free to visit.

 

Other Things to See and Do in Glasgow

1. Take a free walking tour

Whenever I arrive in a new city, I like to take a free walking tour. They’re an insightful way to get the lay of the land and learn about a city’s culture and history. Glasgow Gander runs tours a few times a week that cover all the major highlights. The tours last 2-3 hours and are free (just be sure to tip your guide at the end).

2. Shop at The Barras Market

The Barras is a weekend market in Glasgow that dates to the 1920s. Its name stems from the Glaswegian word from “barrow” (as in wheelbarrow) as the original market vendors sold their goods from handcarts. The weekend market is held both indoors and outdoors, offering food, clothing, furniture, antiques, and other goods. It can get a little crowded so it’s best to visit in the morning when the crowds are thinner. The market is open Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am-4:30pm while the nearby shops (the actual stores in and around the market) are open daily.

3. Visit the University of Glasgow

The university was founded in 1451 and is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It played an important role in the Scottish Enlightenment in the 18th century, boasting famous alumni like economist Adam Smith and James Wilson (one of the Founding Fathers of the US). While you can wander the grounds for free, campus volunteers offer hour-long tours from Tuesday-Saturday that explain the history and architecture of the university. Tours are 10 GBP and need to be booked in advance.

4. Wander through the Gallery of Modern Art

Opened in 1996, this is Scotland’s most-visited art gallery. Personally, modern art is not my cup of tea, but this museum does a solid job of making the works accessible and enjoyable. There are paintings, photos, and sculptures from both local and international artists, including works by Andy Warhol. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are also rotating temporary exhibits so be sure to check the website to see what’s available. Admission is free (the temporary exhibits cost extra).

5. See a football match

Glasgow is famous for its love of football (soccer). The city has four professional clubs: Celtic, Rangers, Partick Thistle, and Queen’s Park (which is the newest club, founded in 2019). There is a persistent rivalry between Celtic and the Rangers, one that locals take seriously so avoid getting involved in any debates if you can (I mean it. Fights break out over this). That being said, the Rangers are actually one of the best football clubs in the world, having won almost 120 trophies. Celtic Park (the stadium where Celtic plays) is the biggest in all of Scotland and a great place to catch a game, though Ibrox Stadium (home of the Rangers) is just as good. Expect to spend around 30 GBP for a ticket.

6. See the Scottish Football Museum

If you’re a football/soccer fan, don’t miss this national museum. The museum is home to over 2,000 antiques and memorabilia, including the world’s oldest cap as well as a ticket from the first official international soccer match in 1872. Additionally, the museum houses the world’s oldest national trophy (the Scottish Cup), which dates to 1873. The museum is in Hampden Park, one of the city’s football stadiums. Admission to the museum is 13 GBP and also includes a stadium tour.

7. Enjoy the nightlife

Glasgow is by far the best place to party in Scotland. With cheap bars and massive clubs, it’s easy to dance the night away here. Make sure to go to a bar before you head to a club (or just buy your own alcohol at a shop beforehand) as the drinks in the clubs are overpriced. Nice ‘N’ Sleezy and The Garage (Scotland’s largest nightclub) are two Glaswegian nightlife institutions, and you’ll have a great time at either. Another fun (and affordable) club is Sub Club. Keep in mind that most clubs don’t open until 11pm and close at 3am.

8. Have fun at the Glasgow Science Center

Opened in 2001, this is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Their BodyWorks exhibit lets you perform a virtual autopsy and has a giant hamster wheel that teaches you about energy and how it’s burned. There is also a space exhibit, a planetarium, an adult lecture series, and an IMAX theater. Tickets are 10.90 GBP (IMAX and planetarium not included).

9. Spend the day at Linn Park

Spanning over 200 acres, Linn Park is a beautiful and scenic park that offers visitors a chance to relax and stroll along the Cart River. It’s a perfect place in the summer to picnic, jog, and relax with a book. There are a few play areas in the park for children as well. Additionally, the ruins of Cathcart Castle (which dates to the 15th century), a golf course, and an orienteering course can all be found here.

10. Stroll through the Glasgow Necropolis

The Glasgow Necropolis is located on a hill next to Glasgow Cathedral, offering beautiful views of both the cathedral and the city below. Established in 1832, this Victorian cemetery has over 3,500 monuments and is reminiscent of the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. It spans over 37 acres and makes for a relaxing place to take a stroll. Entrance is free.

11. Go street art hunting

Glasgow has made a name for itself in the street art scene, with a plethora of unique murals adorning walls in the heart of the city. Glasgow-based artist Smug has been especially prolific in the city. Don’t miss his St Mungo mural featuring the patron saint of Glasgow, or Four Seasons, a wildlife mural depicting the four seasons of the city. Enjoy the street art by exploring on your own, or take a guided street art tour from Walking Tours in Glasgow.

 

For more information on specific cities in Scotland, check out these guides:

How to Stay Safe in Glasgow

Scotland is a safe country, and you won’t need to worry about crime while you’re here. As in any destination, keep your valuables secure and out of sight just in case. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation so always keep your things out of reach.

Glasgow is safe for solo female travelers though women should take the standard precautions when traveling alone at night (don’t travel alone intoxicated, keep an eye on your drink, etc.).

If you are hiking (for example, in the nearby Loch Lomond park), make sure you have the appropriate equipment and that you notify your accommodation of your plans just in case.

The nightlife here can be a little boisterous so keep your wits about you if you find yourself out late. Also, football (soccer) rivalries are taken quite seriously, so don’t get into any discussions/arguments with other sports fans if you can help it. They are known to start fights over this topic.

While scams here are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re concerned.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it in Glasgow.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Glasgow

Glasgow has a few hostels and they’re all comfortable and sociable. These are my favorite places to stay in Glasgow:

Glasgow Travel Costs

Historic buildings and an old fountain in Glasgow, Scotland on a sunny summer day

Accommodation

  • Hostel dorms – 10-20 GBP per night
  • Hostel private rooms – 35-40 GBP per night
  • Budget hotels – 55-80 GBP per night
  • Airbnb private rooms – 35-40 GBP per night
  • Airbnb apartments – 55 GBP per night
  • Campsite – 17 GBP per night

Food

  • Street food – 6-8 GBP
  • Sit-down restaurants – 9-30 GBP
  • Casual take-out places – 6-10 GBP
  • Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 6 GBP
  • Beer – 4 GBP
  • Glass of wine – 6 GBP
  • Cappuccino/latte – 2.70 GBP
  • Groceries for a week – 40-60 GBP

Glasgow Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 55 GBP Per Day

On a backpacker budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm room or camping, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking, free walking tours, and free museums.

Midrange – 55 GBP Per Day

On a midrange budget, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb room, eat out at cheap restaurants/pubs, do more paid activities (such as visiting the Science Center or watching a football match), enjoy a few drinks out at the pub, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

Upscale – 55 GBP Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, take taxis, rent a car or van to take a day trip out to the nearby national park, and visit as many paid museums and attractions as you’d like.

Glasgow Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Glasgow is an expensive city. It’s less expensive than Edinburgh but visiting here still costs a pretty pound! Here are tips to help you stay on budget during your trip:

Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Visit the free museums – Most museums in Glasgow offer free entry. Free attractions in the city include the Gallery of Modern Art, the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow Cathedral, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Visit the West End – This bustling area of Glasgow is filled with bohemian shops and restaurants, offering great chances to people watch. The places here tend to be cheaper than in other parts of the city.

Eat in the pub – The best food in the city is often in the pubs, and for a fraction of the price that you would pay in a proper restaurant too. Also, pubs generally give you a true taste of Scottish culture.

Picnic in the park – There are many parks in Glasgow, and almost all are free to enter. Bring your lunch and admire the lakes, rivers, and nearby castles.

Use apps to get food deals – The app Too Good to Go, (on which participating eateries sell severely discounted meals/groceries/baked goods at the end of the day) has good coverage all across Scotland, including Glasgow. For discounts on takeout, try the app Secret Takeaways which supports local restaurants by cutting out the delivery app middleman (and their high fees).

Eat during lunch – Many cafes, bakeries, and chains offer lunch deals for as little as 3-5 GBP.

Stay with a local – The best way to save money on accommodation in Glasgow is to stay with a local for free. Not only do you save money, but you also get local insight into the city. This is the best way to get off the tourist trail and learn more about Glasgow and its hidden gems.

Save money on rideshares – Uber is sometimes cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.

Cook your own meals – Eating out in Glasgow is expensive — even if you’re just eating at the pubs. To save money, cook your own meals. It’s not fancy, but it’s cheap!

Rent a campervan – If you’re planning to get out of the city, rent a camper van. You can get them for as little as 25-30 GBP per day and they come with basic self-catering facilities so you can cook your food and have somewhere cheap to stay. There are lots of free places to park around the country. Just use the app park4night to find them.

Use discount websites – Groupon, Wowcher and Living Social have good deals on accommodation, attractions, and dining out.

How to Get Around in Glasgow

The skyline of Glasgow, Scotland divided by the river

Public transportation – Single-journey bus tickets in Glasgow start at 1.60 GBP and go up depending on the distance. You need exact change so download the First Glasgow bus app to buy tickets online and save the hassle of fumbling with exact change. Day passes cost 4.60 GBP and are non-transferable to the metro system. A week pass is 17 GBP.

Glasgow is the only city in the country with a metro system, which is comprised of 15 stations. To save on fares and top up as you go, get a SmartCard for free by registering online. You can also purchase a card for 3 GBP at any station. SmartCard tickets start at 1.55 GBP and go up depending on how far you travel. Day tickets cost 3 GBP while a 7-day pass costs 14 GBP. The subway operates from 6:30am-11pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sundays.

To get to/from the airport you can take the bus or the train. The ride is 15-20 minutes and costs 3-5 GBP.

Taxi – Taxis aren’t cheap here so I would avoid them as much as possible. Rates start at 3 GBP and go up by 2 GBP per kilometer. Stick to public transportation if you’re on a budget unless you don’t have another choice or are splitting the ride with someone.

Gett is the most common platform used for taxis. It’s linked to the Google Maps app, so you can use that to get price estimates if you’re comparing modes of transportation. That being said, Glasgow has safe and reliable public transportation, so I’d avoid taxis unless you have no other option as the costs add up fast.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Glasgow, but it’s not always cheaper than taxis and there are usually more taxis available than Ubers. If you’re set on using Uber, leave yourself ample time to find a ride.

Bicycle – Nextbike Glasgow is the city’s bike-share system, with 700 bikes for rent across 70 locations around the city. You can rent a bike via Nextbike’s app or by the on-bike computer. Bike rentals start at 1 GBP for 30 minutes. E-bikes are 2 GBP for 20 minutes. The city is easy to navigate on bike — just remember the traffic flows on the left.

Car Rental – Rentals start from around 33 GBP per day. Remember that traffic flows on the left. That said, unless you’re planning on exploring the surrounding area, you don’t need to rent a car for getting around the city.

When to Go to Glasgow

Summer is the most popular time to visit Glasgow. In July and August, there’s warm weather and minimal rain, with temperatures reaching highs of 20°C (68°F). This is also the busiest time of the year, so expect crowds in the cities and lots of people out enjoying the nearby national park, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs National Park.

September is a rather wet month, though in October there’s incredible fall foliage. October is a great time to visit — especially if you plan on renting a car or camper and heading to Loch Lomond or the Cairngorms (Scotland’s biggest national park, which is only a couple of hours from the city). Seasonal businesses and accommodations in the national parks start to close in mid-October so be sure to keep that in mind when planning. Expect October temperatures to sit around 12°C (55°F) during the day.

The spring is a great time to visit, with April and May offering minimal rain and no crowds. There’s still be snow and cool temperatures in the highlands, but the city is lively without being crowded.

Winters in Scotland are cold and dark. December is relatively dry but the temperatures dip to 5°C (41°F) — sometimes colder. It’s nevertheless a popular time to visit, with many locals and tourists heading to Edinburgh for the huge Hogmanay New Year’s Eve celebration, one of the biggest new year’s festivals in the world. Therefore, Glasgow city doesn’t get too busy.

By February, snow is common so keep that in mind if you plan on renting a vehicle. Unless you’re coming to engage in winter sports, I’d avoid a winter visit unless you don’t mind the grim and grey atmosphere.

Glasgow Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

Nomadic Matt's Guide to Paris

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.
Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!