City Guides

What to do in Glasgow: The ultimate Glasgow travel guide

This bustling centre in the heart of Scotland is absolutely worth a trip if you haven’t been before. If you’re taking a city break here, you’ll struggle to find many other places that are bursting with fun things and activities to do than Glasgow. Home to everything from scenic walks to electrifying live music, there are plenty of things to do in Glasgow. If you’d like some inspiration on where to start, this tastecard guide is just what you need for Glasgow things to do and ideas.

Tom Pressman

10-02-2023

Things to do in Glasgow.

If you’re planning a trip up to Scotland, Glasgow has developed a reputation for being one of the best places to visit and it’s not hard to see why. This Scottish Lowlands metropolis has plenty of things to see and do on offer all year round. With performing arts, sporting events, historic sights and more to catch in this city, you’ll be spoilt for choice on tourist activities. If you’re thinking about where you can eat and drink in Glasgow, you can save your hard-earned money using Glasgow restaurant deals by signing up for tastecard. We’ve whittled it down to our best selection of five things to do in Glasgow that you’re sure to love.

Visit Pollok Country Park.

Pollok Country Park is an excellent addition to your Glasgow things to do as there is a range of different activities suitable for many different types of tourists. If your Glasgow trip is a family one, children can have fun in its playpark and vast open spaces. The gorgeous countryside is also home to Highland cows and Clydesdale horses for the whole family to enjoy. Art and history buffs will not want to miss the splendid collection of fine art, ceramics and more in the Burrell Collection at Pollok house.

Immerse yourself at ODEON Luxe Glasgow Quay.

At ODEON Luxe Glasgow Quay, you can take a break from roaming around the city and lose yourself in the latest films. Whether you’re an action buff or a rom-com type of person, you can see it all at ODEON. You can catch films here in 2D, 3D and get the best view at the gigantic IMAX screens. With tastecard, you can get great discounts on your tickets, so be sure to take advantage of these to cut down on your spending when you’re on your Glasgow trip.

Whiskey tasting at Clydeside Distillery.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Scotland without trying out some of the country’s best whiskey on offer. That’s why we recommend popping into Clydeside Distillery to try out a range of full-bodied single-malt whiskeys that you can pair with artisan chocolate. As whiskey has a rich history in the city of Glasgow, you can be pleased with yourself that your experience is as much an opportunity for a historical education as it is to get a little merry!

See Glasgow Cathedral.

Glasgow Cathedral has to be one of the most beautiful Glasgow things to do, hands down. This cathedral is the oldest in all of Scotland and dates back all the way to the 12th century. Its staggering appearance is impressive enough alone on the outside, but you’ll be even more stunned by taking a look inside at its wonderful stained glass windows and intricate details. Once you’re done inside, take the chance to explore its necropolis and discover the intriguing gothic architecture.

Learn at Glasgow Science Centre.

Glasgow Science Centre is so much more than your average science museum. The glass-paned building alone is worth the visit, but there are many different exciting exhibits for the whole family that explore our bodies, space and the world around us. Need a little more convincing? As well as its awe-inspiring exhibitions, there are regular events to get involved with and also has Scotland's biggest IMAX cinema screen showing the latest blockbuster films!

Where to eat in Glasgow?

All of that tourism and walking around will make anybody peckish, so you’ll need to find somewhere to eat. Fortunately, Glasgow has a wealth of food spots for all types of diets and cultures. Luckily, tastecard has compiled lists of the best places to eat in Glasgow, including the best vegan restaurants, family-friendly restaurants, Italian restaurants, Indian restaurants and much more.

You can read about all of the wonderful restaurants in Glasgow on the tastecard blog.

Where to stay in Glasgow?

When staying in a major city, there are often many different types of accommodation for tourists to rest their head on offer. Luckily for you, this is especially the case with Glasgow as a wide range of hotels across the city means you won’t struggle to find somewhere to stay.

Hotels and other types of accommodation, such as B&Bs and self-catering apartments, are scattered across the city centre, meaning it won’t take long for you to get started quickly with your city adventure. Specifically, the Merchant City and Anderston districts of Glasgow offer plenty of choices for all types of tourist budgets and requirements.