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Visitor experiences

Visitor experiences

Visitor experiences

Glasgow offers lots of exciting experiences for visitors. Here are some top attractions to add to your itinerary.

Architectural heritage

Tress and grass surround the medieval Glasgow Cathedral with its spire against a blue sky
The interior of the medieval Glasgow Cathedral with stone arched walls and long thin stained glass windows. People walk beneath an archway and an old battered Union Jack flies above them.

Glasgow Cathedral originates from the 13th century and is the finest surviving gothic building in Scotland. Nearby, Glasgow Necropolis is a spectacular Victorian cemetery with monuments by world famous architects. Visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for the Cathedral's opening hours and check out glasgownecropolis.org for details on cemetary tours.

A series of old stone archways called Cloisters with fairy lights around the columns.

One of the city’s most iconic buildings is the University of Glasgow. Feel the history surround you as you stand beneath the Cloisters, that are frequently used as a film set. The University’s main building and gothic tower is rumoured to have been the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts! Visit the University of Glasgow's website to discover more.

The signage to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed Willow Tea Rooms is in his Art Nouveau style and reads 'Mackintosh at the Willow' and 'Lunch and Tearooms'
A close up of a Mackintosh Art Nouveau designed piece of furniture. It has a white arch with 2 white doves and 2 pink roses.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh fans are in for a treat in Glasgow, as it is the only place in the world to view a concentration of his work and designs. A must-visit is Mackintosh at the Willow for afternoon tea in the original and restored tearooms, plus a visit to the exhibition and shop. Head to our Mackintosh trail page for details on each of his works, including the likes of Mackintosh Queen’s Cross and House for an Art Lover.

You can also discover the rich architecture of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson at Holmwood House and admire the detailed interior designs. Visit the National Trust for Scotland’s website for info on seasonal opening (closed during winter).

The branches of a cherry blossom tree in pink bloom frames an old Edwardian stone mansion and its grounds.

For a grand Edwardian country house, head to the southside to visit Pollok House, set in Pollok Country Park. The house has lavish family rooms and a great collection of Spanish art. It also has beautiful gardens overlooking a river. Visit the National Trust for Scotland's website to find out more. *Please note Pollok House is closed for approximately 2 years for a major conservation project.

The Glasgow story

Two huge copper pots used for distilling sit by large windows overlooking the River Clyde.

Credit: Digital Tourism Scotland, Matt Davis

Whisky lovers will relish a trip to The Clydeside Distillery, located on the banks of the River Clyde. Enjoy a tour and tasting and find out more about Glasgow's history and its bonds with the whisky industry. A visit to Tennent's Wellpark Brewery offers a fascinating look into the history and success of Scotland's oldest brewery. Find out more about tour times at clydeside.com and tennentstours.com.

Glasgow is well-known for its maritime and shipbuilding heritage. Discover the stories from this era at the Fairfield Heritage Centre, set in the headquarters of Glasgow's greatest shipyard. Book at free tour at Fairfield Heritage Centre's website.

Sports fans

Football fans can take a look behind the scenes of Scotland's national stadium at The Hampden Experience. Take a stadium tour and stop in at the Scottish Football Museum to see their fantastic collection of memorabilia. Visit the Scottish Football Museum's website for details.

Visitors can also enjoy tours of the world famous Celtic Park and Ibrox Stadiums, taking in the history and passion of the city's iconic football teams - Celtic and Rangers. Visit celticfc.com for details on tours.

You can combine a stadium tour at Ibrox with entry into their brand new event facility and visitor attraction, Edmiston House. Discover 150 plus years of history with interactive technology and activities for kids. Find out more at rangers.co.uk.

Family friendly

A blue sky day reflects in the blue River Clyde below. The tall free standing tower and curved low building of the Science Centre is on the bank of the river.

Prepare to be wowed with a visit to the Glasgow Science Centre. The futuristic looking building is home to a science mall full of interactive exhibits. There is also a planetarium where you can star gaze, Scotland's largest cinema screen at the IMAX Cinema and a tower with great views. Visit the Glasgow Science Centre website to book tickets.

A fun way to travel around the city is on board the city’s open-topped tourist bus. Visit City Sightseeing Glasgow's website to find out more.

Hidden gems

A figure made out of scrap metal steering a wheel is the centrepiece of scrap metal scene, which is all illuminated with purple lighting.

Credit: Robin Mitchell

For unique and quirky, there is the Britannia Panopticon – the oldest surviving music hall in the world. Visits must be booked in advance so head to the Britannia Panopticon website to find out more.

Close by, you'll also find Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre where you can see sculptures come to life in a mesmerising live performance. Visit the Sharmanka website for opening hours and prices.

Article last updated: September 2023

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