Things to See in Glasgow

Bus Tours—a great way to see Glasgow with 21 “hop on/hop off” stops around the city.

Walking Tours—a great chance to learn about the city from a local guide.

Glasgow Cathedral—the oldest cathedral in mainland Scotland, and still functioning as a parish church in the Church of Scotland. The building dates back to the 12th century and contains the tomb of Glasgow’s patron saint, St. Mungo. There is no admission charge but donations are encouraged and welcome.

St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art—described as the only public museum in the world devoted to its subject, the St. Mungo museum houses exhibits related to all of the world’s major religions. Admission is free with optional donations accepted.

The Burrell Collection—a fascinating and eclectic collection from the estate of Sir William Burrell, a Glasgwegian shipping magnate. Everything from medieval weapons and armory to artifacts from the Far East to works by classic impressionists and everything in between can be found under its roof. Entry is free.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens—an absolutely beautiful collection of 9000 different plants situated in a lovely location alongside the River Clyde. You’ll also find stunning Victorian glasshouses and a finely landscaped garden covering almost 240,000 square yards. Admission is free.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum—the collections at Kelvingrove are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally significant. Here you’ll find Dali’s “Christ of St. John of the Cross” along with displays from many art movements and periods of history—plus a free organ recital every day (Mon-Sat @ 1pm, Sun @ 3pm). Admission is free.

The Hunterian Museum—the oldest museum in Scotland and is described as “one of Scotland’s most important cultural assets.” You’ll find scientific equipment used by James Watt, Roman artifacts, and items from Captain Cook’s Pacific explorations. The Hunterian also has the world’s largest permanent display of the work of James McNeill Whistler and the largest single holding of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It also is home to the Mackintosh House, a meticulous reconstruction of Mackintosh’s home in Glasgow. Admission to the museum is free, but some exhibits require a separate paid ticket.

The Glasgow Mural Trail—this street-art initiative was launched in the city center in 2008 to "brighten up dark and drab areas" and graffiti hot spots. The trail consists of 29 murals from various artists and is an often-missed treasure in Glasgow.

The Clydeside Distillery—a Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery offering visitors and chance to see how “Scotland’s national drink” comes to be. It features a a cafe, a shop, and a tour with a tasting session.