Glasgow may not be as celebrated as its Scottish counterpart Edinburgh, but there’s plenty to say for this former industrial city in its modern incarnation, including tons of great things to see and do where the cost isn’t too steep.
A bagpipe player outside the National Piping Centre (Photo: The National Piping Centre)
The port city on the River Clyde in Scotland’s western Lowlands is best known for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a legacy of its 18th to 20th-century prosperity driven by trade and shipbuilding. Today the city is a major cultural hub, home to dozens of acclaimed cultural venues as well as a thriving nightlife scene. If you’re coming to Glasgow and would like to pack in plenty of attractions and activities that don’t cost a fortune, check out our list below.
The National Piping Centre
There are few items more indelibly linked with Scottish culture than bagpipes. Home to a huge selection of artefacts and displays, the Museum of Piping at The National Piping Centre invites visitors to explore 300 years of Scotland’s musical history. Both self-guided and private tours of the museum are available 7 days a week, during which you can experience exhibits such as; Piping Through the Ages, Pipers of the World Wars and A History of European Piping Traditions. There’s also the chance to try the bagpipes yourself. Admission is £5 per person.
30-34 McPhater Street / Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat-Sun 9am-3pm
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Floral arrangements at Glasgow Botanic Gardens (Photo: Catherine Poh Huay Tan via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
An ideal antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city, Glasgow Botanical Gardens is an oasis of calm where visitors can stroll around and admire incredible collections of vivid plans. Situated just under two miles northwest of the city centre, the gardens offer eye-candy every which way you turn. As well as the abundance of exotic plants, there are also striking Victorian glasshouses, including the historic Kibble Palace featuring plants from around the world. Best of all, entrance is free.
730 Great Western Road / Mon-Sun 10am-3.45pm
The Burrell Collection
One of Glasgow’s most prestigious cultural venues, the Burrell Collection is a veritable treasure trove if art and history. Set within the scenic Pollok Country Park in the southern outskirts of Glasgow, it’s home to over 9,000 words spanning ancient civilizations to fine European art. Highlights include Egyptian artifacts, Chinese ceramics, medieval European tapestries, and works by legendary artists such as Degas, Cézanne and Rodin. Visitors can also unwind at the on-site café. Admission is free.
Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Bellahouston / Mon-Thurs & Sat 10am-5pm Fri & Sun 11am-5pm
Glasgow Cathedral
A view over Glasgow Cathedral (Photo: Paul Trafford via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
A beacon on the city landscape, Glasgow Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and widely considered one of the best-preserved medieval cathedrals anywhere in Scotland. Soaring spires and intricate stonework catch the eye of all who pass by, and those who venture inside will discover a majestic nave, a tranquil crypt and a chapter house offering a real sense of history. Nearby is the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art to add another layer to the experience. After your visit, you can enjoy a drink outside one of the many cafés overlooking the grand cathedral. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but donations are welcome.
Castle Street / Mon-Sat 10am-4pm Sun 1pm-4pm
Queens Park
A vast expanse of green space in the south side of the city, Queens Park is another popular spot for escaping the urban hubbub. Tranquility is the watch-word here, with picturesque walking paths, serene ponds and lush gardens positively compelling you to amble around in a state of leisurely relaxation. The public park also boasts the famous Queen’s Park Glasshouse, home to a dazzling assortment of plants and flowers, and there’s also a beautiful Victorian bandstand where regular community events take place.
Langside Road / Open all hours
Glasgow Festival of Burlesque
(Photo: Glasgow Festival of Burlesque)
Each year, the Polo Lounge, one of Glasgow’s most legendary entertainment venues, plays host to a raucous celebration of Burlesque as an artform and cultural phenomenon. Both local and international talents perform at the festival, with shows covering everything from sultry stripteases to comedic acts, all set to a sound-track of music curate especially for the event. Beyond the live performances, there are burlesque-themed workshops, panels and masterclasses. Tickets can be purchased individually for each show, with prices starting at around £10.
Polo Lounge, 84 Wilson Street / Sun-Thurs 9pm-3am Fri-Sat 7pm-4am
The Glasgow Necropolis
Cemeteries don’t often feature on lists of must-see attractions, but there are occasionally exceptions – one of which is the remarkable Glasgow Necropolis. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the 19th-century cemetery is home to over 50,000 monuments, statues and mausoleums, including the final resting place for some of Glasgow’s most notable figures from the industrial age. From the cemetery, visitors can also take in picture-postcard views over the city and its iconic cathedral. Entrance is free of charge.
Castle Street / Mon-Sun 7am-4.30pm
By Paul Joseph