When we planned a day trip to Glasgow, we knew we wanted to experience a mix of the city’s rich history, vibrant local culture, and stunning architecture. As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow has a reputation for great places to explore, from grand Victorian buildings in the city centre to the leafy paths of Kelvingrove Park.
With only a short time, we focused on a few highlights while leaving room for future adventures—there’s just so much to see, from Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpieces to street art scattered across the heart of Glasgow.
One thing that really surprised us was how much we enjoyed Glasgow compared to Edinburgh. The city felt less touristy and more “real.” While Edinburgh is undeniably beautiful, Glasgow felt like a city we could truly explore and enjoy at our own pace, and we’re already planning to stay longer there next time.
Whether strolling along Buchanan Street, taking in the views of the River Kelvin, or wandering through Kelvingrove Art Gallery, there’s always something to spark curiosity.
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Getting Around Glasgow
With only a day to explore, we wanted to make the most of our time in Glasgow without feeling rushed (although we kinda were). One of the best ways to see the highlights is the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus. It’s a convenient way to navigate the heart of Glasgow and gives you the flexibility to stop at attractions like Kelvingrove Art Gallery, George Square, or the University of Glasgow without worrying about parking or public transport.
One note: George Square is currently closed for relandscaping and beautification. We were unable to walk through there, but the hop-on bus has a stop right at the square.
We found that the bus also doubles as a guided tour, with interesting commentary about the city’s history, grand Victorian buildings, and other treasures tucked along Buchanan Street and the Merchant City. Even if you’re just hopping on for a short walk around one neighborhood, it’s a smart way to get a feel for the city’s layout and energy.
Of course, public transport in Glasgow is another option, with the subway and buses making it easy to explore beyond the city centre. But, as an exhausted traveler, I could sit and listen to the guide tell us about all that Glasgow had to offer. We also used Uber while we were there, and it was easy to get a ride in the middle of the day.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Our first stop was the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and we were especially excited to see the Charles Rennie Mackintosh exhibit. As soon as you step inside, it’s clear why this museum is one of the best places to experience fine art and design in Glasgow.
The Mackintosh exhibit is a highlight, showcasing iconic furniture, glass windows, and early 20th-century designs that helped shape the city’s artistic identity. Although it is not the largest Mackintosh exhibit and much of it was artifacts by others that were influenced by his designs, it was worth the venture. Next time, we plan to visit his house and the Glasgow School of Art, and maybe even the University of Glasgow, where there is a full-scale recreation of a Mackintosh home. You could also take a Mackintosh Private tour, which also takes you to the Willow exhibition.
We were lucky to catch the organ recital at 1 pm, which added a magical soundtrack to our visit. While we had to rush off for tea afterward, I would highly recommend setting aside a few hours to explore the museum fully. There’s so much to see, from Salvador Dalí pieces to the Scottish Colourists, and you could easily spend a whole afternoon wandering through the galleries.
Even in the short time we had, Kelvingrove gave us a real taste of Glasgow’s local artists, international artists, and the city’s history. Next time, we plan to take it slower and soak in every corner, from the main building to the surrounding Kelvingrove Park.
Tea at the Willow Tea Rooms
After Kelvingrove, we made our way to the Willow Tea Rooms on Buchanan Street for our 2 pm reservation. The moment we stepped inside, we were transported back to the early 20th century. The room is beautifully decorated in the original Mackintosh style, with elegant woodwork, geometric designs, and subtle glass windows that showcase his distinctive aesthetic.
We decided to try both a savory and a sweet tea, and each was as delightful as the atmosphere itself. Sipping our tea surrounded by the iconic Mackintosh décor made it feel like more than just a break; it was a full experience of Glasgow’s local culture and design heritage. Even if you’re not a tea aficionado, this is one of the best places in the city to soak up the history while enjoying a relaxing treat.
It’s easy to see why the Willow Tea Rooms remain a must-visit stop for anyone interested in Mackintosh, fine art, and Glasgow’s blend of historic charm with modern energy.
Afternoon Whisky Tasting at The Pot Still
After our tea, we headed to The Pot Still Pub, a great place in Glasgow to experience some local flavor. We met a friend there, which made the stop even more enjoyable, and took the opportunity to do a short whisky tasting.
The pub has an impressive selection, with local whisky alongside other Scottish favorites, and the knowledgeable staff were happy to guide us through the different flavors and histories of each dram.
The atmosphere is cozy and classic, a perfect contrast to the bright elegance of the Willow Tea Rooms earlier in the day. For anyone interested in sampling Scotland’s iconic whisky or experiencing a true slice of local culture, this is definitely one of the top things to do in Glasgow, whether you’re on a day trip or staying longer.
Things We Will do Next time
Even though we packed a lot into our day trip, there were still so many places in Glasgow that we didn’t get to explore this time. For our next visit, we’d love to spend more time checking out:
- Glasgow Cathedral and the final resting place of St. Mungo, to soak in some of the city’s years of history.
- The Hunterian Museum and Mackintosh House at Glasgow University for more Mackintosh design and fine art.
- Pollok House is at the heart of Pollok Country Park for a mix of historic architecture and green space.
- The Burrell Collection is a treasure trove of international artists and one of the greatest art collections in Scotland.
- Exploring the Glasgow Mural Trail and street art for a taste of the city’s local artists and contemporary culture.
- Ashton Lane and the Merchant City for more lively cafés, local beer, and hidden corners of Glasgow’s west end.
- A visit to Hampden Park, Clydeside Distillery, or even a short trip to Loch Lomond, if time allows.
Glasgow is a city that rewards repeat visits; even after a full day, we felt like we’d only scratched the surface. Each of these spots promises a mix of history, culture, and unique experiences that make the city such a perfect place to explore.
Our day in Glasgow gave us just a taste of what this Scottish city has to offer, but it was enough to make us want to return. What struck us most, though, was the atmosphere. Glasgow felt less polished and touristy than Edinburgh, but in the best way—it was vibrant, creative, and full of real life. If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, don’t overlook Glasgow—it might just surprise you the way it surprised us!
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Shelley is a full-time traveler, writer, and podcaster based in Portugal, where she lives with her wife and their beloved bulldog, Scoot. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Shelley is a former history teacher who swapped the classroom for cobblestone streets and passport stamps. These days, she explores Portugal and Europe in search of fascinating stories, unforgettable sights, and local flavor—then shares it all through her blog and podcast, Wandering Works for Us, where curiosity meets adventure (and sometimes wine).