The SECC, Glasgow © tomek_emigrant / Dollar Photo Club

Cities

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48 hours in Glasgow

When it comes to spending a couple of days in Scotland's largest city, Glasgow has plenty going on to keep you on your toes. It's the full package, with world-class museums and galleries, breathtaking architecture, wonderful parks, unique attractions, high street, designer and independent retailers, as well as an excellent range of bars, pubs and restaurants. Two days is not nearly enough time to squeeze it all in, but you can definitely give it a good go!

Transport

Bus Walk

Days

2

Miles

15

Route

West End, city centre, River Clyde, east end of Glasgow

Highlights

Galleries and museums, cityscape views, green spaces, live music at iconic venues, seeing works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Areas Covered

West

see full route

Day 1

overview

Art galleries and gardens

If visiting the city for two consecutive days, a good idea is to take advantage of the 'hop on hop off' City Sightseeing tour bus, which takes in a number of Glasgow's attractions. Alternatively, you can use the Glasgow Subway to get round the city centre and the west end.

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Bus Walk

Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow

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Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Begin your journey at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the city's west end. Situated by Kelvingrove Park, it's a magnificent structure of handsome red sandstone. It's free to get in and inside there are over 8,000 objects covering art, archaeology, and natural history - it's even home to a real Spitfire! Afterwards, wander along Byres Road, a pleasant, bustling street lined with all kinds of shops and restaurants.

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Glasgow Botanic Gardnens

Explore the pathways of Glasgow Botanic Gardens to see their collection of flora and shrubs before visiting Kibble Palace, an exquisite restored Victorian glasshouse. If you're feeling peckish, the tearoom offers a tasty selection of cakes, sandwiches, teas and coffees.

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Creative spaces

Head to the city centre and enjoy a bit of culture at Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), housed in a stunning neoclassical building in Royal Exchange Square. Exhibitions regularly change and there is an events programme, too. You might also be able to squeeze in a visit to the nearby Lighthouse, Scotland's national centre for design and architecture. The building was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and was originally used by the Glasgow Herald newspaper. From the viewing platform, you get some spectacular views of the city skyline.

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A city of sound

As the evening draws in, it's time to experience the city at night! Glasgow's reputation for live music is legendary; so much so that the city has been given UNESCO City of Music status. Why not catch a gig or a concert in one of its amazing venues? The SSE Hydro hosts all the big-name stars. You can experience roots, classical and world sounds at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, or see up-and-coming indie artists at the small but perfectly formed King Tut's Wah Wah Hut.

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Day 2

overview

The story of Glasgow

We hope you've got enough energy for another packed day of culture and sightseeing! Enjoy more of Glasgow's free cultural attractions, and uncover more about the life and work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

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Transport

Bus Walk

House for an Art Lover, Glasgow

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The Riverside Museum and Tall Ship

Spend your morning at the Riverside Museum and enjoy a visual feast - the building itself is one of the most striking modern buildings in Scotland. Inside, the museum houses all kinds of exhibits related to transport. Vehicles, bikes, and locomotives dating from different periods can be found. In addition, you can also explore the Clyde-built Tall Ship, which is berthed alongside the museum.

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House for an Art Lover

Just south of the River Clyde, you've got another chance to explore the works of one of the city's favourite sons, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The beautiful House for an Art Lover is a stunning Mackintosh design. Although it wasn't actually built in his lifetime, it's a true art nouveau dream fully realised, with the building and furnishings working in complete harmony.

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People Palace & Winter Gardens

Head back to the city centre and head to the People Palace & Winter Gardens on historic Glasgow Green, a fantastic free museum where you can learn the story of Glasgow's people (have you heard that they are amongst the friendliest people on the planet?!). If you are feeling thirsty afterwards, grab a pew at the WEST Brewery bar, set in the beautiful Templeton Building on the edge of the Green.

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Glasgow by night

Discover the West End at night and head to Ashton Lane, a pretty cobbled pedestrian street near Byres Road, which has a great mix of bars, pubs and eateries, as well as a cinema, or try the Finneston area - it has built up a reputation for being home to a number of the city's best new restaurants. If you fancy being at heart of the action, then why not explore the Merchant City area, chock full of trendy cocktail and wine bars, clubs and restaurants?

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48 hours in Glasgow

Day 1