9 Amazing attractions and things to see and do in Glasgow City Centre

On of the most famous Glasgow attractions is the street art. Follow this trail to admire these urban artworks which have enlivened walls and corners of the city centre. See standout creations by acclaimed street artists like Ali Wyllie, Art Pistol and Ejek, including the Spaceman on New Wynd by Wyllie and Recoat and the stunningly realistic Hand Shadow Puppets found on the Cowcaddens underpass by Rogue-One. The trail also features other famous examples of Glasgow street art, such as the life-like Four Seasons on Ingram Street and the vibrant murals framed by the rail arches on Clyde Street.

Scotland's oldest public museum is a splendid temple to the wonders of art, science and history. There's a lot to see here, but amongst its vast collections, must-see exhibits include a permanent gallery dedicated to the Antonine Wall, one of the world's finest collections of the works of James McNeill Whistler, iconic artworks including Rembrandt's Entombment, objects connected with revolutionary scientific discoveries, and a plethora of zoological, paleontological and geological specimens.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is home to an incredible array of 8,000 exhibits, spanning everything from a World War II Spitfire to Salvador Dalí's mesmerising Christ of St John of the Cross. Discover dinosaur skeletons, medieval armour, stunning works by the Dutch Old Masters, French Impressionists and the Scottish Colourists. Other highlights include Sir Roger the Elephant, a taxidermy measuring 10.5 feet in height and one of Kelvingrove's most popular exhibits. It's without a doubt a must-visit in Glasgow!

Glasgow is synonymous with Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The seminal Scottish architect, designer and artist left a legacy which can be enjoyed across an array of locations, including House for an Art Lover. This elegant country retreat in Bellahouston Park was built according to drawings Mackintosh drafted for a design competition in 1900. Feast your eyes on the exquisite interior which makes ingenious use of natural light and space, packed full of fine art. The house regularly hosts art exhibitions in its restaurant, where you can dine al fresco in the summer months. 

Wander 50 acres of leafy parkland in the heart of the west end at Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Visit Kibble Palace, a magnificent wrought iron-framed Victorian glasshouse filled with exotic tree ferns. You can also step inside the 11 other balmy glasshouses to see rare orchids and a collection of begonias. If you feel like stretching your legs, you can follow the path to reach the riverside walk. This provides a picturesque route through the city towards Kelvingrove Park and the art gallery and museum.

This is a great one for the kids. Sometimes described as "Glasgow's Guggenheim", the Riverside Museum is Glasgow's award-winning museum of transport, housed inside a marvellous building designed by architect Zaha Hadid. Inside you'll find a treasure trove of 3,000 exhibits which hark back to the olden days of transport, with everything from tramcars and bone-shaker buses to steam engines and gleaming vintage cars on display. Moored outside is the star exhibit, the Glenlee, a three-masted barque launched in 1896 and one of only five sailing ships built on the River Clyde still afloat.

Spanning over 360 acres, Pollok Country Park offers a natural escape on the southern outskirts of the city. What makes it special are the herds of Highland cattle which have been bred on the grounds since 1830, which you can spot almost as soon as you enter the park. Follow the network of waymarked paths through woodlands glades, gardens and tranquil parkland. You can also pay a visit to the Burrell Collection, which houses an impressive collection of artworks by Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, as well as late medieval, Chinese and Islamic art. Stop for a bite to eat in the Edwardian Kitchen Café. The Burrell Collection is also the recent recipient of The Museum of the Year Award 2023.

Enter the weird and wonderful world of kinetic sculptures at Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. A real hidden gem, this magical toyshop-like venue is home to "toys" which are best described as installation art pieces. Marvel as they come to life to enact theatrical performances against a backdrop of music and synchronised lighting. The stories will enchant children and adults alike, celebrating the strength of the human spirit and the circle of life.

Music has long been the beating heart of Glasgow, as music journalist Fiona Shepherd knows only too well. Join her or one of her fellow music afficionados on a choice of walking tours of Glasgow's musical heritage. Along the way, set foot in hallowed venues where iconic bands, DJs and other great artists cut their teeth, from the legendary Barrowland Ballroom to King Tut's Wah Wah Hut. You won't find a better introduction to one of the most vibrant and diverse music scenes in the world.