7 Best Things to do in Glasgow, Scotland

Looking for the best things to do in Glasgow? You’ve come to the right place!

Glasgow is a city that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit. It’s packed with stunning architecture, fascinating history, and an incredible food scene. Whether you’re here to dive into Scottish culture, explore historic landmarks, or just have a fun-filled adventure, there’s something for everyone.

After exploring the city inside and out, we’ve put together a list of seven must-do experiences that truly capture the best of Glasgow. From cycling through its historic streets to exploring castles in the Highlands and cruising on the famous Loch Ness, these are the experiences that will make your trip truly memorable!

Things to do in Glasgow, Scotland

1. See Glasgow’s top sights on a private city tour

Glasgow is a city packed with history, culture, and striking architecture, but if you’re visiting for the first time, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we booked this private walking tour on our first day there, and it turned out to be the perfect way to get our bearings in this incredible city! 

The tour kicked off in George Square, the historic heart of Glasgow, before heading to the stunning Glasgow Cathedral—one of the most impressive medieval buildings in Scotland. From there, we wandered through the Necropolis, an eerie yet beautiful Victorian cemetery with some of the best panoramic views of the city.

Next, we strolled down Buchanan Street, known for its bustling atmosphere, historic architecture, and great shopping, before finishing at Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest public park. We loved the contrast—one moment, we were in the middle of the city’s busiest shopping street, and the next, we were surrounded by open green space, watching locals walk their dogs and relax by the river.

What made this tour stand out was the private experience—our guide tailored everything to our interests and shared insider tips on where to eat, drink, and explore next. We also loved the flexible start times and the option to book for groups of up to 10 people. 

Believe me, if you’re new to Glasgow, this half-day sightseeing tour is a must!

2. Take a day trip and cruise on the famous Loch Ness

There’s no better way to experience the beauty of Scotland’s Highlands than on this full-day tour from Glasgow! We spent the day winding through rugged mountains, shimmering lochs, and charming villages, with plenty of stops to take in the breathtaking scenery.

The first major highlight was Glencoe, famous for its dramatic scenery and haunting history. Our guide brought the area to life with stories of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, making the vast, sweeping valley even more fascinating.

Standing there, surrounded by towering peaks and endless moors, it was easy to imagine just how isolated and unforgiving this landscape must have felt centuries ago.

Then came Loch Ness, home to Scotland’s most famous legend—Nessie! We boarded an included scenic boat cruise, gliding across the deep, mysterious waters surrounded by towering hills. And, of course, we kept an eye out for any unusual ripples—you never know what might be lurking below!

The journey back took us through Cairngorms National Park, giving us one last chance to soak in the Highlands’ untouched beauty. Between the comfortable mini-coach, small group size, and fantastic guide, it’s easy to see why this tour has so many amazing reviews! 

If you want to see the best of the Scottish Highlands in just one day, this is the way to do it!

3. Taste your way around Glasgow

Glasgow’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, and this walking tour was the perfect way to experience it!

With our fantastic guide, Lei, leading the way, we spent an afternoon eating our way through the city, stopping at five of the best local spots to try a variety of authentic Scottish dishes. Over the course of three hours, we sampled everything from fresh seafood to a modern take on haggis, finishing with some classic Scottish sweet treats.

Between bites, we wandered through Glasgow’s historic streets, learning about the city’s food culture, history, and culinary traditions. Lei’s passion and knowledge made every stop even more enjoyable, sharing insider stories and local insights we would have never discovered on our own.

One thing to note: While all the food is included, beverages are not. So, if you’d like to pair your tastings with a drink, bring some extra cash to purchase them on the day. We did this and highly recommend it—the local specials were delicious!

Between the amazing food, great company, and Lei’s engaging storytelling, this was hands down one of the best ways to experience Glasgow. If you’re a foodie (or just love trying something new), you need to add this tour to your itinerary!

4. See castles and lochs in the West Highlands

If you’re looking for stunning scenery, historic castles, and a taste of the Scottish Highlands, this full-day tour from Glasgow is a fantastic way to experience it all. We spent the day winding through rugged landscapes, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints, and exploring some of Scotland’s most picturesque spots—and honestly, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Our first stop was Loch Lomond, where we took in the calm waters and rolling hills before heading to Inveraray. While we didn’t go inside Inveraray Castle, its grand exterior and scenic surroundings made for an impressive stop.

Next, we visited the Kilchurn Castle, a dramatic ruin perched on Loch Awe. With crumbling stone walls, misty mountains, and a moody atmosphere, it was easily one of the most photogenic spots of the day. 

We also made a stop in Oban, known as Scotland’s “Seafood Capital,” before heading to Glencoe, where the towering peaks and vast valleys were nothing short of spectacular.

With plenty of stops, incredible scenery, and a hassle-free itinerary, this tour is a great way to escape the busy city and experience Scotland’s countryside. If you’re short on time but want to see the Highlands, this is the way to do it! 

5. Explore the city on a bicycle

If you’re looking to explore Glasgow in a unique and active way, this bike tour is for you! Instead of just hitting the usual tourist spots, you’ll get a local perspective, cycling through Glasgow’s parks, historic streets, and scenic river paths while learning all about its history and culture.

Our guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and full of interesting stories that brought the city to life. We covered a mix of iconic landmarks and hidden gems, making stops at places like the Glasgow Green and the Clyde Waterfront.

Riding through the quirky streets of the West End was a highlight, with its colorful murals, charming cafés, and a lively energy that made us want to come back and explore more on foot.

The refurbished Royal Mail bikes were comfortable and easy to ride, and the small-group setting made the experience feel personal and laid-back.

The route was mostly flat, so it was an enjoyable ride, even if you’re not an experienced cyclist. But if you’d rather take it easy, you can upgrade to an e-bike or book a private tour for a more customized experience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover the city, this two-wheeled adventure is an amazing way to see Glasgow from a whole new perspective. Don’t just take our word for it—check out 5-star reviews here!

6. See castles, villages, and film locations of Outlander

Attention Outlander fans! Did you know you can visit some of the most iconic Outlander filming locations in real life? This full-day tour from Glasgow takes you to the castles, villages, and grand estates that brought the world of Claire and Jamie Fraser to life!

We kicked things off at Doune Castle, better known as Castle Leoch, home to Clan MacKenzie. Walking through its ancient stone halls, it was easy to picture Jamie and Claire here. Next, we visited Midhope Castle—Lallybroch itself! Seeing Jamie Fraser’s family home in person was surreal, and we had plenty of time to snap photos by the famous archway.

The adventure continued at Blackness Castle, which played Fort William in the series. This dramatic fortress sits right on the water, and standing in the same spot where some of the show’s most intense scenes were filmed was unforgettable.

Finally, we ended the tour in Culross (aka Cranesmuir), a perfectly preserved 17th-century village with cobbled streets and adorable historic houses.

Between the stunning scenery, fascinating history, and behind-the-scenes stories from our guide, this tour brought Outlander to life in the best way possible. If you love the show, this trip is an absolute must while in Scotland!

7. Visit distilleries and taste Scottish whisky

If you love whisky (or just want to see what all the fuss is about), this full-day distillery tour from Glasgow is the perfect way to experience Scotland’s world-famous whisky culture.

We spent the day winding through the scenic countryside, stopping at three unique distilleries to learn about the whisky-making process and, of course, taste a few drams along the way!

Each distillery has its own character and style, making it fascinating to compare different whisky regions and production techniques. From the grains and fermentation to the aging process in oak barrels, we got a real behind-the-scenes look at how Scotland’s iconic spirit is crafted. And yes—there were plenty of tastings!

One thing to note is that the distillery tour and tasting fees aren’t included, so be sure to bring some extra cash to cover the cost of each stop. This actually worked in our favor since we could choose which tours we wanted to do based on our preferences.

Between the beautiful landscapes, expert guides, and fantastic whisky, this tour was a highlight of our time in Scotland. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, this tour is well worth raising a glass to!

Related Read: For more great ideas on how to spend your time in Glasgow, check out our detailed 2-day itinerary!

Where to Stay in Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow is a dynamic city with plenty of fantastic places to stay, no matter your budget or travel style. From stylish boutique hotels to budget-friendly stays, there’s something for everyone.

To make choosing a place easier, we’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Glasgow so you can spend less time searching and more time exploring everything this lively city has to offer!

Luxury – $$$

Set in a stunning Georgian building overlooking a private garden square, Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa by IHG is a 5-star luxury retreat in the heart of Glasgow. This elegant hotel blends historic grandeur with modern comfort, offering beautifully designed rooms, an award-winning spa, and a stylish restaurant and bar. With a prime location near Buchanan Street and top attractions, it’s a perfect base for an upscale city stay.

Prices vary by season and room type but typically range from £200 – £400 per night. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Motel One Glasgow is a fantastic mid-range option offering a stylish and comfortable stay in the heart of the city. Located next to Glasgow Central Station, it’s an ideal base for exploring, with top attractions, shops, and restaurants just a short walk away. The hotel features sleek, modern rooms with high-quality furnishings, a trendy lounge bar, and a cozy breakfast area, making it a great choice.

Prices range from around £100 – £150 per night. Check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For budget-friendly accommodation in Glasgow, The Z Hotel Glasgow is a fantastic choice! Located in the city center, this modern hotel offers compact yet stylish rooms with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy complimentary cheese and wine in the evening, adding a touch of luxury to an affordable stay. Its prime location near George Square and Glasgow’s top attractions is perfect for travelers looking to save without compromising on convenience.

Room rates start at around £60 per night. Visit Booking.com to check availability and book your stay.

For more options, see all of Glasgow’s hotels listed here!

Thanks for reading!

Glasgow is packed with history, culture, and some of the best experiences Scotland has to offer. Whether you’re exploring medieval castles, cruising on Loch Ness, or cycling through the city’s vibrant streets, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.

If you’re planning more adventures near Scotland, be sure to check out our other United Kingdom blogs for inspiration! We’ve got plenty of tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.

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