Having a more famous neighbour has long meant that Glasgow was under-estimated and under-appreciated. That era is over. Once framed as Edinburgh’s rough-around-the-edges sibling, the city is now firmly in its stride.
Some might say it has undergone a transformation over the past decade, with 20 per cent more tourists staying overnight in 2025 than the previous year. Glaswegians, however, would simply argue that the world is finally catching up to what they have always known – that this is a city of passion, razor-sharp wit and, above all, unfiltered fun.
Its reputation for friendliness is well-deserved – Glasgow has been voted the UK’s friendliest city more than once – but what is less appreciated is just how utterly beautiful it is. This is a place of grand Victorian vision and green sprawl, where Sir Joseph Paxton-designed parks unfurl for miles and street after street of ornate sandstone tenements rise in warm, honeyed hues.
Arrive in Scotland’s largest city and you’ll quickly understand why it became the UK’s first Unesco City of Music, why Billy Connolly credits Glasgow for honing his dry sense of humour, and why Glaswegians have earned a reputation as the most welcoming hosts in the country.
For more Glasgow inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants, bars and things to do.
In this guide:
How to spend a weekend
Day one: morning
Start your morning with a contemplative moment at the 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral. This grand Gothic structure is the perfect introduction to the Cathedral Precinct, a handful of streets that hold much of the city’s medieval history.
You can take a peek at what life was like 500 years ago in the Provand’s Lordship House, Glasgow’s oldest building, or explore faith through art at St. Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life and Art. Behind the cathedral, a 10-minute climb takes you to the city’s Victorian-era Necropolis, where on weekends passionate volunteers offer guided tours (pre-booking essential) of the important Glaswegians interred there.
Leave enough time to savour the spectacular city views before heading to Babbity Bowster for lunch. This popular local pub, about 10 minutes’ walk away, is a great place to try traditional Scottish fare. The haggis is a must, and it even does a vegetarian version.
Afternoon
Once refuelled, it’s time to tackle the City Centre Mural Trail, just a few minutes away in Merchant City. As well as gawking at the mammoth art, particularly those by hyper-realistic artist Smug, you will get a good sense of the city centre and its streets, including George Square (under construction until August 2026), the City Chambers, Royal Exchange Square and Buchanan Street.
Jump on the subway at Buchanan Street and go five stops (less than 10 minutes) to Kelvinhall Station for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is home to one of Salvador Dalí’s most beautiful pieces, the Christ of Saint John of the Cross.
From here, a five-minute walk through Kelvingrove Park will take you to the University of Glasgow’s Gilbert Scott building, where the cloisters and the Hunterian Museum are both free to enjoy. The flagpole is also the best place to watch a sunset over the city, so grab a bench beside the students, and take it in.
Night
It’s time for a drink, you’ve earned it. Nearby is foodie hotspot Finnieston, where you will find some of the best bars in the city. Try The Ben Nevis, which has a beautiful bespoke gantry filled with dozens of whiskies, and hosts trad music sessions from 8pm to 11pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Dinner is just a short walk away at Mother India’s Café, a casual tapas-style Indian restaurant with a great atmosphere and mouth-watering food. There will undoubtedly be a queue, but it usually moves quickly, and is worth it for its fiery garlic chilli chicken and rich daal makhni.
For a nightcap, head back into the city to Daddy Marmalades, voted one of the UK’s best cocktail bars in 2025, or boogie to blues and soul until the early hours at The Howlin’ Wolf.
Day two: morning
It’s a little out the way, but this stop is worth it. Take a train to Pollokshaws West for Pollok Country Park, where you can browse the award-winning Burrell Collection of art and artefacts for free, and spot (and sometimes feed) the Pollok Fold of Highland cows. It’s particularly adorable in spring during calving season.
A 25-minute cab ride will take you back to the West End, where you can grab lunch at the family-run University Cafe on Byres Road. Its hearty fish and chips are the favourite, but it also serves classic pasta dishes – a legacy of Glasgow’s early chip shops, many of which were run by Italians.
Afternoon
After lunch, grab an ice cream to go (it’s a local icon) and head up to the Botanic Gardens to wander among some 9,000 plants and a collection of Victorian glasshouses. The secret steps behind the Kibble Palace glasshouse lead down to the winding Kelvin Walkway, which follows the River Kelvin until it meets the Clyde. The walk is lovely in good weather and takes around an hour.
There are two options down here by the Clyde: the Riverside Museum, an eye-catching building by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, has an impeccable collection of vintage transport, or visit the Clydeside Distillery for a whisky tasting. Or both, if you have the energy.
Night
A train from Exhibition Centre station will take you back to Glasgow Central in just two stops. For dinner, consider Margo, which was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand just four months after opening. The skate wing with kumquat and trout roe is a must, and the punchy cocktail menu pairs flavours like bourbon, chambord and tonka in a raspberry espresso martini.
If you’re in the mood to continue your night, cocktail bar The Absent Ear is the place to go for a late-night beverage – but only if you can find your way into the basement speakeasy through the secret passageway. The innovative cocktails always surprise, but it remains unpretentious and fun.
When to go
Glasgow is a year-round destination with an impressive events calendar. Nights are long in winter, but it can be a good time to catch Celtic Connections (January), the Glasgow Film Festival (February and March), the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March) or Aye Write (November).
In summer, the sun doesn’t set until after 10pm and temperatures can reach highs of 19C, but always prepare for a shower. Event highlights include Glasgow Jazz Festival and the Trnsmt music festival (June), and the World Pipe Band Championships (August).
Where to stay
Luxury living
Scotland’s largest, most stylish city needs a hotel to match – and the Kimpton Blythswood Square, a Georgian-trimmed terrace of townhouses with spa and seafood restaurant fits the bill, with glossy marble and modern art that belies Glasgow’s once edgy reputation.
Designer digs
Native Glasgow’s smart serviced apartments are perfectly placed to enjoy everything Glasgow has to offer, while delivering whatever a guest might need for an independent self-catering stay. The location couldn’t be better for exploring, and rooms are beautifully decorated, with some boasting panoramic views of the city’s rooftops.
Budget bolthole
The Social Hub was started in Amsterdam by a Scot aiming to create a new type of hotel. He came home to open the group’s first property in Britain after the concept spread to more than 20 locations across Europe. This is a sociable, youthful accommodation option, combining well-designed, efficient rooms with amenity-filled public spaces you’ll actually want to spend time in.
How to get there and how to get around
Glasgow Airport is a 20-minute drive into the centre, and Edinburgh Airport is less than an hour away. The city is serviced by an extensive bus and train network, as well as a small subway that is the world’s third oldest. Subway prices start at £1.85 and buses from £2.10. Glasgow is mostly walkable so a car isn’t needed. If you choose to drive, the M8 and M74 motorways go into the city centre and connect on to the M6 from England.
Know before you go
Essential information
Tourist office: See visitglasgow.com, the website for the Glasgow Tourist Board.
The basics
Travel time from London: You can fly from London to Glasgow in one hour. The train takes around five hours, or it is a seven-and-a-half-hour drive.
Local laws and etiquette
Glaswegians are a friendly bunch, and you might find that they will engage you in chat in the pub or at the bus stop. Like any large city, there is crime, so be as aware of your surroundings as you would be at home. Tipping is customary – around 10-15 per cent is fine, but not obligatory.
Accessibility
Much of Glasgow’s public transport has ramps or lifts, as do most large arenas and sights. The subway is more restricted, with only two (Govan and St. Enoch) of its 15 stations having elevators to the platform. Most restaurants and bars are accessible with a wheelchair, but some older buildings are listed and there are restrictions as to what can be added. It is best to ask ahead.
Dog friendly
Generally, Glasgow is a dog-friendly city, and many locals take their pets with them as they go about their day. Your canine friend is allowed on most public transport, except the subway, which only allows assistance animals and small animals in a carrier.
Most pubs and bars allow dogs, but check ahead when visiting more formal restaurants. Only assistance dogs are allowed in museums. There are several large green spaces and parks with designated areas where dogs can be off their leash.
About our expert
Jaymi McCann
Jaymi McCann is Telegraph Travel’s Glasgow expert. She is a born-and-raised Glaswegian, with a true love for her home city, but after a decade down south, she is rediscovering it anew, and with vigour.