glasgow is open

How to be a tourist at home in Glasgow

Glasgow is open!  There’s no better time than now to rediscover your own city. So with the help of People Make Glasgow, we did just that!  Here are some ideas for you to get ready to discover the city again. From admiring the architecture to enjoying the amazing food and drink scene, here is how you can safely enjoy your time in Glasgow.

glasgow city chambers
Glasgow City Chambers and George Square

Amazing architecture

There are many ways to admire the stunning architecture of Glasgow. By bus, you can hop on and off with City Sightseeing Bus Tours or for a more close-up view there are Walking Tours in….Glasgow. We took part in a tour of the West End, where we visited sites such as the cloisters at Glasgow University.

glasgow university cloisters
University of Glasgow

And also took in some of the lesser-known, more recent additions to the west end.

tartan paint
Tartan Paint, Cresswell Lane

Aided by the bestest of guides Martha the dog, Rachel meandered with us around Glasgow’s West End visiting a few places off the beaten track, sharing stories along the way. Including the oldest building in the area, explaining where the name Byres Road came from (there’s a link and we had no idea prior to the tour).  This is an informative and relaxing way to discover places and stories in your city you possibly didn’t even know about. Walking Tours in.. Glasgow operates 1.5 hours tours every day. There is also a city centre and separate street art tour. Each tour is £10pp with kids going free.  Advance booking is essential. Private tours are also available.

martha west end walks dog
Martha from Walking tours in Glasgow

Glasgow is home to some beautiful museums and attractions.  From the red sandstone Spanish Baroque of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to the silver and futuristic Riverside Museum, the elegant House for an Art Lover, and plenty of other Mackintosh sites in the city. There really is something for all ages and tastes.

House for an Art Lover glasgow Mackintosh
House for an Art Lover



Take a trail around Glasgow

The recently launched City Centre Contemporary Art Trail guides you around 14 works of art from Kenny Hunters Cherub Skull at the Tron Theatre to the Tympanum by Niki de Saint Phalle at Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

tron art cherub
Cherub at Tron Theatre
GOMA Outside
Gallery of Modern Art

Experience Glasgow’s food scene

All that discovery means a healthy appetite and an excuse to check out some of Glasgow’s food and drink scene.  From indoor street food to sitting across from the Glasgow version of Paris Pere Lachaise in a beer garden at Cathedral House Hotel. Read our full food review here.

cathedral house beer garden copy
Beer Garden at Cathedral House Hotel

Remember to check individual websites for details on bookings and safety measures.

cathedral house hotel glasgow
Cathedral House Hotel



Shop in Glasgow city centre and neighbourhoods

Many of the city’s high street favourites have now reopened or support smaller independent shops in both the city centre and in neighbourhoods such as Shawlands and the West End.

buchanan street glasgow
Buchanan Street, Glasgow



Chill out in the Dear Green Place

Glasgow has over 90 parks and gardens, which means you won’t be far from one. Whether you want to picnic in the park or as we’ve been doing lately, some heron spotting along the cities rivers, or get close up with the highland cows in Pollok Park.

queens park church
Queens Park

Check out Glasgow City Council’s Parks and Gardens information on individual parks and any restrictions that may be in place.

queens park glasgow view
Glasgow Skyline

Find out more about the Glasgow Is Open campaign at peoplemakeglasgow.com


Transport

Click here for Traveline Scotland Journey Planner

Please follow the Scottish Government guidelines during your time in the city.

 

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This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Disclaimer: we received a free walking tour to help promote tourism in Glasgow.

Fred purr of honour

 

Emma

Emma

Hello!

I am Emma and with my husband Mark write Foodie Explorers, which is a food and travel website.

I am a member of the Guild of Food Writers and British Guild of Travel Writers.

We have a wide range of judging experience covering products, hotels and have judged, for example, for Great Taste Awards and Scottish Baker of the Year.

Along the way Mark gained WSET Level 2 in Wine and I have WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as picking up an award with The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.    

Usually I can be found sleeping beside a cat.

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