10 Must See Places in Glasgow + FREE Map

Extravagant, contemporary, genius- that's the Riverside Museum by Zaha Hadid, marked [1] on a map

We were lucky to call Glasgow our home for the past year. Although we continue to discover the biggest city in Scotland, this is our guide to our favourite free to visit spots we love to come to again and take our visiting friends.

PLACES

1. RIVERSIDE MUSEUM

Our tour starts at the Riverside Museum - the finest example of the 21- century architecture designed by the Dame Zaha Hadid- the most influential female architect of our time.

2. UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

Then we continue to walk towards the University of Glasgow which is 600 years old, one of the oldest Universities in the county and also believed to inspire the creation of ’Hogwarts’ in Harry Potter. University is located on the hill and it offers a great view of Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

3. GLASGOW BOTANIC GARDENS

The plant collections are dispersed across the 19.4-hectare site which includes two glasshouse complexes- Kibble Palace and the Main Range. The Tearooms can be found in the former Curator’s house near to the Kibble Palace.

4. KELVINBRIDGE

Now you've approached the Kelvinbridge also called Great Western Bridge as it carries Great Western Road across the River Kelvin. It is a classic Victorian cast-iron arch structure 18.3m wide, with two main spans over the Kelvin and a smaller span on each side for a pedestrian footpath. The bridge connects the neighbouring town Hillhead, which was incorporated into the city in the 19th century. Follow the steps down to the River Kelvin.

University of Glasgow is marked [2] on the guide

One of our favourite places in the city- the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, marked [3] on the guide

Kelvinbridge or Great Western Bridge [4]

The view of Kelvingrove Art Gallery from University of Glasgow. Marked [6] on the guide

5. KELVINGROVE PARK

The Kelvingrove Park is a classic example of the Victorian park. Today the park has many facilities to offer, such as children playgrounds, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the event space, cafes, tennis courts and skateboard park, riverside walks.

6. KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY

It’s a museum and art gallery with the 22 galleries to explore. Perfect activity for a rainy day.

7. THE GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART

Completed in 1909, the Mackintosh's Masterwork heralded the birth of a new style in 20th-century architecture. In 2014 a fire damaged the west wing of the Mackintosh Building including some studios, the Library and some archival stores. There is no visitor access to the interiors of the Mackintosh Building whilst restoration gets underway.

8. THE LIGHTHOUSE

The Lighthouse is Scotland’s Centre for Design & Architecture. It has two viewing platforms at the top of the building, however, one is hidden. Get to the 3rd level and then take steps on the spiral staircase to the very top for the most outstanding views over the Glasgow!

9. GLASGOW CATHEDRAL

Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building which dates back to the 12 century. the Cathedral has one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows to be found in Britain

10. THE NECROPOLIS

The Necropolis is the Victorian Cemetery with the approximately 3500 monuments. It is a short walk from the Glasgow Cathedral situated on the Hill.

The Lighthouse viewing platform. Marked [8] on the guide

the view over Glasgow Cathedral from the Necropoli . Marked [9] on the guide

The Necropolis [10]

FOOD & DRINK 

HILLHEAD BOOKCLUB

Characterful space with cocktails, ping-pong, retro computer games, vintage fairs and bingo. The lunch menu offers salads (£8), the burgers (£6-7), pie or fish and chips (£10)

THE WILLOW TEA ROOMS

The Willow Tea Rooms are the Glasgow’s unique gem. Designed by the world-renowned Charles Mackintosh - a Glaswegian architect that invented modernism in the 20th century. The interiors and the furniture is a piece of art you will never find anywhere else in the world!

INN DEEP

Inn Deep is a bar directly under the Kelvin- bridge that serves craft beers and offers great seating outside next to the River Kelvin on a sunny day a perfect spot for a pint of craft beer!

DRYGATE

The Drygate, a bar with the homemade brewery and a restaurant - ideal and the most authentic way to end the tour. If the weather allows, take a sitting outside to enjoy the sunset!

ASHTON LANE

Follow the Ashton Lane - the cobbled pedestrian street has the hip atmosphere with many bars and restaurants to choose from.

Drygate is the last stop on the guide

Only in Glasgow- the tea room designed by Charles R. Mackintosh

Stop for a pint of a craft beer in the Inn Deep. We marked the location on the travel guide

Ashton Lane is included in theGlasgow City guide