Planning to travel to Scotland? Don’t skip out on spending at least one day in Glasgow. Sure, Scotland’s biggest city and culture hub lacks the usual big-name tourist sites. But after spending a year living in this city, I can say that it’s as fascinating a travel destination as any in Great Britain!
From the moment I arrived in Glasgow, I knew it was a city full of heart & soul. I instantly fell in love with its busy streets, jam-packed with beautiful architecture, and even the city’s grittier corners.
If you’ve got just 24 hours in Glasgow, though, you’ll have a wee challenge ahead of you. Many of the city’s most interesting sites are quite spread out. You’ll need to be crafty to soak it all in on a tight schedule!
Not to worry, though: I’ve got you covered. Let’s get your Scotland travel plan off to a roaring start with this complete 1-day Glasgow itinerary, including some of my favorite sightseeing spots, restaurants, and bars in the city…
Our recommendations for where to go in Glasgow in 24 hours
As much as I loved Glasgow at first glance (it was my first overseas destination after all!), I have to admit: Not all travellers may feel the same.
Glasgow doesn’t slap you in the face with outward beauty like the nearby Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Still, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Glasgow, too.
And what’s more, unlike other European travel destinations, you can see many of Glasgow’s tourist highlights during your first 24 hours in the city.
I crafted this one-day Glasgow itinerary with the time-crunched traveller in mind. Like our other city travel itineraries, it minimizes public transport and backtracking. Within the city centre, you’ll be able to walk between many of the stops.
Truthfully, I think walking is the best way to see & experience Glasgow.
The metro system is one of the most popular and easiest ways to get around Glasgow. You can get an all-day ticket (£4.45 for adults, £2.20 for children) at any subway station. Otherwise, taxis are a good alternative to walking and a little quicker than using public transportation.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at how to plan a trip to Glasgow in 24 hours.
Strolling through the Glasgow Green
Start your day off southeast of the centre at Glasgow Green. During my days here, I spent plenty of time roaming around this sprawling park. It’s not only one of the most beautiful places in Glasgow to wander, but it’s also one of the most historic and oldest parks in Scotland.
Until the 19th century, the whole of Glasgow Green was used as a grazing area for sheep and cows. Don’t worry: You won’t be bumping into either of them these days. (Though a run-in with a bona fide Scottish sheep might make for an interesting story, no?)
Wandering around Glasgow Green is a fantastic way to start off your day with a bit of relaxation. The entire park stretches from the districts of Bridgeton and Carlton over to the Saltmarket located at the High Court.
You can easily spend an hour or two here. But with limited time, I’d recommend charging up your batteries quickly to get set to take on the rest of the city.
Want to make the most out of your day in Glasgow? I’d recommend grabbing a ticket for the City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. With this convenient bus, you can explore the city at your own pace. The tour includes audio with commentary in 8 different languages.
Discover Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis
From Glasgow Green, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis. These two historic sites are among the most interesting attractions in the city. (Both of which I marveled at every morning from my flat nearby.)
Glasgow Cathedral was consecrated in 1197 by David I. It’s the only church in Scotland to survive the Scottish Reformation without much damage to its structure.
Inside, you’ll be dazzled by the cathedral’s high Gothic arches and stained glass windows. The cathedral also houses a crypt where the patron saint of Glasgow, St. Mungo, lies.
After checking out the inside, head behind the cathedral towards the Necropolis. I know, I know: Visiting a graveyard on vacation isn’t usually the dream. But, honestly, this one is something to behold!
The Necropolis has approximately 3,500 monuments and more than 50,000 grave sites. Strolling around the cemetery, I’ve found several recognizable names, including the burial site for John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation.
The views of the city from here are also spectacular!
Want the lowdown on Glasgow’s most important historical sites? Join a professional tour guide on the Half-Day Private Glasgow Must-Sees Tour. The tour includes stops at Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis.
Visiting two monuments in one at George Square
Scotland is full of monuments, and Glasgow is no exception. From the cathedral, stroll about 20 minutes via High Street and George Street. You’ll reach George Square, the unofficial heart of central Glasgow and one of my favorite spots in the city centre.
At the south end of George Square, you’ll see an impressive statue & monument to Robert Burns. Born in 1795, Robert Burns was a revered Scottish poet. His most famous work, Auld Lang Syne, is one of the most well-known traditional songs in the world. (Especially when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.)
Once you’ve got an eyeful, elsewhere in the square, you’ll see a monument to Sir Walter Scott. Born in 1771, Sir Walter Scott was the first Baronet FRSE, a historical novelist, historian, playwright, and poet.
Dazzle at the square’s monuments & architecture before continuing your Glasgow trip itinerary.
Need a little more insight into the history of Glasgow? Walk through the city centre alongside a professional guide on the Half-Day Private Glasgow Must-Sees Tour. Or, if you’re tight on time, the shorter 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour. Both of these private tours whisk past Glasgow’s top attractions. They include hotel pick-up/drop-off within Glasgow City Centre.
Grab a bite at The Restaurant Bar and Grill
By now, your stomach is probably screaming for food. Why not stop at The Restaurant Bar and Grill? The restaurant is just minutes from George Square at Princes Square.
The Restaurant Bar and Grill has plenty of Scottish, vegan, and vegetarian options. There’s something for everyone here.
Get comfortable and grab some food before heading back out. (Could I suggest crispy duck paired with a wine?)
Go shopping on Buchanan Street
From George Square, it’s a quick walk to Buchanan Street. I always love walking down this popular shopping street, wandering among the throngs of people past endless shops & boutiques.
Don’t want to spend your precious time browsing through stores? Buchanan Street is still one of my favourite places to experience the pulse of central Glasgow.
Shops you’ll find along Buchanan Street include Apple, Nike, and The North Face. You’ll also run into Scottish brands like the Isle of Skye Candle Company, Tartan Plus, and The Whisky Shop.
Wander around Merchant City
From Buchanan Street, you’re just a couple blocks away from one of Glasgow’s most interesting areas: Merchant City. Merchant City is one of Glasgow’s oldest corners. It’s one of my favorite places to walk in the city to experience its finest medieval and Victorian architecture.
Merchant City is a fantastic neighbourhood to exercise your camera’s shutter. In recent years, the area has also, along with Finnieston in the West End, become one of the hippest districts in Glasgow. These days, Merchant City bursts with restaurants, bars, markets & art galleries.
I’d recommend spending some time wandering around here to soak up all its energy and architecture. If you get hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of great spots to stop for a drink or a bite, too.
Interested in the cultural history of Merchant City? Hop onto the Merchant City Past and Present Music Tour. On the tour, you’ll learn about the neighbourhood’s legendary music venues. Here, some of Glasgow’s biggest names, like Billy Connolly, Franz Ferdinand, and Simple Minds, got their starts.
Visit Mackintosh House
To round out your appreciation of Glasgow, I’d recommend venturing away from the city centre to the West End. The leafy West End district centres upon the University of Glasgow. It’s just over 20 minutes by transit, 10 minutes by car, or 45 minutes on foot from Merchant City.
On a sightseeing adventure, my recommended first stop in the West End would be the iconic Mackintosh House. The house was once the home of turn-of-the-century Scottish artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Mackintosh was responsible for bringing international fame to the art & architecture of Glasgow.
The signage for Mackintosh House can be confusing. To be sure you’re in the right place, stand in front of the Hunterian Art Gallery. Turn around, and you’re there.
Both the history and beauty of Mackintosh House make it a worthy spot to check out during your first 24 hours in Glasgow. The house itself is quite small. The self-guided tour should take no longer than 45 minutes.
Wander around the University of Glasgow
Once you’ve checked out Mackintosh House, take a look around the nearby University of Glasgow. It’s only about 5 minutes away on foot.
I have to admit: As a graduate of Glasgow’s other major university—Strathclyde—I’ve always been a little jealous of this campus. It’s absolutely stunning! The University of Glasgow campus teems with eye-catching buildings that are the perfect addition to any Instagram feed.
Got a little thirsty on your journey through the West End? Pop into one of the restaurants or pubs along Ashton Lane near Hillhead Station. Every sunny day, I would cut across town to enjoy the patios along this atmospheric laneway. Ashton Lane is often packed with local students and is one of the most popular streets for food & drinks in the city.
Want to dig deeper into the West End? Check out the Glasgow West End Whisky Tasting & Walking Tour. On the outing, you’ll experience one of the city’s coolest areas while appreciating some of its finest single-malt whiskies.
Tour the Glasgow Science Centre
From the West End, it’s about 30 minutes on foot (or less than 15 minutes by taxi) to the Glasgow Science Centre on the River Clyde.
Especially if you’re travelling with kids, the Glasgow Science Centre is a must-see. The centre features a wide variety of exhibits, shows & workshops that the whole family will love.
(Even if you’re a solo traveller with a slight interest in science, you might get a kick out of this place!)
Dinner in Finnieston at the Crabshakk
From the Glasgow Science Centre, backtrack a little through the neighbourhood of Finnieston. The neighbourhood was recently voted one of the hippest places to live in Britain. Feed your hunger with a hearty dinner at the Crabshakk on Argyle Street.
The Crabshakk is famous in the area for its selection of seafood, pasta, steak, vegetarian dishes, and lovely desserts. If you’re at a loss for what to get, you won’t regret gobbling down the popular Crabshakk Fish Club Sandwich.
End of the day drinks at The Bon Accord
Walk off your Crabshakk dinner on a pleasant 15-minute stroll towards The Bon Accord on North Street.
The Bon Accord is regarded as one of the best pubs in Glasgow. In a city as serious about its drinking establishments as Glasgow, this is a tall claim. Once you visit for yourself, you’ll see, perhaps, it’s not so far-fetched!
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Ale lovers will have the time of their lives at The Bon Accord. The pub features about 800 different brands.
Whisky lovers will also relish a chance to choose from more than 350 bottles of whisky. The selection includes some of Scotland’s most cherished single malts.
Want to discover some of Glasgow’s tastiest brews? Enjoy the evening with some new mates. Slink through some of Glasgow’s most popular watering holes on the small-group Glasgow Walking Tour & Beer Tasting.
Where to stay with 24 hours in Glasgow
With only one day in the city, your choice of where to stay in Glasgow will narrow down considerably. On a time crunch, I’d recommend sticking in the city centre. There’s a wide range of accommodation here. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore everything on this itinerary in close range.
Here are a few of my favorite hotel options…
- The Z Hotel Glasgow isn’t named after the zombie flick that was filmed right around the corner. (Although I think that’d be super cool.). But this budget-friendly hotel still belongs here. I’ve found some pretty epic room deals here. As if staying in the centre of town on a budget wasn’t enough, we also love extras like the nightly wine & cheese tastings that sweeten the deal.
- Hotel Indigo Glasgow follows the hip path of other Indigo hotels worldwide. These lovely accommodations are as stylish as any boutique hotel in the city. Glasgow Central is a short walk away for continuing your Scotland itinerary.
- Dakota Glasgow is one of our favourite luxury hotels in the city centre. This 4-star hotel blends classic & modern stylings in its rooms. It offers a superb selection of contemporary British food & drinks in the on-site brasserie.
When to visit
The best time to visit Glasgow is between March and August. In the spring and summer months, the weather is at its most pleasant. You’ll enjoy mild to warm temperatures and the year’s sunniest days. (Which, I can say after having lived in Glasgow for a year, aren’t as plentiful as you’d like!)
Glasgow isn’t as popular a tourist destination as other cities in the UK, including nearby Edinburgh. Outside of festival times, you won’t need to worry about accommodation availability as much here. Hotel prices are, however, at their highest in the summer.
How to get there
By air
Glasgow is served by Glasgow International Airport (GLA). The airport is located about 16 kilometres from the city centre in the suburb of Paisley. Airlines flying into GLA include easyJet, TUI Airways, and Jet2.com.
Further afield, about 50 kilometres from the city, lies Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK). I find it far less convenient than GLA, but I’ve also found excellent flight deals thanks to routes from low-cost carriers like Ryanair.
By bus
Already in Great Britain? Travelling by bus is one of the most cost-effective ways to get to Glasgow. (Although it’s generally less efficient and often dreadfully slow.)
Sample bus routes to Glasgow and fastest travel times include:
- Edinburgh (1h24m)
- Aberdeen (3h5m)
- Liverpool (7h3m)
- Manchester (5h)
- London (10h20m)
By train
Although it’s comfortable and efficient, I’ve always found train travel in the UK to be far more expensive than buses. (Borderline ridiculous, to be honest.)
Sample train routes to Glasgow and average travel times include:
- Edinburgh (1h10m)
- Aberdeen (2h41m)
- Liverpool (3h38m)
- Manchester (3h25m)
- London (5h31m)
