Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and is famed for its industrial heritage and Victorian architecture. Glasgow is the fifth most popular destination in the United Kingdom for foreign arrivals, with the city having become established as cultural hub visited by tourists and business travellers alike. Ahead of visiting Glasgow, read on for our insightful guide to spending one day in Glasgow.
1) Pollok House & Country Park
Pollok House is a grand property situated in Pollok Country Park and is the ancestral home to the Maxwell Family. The building is where discussions for the founding of the National Trust began in 1931. Visitors can discover a spectacular collection of Spanish art, as well as works by Raeburn and Guthrie. Pollok Country Park has extensive woodlands and tranquil gardens and offers the perfect retreat. It is home to the world-famous Burrell Collection and was previously voted ‘Best Park in Europe’.
2) Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum has become established as one of the most visited attractions in Scotland. Since being refurbished in 2006, Kelvingrove has become popular amongst locals and visitors alike. The museum boasts stunning architecture set in beautiful gardens and has over 22 galleries displaying an astonishing 8,000 objects. The collections at Kelvingrove are wide ranging and internationally renowned. Discover everything from Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and more! For business travellers visiting Scotland, Kelvingrove Museum is one of the top things to see in Glasgow.
3) Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Located in the West End by the River Kelvin, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens contains a spectacular variety of plant collections and features several glasshouses, the most notable of which is the Kibble Palace. This glasshouse was developed by John Kibble and houses the national collection of tree ferns. Glasgow Botanic Gardens boasts woodland, riverside walks, and the Botanic Gardens Tearoom. When visiting Glasgow, it is the perfect place to sit back and relax after a day exploring the Scottish city.
4) Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in the city and the oldest cathedral on the Scottish mainland. The cathedral, which is thought to have been built in 612 AD on the burial site of St Kentigern, or Mungo, the Patron Saint of Glasgow, marks the birthplace of the city. Glasgow Cathedral and Orkney’s St Magnus Cathedral are the only medieval cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the 1560 Reformation intact. Glasgow Cathedral is one of the grandest medieval buildings in Scotland, with the neighbouring Necropolis providing a Victorian Gothic garden cemetery well worth exploring when visiting Glasgow.
5) Buchanan Street Shopping
Buchanan Street is one the main shopping streets in Glasgow offering a collection of upmarket shops. Buchanan Galleries is a popular shopping centre, with Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street neighbouring streets in the shopping district. The Gallery of Modern Art, a gallery offering a programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops, and The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, are two notable things to see in Glasgow situated in nearby Buchanan Street.
6) Whisky Tasting
Whisky is one the most famous things about Scotland. The first evidence of whisky production dates to 1494, with Scotland boasting 100 distilleries today. Whisky tasting is a must do when visiting Glasgow. The Clydeside Distillery and The Glasgow Distillery Company offer two excellent Glasgow whisky experiences. Visitors can learn about the production of whisky and sample a variety of blends and single malts. Heading to one of the many whisky bars in Glasgow is the perfect way to spend an evening.
7) Scottish Dining
Sampling delightful Scottish cuisine is a must for business travellers when spending one day in Glasgow. Our guide to 8 Traditional Scottish Foods You Have To Try In Glasgow should provide plenty of inspiration. Haggis is the most traditional food in Scotland and a must try when visiting Glasgow. Scotland is also famous for seafood, grouse, neeps & tatties, and treats including shortbread. For an authentic culinary experience in Scotland, we highly recommend booking a table at Stravaigin.
8) Live Music
Glasgow has a legendary music scene and was the first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Music status. The city is a hotspot for live performances, with famous gig venues such as The Barrowlands and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut well known for playing host to many successful bands from the UK and abroad. In 1993, Manchester band Oasis were famously signed at King Tut’s by record label boss Alan McGee. Experiencing live music in a vibrant bar is without doubt one of the best things to do in Glasgow.
For business travellers visiting Glasgow, this itinerary highlights the best way to spend one day in Glasgow. Admittedly, there is even more to do in Glasgow, so we would recommend spending at least another day! Ahead of visiting Scotland’s largest city, learn How Glasgow’s Industrial Heritage Shaped Business in the City and discover our guide to the Top 7 Serviced Apartments in Glasgow for Business Travel.
