Glasgow Attractions

The Glasgow Botanic Gardens are a beautiful oasis within the city and are without a doubt one of the best free attractions to see while visiting Glasgow.

You can enjoy a nice leisurely walk from the city centre to the Botanic Gardens where you’ll be greeted by intrinsically designed flower beds and themed gardens.

It’s a place that can entertain the whole family as kids can spend time running around on the vast, grass areas, whereas adults will enjoy strolling around the delicious-smelling flora.

If it happens to be raining while you’re visiting the Gardens, then quickly duck inside the lovely Kibble Palace; a Victorian-style greenhouse filled with tropical plants and flowers from vastly different terrains from all over the world.

Address: 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE, United Kingdom

Dating all the way back to the 13^th Century, Glasgow Cathedral is a poignant structure in the Glasgow skyline.

It’s renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows and impressive interiors that tower above you once inside.

Even if you’re not particularly religious, you won’t be able to resist a visit to Glasgow Cathedral; it’s easily one of the most beautiful places in the city and one of the best free attractions in Glasgow.

Make sure you head out the back of the Cathedral and pay a quick visit to the Necropolis cemetery which sits proudly on top of the hill and offers lush views of the city of Glasgow below.

The Glasgow Cathedral is a must-see spot on your way around the city.

Address: Castle St, Glasgow G4 0QZ, United Kingdom

If you’re a big fan of art and you want to visit the most popular art gallery in Scotland, make sure you have the Gallery of Modern Art listed on your things to do in Glasgow.

Located in the Royal Exchange Square, you’ll find a vast range of contemporary art works inside the beautiful building, as well as many statues and sculptures too.

It’s a great way to spend an afternoon of soaking up some truly quintessential Glaswegian culture and it’ll be a great way to see works of art from top artists near and far.

There are numerous exhibits to be discovered inside the Gallery of Modern Art, plus the venue often holds special events with artists so make sure to check out the website for scheduled, upcoming events!

Address: 111 Queen Street, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH, United Kingdom

Situated right in the heart of the city, George Square deserves a place on this list of the best free attractions in Glasgow thanks to its rich history and beautiful architecture.

Surrounding the square, you’ll find statues of famous Scottish figures throughout time such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and James Watt, as well as one of only three statues of women in Glasgow; Queen Victoria.

It’s not the most fascinating place in Glasgow in terms of things to do, so it’s probably not a place that kids would find incredibly interesting, but it is a lovely place to enjoy a gentle stroll around, while admiring the imposing statues of famous icons in Scotland over time.

Address: Glasgow G2 1DH, United Kingdom

Harry Potter fans and film geeks are sure to love a little wander around the University of Glasgow as it’s the home of some of the filming locations of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter film franchise!

Even if you’ve never watched the films, the University of Glasgow is still a remarkably beautiful complex and definitely one of the best free attractions in the city.

You can spend an entire afternoon wandering around the complex and admiring the grandeur of the towering cathedral-like buildings.

It’s an especially good activity to enjoy while in Glasgow if you’re thinking about attending the university one day; and it’ll make you feel like Hermione as you walk down the impressive corridors that resemble the Great Hall in the films!

Address: University Ave, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom

Just a short walk from the city centre and practically just around the corner from the University of Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park sits patiently awaiting families of all ages to come and have fun within its grounds!

You can enjoy a relaxing walk alongside the River Kelvin or hire a bicycle and slowly make your way around on the trails throughout the park. Make sure to take the kids to the play area where they can spend hours frolicking on all the equipment.

There’s even a skate park which is perfect for kids (or adults!) wanting to practice their skateboarding skills and don’t forget to pack a picnic for everyone which you can enjoy on one of the many benches or grassy areas throughout the park.

Address: 6 Professors' Square, Glasgow G3 6BY, United Kingdom