What to do in the city of Glasgow

15 February 2023|Read time 2 mins

As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow offers plenty of activities for all the family!

Whether you are visiting Glasgow for a day or a weekend, you will find plenty of things to see and do throughout the year.

What to do in the city of Glasgow

To help you prepare for your next trip to Glasgow, we have put together a useful guide to the best things to do in the city and further afield.

Things to do in Glasgow

The city of Glasgow is packed full of fascinating places to visit such as the Necropolis, a large Victorian cemetery adjacent to the city’s cathedral.

For a rainy day Glasgow activity head to Kelvingrove Art Gallery, a free attraction offering 22 themed galleries for visitors to discover, or the Tennents Brewery, a must for any beer lover!

One of Glasgow’s most popular landmarks is Hampden Park, home of the Scottish Football Association. 

Visit this 5-star stadium and walk in the footsteps of some of the Scottish greats!

Things to do in Glasgow with kids

Glasgow is also known as Scotland’s ‘friendliest city’, making it the ideal location for a self-catering city break with children. 

No matter how old your children, toddlers or teenagers, Glasgow is sure to have something for them to enjoy.

For a rainy day activity for younger ones, there is Wonder World Soft Play, Glasgow’s largest indoor play centre, and Glasgow Science Centre, offering hundreds of exhibits, events and even an IMAX cinema! 

Another great family activity is the mural trail in Glasgow city centre which has grown since its beginnings in 2008. 

Spot Billy Connolly and even a swimmer as you seek out the artwork around the city!

Halloween events in Glasgow

For many people, Halloween is one of the best times of the year and the city of Glasgow has no shortage of fun things to do for all the family.

Attend GlasGLOW, a light show hosted by the Glasgow Botanic Gardens or brave a Halloween trail at Pollok House, which has its fair share of spooky history.

Travelling further afield, our guests can enjoy a visit to Stirling Castle, home to a Highlander ghost, and the capital city of Edinburgh which sees the amazing Samhuinn Fire Festival every Halloween.

For a more relaxed approach to the Halloween season, there are also plenty of autumnal walks to enjoy in and around Glasgow, such as Rouken Glen and Mugdock Country Park.

Top Glasgow Music Venues 

As well as its city centre attractions, Glasgow is famous for its top music venues where many famous names have begun their careers. 

Support new artists during your self-catering trip to the city at locations such as Óran Mór, a former church with fantastic acoustics, and 13th Note, an independent venue hosting music, art and comedy shows. 

Perhaps the most famous venue however is Glasgow’s Barrowlands Ballroom, to which artists frequently return as they enjoy playing here so much! 

The Barrowlands Ballroom has hosted several world-class performers over the years, including U2 and Manic Street Preachers.

Visit New Lanark

New Lanark is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions and is not to be missed.

Located a short drive from Glasgow, this UNESCO Heritage Site incorporates the 18th-century cotton mills of pioneer Robert Owen.

His enlightened approach to employee welfare made New Lanark world-famous and today visitors can explore the mills, school and even the village shop.

There is also a beautiful walk to the Falls of Clyde visitor centre, a waterfall which has inspired many poets and painters.

Book with Reserve Apartments

Book one of our self-catering holiday lets in Glasgow or Edinburgh and get ready for your next city break with Reserve Apartments!