5 Things To See On A Weekend In Glasgow
Heading to Glasgow in a weekend means that you won’t have all of the time in the world to see the most important, and magical, parts of the city. This former UNESCO city for music, and one of the meccas of business and art in the UK, Glasgow is a great option if you’re heading to Scotland for the weekend. So, pack up your suitcase, renew your European Health Insurance Card, and book your flights, as this quick guide on five things to see on a weekend in Glasgow is certain to have you covered, particularly if this is your first time in the city!
Friday Evening
Head To The Riding Room
If you’re looking for something a little different to do after you’ve checked into your hotel and had dinner in the heart of the capital (we recommend Number 16 Restaurant for an ever-changing Scottish menu, or Cail Bruich for some innovative French cuisine), then take a wander over to the Riding Room. This is an exciting night spot located in the heart of Glasgow, and is both eclectic, unique and sexy. The Riding Room combines the two very different elements of a smoky cabaret club and a classy bar effortlessly, so you can enjoy numerous quirky and exciting cocktails, or hard liquor depending on your preference, while enjoying cabaret in the privacy of a hidden booth.
Saturday
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
To get the most of the weekend, we don’t recommend lying in as there’s plenty to enjoy in the city throughout the day. Start off your morning with a walk to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This combined art gallery and history museum provides plenty to look at and enjoy, without you being overwhelmed by the sheer amount. You can enjoy 33 art galleries, and numerous collections of artefacts and collections, with dinosaur eggs, Egyptian artefacts, World War II Spitfire, and even a painting by Salvador Dali to enjoy. To top it all off? Entry is completely free so you’re able to pop in and out as you please, so you can enjoy the 8000 exhibits in the time that you would like.
A Walk Along The River
If you take a stroll to the river, then you’ll be able to visit plenty of different museums and marvel at incredible architecture along the way. With the Zaha-Hadid designed Riverside Museum (also free to enter), offering the opportunity to step back into 1890s Glasgow, and the opportunity to visit the Glenlee, one of just five restored ships built on the Clyde, there’s plenty to see along the River. In addition to all of this, you can take a look at the Clyde Auditorium, and the Glasgow Science Centre, and take a look back at the old life of the river, as it used to be a powerful shipbuilding industry.
Sunday
Glasgow Central Station Building Tour
It’s almost the final day in the city, so make sure to head to Glasgow Central Station to enjoy a building tour to unveil all of the hidden secrets. With a Victorian underground village to explore, WWI mortuaries, the scene of a 1930’s murder, and an original Victorian platform, the station has lots to enjoy. With tours starting from 9am, you can be certain to fit a full day of fun in if you catch the first tour.
Gallery Of Modern Art
If you haven’t had quite enough of the art just yet, then take a 4-minute walk from the Station to Royal Exchange Square where you can enjoy Glasgow’s main gallery for contemporary art. With a huge number of exhibitions and workshops, some of which are temporary so make sure to double check if you’re looking for a particular exhibition, there’s plenty to see in the gallery.
Travelling around Glasgow in a weekend is definitely do-able, and with plenty of galleries and museums to take in, it’s easy to see how this city has now become a true staple for culture and art in the country.