Itineraries for Your Trip to Glasgow
2 Days in Glasgow for First Timers
Even though I was born and raised just a few hours from Glasgow, it wasn’t until my thirties that I felt magnetized by Scotland’s mist-shrouded highlands and Gothic architecture. Since my first visit five years ago, my Dad and I have made an annual pilgrimage to Glasgow and its lush green surroundings, so captivated were we by its Georgian architecture and gregarious residents.
But while Scotland’s biggest city is often overshadowed by the indisputably delightful Edinburgh, Glasgow is a cultural wonderland thanks to its heady mix of art, whiskey, and world-class examples of engineering. Thanks to its compact historic center and proximity to the countryside, two days in Glasgow lets you experience the best of the city.
If you only have time for one thing, make it George Square in the city’s historical center.
Glasgow experiences a higher-than-average amount of rain (even for UK standards), so a waterproof jacket and umbrella are musts.
Your first morning is about getting acquainted with Glasgow’s rich heritage, best exemplified by its cultural center. Tick off the top sights and get important historical context on a walking tour that covers George Square, surrounded by grand sandstone-and-steel buildings, and the spectacular Glasgow Cathedral, a medieval structure famous for its grand Gothic architecture.
No visit to Glasgow would be complete without sampling some amber-colored Scottish whiskey, or “water of life” as it is known to the locals. Learn more about the production process and enjoy a guided tasting session at the Clydeside Distillery, or opt for something softer during an afternoon tea experience.
Thanks to its diverse population, Glasgow boasts a cosmopolitan food scene and there’s no better place to enjoy it than Merchant City, a fashionable quarter home to cosmopolitan cuisine. Feast on food ranging from traditional haggis to spicy curry on a food tour, the perfect end to a busy day of sightseeing.
Now you’ve got to grips with the city center, spend your second morning exploring further afield on a morning trip to the Falkirk Wheel, an engineering marvel that’s the only rotating boat life in the world. Admire the pretty banks of the Forth and Clyde canals and learn about Scottish mythology at the Kelpies sculpture, which depicts two enormous horse heads.
Calling all soccer fans, this afternoon takes you to the home grounds of one of Glasgow’s two top football teams—Celtic. Go behind the scenes at the stadium on a tour before sitting down for dinner in a restaurant overlooking the pitch.
Home to more than 1,500 years of history, it’s little surprise that Glasgow has its fair share of haunted spots. Follow in the footsteps of ghosts and ghouls on a gothic Glasgow walking tour that’s sure to send chills down your spine. Discover connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and listen to spooky stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
