One day in Glasgow (Scotland) – Tips + Highlights + Photos

Only one day in Glasgow to visit this large city? Have a look in photos at all you could see with that one day in Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland: Old and modern Architecture, Street art, funny decors...

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One day in Glasgow - Video

Before sharing the photos, here is a short video of one day spent visiting Glasgow, Scotland:

How to visit Glasgow in one day

• Glasgow is a busy city and contrary to Edinburgh the sights are far apart. 
• Parking is difficult and expansive

How to get around Glasgow

Sometimes I don't recommend the Hop on Hop off bus, but in this case, I think it is your best option because:

• If you have only one day, it allows to you see a lot of the city while choosing which areas to visit in more depth
• It is a quite large city and it would make you loose time to try and do it any other way
• The route is very practical

​Pre-purchase your Hop on Hop off bus ticket in your own currency

Accommodations in Glasgow

You may still spend one night in Glasgow before starting your road trip in Scotland. There is a large choice of accommodations with backpackers, hotels, rentals...
Check out the best rated accommodations in Glasgow and book

Glasgow 1-day itinerary

The following itinerary is made of what I enjoy the most. There is a lot to see and visit and Glasgow, so many different itineraries can be created. I think this one gives you a good overview of the city:

1. Start in George square and explore the pedestrian streets
2. Hop on the bus and stop at the Glasgow Cathedral - enjoy the historical area and the magnificent building
3. Hop on the bus and enjoy views Trongate street
4. Stop at the People's palace and visit the museum - admire the Winter garden (which sadly is having difficulties)
5. Hop on the bus and enjoy the modern buildings around Riverside (if you have time you can visit one of the museums or get up the tower, otherwise stay on the bus)
6. Hop on the bus and head the Glasgow University - I think it is worth getting off and exploring it and then walk down to Kelvingrove, where you can take the bus again.

1 - Start in George Square and Visit the Glasgow Pedestrian Streets

Ost visit of Glasgow start in the city center in George Square. The large place is home to a central column with the statue of Sir Walter Scott and the building of the City Chambers.

From George Square, explore the city center on foot. The pedestrian roads are especially enjoyable with some beautiful façades.

Take your time, you will see strange things. For example this shop had hundreds of all sewing machine on display in the windows.

And other buildings display art on the outside... The music art is also very vibrant in Glasgow, and you will find many artists to listen to in those streets.

2 - The Glasgow Cathedral Area - St Mungo's

After that you can get up to the area surrounding the Glasgow Cathedral.

A visit to the St Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow is certainly in order (check out more photos on the Glasgow Cathedral article). Don't forget to discover the lower church!

In the vicinity of the cathedral you can also find:

• the Provand's lordship (picture below), a house dating back to the 15th century and is nowadays a museum.
• the St Mungo's museum of religious life and art
• The building of the royal infirmary

3 - Trongate Street

Then you can drive or walk up Trongate, one of the oldest street of Glasgow, Scotland.

To the East it starts at the original center of the medieval Glasgow. There you will find the Tolbooth clock tower (also known as the Tolbooth Steeple) which was part of the original city chambers, built in the 17th century and destroyed in the 20th.

Before that on Trongate is the famous Tron Theatre. 

4 - People's Palace and Glasgow Green

After all that you might want a break from architecture to enjoy some green. Glasgow Green is a large park South East of the city Center. It is home to the People's Palace, its museum and the Winter Gardens.

Learn more ​on the article dedicated to the People's Palace.

5 - Enjoy the modern architecture of Glasgow Riverside

As you visit Glasgow, don't miss a drive along the river. It is a feast for the eyes for those who love modern architecture.

The river flowing in Glasgow is River Clyde. Its shores are home to the Hydro park, the Scottish exhibition center. The most famous bridge below is the Clyde Arc.

If you love seeing cities from above, you can head to the South shore of River Clyde and enjoy the 360° view from the top of the Glasgow Tower.

But boat and train buffs might prefer the Riverside Museum with its ship. It is a museum of Transport. With over 3000 objects on display, from skateboards to locomotive, plan an extra half a day t your visit of Glasgow.

6 - Explore Kelvingrove and Glasgow University

Then head North West of the city center

I suggest finishing the day by an exploration of the stunning Glasgow University (more photos on the article dedicated to the Glasgow University). The architecture is spectacular and its position on a hill provides great views and much needed greenery.

Then you can walk down in Kelvingrove park where River Kelvin makes its ways in a lush environment. There you can appreciate the architecture of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Street Art in Glasgow

As you get around Glasgow, don't miss the many beautiful pieces of street art. They are everywhere and it is very refreshing. Here are a couple of examples: 

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