Glasgow City Breaks 2025

Why go to Glasgow

Scotland’s biggest city is good looking and up for a good time. On Glasgow city breaks, expect to combine culture and shopping-filled days with wild nights watching live music and chatting to friendly locals in the pub.

Less than an hour by train from the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, the city’s architecture alone is a good reason to plan a Glasgow city break. Grand Victorian, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings share the skyline with striking modern buildings such as Zaha Hadid’s Riverside Museum on the River Clyde and the Clyde Auditorium, known as the ‘Armadillo’ due to its shape.

Then there are the buildings designed by famous Glaswegian architect, artist and designer, Charles Renee Mackintosh. For a special afternoon tea, head to the Mackintosh-designed Willow Tea Rooms, which were first opened in 1903. To inspire your own home interiors, look around Mackintosh House, a reconstruction of the architect’s home.

There are plenty of areas to get a shopping fix in Glasgow too, whether you’re looking for designer togs, homewares or vintage one-offs. The city’s Style Mile is the largest concentration of shops outside of London, with pedestrianised Buchanan Street being a great place to start for the latest fashion essentials. The West End caters to those who are after a range of independent, bohemian shops.

In the evening – or even for a cheeky lunchtime tipple – Glasgow’s pubs, bars, clubs and live music venues are friendly and buzzing places to enjoy Scottish hospitality. Tap your toes or dance along to a ceilidh band, enjoy a quiet pint of real ale or boogie until the wee hours in a pulsing club – the choice is yours in the city that knows how to party.

When to visit Glasgow

Glasgow is a year-round destination with sights, bars and restaurants open throughout the year. Expect the weather to be chilly in winter (temperatures average 3C in January), and at its warmest in summer, with average highs around 18C in August. However, at any time of year the weather can be unpredictable, so always pack a coat or an umbrella.

The most popular events in Glasgow include Celtic Connections in January, which is a celebration of Celtic music; the biennial Glasgow International contemporary art festival; and TRNSMT Festival in July, a music festival held on Glasgow Green, which has replaced T in the Park.

If you’re looking for a cheap Glasgow city break, avoid travelling while its event are running as hotel prices are likely to be higher with increased demand. Hotel prices are also often higher during weekends, so stay mid-week for cheaper Glasgow getaways.

What to do in Glasgow

With a great choice of things to see, places to eat and shops to peruse, it will be hard to decide where to start on your Glasgow city break. Be sure to take in some architectural big-hitters, learn more about the city’s past and stroll through its Botanic Gardens.

Hunterian Art Gallery

The Hunterian Art Gallery has a huge collection of artwork, from paintings by the radical painters known as The Glasgow Boys to classic Rembrandts.

Its star attraction, however, is Mackintosh House, a reconstruction of the designer and architect’s home that he shared with his wife, artist Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. Admire the interiors and natural light of the recreated Victorian terrace, with furniture belonging to the Mackintoshes as well as soft furnishings based on photographs and descriptions of the house’s interiors.

Riverside Museum

The first thing you’ll notice about Glasgow’s transport museum is its angular building by architect Zaha Hadid. Next to it, berthed on the River Clyde, is the Tall Ship, a sailing ship museum with plenty inside to entertain the kids.

In the museum itself, admire more than 3,000 objects, with transport big and small on display including skateboards, trains and buses. There are interactive activities for all of the family, and you can even put out a fire with its interactive fire engine.

Glasgow Cathedral

Another architectural masterpiece, Glasgow’s medieval cathedral is thought to have been built on the site where St Kentigern (also known as St Mungo), the Patron Saint of Glasgow, was buried in 612 AD.

When you visit, make sure you go into the 13th-century crypt built for his tomb. For families, there are fact-finding quizzes to help bring the building and its history to life, while adults can pick up an audio guide.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

One of the most popular free attractions in Scotland, this museum and art gallery is inside another standout building.

Art fans will love seeing Salvador Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross and admiring paintings in the Scottish Colourists Gallery, while children will be fascinated by a Spitfire that flew with the City of Glasgow Squadron between 1947 and 1949. Music enthusiast? There are daily organ recitals on a spectacular organ.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Stretch your legs and enjoy the green space of the Glasgow Botanic Gardens in the city’s West End. Visit the Kibble Palace glasshouse, which has a national collection of fern trees inside, then treat yourself to an afternoon tea in the former Curator’s house nearby.

Look out for information on self-led trails too – there’s a Heritage Trail, a Tree Trail and a children’s trail to help everyone make the most of the space.

Where to stay in Glasgow

For families

If you’re travelling with little ones in tow, Glasgow’s West End is a safe bet. You’ll be close to big family-friendly attractions, such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Glasgow Botanic Gardens, as well as plenty of parks. You’ll also have a huge range of accommodation to choose from, whether you’re looking for a big international hotel, a serviced apartment with a kitchenette or a guesthouse.

Alternatively, consider staying south of the River Clyde as you’ll be close to Glasgow Science Centre with its planetarium, some fantastic parks and exciting places to eat.

For travellers on a budget

If you’d like to keep your Glasgow holiday as cheap as possible, there are some great budget places to stay in the West End, from hostels and self-catering apartments to excellent value hotels. And, as you’re close to the university, budget bites are fairly easy to find. You’ll also have some excellent free attractions nearby such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

The budget beds in Central Glasgow are close to some lively nightlife spots as well as shops to help with self-catering, and transport options for day trips.

For food and drink

The Times called Finnieston one of the hippest places to live in the UK and you’ll find some of the best bars and restaurants in the city on its Argyle Street. You’ll also be close to the Clydeside Distillery where you can take a whisky and chocolate tour, as well as the Riverside Museum.

Merchant City is another lively place to stay if you enjoy eating out, with pizza joints, tearooms, vegan options, Scottish restaurants and more. There’s even a gin spa if that’s your drink of choice.

For nightlife

Glasgow is famous for its nightlife, so you won’t struggle to find a lively venue as the sun starts to go down. If you’re looking to experience the city’s LGBT scene, consider staying in or near Merchant City, where you’ll find the Pink Triangle, a collection of LGBT venues. You’ll also find trendy wine bars, cocktail spots and clubs with DJs in the area.

Central Glasgow has some buzzing nightlife spots too, with Sauchiehall Street being home to Scotland’s biggest nightclub.

For culture

If you’d like to be within walking distance of some of the city’s top cultural attractions, including the Hunterian Art Gallery with the attached Mackintosh House, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow’s West End is a great place to stay. Some of Glasgow’s best restaurants, lively music venues and the lovely Botanic Gardens (where concerts are held during the summer months) are here too.

Merchant City is another excellent choice. The Merchant City Festival is held here in the summer, with dance and music performances to enjoy. There’s also a number of artist’s studios with independent galleries to visit.