Fun Things to Do in Glasgow
Looking for fun things to do in Glasgow, where they repurpose old churches and support urban artists spraying paint on the walls? You won't find any royal palaces here. Instead, have fun times and learn whether the Gaels were right to call Glasgow a 'dear green place,' be dazzled with Charles Rennie Mackintosh's most influential designs, and sense the spirit of the city's recent whisky-making revival. There's more to come!
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
What is it?
A premier natural history and fine art museum, the most visited one in the entire United Kingdom outside London.
Why should you go?
To appreciate the collection's diversity, which may seem odd. From Sir Roger the Indian Elephant to the soaring Supermarine Spitfire plane, the encyclopedic Museum is one of the ultimate fun things to do in Glasgow for young adults. Take your time and extensive label reading as you flow past the works by Pre-Raphaelites and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Glasgow Boys, and the Scottish Colourists, and stop off to gaze at Salvador Dalí's provocative Christ of St. John of the Cross painting. To maximize fun, coincide with the daily 2889-pipe organ recital, a popular pastime here.
Specialization
Art & Design, History & Anthropology, Nature
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, families, couples
A premier natural history and fine art museum, the most visited one in the entire United Kingdom outside London.
Why should you go?
To appreciate the collection's diversity, which may seem odd. From Sir Roger the Indian Elephant to the soaring Supermarine Spitfire plane, the encyclopedic Museum is one of the ultimate fun things to do in Glasgow for young adults. Take your time and extensive label reading as you flow past the works by Pre-Raphaelites and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Glasgow Boys, and the Scottish Colourists, and stop off to gaze at Salvador Dalí's provocative Christ of St. John of the Cross painting. To maximize fun, coincide with the daily 2889-pipe organ recital, a popular pastime here.
Specialization
Art & Design, History & Anthropology, Nature
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, families, couples
Willow Tea Rooms and Gift Shop
What is it?
A tearoom at 97 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, designed by Scotland's most famous architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, Margaret McDonald.
Why should you go?
To feast your eyes on the iconic Mackintoshes' design and feast on traditional afternoon tea delights. The exquisite venue came as a full package deal with Catherine Cranston, a local tea room entrepreneur, in 1903, wherein the building's exterior and signboard, interiors and furniture, cutlery, and staff uniforms were all bespoke. Dante Gabriel Rossetti's sonnet inspired the organic motif for stained glass, and visitors were seated in high-back chairs for intimacy. Take your seat, have a 3-tier stand put, and experience dining in the refurbished historical setting.
Specialization
Art & Design, Architecture, Restaurant
Perfect for
Art lovers, architecture lovers, foodies, families, couples
A tearoom at 97 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, designed by Scotland's most famous architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, Margaret McDonald.
Why should you go?
To feast your eyes on the iconic Mackintoshes' design and feast on traditional afternoon tea delights. The exquisite venue came as a full package deal with Catherine Cranston, a local tea room entrepreneur, in 1903, wherein the building's exterior and signboard, interiors and furniture, cutlery, and staff uniforms were all bespoke. Dante Gabriel Rossetti's sonnet inspired the organic motif for stained glass, and visitors were seated in high-back chairs for intimacy. Take your seat, have a 3-tier stand put, and experience dining in the refurbished historical setting.
Specialization
Art & Design, Architecture, Restaurant
Perfect for
Art lovers, architecture lovers, foodies, families, couples
@willowtearooms
House for an Art Lover
What is it?
A country house in Glasgow's Bellahouston Park, designed by the duo of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife in 1901, built and opened to the public 95 years later.
Why should you go?
To step into the real-life house and to case study one of the world-renowned designs by Mackintoshes. As you walk through the gallery of rooms, dark and light, linger in the elegant white Music Room and get a feel of the 'unlike anything else known' blend of Scottish, Japanese, and art nouveau. The omnipresent gesso, colored glass, and organic motifs are all in place here. Immerse yourself into the distinctive style and unveil the story behind a disqualified design competition entry that the drawings for the House for an Art Lover once were.
Specialization
Art & Design, History & Anthropology, Architecture
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, couples
A country house in Glasgow's Bellahouston Park, designed by the duo of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife in 1901, built and opened to the public 95 years later.
Why should you go?
To step into the real-life house and to case study one of the world-renowned designs by Mackintoshes. As you walk through the gallery of rooms, dark and light, linger in the elegant white Music Room and get a feel of the 'unlike anything else known' blend of Scottish, Japanese, and art nouveau. The omnipresent gesso, colored glass, and organic motifs are all in place here. Immerse yourself into the distinctive style and unveil the story behind a disqualified design competition entry that the drawings for the House for an Art Lover once were.
Specialization
Art & Design, History & Anthropology, Architecture
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, couples
City Centre Mural Trail
What is it?
A collection of large-scale graffiti on disused buildings arranged in a 'trail' to explore on foot by yourself or with a guide and one of the fun things to do in Glasgow city center.
Why should you go?
To discover works by both local and overseas street artists while walking down the central streets and lanes on a guided tour. The Glaswegian tartan, the beloved Glaswegian comedian Billy Connolly, Glasgow's patron saint and founder St Mungo and the bird that never flew, Charles Rennie Mackintosh on his 150th birthday anniversary, and other famous Scots like Thomas Muir are among the recognizable subjects of imaginative and photorealistic artworks. Some are commissioned by the Glasgow City Council to address sustainable energy production, and some promote inclusivity. See them all and enjoy the open-air social history lesson.
Specialization
Art & Design, Architecture
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, families, couples
A collection of large-scale graffiti on disused buildings arranged in a 'trail' to explore on foot by yourself or with a guide and one of the fun things to do in Glasgow city center.
Why should you go?
To discover works by both local and overseas street artists while walking down the central streets and lanes on a guided tour. The Glaswegian tartan, the beloved Glaswegian comedian Billy Connolly, Glasgow's patron saint and founder St Mungo and the bird that never flew, Charles Rennie Mackintosh on his 150th birthday anniversary, and other famous Scots like Thomas Muir are among the recognizable subjects of imaginative and photorealistic artworks. Some are commissioned by the Glasgow City Council to address sustainable energy production, and some promote inclusivity. See them all and enjoy the open-air social history lesson.
Specialization
Art & Design, Architecture
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, families, couples
@travelooneywriter
Clydeside Distillery
What is it?
A modern distillery you can tour and have a whisky-tasting experience at, a number one of the fun things to do in Glasgow for adults who imbibe.
Why should you go?
To explore Glasgow's connection with Scotch whisky, witness the making process and, of course, try the single malt whisky made at the Clydeside Distillery. In its top-notch 2017 building with the historic clock tower, learn why this specific location at the site of the Queen's Dock, a 19th-century shipping port on the River Clyde, is so poignant. Novices will discover what the 'angels' share' is and, together with the whisky aficionados, will sense it while on tour. The gleaming copper stills and the panoramic windows overlooking the Clyde are head-turners.
Specialization
History & Anthropology
Perfect for
Foodies, history buffs, architecture lovers, couples
A modern distillery you can tour and have a whisky-tasting experience at, a number one of the fun things to do in Glasgow for adults who imbibe.
Why should you go?
To explore Glasgow's connection with Scotch whisky, witness the making process and, of course, try the single malt whisky made at the Clydeside Distillery. In its top-notch 2017 building with the historic clock tower, learn why this specific location at the site of the Queen's Dock, a 19th-century shipping port on the River Clyde, is so poignant. Novices will discover what the 'angels' share' is and, together with the whisky aficionados, will sense it while on tour. The gleaming copper stills and the panoramic windows overlooking the Clyde are head-turners.
Specialization
History & Anthropology
Perfect for
Foodies, history buffs, architecture lovers, couples
@theclydeside
Hunterian Art Gallery
What is it?
The oldest public museum in Scotland, opened in 1807 and located on the campus of Glasgow University.
Why should you go?
To see the works by Mackintosh and Whistler, Scottish art, and the entire interiors of the Mackintosh family's Glasgow home reassembled inside the Gallery. Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret co-designed and decorated it; come get a glimpse of the couple's everyday life in these extraordinary interiors. The Hunterian holds more works by Mackintosh in one place than you can see anywhere else, and the Whistler collection is unrivaled, too. As for Scottish art, peer and see how much the Glasgow Boys painters, often called 'Scotland's impressionists,' have in common with their French colleagues.
Specialization
Art & Design, History & Anthropology
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, families, couples
The oldest public museum in Scotland, opened in 1807 and located on the campus of Glasgow University.
Why should you go?
To see the works by Mackintosh and Whistler, Scottish art, and the entire interiors of the Mackintosh family's Glasgow home reassembled inside the Gallery. Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret co-designed and decorated it; come get a glimpse of the couple's everyday life in these extraordinary interiors. The Hunterian holds more works by Mackintosh in one place than you can see anywhere else, and the Whistler collection is unrivaled, too. As for Scottish art, peer and see how much the Glasgow Boys painters, often called 'Scotland's impressionists,' have in common with their French colleagues.
Specialization
Art & Design, History & Anthropology
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, families, couples
@alice.strang.art
Pollok Country Park and Pollok House
What is it?
An award-winning 300-acre country park, the city's largest one, with a quaint water mill, which hosts plenty of fun activities at once in Glasgow's city center.
Why should you go?
To browse the world-class Burrell collection of art, admire the Pollok House manor, and say 'moo' to the Highland cows in the glorious Park. In a building of glass amidst the fairy woodlands, see paintings by Degas, magnificent objects like medieval tapestries and 15th-century stained glass from Canterbury Cathedral, the most sought-after Ming porcelain vase, and the Rodin's Thinker sculpture, all famously collected by Sir William Burrell. Next, zoom out and explore the park grounds to have fun running about the Pollok House's maze and meeting the fuzzy coos or cows.
Specialization
Art & Design, History & Anthropology, Nature
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, families, couples
An award-winning 300-acre country park, the city's largest one, with a quaint water mill, which hosts plenty of fun activities at once in Glasgow's city center.
Why should you go?
To browse the world-class Burrell collection of art, admire the Pollok House manor, and say 'moo' to the Highland cows in the glorious Park. In a building of glass amidst the fairy woodlands, see paintings by Degas, magnificent objects like medieval tapestries and 15th-century stained glass from Canterbury Cathedral, the most sought-after Ming porcelain vase, and the Rodin's Thinker sculpture, all famously collected by Sir William Burrell. Next, zoom out and explore the park grounds to have fun running about the Pollok House's maze and meeting the fuzzy coos or cows.
Specialization
Art & Design, History & Anthropology, Nature
Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, architecture lovers, families, couples
Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre
What is it?
One of the quirkiest activities in Glasgow, two eye-popping and thought-provoking kinetic shows, one family-friendly and another erotic and somewhat lewd.
Why should you go?
To get freaked out by kinetic sculptures that light up and move each to its own entrancing soundtrack. The Sharmanka name clearly speaks Russian because these sculptures are the brainchild and creations of self-taught Russian artist Eduard Bersudsky. Assembled from everyday objects, metal, junk, and wood, they conveyed themes inappropriate in the Soviet-era Leningrad and ended up in Glasgow in 1996. Contemplative, haunting, and simultaneously fun, these shows are the long-lasting draw for Glaswegians and non-Glaswegians alike.
Specialization
Art & Design, Fun & Entertainment
Perfect for
Art lovers, families, couples
One of the quirkiest activities in Glasgow, two eye-popping and thought-provoking kinetic shows, one family-friendly and another erotic and somewhat lewd.
Why should you go?
To get freaked out by kinetic sculptures that light up and move each to its own entrancing soundtrack. The Sharmanka name clearly speaks Russian because these sculptures are the brainchild and creations of self-taught Russian artist Eduard Bersudsky. Assembled from everyday objects, metal, junk, and wood, they conveyed themes inappropriate in the Soviet-era Leningrad and ended up in Glasgow in 1996. Contemplative, haunting, and simultaneously fun, these shows are the long-lasting draw for Glaswegians and non-Glaswegians alike.
Specialization
Art & Design, Fun & Entertainment
Perfect for
Art lovers, families, couples
@sharmanka.theatre
The Tall Ship Glenlee
What is it?
A three-masted sailing ship, built and launched in Clydebank in 1896 to circumnavigate the globe four times, now a museum.
Why should you go?
To get a glimpse of the crew's life onboard the ship and seagoing over a century ago. Glenlee was renamed several times, changing owners and sailing purposes. Trace her story from the maiden voyage to her arrival back to Glasgow in 1993, rugged and rusty, and being heavily restored to become a museum ship. Walk the outer decks and below decks, and navigate the furnished living quarters and companionways. Ring the ship's bell and spot a logbook scrawled by the ship's teenage apprentice during its journey from Sydney to Cape Town at the end of WWI.
Specialization
History & Anthropology, Observation decks
Perfect for
History buffs, families, couples
A three-masted sailing ship, built and launched in Clydebank in 1896 to circumnavigate the globe four times, now a museum.
Why should you go?
To get a glimpse of the crew's life onboard the ship and seagoing over a century ago. Glenlee was renamed several times, changing owners and sailing purposes. Trace her story from the maiden voyage to her arrival back to Glasgow in 1993, rugged and rusty, and being heavily restored to become a museum ship. Walk the outer decks and below decks, and navigate the furnished living quarters and companionways. Ring the ship's bell and spot a logbook scrawled by the ship's teenage apprentice during its journey from Sydney to Cape Town at the end of WWI.
Specialization
History & Anthropology, Observation decks
Perfect for
History buffs, families, couples
Highland Fling Titan Crane Bungee Jump
What is it?
A bungee jumping platform atop one of the four derelict shipbuilding cranes, famous visitor attractions on the River Clyde in their own right.
Why should you go?
To free-fall from Glasgow's 50m-high industrial landmark, a Titan crane, which is a giant remnant of John Brown's mighty shipyard dating back to the 19th century. Leap from the platform attached to its cantilever and enjoy a few seconds of an airborne flight towards the Clyde, where the world-famous liners and naval ships of the past were built, fitted out, and launched during Glasgow's shipbuilding boom. Getting ready for the adventure and mid-air, admire the stunning aerial views of Glasgow.
Specialization
Observation decks, Fun & Entertainment
Perfect for
Families, couples
A bungee jumping platform atop one of the four derelict shipbuilding cranes, famous visitor attractions on the River Clyde in their own right.
Why should you go?
To free-fall from Glasgow's 50m-high industrial landmark, a Titan crane, which is a giant remnant of John Brown's mighty shipyard dating back to the 19th century. Leap from the platform attached to its cantilever and enjoy a few seconds of an airborne flight towards the Clyde, where the world-famous liners and naval ships of the past were built, fitted out, and launched during Glasgow's shipbuilding boom. Getting ready for the adventure and mid-air, admire the stunning aerial views of Glasgow.
Specialization
Observation decks, Fun & Entertainment
Perfect for
Families, couples
@emmacr05
Glasgow Climbing Centre
What is it?
A unique climbing center in a repurposed 19th-century church, both thrilling and fun.
Why should you go?
To climb up a church instead of worshiping in it or sightseeing. See how they incorporated the original oak-beamed ceiling and archways to create bouldering walls and climbing routes. Some of them stretch up to 12m high. Depending on your experience, you can try top roping, auto-belays, and lead climbing inside and even abseil from the 35m tall church spire down the facade. Complete newcomers are welcome, too. If you are not into climbing, take a spiral staircase to the Balcony Cafe with its stained-glass windows and delicious food and watch climbers.
Specialization
Fun & Entertainment, Restaurant, Architecture
Perfect for
Families, couples, foodies
A unique climbing center in a repurposed 19th-century church, both thrilling and fun.
Why should you go?
To climb up a church instead of worshiping in it or sightseeing. See how they incorporated the original oak-beamed ceiling and archways to create bouldering walls and climbing routes. Some of them stretch up to 12m high. Depending on your experience, you can try top roping, auto-belays, and lead climbing inside and even abseil from the 35m tall church spire down the facade. Complete newcomers are welcome, too. If you are not into climbing, take a spiral staircase to the Balcony Cafe with its stained-glass windows and delicious food and watch climbers.
Specialization
Fun & Entertainment, Restaurant, Architecture
Perfect for
Families, couples, foodies
@glasgow_climbing_centre
Glasgow Necropolis
What is it?
A famous non-denominational Victorian-era cemetery, evocative of the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris and located nearby the iconic Glasgow Cathedral.
Why should you go?
To explore the 37-acre sculpture park of a cemetery on a guided tour, its layout and showy gravestones that were designed to impress, including those by Mackintosh. The 50,000 prominent Glaswegians buried here embraced multiple religions and occupations and pitched in to make Glasgow the second city of the British Empire in the Victorian age. William Miller, the author of the beloved Scottish nursery rhyme Wee Willie Winkie, is one of them. Learn who is who and take in the sweeping views of Glasgow and its oldest building, the 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral from atop the hill.
Specialization
Observation decks, History & Anthropology
Perfect for
History buffs, couples
A famous non-denominational Victorian-era cemetery, evocative of the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris and located nearby the iconic Glasgow Cathedral.
Why should you go?
To explore the 37-acre sculpture park of a cemetery on a guided tour, its layout and showy gravestones that were designed to impress, including those by Mackintosh. The 50,000 prominent Glaswegians buried here embraced multiple religions and occupations and pitched in to make Glasgow the second city of the British Empire in the Victorian age. William Miller, the author of the beloved Scottish nursery rhyme Wee Willie Winkie, is one of them. Learn who is who and take in the sweeping views of Glasgow and its oldest building, the 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral from atop the hill.
Specialization
Observation decks, History & Anthropology
Perfect for
History buffs, couples
FAQ
- 1What fun things to do in Glasgow for young adults?Check out the long list above; some age and height restrictions may apply, but all the options are young adults-friendly. For example, they can:
- Listen to the organist cosplaying David Bowie at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Hunt for the majestic Highland cows and their cute calves in the Pollok Country Park
- Discover and interpret all the graffiti of Glasgow along the City Centre Mural Trail
- 2What fun activities to do in Glasgow City Centre?
- Bungee jumping from the historic shipbuilding Titan crane
- Showy tombstones watching at the Glasgow Necropolis
- Single malt whisky tasting at the Clydeside Distillery
- Scottish Art looking at the Hunterian Art Gallery
- Mackintosh's designs-hopping at the House for an Art Lover
- 3What fun things to do in Glasgow with friends?Take your friends with you for the fun things to do in Glasgow city center as a group:
- Church climbing at the Glasgow Climbing Centre
- Dining at the Mackintosh-designed Willow Tea Rooms
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