Things to Do in Glasgow

Glasgow is known for its thriving independent music scene, and the city has a number of outstanding venues for live music. Some, like the legendary Barrowlands, attract big international name bands, while many pubs and bars have small backrooms where local bands push their case.

Glasgow Cathedral is stunning. One of the more impressive examples of Gothic architecture, St Mungo’s (as it’s also known), is the only medieval church in mainland Scotland to come through the Reformation intact.

Rising up from Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis, a tumbledown maze of pathways winding between the tombstones, is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric corners. On a grey, windy day the scene is very much like something from a Gothic horror story.

It’s never exactly a bad time to make for the West End, one of the livelier quarters of Glasgow. With nearby Ashton Lane, Byres Road accounts for most of the city’s artsy, student-centered activities and has a great range of bars, restaurants and cafés.

Glasgow is a city blessed with great museums and galleries. In addition to the Gallery of Modern Art and the Centre for Contemporary Arts, there’s the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. Surrounded by the leafy Kelvingrove Park, it makes for an excellent day out.