Art galleries
Glasgow has a bohemian edge and cool counter-cultural vibe. Such an atmosphere is perfect for cutting-edge exhibition spaces, of which there are plenty. But there’s also a few traditionally grand galleries as well.
Situated in Glasgow’s green-flecked West End, this castle-like gallery holds one of Europe’s grandest collections of art. Here, you’ll find dozens of jaw-dropping paintings by the Old Masters, such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt, as well as the wonderfully warped images of Dali. There’s also an ever-changing temporary exhibition, which hosts the UK’s top touring art collections.
Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG.
Museums
Glasgow’s range of inspiring museums will interest everyone from maritime enthusiasts to sports fanatics. If you’re intrigued by transport history, want to learn about ancient religious life, or are fascinated by medieval culture, you’ll find it all in Glasgow.
The Hunterian
Based in the University of Glasgow campus, the Hunterian Museum covers zoological and anatomy museums, an art gallery, and the modernist Mackintosh House. The oldest museum in all of Scotland, its wide halls showcase hieroglyph-covered coffins, dinosaur bones, quirky taxidermy, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh's exquisite creations.
University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ.
Performing arts
While Glasgow is famed for its rocking live music and electrifying clubs, the city also offers a captivating performing arts scene, including community-led theatre productions and elegant ballets. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
This is the place to go for a slice of refined high-culture. Its monumental main auditorium can seat over 2,400 people, and there’s a handful of smaller suites and foyers for intimate performances and lectures. The hall is the base for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra - who put on perfectly arranged concerts year round - but it frequently sees opera, ballet, and world music shows.
2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3NY.
Historic landmarks
Glasgow is scattered with heritage sights, from centuries-old churches to Victorian-era villas. There are also marvellous modern buildings too, some designed by Glasgow’s famed architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
No trip to the city would be complete without visiting this idyllic campus. Washed with lush green space, the campus buildings blend striking Neo-Gothic architecture of spiked towers and ornamented chapels with more modern Mackintosh designs.
University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ.
Stop by the Glasgow Cathedral and marvel at its mighty, dark-black spire. Although an excellent example of imposing Gothic design, the Cathedral is actually medieval in origin, the only such Cathedral to survive Scotland’s 16th century religious reformation. After touring the grand halls and chambers, amble around the adjacent Necropolis, a vast hillside cemetery modelled after Paris’ infamous Pere Lachaise.
Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0QZ.
