Glasgow is a fascinating city in Scotland and despite often being overlooked in favour of Edinburgh, it is an ideal option for spending a quick weekend getaway. There are so many incredible places to see and experiences to have on a weekend in Glasgow.
Glasgow has become a popular location for a weekend escape or a few days away, for couples, groups of friends, and families. So if you are wanting to spend 48 hours in Glasgow then use this guide to plan where to stay, where to eat and drink, and also the best things to do with your limited time.
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Where to stay on a weekend in Glasgow
One of the first things you might be thinking about would be where to stay. 48 hours means you may only get the one night here, so you are either going to be wanting it to be extra special or you are treating it as just a bed as you plan to make the most of every hour you have. With that in mind, here are a couple of options to suit whatever budget you’re working with.
Budget-friendly places to stay in Glasgow
You can’t beat a hostel and the one to mention would be the Euro Hostel Glasgow situated on Pacific Quay. It is located on the banks of River Clyde to the west of the city centre, so the location makes it ideal to see many of the attractions in the city with ease.
With the Euro Hostel, you have the option of private or dormitory rooms, so don’t worry if you’re not a hostel person, this one has you covered! You get all of the amenities that you need and a comfy place to lay your head when you eventually head to bed. With rooms starting at just £32 night, you really can’t go wrong. There are other budget options within the vicinity so if you can’t get a room at this one, check for other hostels in the area of budget options like Premier Inn.
Unusual places to stay in Glasgow
If you were wanting a more boutique stay then why not consider Hotel Dakota Glasgow. It has been one of the best hotels in Glasgow listed on Trip Advisor for some time with excellent reviews. The rooms are tastefully decorated and the beds are super comfy.
There is such an attention to detail in terms of the room interiors as well as the great bar and restaurant that are attached to it. Rooms start at around £60 a night.
Luxury option for where to stay in Glasgow
Last of all, if you are wanting to have a more luxurious weekend in Glasgow then why not consider Hotel Du Vin, Glasgow. Here you will find luxury in abundance with beautiful interiors, spectacular rooms and a fabulous location, just a little further from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Rates can start at around £110 per night, but you really are getting a lot of luxury for your money here.
Two days in Glasgow: travel guide
Glasgow is a city that is well-known for its beautiful parks and fun-packed things to do. It is already well-known for being an up-and-coming city getaway location for families, groups of friends and couples. So if you plan on spending a few days, here are some of the things to look out for when you travel to Glasgow.
2 days in Glasgow: things to do for families
Here are some of the best things to consider for families spending 48 hours in Glasgow:
Glasgow Science Centre
When looking for something to do, why not head to The Glasgow Science Centre? This science museum has three floors of interactive exhibits, workshops and activities. Day tickets start from £10.90 for adults and £9.09 for children or you can choose to purchase a year pass for £33 which is great if you perhaps live in Scotland, giving you extra time to take in everything there is to see here!
The Science Centre is a great option if you’re stuck for things to do in Glasgow in the rain!
Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Glasgow, this is it! At The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, you will find that they host regular workshops, plenty of live performances and different exhibits that showcase puppetry. Check out the website for more information.
Pollok Country Park
Pollok Country Park is a large area of parklands and countryside to the south of Glasgow. Which is ideal if you’re looking to escape the city for a little while. Especially when the weather is good, it’s perfect for enjoying a picnic and having some wide open space for the kids to enjoy running around, or a romantic walk on your couples getaway!
Pollok House gardens are beautiful to explore. But the real gem of Pollok Country Park is the biking trails! There are 3 mountain bike circuits within this 146 hectare park.
Check out the website for more information.
Things to do in Glasgow: a weekend guide
Here are some of the best things to do in Glasgow when it comes to anyone else that is not travelling with families or young children. Here are some of the highlights:
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has been a popular landmark in central Glasgow for many years, mostly recognisable by its red brick facade.
But the best part about the gallery and museum is that it’s completely free to visit, making it the most visited museum attraction in the UK, outside of London.
There are 22 exhibits in the museum and they range from classic art to taxidermy! The perfect remedy for a rainy day in Glasgow and a must-see on a weekend in Glasgow.
University of Glasgow
If you visit Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum, you’re not far from the majestic buildings of the University of Glasgow.
It’s worth having a quick wander around the beautiful buildings, the University of Glasgow Cloisters are probably the most famous part of the university, perfect for an instagrammable photo location in Glasgow and it feels like you’ve stepped straight into the set of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts!
People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are located in the southeast of the city centre, in the historic Glasgow Green. The palace has collections depicting the history and life of Glaswegians through the decades.
Take a tour of the palace and enjoy the gardens with beautiful flowers and plants. The huge glasshouse cannot be missed.
George Square
The heart of Glasgow is a spot not to be missed!
George Square is the historic heart of the city and where you’ll find many of the events happening in the city such as Piping Live and the annual Glasgow Christmas Market.
It’s well worth wandering through, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying The Merchant City – one of the oldest parts of the city which dates back to the 18th century. It’s called the Merchant City because the area was filled with wealthy traders at the time.
Glasgow Climbing Centre
A fun activity in Glasgow for any adventure seekers. The Glasgow Climbing Centre is an indoor gym that’s suitable for climbing enthusiasts of various levels and it will not disappoint. They welcome both members and guests, so if you’d like to try something new during your stay, this is a great option, especially for something unique to do on a couples getaway!
Check out the website for more information.
Riverside Museum of Transport
The Riverside Museum of Transport is an award-winning museum overlooking the River Clyde and is a great day out. It was purpose-built to depict Glaswegian life and the unique contemporary architecture alongside the Glenlee tall boat sitting in the Clyde is really beautiful to see.
The is another one of the free things to do in Glasgow or perfect for rainy day activities in Glasgow!
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Slightly out of the city centre, these gardens are a great place to enjoy a little peace and quiet. Another free activity in Glasgow, the grounds and glasshouses in the Botanical Gardens are open all year round. Don’t miss the stunning Kibble Palace with the beautiful glass-domed roof.
You can follow self-lead trails teaching you about the plants, trees and points of interest as well as trails for children and young families.
The tea rooms are perfect for a spot of refreshment on your day out too.
Scottish Football Museum
For any football fans, the Scottish Football museum is a must-visit! It showcases some of the best memorabilia collected over many years. The museum aims to educate and inspire future generations about the history and heritage of Scottish Football.
Being located in the Hampden Park stadium, the national football stadium of Scotland, you can also include a Stadium Tour on your visit.
Check out the website for prices, opening times and more information.
Glasgow Necropolis
Located in the east of the city, the Glasgow Necropolis is a huge Victorian Cemetery where many famous Glaswegians have been buried. There are actually well over 50,000 people commemorated here.
This is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Glasgow, but if you’re a history fan or enjoy exploring religious or burial sites, the elaborate monuments at the Necropolis are well worth seeing and there are some great city views too.
Pinkston Water sports
Another fabulous activity for active people is heading to Pinkston Water sports where you can enjoy water-based activities.
Located to the north of the city, you can try open water swimming, stand up paddleboarding, or whitewater activities for the adrenaline junkies among you!
They have multiday courses, adventure days, team building days and children’s activity sessions throughout the summer.
Visit their website to book sessions and find out more.
Where to eat and drink in Glasgow
No Glasgow trip is complete without trying some of the food and drink options. There are some incredible restaurants and bars to experience during your trip. Here is a selection of places to eat in Glasgow that you might want to consider.
Cubatas
A Spanish restaurant servicing authentic Spanish food using ingredients and all whipped up by a Spanish chef. An excellent option to consider if you love a bit of Tapas.
Bar Soba Mitchell Lane
If you are looking for a restaurant that specialises in Asian cuisine then Bar Soba does the best in Glasgow. The restaurant is super cool as well and it is a great location for a few drinks as well as your evening meal. Don’t miss this spot if you’re a fan of Vietnamese, Japanese or Korean food!
Horn Please
This is a restaurant that is packed full of what they describe as new concept Indian cuisines. So don’t expect your usual curries that you may be more in tune with. Instead except fabulous flavours and amazing dishes that will likely have you reminiscing in years to come.
Located a little out of the centre, near the Kelvingrove Museum.
Ubiquitous Chip
A super fun and quirky Scottish restaurant in a cool, industrial-style building with plenty of greenery. The food is alternative, brasserie-style and located in the fun West End area of Glasgow. The restaurant is actually located on Ashton Lane which is well-known for its variety of restaurants, bars and pubs, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something great to eat or drink here!
Getting to Glasgow and travelling around the city
Glasgow has an international airport and in just a short taxi trip you will find that you are right in the heart of the city, or at your chosen accommodation. There is also a very busy train station Glasgow Central that has arrivals from many different points of the UK. The journey time can vary depending on where you are travelling from and what service you choose.
While you are in Glasgow you may be thinking what is the best way to get around. Here are some of the easiest ways you can get to different parts of the city and see as much as possible.
Subway
Glasgow has frequent and reliable subway service. It is the easiest way to get around the city for a Glasgow weekend holiday and you will find that you can do a full circuit of the 15 stations in just 24 minutes. You can hop on and off quickly and be in different spots in the city in no time at all. You could buy a subway smartcard that will allow you to jump on and off as often as you need to.
Taxi
Glasgow has some of the friendliest taxi drivers around and you will find that not only can they get you to where you want and need to be but they can also be a great source of information for hidden gems within the city.
Bus
There is also a very reliable bus service that you can take advantage of. There are over 80 routes across the city so you are bound to find a route suitable to take you from one place to another. You can buy a day ticket which means you can jump on and off as often as you might like to.
Sightseeing bus
If you really want to experience Glasgow then why not jump aboard the open-top sightseeing bus. It gives you the perfect opportunity to see some of the incredible sights of Glasgow city centre, particularly if you’re spending 36 hours in Glasgow or less.
You will also be able to see some of the experiences shared earlier such as the People’s Palace, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and museum and also Glasgow Cathedral. It is a hop on and off service and could be the ideal choice of transport during your stay.
Weekend in Glasgow: Things to do
Hopefully, you will be all set for your weekend in Glasgow and while you can’t do all of this in a weekend, you can definitely find something to do that’s perfect for your trip in this Glasgow travel blog, whether you’re searching for adventurous activities, rainy day experiences or some great Glasgow food spots!
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