With a population of just over 600,000 people, Glasgow is Scotland’s most populous city and one of the top five largest cities in the UK.
The city’s location on the banks of the Clyde River, about 20 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, makes it a popular destination for lovers of natural beauty and open space.
Glasgow is also full of historic attractions and trendy shopping areas, and has also experienced a boom in arts and food in recent years.
It’s quite bohemian compared to other Scottish cities, and there are plenty of options for those looking to make the most of its nightlife.
1. City Center Guided Walking Tour
For those new to town, guided walking tours are a great way to get directions quickly while saving valuable travel expenses.
This walking tour lasts 2 ½ to 3 hours and is centered around Glasgow’s vibrant city centre, which is rich in contemporary and historic attractions.
Tour highlights include stops at the Necropolis, Glasgow Cathedral, and the many statues and memorials dedicated to famous city dwellers throughout history.
Guests will also discover shopping and dining options, as well as where to go for drinks later in the evening.
The tour is about three miles, so wear comfortable shoes.
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2. Celtic Park Stadium Tour and Dining Experience
Scots have always loved their football and Celtic Park is one of the city’s most famous sporting attractions.
The stadium, home to Celtic Football Club, is open to the public for guided tours and is popular with fans from all over the world.
After meeting their guide outside the stadium, the tour will venture behind the scenes to learn about areas normally off-limits to everyone except players, coaches and staff.
Stops include boardrooms and locker rooms, dugouts and tunnels leading to the pitch, after which guests will be treated to a sumptuous three-course meal and dessert.
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3. Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour
From the Gallery of Modern Art and Glasgow Cathedral to the Glasgow Science Centre and IMAX Cinema Pacific Quay, this great-value hop-on hop-off bus tour package covers just about every base.
Depending on the option you choose, tickets are available for one or two days from the date of purchase, giving guests easy access to dozens of the city’s major attractions.
Unlike traditional tours, hop-on hop-off tours allow ticket holders to visit the sights they are interested in and skip the ones that are not of interest.
Guests can spend as much or as little time at each site according to their interests and schedule.
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4. Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting
If there’s one thing Scotland is lacking, it’s the distilleries.
They have been producing Scotch whisky that is sought after around the world for centuries.
Distillery tours and tastings are a great way to learn about the local industry and culture, and they’re a lot of fun, even for those who aren’t spirit lovers.
Guests will visit the Clydeside Distillery with their guide, learn about the fermentation and distillation process, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the River Clyde below.
The tour includes three complimentary small drinks per guest, as well as discounts on a selection of Scotch whiskies in the distillery gift shop.
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5. Merchant City Music Tour, Past and Present
For those who prefer to get off the beaten track and explore parts of the city that most tours avoid, this Merchant City Music Tour will be a great way to spend a few mornings.
Tours are led by knowledgeable local music lovers who are keen to convey their love of music to tourists.
Stops include a dance hall, a rundown pub with a small stage and the oldest surviving concert hall in the UK.
Guests will learn about past standout performers as well as popular up-and-comers, and enjoy discounted lunches at the trendy coffee bar in the music district.
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6. Glasgow Walking Tour and Beer Tasting
Almost everything gets better when “tasting a beer” is added at the end, and that was definitely the case on this small group walking tour of central Glasgow.
After a brief meet and greet with their guide, guests will head to Blythewood Square, where they will gain an in-depth look at the city’s history, culture and beer-making traditions that at one point made it the world’s largest beer one of the producers.
Along the way, participants will stop at several bars where they will rub shoulders with the locals, learn about the science behind turning mundane ingredients into world-class beers, and taste many different colors and flavors.
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7. Haunted Glasgow Discovery Games and Tours
App-based discovery game tours are becoming a hot topic for fun-loving travelers who value engagement and activity over sitting on a crowded tour bus for hours on end.
Not only are they fun and educational, but compared to their traditional tourist counterparts, they are very cheap.
Participants on this tour will use their mobile phones as a guide, which will lead them to some of the city’s most creepy, haunted and terrifying attractions.
Between stops, guests will work as a team to solve puzzles and decode clues, while learning about the city’s history and getting up close and personal with some of the main attractions.
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8. Silent Disco Adventure
Looking for a unique travel experience?
Love to sing and dance in public, and generally let yourself shine?
If so, you’re in luck, because this silent disco adventure is for people like you.
It’s a music-centric experience where guests can sing and dance while touring the city and seeing some of its most famous sights, just as they were practicing for Simon Cowell’s audition.
Tours last about an hour, require moderate physical activity, and are led by stylish guides who will start a party if guests struggle to get into their best shape.
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9. Fun, private, professional photo shoots
Although you may not be a movie star, a sports phenomenon or a jet plane, you can still enjoy fun, intimate and professional photos like all of the above.
This unique tour option is a great idea for those looking for something different.
In addition to taking their pictures at some of the city’s most famous sites, guests will learn about its history and culture—and have fun along the way.
Tours are available in one-hour and two-hour packages. At the end of the tour, guests are given 30 or 60 high-resolution images to commemorate their experience.
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10. Guided Street Art Walking Tour
Glasgow has experienced an artistic renaissance in recent years, with many of the city’s neighbourhoods adorned with vibrant murals and other street art that’s definitely worth checking out.
On this two-hour tour, guests and their guide will explore some of the city’s most bohemian neighborhoods, discover stunning works of contemporary art, and learn about the artists who created them and their inspirations.
This is a truly eclectic tour, so encountering hordes of tourists on a more traditional tour will not be a problem.
Guests will often find restaurants, bars and galleries they want to explore on their own later, so don’t be shy to ask your guide for advice.
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11. Outlander Adventure Day Trip from Glasgow
The Scottish countryside is dotted with historic castles and quaint villages, and many scenic areas have been filming locations for the hit TV series Outlander.
On Glasgow’s Outlander Adventures, guests will visit three century-old castles that have featured prominently in TV shows over the years.
Participants will learn about the castle’s fascinating history as well as interesting tidbits about other popular films filmed on site.
At 9 hours, the tour makes for a long day, but it’s a great option for those interested in putting the hustle and bustle of the city in the rearview mirror and seeing things from a more rural perspective.
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12. Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tour
No matter which team you support on matchday, this combined tour of the Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium is a great way to give die-hard football fans a few hours to visit Glasgow.
The museum includes a number of unique galleries with an impressive and priceless collection of Scottish football memorabilia, including uniforms, photographs, first-hand accounts and cups.
The tour includes a friendly and knowledgeable guide, as well as a tour of Hampden Stadium, allowing access to the team’s locker rooms, warm-up areas and other behind-the-scenes areas that are normally off-limits.
Multiple tours are offered each day to accommodate visitors with varying schedules.
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13. Glasgow Music Mile
Even if you didn’t know there was such a thing as a UNESCO City of Music, you might be surprised to learn that Glasgow is the first city in the UK to receive such a designation.
Glasgow’s musical heritage goes back to its Celtic roots. Now, the city is home to several music schools and popular performance venues covering everything from jazz and punk to rock and pop.
On this two-hour tour, guests will follow in the footsteps of famous Scottish bands such as Oasis and Blur, visiting some of their stages before they went big.
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14. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky Tour from Glasgow
Over the centuries, the Scottish Highlands have produced some of the country’s most acclaimed historical figures, even recognized by most international visitors by name.
Legends such as William Wallace, Rob Roy and Robert the Bruce.
This combo tour begins and ends in Glasgow and involves historical, cultural and natural elements that most guests find engaging and entertaining.
Tour highlights include the William Wallace National Monument and the impressive and historic Stirling Castle.
After lunch, guests will visit Loch Lomond; they will then head to Glengoyne Distillery, which produces some of the most coveted malt whiskies in the country.
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15. Customized private walking tour with a local
Customized private tours are a great option for travelers looking to get the most out of their hard-earned vacation.
Exploring the city of Glasgow through the eyes of a local is what this walking tour is about. To this end, guests and their guides will begin to experience an eclectic mix of attractions based on the interests of the participants.
Tours usually start by getting used to the community you live in, then discovering popular places to eat, dine, live entertainment or enjoy an evening drink.
Tours can last from two to six hours, depending on the guests’ schedule and interests.
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