Are you thinking about visiting Glasgow, UK? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Glasgow worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to three days because of the many great activities. Glasgow is a culturally rich and lively city in Scotland. There's a large student population and a great party scene, but there is also a lot of history and architecture. It's a port city that sits beautifully along the River Clyde. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Business Insider's Best Places to Travel in 2023.
Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow University, Scotland
Reasons to Visit Glasgow
Nightlife
The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.
Music
Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.
Museums
The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.
Food
The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.
Historical Sights
High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.
Shopping
The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.
Authenticity
Glasgow has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Glasgow worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Glasgow, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and browse around the old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Glasgow
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| August | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| September | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Is Glasgow worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Glasgow. Even though Glasgow is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather in Glasgow can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 10°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the historic old town, the famous sights and museums, and the big city activities. Also, you can listen to some live music.
Autumn Weather in Glasgow
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| November | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| December | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
Is Glasgow worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Glasgow can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Glasgow is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can check out the nightlife, the live music scene, and the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Glasgow
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| February | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) |
Is Glasgow worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Glasgow. Even though Glasgow is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather in Glasgow can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and browse around the old town. Also, you'll be able to listen to some live music and enjoy an evening out.
Spring Weather in Glasgow
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| June | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Glasgow
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Glasgow might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Glasgow here or see if Glasgow is expensive here.
Related
What is Glasgow most famous for?
Glasgow is most famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. People visit this impressive city for its great nightlife and music. Also, it's known for museums. Many people love the food, historical sights, and shopping, too. It is often described as friendly, cultural, historic, and high energy.
What is the most famous sight in Glasgow?
The most popular sight in Glasgow is Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Glasgow on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and other attractions here.
How touristy is Glasgow? Is it a popular city to visit?
Glasgow is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Fun Bike Tour in Glasgow: $70
- Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Guided Tour with Waterfalls Walk starting Glasgow: $75
- Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
- Private Walking Tour: Glasgow City Highlights: $259
- Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
- Standing Stones, Inveraray and Kilchurn Castles & Highland Tour starting Glasgow: $70
- 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
How long should I spend in Glasgow?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Glasgow is two to three days. Since Glasgow has a variety of activities such as nightlife and music, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Glasgow? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Glasgow?.
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