One Day in Glasgow: Amazing Itinerary, Map & Tips

If you're spending one day in Glasgow, here's a packed Glasgow itinerary that you need to experience. While I always suggest spending at least 2 or 3 days in a place (check out our best things to do in Glasgow post for more!), sometimes you only have a little bit of time. With that said, I've got the best plans for one day in Glasgow to make the most of your precious time in the city.

This Glasgow itinerary is best for those who haven't visited the city before and want to see the top attractions and activities in 24 hours. As someone who has visited Glasgow on numerous occasions, this is exactly how I'd spend a day there, whether it's my first time traveling there or I've been in the past.

These might not be the most typical Glasgow attractions, but I think it's the best way to see Glasgow in a day. I'll show you the slightly quirky spots, the best scenery in the city, loads of public art, and places that I'm sure many locals frequent on a regular basis.

This list will give you a great idea of what to do in Glasgow. I'll even give you some additional recommendations if you have a little more time than you anticipated (or if you'd like to sub out one attraction for another). Are you ready? Here's how you can spend one day in Glasgow for epic and everlasting memories.

Getting Around Glasgow

If you find yourself arriving at the Glasgow airport, it's easy to get right into the city. Take the Glasgow Airport Express service 500 bus right outside the terminal into town. Walk outside of the airport, turn left, and walk to the end to stance 1. You might see the bus waiting for you. If not, the bus arrives every 12 minutes during the day, and once every 15 minutes in the evening.

There is a booth where you can pay for your fare before boarding the bus. The bus fare might seem a little bit expensive (£10), but it's quick, easy, and likely to be cheaper than a taxi. Get off the bus at one of five stops in the city centre and you'll be right in the middle of it all.

Best Ways to Get Around Glasgow

Once you're in Glasgow, it's really easy to get around using public transportation. First and foremost, Glasgow is an extremely walkable city and it's possible to reach many places on your own two feet.

Glasgow has a subway system that serves the city centre, west end, and southside of the city. It operates in one big loop and the subway is very easy to figure out. For wherever the subway doesn't go, you can take the bus. First Bus Glasgow has over 80 routes throughout the city.

Lastly, if you're looking for transportation and a tour combined, consider booking a ticket aboard the Glasgow Hop On Hop Off Bus. You can enjoy unlimited hop on hop off privileges for a day or two aboard the open top, double decker bus. The full loop lasts 80 minutes and it visits most popular sights and attractions all over the city.

Continuing Beyond Glasgow

Looking to get outside of Glasgow on a road trip of Scotland? I highly suggest comparing car rental prices and booking your car hire with Discover Cars. You'll find the best rates, Discover Cars offers full insurance packages, and they have fantastic customer service. I always choose Discover Cars when I travel. Find the best car rental rates in Glasgow here.

One Day in Glasgow: Morning in the City Centre

Wake up bright and early from your hotel. Make sure that you position yourself centrally in the middle of town so you can walk everywhere. I've recommended three great hotels at the end of this article within the city centre that make an excellent home base for your city adventures.

Breakfast at Rose & Grants

Rose & Grants is a deli that boasts their delicious vegan square sausage, as well as their vegan breakfast and brunch options. This is one of the most vegan-friendly restaurants in Glasgow and much beloved by vegans and omnivores.

They offer traditional Scottish breakfasts, toasties, and a wide array of coffee and espresso beverages. I ordered the avocado toast and an oat milk latte. Both were the perfect start to my day. Add on a croissant or a pastry if you feel like treating yourself.

Glasgow Cathedral

After breakfast, it's only a short walk to the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis. It's the oldest cathedral on mainland Scotland and the oldest building in Glasgow, dating to the 12th century.

The Glasgow Cathedral is an incredible example of Scottish Gothic architecture. It's also one of the few Scottish medieval churches to have survived the Scottish Reformation not unroofed. The tomb of the patron saint of Glasgow, Saint Mungo, is in the lower crypt.

Interestingly enough, the University of Glasgow started with classes held within the cathedral in 1451. While the building is owned by the Crown, it is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland as a popular tourist destination. It also continues to be a place of active worship.

Necropolis

It might seem strange to some to include a cemetery on this itinerary, but it really belongs on any list of Glasgow points of interest. It's a must visit for any fans of intriguing architecture as you'll discover styles spanning across the centuries.

While there are about 3500 monuments, approximately 50,000 people were buried at the Glasgow Necropolis. Only a small percentage of people are named on the stones, and not every grave has its own stone. 

The Necropolis is up on a hill overlooking the Glasgow Cathedral and the city, so you can admire some great views from up there. Take some time to wander around and examine some of the interesting carvings and graves.

There are some brilliant statues dedicated to some fascinating individuals. If you'd like to delve deeper, I suggest booking a walking tour with a local for more insight and history.

Glasgow Mural Trail

Start your day by wandering around the city center to check out the Glasgow Mural Trail. I managed to visit most of the murals in Glasgow in a day. It's also a great way to become acquainted with a new place.

Check out several murals in the center of town, leaving those that are towards the west end until later in the day. You might want to wander around and discover all of the murals or catch a glimpse of a few favorites. It's up to you.

The Saint Mungo mural is likely the most famous in Glasgow, located on High Street. Created back in 2016 by the artist, Smug, photos of this work were shared 1.5 million times in its first week! 

Walk Along the River Clyde

The River Clyde is a destination in itself, so you can go for a stroll here while discovering the murals. On a bright and sunny day, you're likely to see many people out for a morning stroll or bike ride, whether they're on their way to work or enjoying the views.

There's a path that extends along the River Clyde, winding beneath the roads at times. You'll spot several bridges for pedestrians or trains. While the scenery might seem on the gritty side from time to time, it's real and vibrant in its own way. There's also a ton of street art on the River Clyde, so you'll be able to see some awesome public art on your walk.

Coffee Break at Riverhill Coffee Bar

Riverhill Coffee Bar is a great little spot to unwind with a cup of coffee and a snack. I enjoyed the quiet ambiance of this small cafe. Pop by if you're feeling a little under-caffeinated, craving a snack, or feeling like resting your legs for a little while.

I really enjoyed my Americano and vegan brownie. If you're not a coffee drinker but you have a sweet tooth, you can satisfy that at Riverhill Coffee Bar or at Tantrum Doughnuts right next door. Be sure to check out my guide to the best Glasgow coffee shops if you're a coffee lover like I am.

George Square

On your way back from the Necropolis, wander through George Square if you haven't managed to already. It's the main civic square of Glasgow and one of six squares in the city.

It's named after King George III and has important buildings surrounding it, including the City Chambers and the Merchants House. There are also several iconic statues, including those of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. You'll also witness the city's cenotaph to commemorate Glaswegians killed in World War I. 

Gallery of Modern Art

The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is the main contemporary art museum in Glasgow. You'll find works here by local and international artists, and it's free to visit. Why not pop into the gallery for an hour or so to discover some intriguing art? 

Even if you don't step inside GoMA (I highly recommend that you do, even for a little while), you should at least see the building itself. It's an impressive neoclassical building with a famous statue out front. It's a statue of the Duke of Wellington riding a horse. Why is it so famous?

Locals continue to play a prank on the Duke of Wellington statue by placing a traffic cone on his head. When authorities remove the traffic cone, they only find that it becomes replaced with a new cone almost immediately. The image of the traffic cone on the statue became quite iconic. When I visited, there was a cone on the Duke of Wellington's head and the horse's head.

Alternative Activities

Finding yourself with more free time? Consider popping into the Tennent Caledonian Breweries to sample one of Scotland's favorite beers and tour around one of Scotland's oldest businesses. Tennent's Lager is a favourite all over Scotland. If you don't manage to visit the brewery, you'll be able to order a draft pint at pubs all over Glasgow.

Want to combine your love for beer with a walking tour? This tour of the city allows you to discover the history of Glasgow along with some of its best brews.

One Day in Glasgow: Afternoon in the West End

Now that you've covered some Glasgow attractions in the east end, you'll continue exploring the city center and beyond to the west end. On this afternoon, we'll check out some interesting places to visit in Glasgow with excellent city views, as well as some modern art.

Lunch at Soul Food Kitchen

Soul Food Kitchen is one of the 100% vegan restaurants in Glasgow, where you can be certain to find entirely vegan meals on the menu. In fact, they proudly boast that they're the top rated Glasgow vegan restaurant on Happy Cow. After dining here, I could easily see why. The food was delicious!

They focus on serving up healthy and hearty meals, like soups, bowls, burgers, juices, kombucha, raw cakes, coffee and tea. I suggest trying the Green Beast Burger (their signature green patty topped with cashew cheese) and the broccoli with garlic and chili.

Shop at The Hidden Lane

In Finnieston, The Hidden Lane is one of Glasgow's best kept secrets. It's a community of artists, designers, and musicians with over 100 studio spaces and a tearoom. You can pop into some of the galleries and shops or walk around these brightly painted houses.

Don't miss stopping by Bubblegum Kitschville, an arts and curiosity shop where I was able to find art and jewelry with cats on them that I adore. There's a pottery shop next door (Spin Pottery), a yoga studio, the Hidden Lane Tearoom, and so much more.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and Kelvingrove Park

Kelvingrove Park is a greenspace along the River Kelvin in Glasgow's west end. It was designed in 1852, and there are many interesting features to discover as you wander around the park.

The largest structure is the Stewart Memorial Fountain, and there are numerous other monuments and statues sprinkled throughout the park. Kelvingrove Park is also home to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

It has 22 galleries with a vast array of exhibits, featuring everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance art. It's one of the most popular Glasgow attractions and one of the best places to visit in Glasgow for museum lovers. Kelvingrove Gallery is 100% free to visit, like many museums and galleries in Glasgow.

University of Glasgow Cloisters

I love discovering historic universities on my travels. For instance, I've included a trip to the National University of Ireland Galway in my 1 day Galway itinerary. If you're looking for what to see in Glasgow specifically at the university, head to the famous Cloisters.

The archways and columns of the Cloisters are the most iconic sight at the University of Glasgow. You might recognize this area from Outlander or Cloud Atlas, and walking around the University of Glasgow made me feel as though I was attending Hogwarts. 

Hunterian Museum

While you're at the university, consider checking out the Hunterian Museum. The entrance to the museum is within the Cloisters. Walk up a flight of stairs and you'll reach the Hunterian Museum. It's free to visit, so you should pop in after checking out the Cloisters.

In the museum, there are over one million artifacts, ranging from art to meteorites to mummies. There are both permanent displays and limited exhibitions. This is Scotland's oldest public museum. I really enjoyed the ancient Roman artefacts recovered from the Antonine Wall in Scotland, as well as the collection of gems and fossils.

Coffee Break at Papercup Coffee Company

Justin and I walked from the middle of the city over to the west end, which takes about a half hour depending on where you're ending up. I was desperate for another cup of coffee, so we found ourselves at Papercup Coffee Company.

It worked out wonderfully as we took a break from the walking and I sipped a delicious Americano. The coffee was rich and flavorful, and the service was excellent. I noticed that they had some vegan treats, as well as plant-based milks. Pop by Papercup when you're walking towards the University of Glasgow or Ashton Lane.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a wonderful, free thing to do in Glasgow and home to the finest gardens in the city. Wander around the property to view plants and flowers. When I visited in the fall, the flowers were mostly done for the year, but it was lovely to see the fall colours on the trees.

To see gorgeous greenery all year long, step into the historic Kibble Palace. It's a brilliant Curvilinular Glasshouse designed by John Kibble. It's home to a national collection of tree ferns. There are trees and plants from around the world inside the Kibble Palace, and it's well worth a visit.

One Day in Glasgow: Evening in Partick and Ashton Lane

Stick around the west end of Glasgow for your evening in the city. Ashton Lane is a popular nightlife hub in Glasgow. First, head out for dinner in Partick or if you'd rather, find a restaurant in Ashton Lane (Ubiquitous Chip is one I can personally recommend).

Dinner at Suissi Vegan Kitchen

Even though you could stay in Ashton Lane for dinner, it's worth the walk to Partick for Suissi Vegan Kitchen. Since the restaurant first opened its doors in 2019, it's been a favourite among vegans and non-vegans alike. Mama Lim, owner and chef, takes inspiration from her roots in Malaysia and other Asian countries to create unique Asian-fusion plant-based dishes.

There are all sorts of yummy dishes like noodle soups, gyoza, mushroom dishes, curries, pad Thai, and more. I settled on the Satay Tofu to start and the Cantonese Crispy Noodles as my main dish. I would love to return to Suissi Vegan Kitchen someday to sample even more meals from the menu. It was just so good.

Ashton Lane

In the west end, you'll find the cobblestone street called Ashton Lane, lined with pubs and restaurants. It's near Byers Road where you'll find even more pubs and restaurants. There's even a small cinema on Ashton Lane called Grosvenor's Picture Theatre. Glasgow's oldest cinema is lovingly restored, so why not catch an evening movie?

Justin and I went to Brel for a couple of pints of beer. No matter where you end up along the street, you're guaranteed to have a great time mingling and sampling some drinks. It's even a great spot to go pub hopping.

When you're finished pub hopping or dining on Ashton Lane, it's right near a subway stop. Take the subway back to your hotel in the city centre to conclude your amazing day in Glasgow.

One Day in Glasgow Itinerary Map

Would you like to see this one day in Glasgow itinerary displayed visually on a map? You can easily walk from one place to the next using our handy Glasgow map. Click the square icon in the top right corner to view a larger version of this map.

How to use this map: Click on each icon to learn more about each location. To reference this map at a later date, click the star next to the map's title. It will save the map to your Google Maps account. Then, open Google Maps and go to "Your places" in the menu to see this map.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

Now that I've visited Glasgow on a few occasions, I have three fantastic hotel suggestions for you. All three hotels are conveniently located within Glasgow's city centre. It's the prime location to base yourself for sightseeing and spending one day in Glasgow.

Grasshoppers Hotel

The prime location of Grasshoppers Hotel makes it one of the top hotels in Glasgow, if not the best place to stay in Glasgow. It's right beside the Glasgow Central Station, and many of its rooms even overlook its beautiful glazed roof. 

I recommend staying at the Maldron Hotel in downtown Glasgow. The location is perfect as it's easy to walk all over town, and it's also a quick walk to the subway and train station. It's also great for the business traveler as there's complimentary Wi-Fi, and plenty of space to work from your room or the lobby.

The Z Hotel Glasgow

The Z Hotel has one of the best locations in Glasgow, directly across from George Square and next to the Queen Street Station. Housed in an old printworks building, Z Glasgow combines historic charm with updated modern rooms.

More Things to Do in Glasgow

It's impossible to see Glasgow in a day, so why not spend even more time there? Here are the best things to do in Glasgow with even more recommendations.

It's easy to spend 2 days in Glasgow or even 3 days in Glasgow as there's so much to see and do there. In my guide to the most fun things to do in Glasgow, I've listed a few more places:

• Alternative Glasgow Walking Tour with Invisible Cities
• Pollok Country Park
• Glasgow Green
• The Lighthouse (temporarily closed, hopefully reopening soon)
• Purrple Cat Cafe
• Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
• Shopping on Buchanan Street