A Brief History of Glasgow
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and seaport, has a rich history dating back to its founding in the 6th century by Saint Mungo, the city’s patron saint. Originally a small religious community, Glasgow grew into a significant medieval bishopric and later a royal burgh.
The city experienced immense growth during the 18th and 19th centuries due to the Industrial Revolution. It became a major hub for shipbuilding, engineering, and trade, especially with the Americas. This industrial boom brought wealth and a diverse population, shaping the city’s architecture and cultural landscape.
In the 20th century, Glasgow faced economic challenges but has since transformed into a vibrant cultural capital known for its art, music, and education. The city is home to world-class museums, galleries, and institutions like the University of Glasgow, one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world.
Today, Glasgow is celebrated for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and warm, welcoming atmosphere
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Glasgow
Morning:
George Square: Start your day at George Square, known as the heart of the city, located right across the street from the Queen Street Train Station.This is a great place to bring your morning coffee, to just sit and admire the statues and beautiful buildings around the square.
Glasgow Cathedral: Walk over to the Glasgow Cathedral, a stunning medieval church with beautiful stained glass windows. I loved this Cathedral, and spent quite some time here just appreciating the workmanship involved in the building of this church…it is remarkable. NOTE: if you are a fan of Outlander, in season 2 they used the crypt of the Cathedral as the Hopital des Anges where Claire gave birth to her baby Faith, who did not survive.
The Necropolis: Behind the Cathedral, explore the Victorian cemetery known as The Necropolis. The graves here to back hundreds of years, and some are so old that the inscription on the grave stones are unreadable.
St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art: is right next door with interesting exhibits of all the religions that are part of Scotlands history.
Provands Lordship Building: which is the oldest building in Glasgow and is a wonderful place to experience what life was like in the 15th century.
Afternoon:
Merchant City: Stroll through the Merchant City area, known for its historic buildings, chic boutiques, and trendy cafes. Stop and have lunch at one of the many restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
Evening:
Buchanan Street: Spend the evening shopping along Buchanan Street, Glasgow’s main shopping thoroughfare.
Dinner and Nightlife: There are plenty of options for dinner at either a cozy pub with live music or a fine dining restaurant. Enjoy street performances and explore the Buchanan Galleries. You can also experience Glasgow’s vibrant nightlife with a visit to one of its many bars or live music venues.
Day 2: Culture and Art
Morning:
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: Start your day at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of Scotland’s most popular attractions to explore its diverse collection of art and artifacts. Give yourself a lot of time to explore this museum, as there are 2 floors full of incredible exhibits. If you are in the building at either 1pm or 3pm there is a organ performance to enjoy. NOTE: entrance to the museum is FREE.
University of Glasgow: Walk to the nearby University of Glasgow to explore its diverse collection of art and artifacts and admire the stunning architecture of the historic buildings and visit the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery.
Afternoon:
Riverside Museum and Tall Ship: Take a taxi, a 15 minute walk or public transport to the Riverside Museum, Glasgow’s Museum of Transport. This was a really interesting museum filled with everything related to transportation. Don’t miss the Tall Ship, the Glenlee, moored alongside the museum. If you want to grab a bite to ear, the museum has a coffee shop with snacks and coffee or a wonderful cafe where you can sit down and enjoy a meal ranging from soups to salads and sandwiches.
Evening:
Ashton Lane: Spend the evening on Ashton Lane, a cobblestone street famous for its bars, restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy dinner and perhaps catch a film at the Grosvenor Cinema.
Day 3: Parks and History
Morning:
Glasgow Green and the People’s Palace: Begin your day at Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest park.
The Barras Market: If it’s a weekend, explore the Barras Market, a bustling flea market offering everything from antiques to local crafts. Visit the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens to learn about Glasgow’s social history.
Afternoon:
The Lighthouse: Visit The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture.
Lunch in Finnieston: Have lunch in the trendy Finnieston area, known for its vibrant food scene. If you are feeling adventurous, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
Evening:
Clydeside Distillery:
Finish your evening with a tour and whisky tasting at the Clydeside Distillery. Then explore the interactive exhibits and enjoy the planetarium. Book your distillery tour tickets HERE.
Glasgow is a wonderfully vibrant city and spending 3 days here is a wonderful stop on your tour of this beautiful country called Scotland.
