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It turns out you can spend a really good weekend in Glasgow for a pretty low sum. I was surprised to find out that even though it’s the largest city in Scotland, there are so many free things to do in Glasgow. And unlike London, a visit won’t break the bank.
Growing up near the Scottish border, Glasgow was always just over an hour away by train. Yet, other than shopping trips and party weekends I’d never really experienced much of what else Glasgow had to offer. Retail therapy and nights out don’t come cheap, but there’s far more to Glasgow than that. So if you want a cheap UK weekend getaway, this might be the place for you.
Where is Glasgow?
Glasgow is the most populated city in Scotland, second to the nation’s capital and tourist favorite, Edinburgh. And while the East-coast capital gets a lot of attention for being a beautiful, historic and cultural city, Glasgow has a fair bit to offer itself.
Glasgow is a major international flight hub, and also being on a direct trainline from London, it makes it very accessible to would-be tourists. Just an hour past the border of England, Glasgow is easily combined with a trip to Cumbria’s Lake District.
Top free things to do in Glasgow
Big city, big costs? Actually no. There are some incredible free things to do in Glasgow, and plenty to keep you busy for a weekend.
In fact, with the right dining options and shopping around for a good budget hotel, you can probably have a weekend in Glasgow for £100 per person or less.
Keep reading to find out more about saving on a trip to Glasgow. But first, here are some fun free activities to fill in your itinerary.
Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery
The Kelvingrove is like London’s Natural History Museum, but more Scottish. That should be the tagline for this amazing museum and art gallery. Everything you love about London’s free museums is here in western Scotland’s city of Glasgow, but with less people and just as much awesomeness.
Dinosaurs? Check! Egyptian mummies? Check! Fine art? Check. Plus so much more, all wrapped up in a veritable architectural gem.
Every room and exhibition comes with a nod to its Scottish heritage, including a full on history lesson on why Glasgow has been such an important history in the UK.
Find out fascinating facts about tartan and discover diverse designs by Scottish art nouveau architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The Kelvingrove is a place you don’t want to miss and without a doubt one of the best free things to do in Glasgow.
Glasgow Cathedral
The later part of the 20th Century saw a lot of development in and around Glasgow. So famous is Glasgow’s regeneration that a lot of people forget it has some incredibly unique historic buildings. None more so than the 12th Century beauty that is Glasgow Cathedral.
This ginormous gothic church has incredible high-vaulted ceilings and stunning stained-glass windows. The final resting place of Scottish Saint Mungo, Glasgow Cathedral has an eerie lower church area sharing lots of local history.
Fans of the show Outlander may also recognize it as one of the filming locations of the series.
Glasgow Necropolis
A cemetery as a tourist destination? I know what you’re thinking but hear me out. The Glasgow Necropolis is no ordinary cemetery.
Situated next to the cathedral, this hilly plot of land is chock-full of fancy extravagant tombs that wind up the sloping path to the peak overlooking the city of Glasgow.
Check out some of the more elaborate epitaphs, or simply savor being high above the city where the hustle and bustle melts away. At the right angles you can get some pretty impressive views of the cathedral.
Street art tour of Glasgow
Who doesn’t love street art? It brightens up even the dullest of inner-city alleyways and run down buildings.
Glasgow has so much of these mood-brightening designs that they have created their very own mural trail. Follow along on the map yourself, or take a street art tour for added artistic insights.
You may recognize one of Glasgow’s most famous pieces, a man with two birds (above) but there are so many other original pieces too. Take a morning and walk the trail around the city – one of the best free things to do in Glasgow.
Riverside Museum
Buses, trains and automobiles. No, this is not the long-awaited sequel to the John Hughes classic comedy. It’s all you can see and more at the Riverside Museum & Tall Ship in Glasgow.
The transport museum has all kinds of cool displays for any nerdy train fan (guilty!) or kids who want to see a car with real-life roll-down windows.
Docked in the river Clyde out the back of the museum is the Glenlee tall ship. Afloat for 125 years and counting this ship has been around the globe more than a couple of times.
George Square
You could be lucky enough to be in Glasgow for one of it’s many events happening at George Square. From live music to parades or political events.
But even if there’s nothing happening, the city square is still surrounded by magnificent architectural gems on all sides.
Marvel at the Glasgow City Chambers guarded by two giant stone lion statues out front. And if you do want a most magical experience then visit in late November through December as the Glasgow Christmas Market is on in George Square.
Police Museum
One of the most unique and informative free things to do in Glasgow is a visit to the Police Museum. Entry might be free, but donations are very much welcomed.
Learn where the phrase “run like the clappers” came from, discover all the other big firsts of Britain’s first police force, and go Netflix-level deep into true crime stories from the city.
The museum is a little hidden and you have to be buzzed up to get into the building where it’s located. But the volunteers who work there are so enthusiastically informative you can really spend some time in this small museum.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
While a little bit more of a trek from the center of town than most of the other free things to do in Glasgow, the Botanic Gardens are worth the journey. With flowers and trees to see in any season, there are even indoor glasshouses for when it rains. There you’ll find some of the more tropical plants.
Get closer to your daily step count as you make your way around the vast Gardens. Then refresh and replenish at the tearooms with delicious teas, light lunches and sumptuous fresh-made cakes.
Transport Tip: Use the subway and get off at the Hillhead stop for the closest transit option to the Gardens – just a 5 minute walk.
Princes Square Shopping Centre
“But shopping isn’t free” you might argue. True, it’s not, but you don’t have to spend all your hard earned cash to appreciate the fantastic architecture involved in this shopping center.
The original building was built in the the 1840s and it was given a major update in the 1980s. A renovation that earned it the title of best Scottish building in a century.
The outside has a remarkable decorative ironwork peaco*ck adorning the façade. But the detail doesn’t stop there. Enter the arcade and it’s just as beautiful. The intertwining staircases scream Hogwarts castle moving staircase – don’t worry these ones don’t move.
Even if you don’t drop big bucks (or Pounds) make sure to check this arcade out. Incidentally it’s also a great place to dodge the rain on a classically British day.
How to have a weekend in Glasgow for less than £100 per person
Obviously if you’re traveling by yourself you’ll have to factor in paying for your accommodation by yourself. There are some good cheap options around, but traveling with someone else will help keep your costs down.
One such cheap option is the very central Z Hotel Glasgow. I was able to get a room with a double bed for £50 per night. If there are two of you visiting, that’s £50 each for 2 nights.
As for food, there are the usual suspects for cheap breakfasts: Pret a Manger, Tim Hortons etc. Or try a proper local cozy café like Café Sono by Glasgow Central station. You can easily get breakfast for around £5.
Some other great options for lunch and dinner are Pizza Punks complete with great vegan options and pizzas for around £10 each, or a local pub like the Drum and Monkey.
My cheap eats favorite was the University Café just a few minutes walk from the Kelvingrove. This Glasgow staple has been around for over 100 years, and has even served the legendary Anthony Bourdain. Get lunch including drink for under £10 here.
Have a couple of cheap drinks at one of Glasgow’s growing number of craft breweries. Drygate has a really good mango pale ale and WEST has a wide range of delicious brews. Get a flight for around £6 and sample a few different beers.
Unique treats in Glasgow
Looking for something fun and unique while in Glasgow? Check out the Harry Potter inspired café and bar, The Root of Magic.
Treat yourself to a Butterbeer Frappuccino or something a little stronger. For a less budget (but more fun) option, book a Potions co*cktail Class and learn to make your own boozy drinks.
Still craving sugar? Tantrum Doughnuts has you covered. This delectably delicious bakery has some really magnificent creations. The Salted Honey Ring is just amazing, but it’s the Pistachio & Hibiscus ring that really takes the cake…I mean donut!
Planning a budget trip to Glasgow
With so many free things to do in Glasgow, your only real costs will end up being accommodation and food. Sure, they are a decent chunk of any trip, but with budget options all over the city you don’t always have to break the bank.
Find a nice hotel with breakfast included and definitely make use of some of the local cheaper cafes and pubs.
For a cheaper trip, book well in advance for the best hotel rates and train ticket prices. I managed to get £20 roundtrip tickets from the border city of Carlisle.
However you choose to spend your time in Glasgow you won’t deny there are plenty of fun options. Spend a little, spend a lot, but make sure you take advantage of the awesome city of Glasgow. And don’t forget to get at least one Irn Bru!
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which of these free things to do in Glasgow is top of your list? What are some of your best budget travel tips when exploring a new city?
