Sometimes the best trips are the most spontaneous ones. The ones that come about because outside forces that you have no control over align themselves in such a way you feel fate has made it happen.
Or because you found cheap train tickets to a city you’ve never visited before and it’s another place to tick off your travel bucket list.
Either way works, I guess.
I’ve just come back from a fun filled 24 hours in Glasgow, but it wasn’t just the billy bargain train tickets that got me excited about this mini break to the largest city in Scotland. As soon as I asked for #Glasgow tips my twitter timeline was buzzing with shout-outs and advice on what to do in this cool city (huge thanks to everyone who made some cracking suggestions, I raise my glass of unpronounceable but tasty Scottish whiskey to you all!).
I’ve always said that you don’t have to spend the world to see the world. Savvy travelling on a budget not only gives you an extra smug feeling but also encourages you to maybe see and do things differently compared to if you had a purse full of cash to blow. So, here are my (and my lovely twitter chums) top 5 FREE things to do in Glasgow:
Being an unashamed bookworm I have an innate fondness for libraries, especially ones that are housed in stunning old buildings like this one is. It feels like you could have stepped back to the 1920’s as you wander down the Hogwarts-esque marbled corridors and glance at the breath-taking reading room where people had to queue to sit and read a book back then. Wait – let’s just think about that for a minute, library goers had to queue to be able to read a book. Knowing how many libraries are closing down today, that fact just blows my tiny mind and also makes me feel sad inside. Sigh.
This sumptuous glamour rapidly fades as you head further into the building and seem to take a step back to the 1970’s judging by the garish carpets but in a strange way this just adds to the charm of the place.
Located in the West End of Glasgow the gorgeous Victorian glasshouse is a real treat to step out of the cold February wind and into the comforting humidity of the large botanic gardens. Anyone else like the smell of a greenhouse? Just me then… After gazing up at the high ceilings and dodging palm tree leaves drooping over your head make your way into the killer plant room*.
*Let’s just manage expectations here: the plants in question are not human-flesh-eating-botanic-aliens. Instead they’re carnivorous, like venus fly traps, and use a range of methods to catch and trap their prey. Still pretty cool though!
Once you’re suitably warmed up head back outside and walk around the stunning landscaped gardens spotting people feeding the birds and ridiculously tame squirrels.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
For an art nube like me I’m always wary of going into art galleries in case it all just goes over my head. Think less of art buff and more uncultured vulture. But a visit to this Glaswegian museum and art gallery was something everyone seemed to recommend and I have to say I was happy to be proved wrong. With a range of exhibitions ranging from huge blooming heads, some ecstatically happy to scowling and grumpy, hanging from the high bright ceilings, to traditional Scottish art and an imposing and emotive Salvador Dali piece, there is something for everyone. Accessible art at its finest.
Not an actual lighthouse but Glasgow’s national centre for design and architecture is the place to pop in to if buildings give you a buzz and construction gives you chills. This funky space showcases the work of renowned designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh as well as local upcoming designers. The lighthouse is also a photographers dream. If you have the energy to climb the curly wurly staircase up the tower (entrance on level 3) you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views across the whole city. On a clear and bright day (apparently these can be quite rare in Glasgow) you can see for miles. This is the perfect spot to take in the rooftops, high rises and the cities famous landmarks spread out before you as you take a breather from those stairs.
Clyde River
You can’t visit Scotland and not stuff yourself with haggis and shortbread (this is my rule and I’m sticking to it) but in a bid to work off some of those calories, and if the weather is on your side, head down to the riverside and enjoy a stroll along the bank.
Buchanan Street is the place to pick up designer threads, high street faves and must-have accessories but for those travelling on a budget it’ll be more window shopping than maxing out your credit card that you’ll get to indulge in. However, don’t let this put you off as you don’t need to spend any cash to soak up the atmosphere wandering along hearing strains of bagpipes, passing bizarre street entertainers, artisan markets hidden down cobbled alleyways and impressive street art daubed on the sides of tall buildings.
What did I miss out from this list? I’d love to know your suggestions on things to do in Glasgow, purely so I have an excuse to go back!
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