It won’t come as a surprise to most people that Glasgow is a popular tourist destination. It’s a lively, exciting city like no other, and there’s always something new to see or do.
This Scottish city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, and with good reason! It has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and some of the best pubs in the world. But what’s it like to visit in winter?
This port city on the River Clyde in Scotland’s western Lowlands is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. Its presence is pure proof of the rich legacy of the city’s 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. With the years passing and the world evolving, Glasgow has now become home to some of Scotland’s best cultural attractions, set to entertain its visitors.
There are various Things to do in Glasgow in winter which engage the crowd. Most times, many travellers wonder what would be the right activities to enjoy the best of the city as well as the season. That is why this blog needs to find its rightful owners!
We’ve compiled this list of things to do when visiting Glasgow in winter to help you get a feel for what you can expect.
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The Best Things to do in Glasgow in winter
- Preparing for your trip to Glasgow
- Where to stay in Glasgow
- George Square
- Glasgow Cathedral
- Necropolis
- St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour
- Glasgow Botanic Gardens
- Tennent’s Brewery Tour
- Flavourful tour of the city
- Before you leave for Glasgow
Planning your trip to Glasgow
Where to Stay in Glasgow
There is a wide range of accommodations, including boutique hotels in Glasgow, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Glasgow for any budget.
Luxury – Located beside Glasgow’s Queen Street Station and only a couple of minutes walk from Buchannan Street shopping district and George Square’s fantastic bars and restaurants. Carlton George Hotel offers luxury suites with a complimentary mini-bar.
Book your stay at the Carlton George Hotel here.
Mid-range – Motel One is located beside Glasgow Central Station and is in close proximity to the city’s shopping district and nightlife.
Book your stay at the Motel One here.
Budget – Located in the heart of Glasgow’s shopping district, Alexander Thompson is a budget-friendly accommodation and is perfect for a short or long stay in Glasgow’s city centre.
Book your stay at the Alexander Thompson here.
If hostels are more your social scene, there is a huge range of hostels to choose from in and around Glasgow. When it comes to location, one of the most central hostels is the Clyde Hostel which is just a 10-minute walk west of Sauchiehall Street’s bars and clubs.
If these options don’t suit your needs, Book your stay at a different Glasgow hostel right here.
George Square
Glasgow’s George Square is probably the heart of the city. This hotspot is a magical place as all around the year it remains a casual spot. As soon as winters arrive, this spot usually turns into a winter wonderland where Christmas markets are held and lights are lit around the square.
George Square was built as a grand residential square but was eventually redeveloped and turned into the city’s principal civic space. As per historical facts, it is named after King George III. It opened in 1787 and since then has been a public space hosting various events all throughout the year.
One of the major events that take place here is the famous Christmas market. One of the things to do in Glasgow at Christmas is to visit this local’s favourite spot. Decked up with twinkly lights, the market has many stalls with ornaments, Christmas decorations, wreaths and so much more.
If you are looking for a good bag for your time exploring Glasgow, we can highly recommend the Wandrd Bag PRVKE 41L, especially if you are carrying camera equipment around the city. If you are looking for a smaller backpack, The Nest by Tropicfeel is one of the most comfortable bags I have ever owned and perfect for a city break.
Glasgow Cathedral
If you wish to explore one of Scotland’s highly treasured and Gothic-styled buildings, visit the Glasgow Cathedral. This marvel has been a part of history and stands erect till date to prove its presence. It houses fascinating relics of medieval history and a notable collection of stained-glass windows which has stayed as proof of the historical changes and development Glasgow has witnessed.
Although there aren’t many guides available during winter, tourists still visit the Cathedral in large numbers.
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Necropolis
Many tourists visit Necropolis after finding out why its known as the “City of the dead”. This magnificent Victorian garden cemetery is known for its wonderful architecture and fascinating stories.
It might sound weird but the cemetery attracts a lot of visitors who marvel at its architecture. It is believed that fifty thousand burials have taken place here, and there are around thirty-five hundred tombs present. This sounds scary, but once you visit here, you’ll be witness to a lush green scenic space, full of nature’s wonders and wildlife. This is one of the great free things to do in Glasgow.
There are also many great day trips from Glasgow that are beautiful to visit during winter. You may get to see the snowcovered mountains as you venture north. You can read more about the day trips from Glasgow here.
St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art
One of the highly cherished museums of Glasgow, St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art is the place to be at. If you wish to unfold the raw side of the history of this place, include a visit to the museum in your Things to do in Glasgow in winter.
As per the history legends, the museum is named after Glasgow’s patron saint who brought the Christian faith to Scotland in the sixth century. If you are looking for a place to visit in order to avoid the hustle-bustle of the city, the museum would be your haven. It has galleries which are filled with works of art and artefacts. They explore the importance of religion in people’s lives across the world and across time. This helps the visitors get an idea of the time that has passed and how the city has evolved.
Glengoyne Distillery Tour
During the winter months in Glasgow, one of the best activities to do is a distillery tour. Nestled on Glasgow’s doorstep, Glengoyne is a Highland distillery that has been unhurried since 1833. Known for its slow distillation process, Glengoyne creates a complex, fruity, and award-winning single malt whisky that is sure to delight your senses.
The Glengoyne Distillery Tour offers visitors an in-depth look at the traditional methods used in whisky production. Discover how the barley is air-dried, the slowest stills in Scotland are used, and the casks take six years to prepare. The tour also provides an opportunity to meet the team behind this exceptional whisky and taste and enjoy a dram or two.
During your visit, explore the Glengoyne collection featuring a variety of single malt ages, from the brazil nuts and soft oak of the 10 Year Old to the perfect balance of the 18 Year Old, and the distinctive Christmas cake character of the 21 Year Old. This is a great distillery to visit on your trip to Glasgow.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
During your search for the best things to do in Glasgow in winter, visiting the Botanic Gardens would be the correct choice. Many tourists want to find a place to relax and just admire nature’s beauty and the gardens prove to be the right place.
Managed by the Glasgow City Council, the Botanic Gardens houses a huge variety of flora and fauna. Some of them need proper protection and for them, there are several glasshouses within the premises. Present here is a wide variety of tropical flora and temperate plants and a herb garden. Also, a chronological bed with beautiful plants arranged as per their introduction to the UK’s national Collection of tree ferns is present in order to help educate the visitors.
Amongst the various glasshouses present in the Botanic Garden, there is one very popular amongst the locals as well as visitors. Kibble Palace has gained many visitors over the years with its beautiful structure and ambience. The glasshouse was designed by James Cousland and James Boucher for John Kibble. It was designed and established in the 19th century and is a wrought iron-framed glasshouse. It is believed that it houses a great collection of carnivorous plants, orchids, and tree ferns. Alongwith the flora, the sculpture of King Robert of Sicily, The Nubian Slave, and The Sisters of Bethany is also present.
Tennent’s Brewery Tour
The Tennent’s Brewery Tour is an exciting experience for beer lovers visiting Glasgow, especially during the winter season. The tour offers visitors an immersive and informative insight into the brewing process and history of Tennent’s Lager, one of Scotland’s most iconic beers.
During the winter months, the brewery tour is particularly enjoyable as it provides an excellent escape from the cold weather outside. The cozy and warm interior of the brewery is a welcoming retreat, and the tasting session featuring several varieties of Tennent’s Lager is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.
The friendly and knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the history of the brewery and how Tennent’s Lager became a significant part of Scottish culture. Visitors can also explore the Tennent’s Training Academy, where they can learn how to pour the perfect pint or make their own pizza.
The Tennent’s Brewery Tour is an excellent way to spend a winter day in Glasgow, and it’s suitable for beer enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of beer, the tour offers a fun and informative experience that’s sure to leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and with a newfound appreciation for Scottish beer.
Flavourful tour of the city
To truly get a taste of Glasgow, take a stroll through the city’s laneways and embark on a delicious culinary adventure. Glasgow boasts an array of traditional Scottish dishes that are particularly popular during the winter season.
The city takes pride in preserving age-old recipes while also introducing fresh takes on classic dishes. So, while exploring Glasgow, you’ll find a mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine. We are vegetarian and we are finding that there a lot more vegetarian alternatives of these traditional Scottish foods as well.
Here are some of the must-try Scottish foods that will make your winter trip to Glasgow unforgettable:
Haggis – a savory pudding made using sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats and spices, and served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes). Nowadays, it is more likely that the haggis will be made from a mix of mince with lentils and herbs and spices.
Cullen Skink – a hearty soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream
Cock-a-Leekie Soup – a traditional Scottish soup made with chicken, leeks, and prunes
Cranachan – a Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, toasted oats, and honey
Black Pudding – a type of sausage made using pork blood and oatmeal
Lorne Sausage – a square-shaped sausage made with minced beef and pork, bread crumbs, and spices
Clootie Dumpling – a sweet, steamed pudding made with dried fruit, spices, and suet
Tablet – a sweet, crumbly fudge-like confection made with condensed milk, butter, and sugar
Empire Biscuits – a classic Scottish biscuit made up of two shortbread biscuits sandwiched together with a layer of jam and topped with icing
Irn Bru – Scotland’s most popular soft drink, with a unique flavor that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget
With these Scottish delicacies, your winter visit to Glasgow will be a culinary delight.
Before You Leave for Glasgow
Before you set off on your way to Glasgow, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Scotland. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Glasgow
Glasgow is a lively city in Scotland, attracting tourists from all over the world with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. Getting to Glasgow is easy, as the city is well-connected to major cities in the UK and other parts of the world.
By Air: Glasgow has two major airports, Glasgow International Airport and Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Both airports are well-connected to major cities in the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world through several airlines. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to reach your destination in Glasgow. Glasgow International Airport is closer to the city centre.
Book your flight to Glasgow here.
By Train: Glasgow is easily accessible by train from major cities in the UK, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street are the two main train stations in the city, and both offer excellent connectivity to other parts of the UK.
Book your train to Glasgow here.
By Bus: Several bus operators offer services to Glasgow from various cities in the UK. The bus journey may take longer than a train journey, but it is often a more cost-effective option.
By Car: Glasgow is well-connected to other parts of Scotland and the UK through several motorways, including the M8, M74, and M77. Driving to Glasgow can be an enjoyable experience, as the Scottish countryside offers some breathtaking views.
Where to Stay in Glasgow
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Glasgow, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Glasgow for any budget.
Luxury – Located beside Glasgow’s Queen Street Station and only a couple of minutes walk from Buchannan Street shopping district and George Square’s fantastic bars and restaurants. Carlton George Hotel offers luxury suites with a complimentary mini-bar.
Book your stay at the Carlton George Hotel here.
Mid-range – Motel One is located beside Glasgow Central Station and is in close proximity to the city’s shopping district and nightlife.
Book your stay at the Motel One here.
Budget – Located in the heart of Glasgow’s shopping district, Alexander Thompson is a budget-friendly accommodation and is perfect for a short or long stay in Glasgow’s city centre.
Book your stay at the Alexander Thompson here.
If hostels are more your social scene, there is a huge range of hostels to choose from in and around Glasgow. When it comes to location, one of the most central hostels is the Clyde Hostel which is just a 10-minute walk west of Sauchiehall Street’s bars and clubs.
If these options don’t suit your needs, Book your stay at a different Glasgow hostel right here.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Glasgow
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your trip to the Glasgow, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots (men’s / women’s). A lot of the best sights on Glasgow require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Glasgow, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Shure VP83 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socket
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Glasgow
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your guide to visiting Glasgow in winter. If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience in Glasgow.
If you are planning a Scotland trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- The Best Day Trips From Glasgow
- 15 Amazing Free Things to do in Glasgow
- People Make Glasgow: Pocket Guide to Glasgow
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