I will have one free day in Glasgow while my husband is playing golf. What are the 3 best things to do there. I will be there in May 2017. As an alternative, I could go to Troon and try to get to one of the castles down that way. I would appreciate any ideas or advice.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
There are plenty of things to keep you busy in Glasgow. I really enjoyed the Tenement House. The Cathedral district is interesting as well. Also there is fantastic museum that I really need to visit, but haven't yet--the Riverside Museum. I visited it in an earlier incarnation. Kelvingrove is also interesting and well worth a visit. I liked the botanical gardens as well.
Pam
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Definitely go to Kelvingrove! Riverside Museum is great, too - and both are free.
Posted by
248 posts
Another vote for tenement house. Also Willow Tea Room.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I was there for four nights, and most enjoyed the People's Palace, the Tenement Museum, and the House For An Art Lover. I didn't get to the Kelvingrove, and liked but did not love the Riverside Museum (but there's certainly plenty to see there).
At least in September 2016, the Willow Tea Room on Sauchiehall Street were closed for renovation, and the Glasgow School of Art was completely obscured by scaffolding. There's another Willow Tea Room on Buchanan Street - I don't know the status of that one.
There's lots to see and do in Glasgow, so how you should spend your day depends on your tastes. As said above, many attractions are free. You may want to take a hop-on, hop-off bus for a single spin around the city; it runs every 10 minutes and stops at most attractions, so after one spin you could then see a few things easily.
If you want more details of my September 2016 visit, here's my trip report: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/uk-trip-report-glasgow-manchester-liverpool-in-september-2016
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7298 posts
There is a fantastic modern art museum in the extremely attractive park. Probably before 9/11, as well as before the FIRE, I was able to walk in the door and around the halls of the landmark art school. The "real" willow tea room was worth the wait in line - and I was also a solo guest. You don't need to leave town.
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1643 posts
The long list or the short? Glasgow has 20% of the population of Scotland in its periphery.
The Riverside, Cathedral, Burrell, Kelvingrove, Tenement, Scotland St School, MoMA, and that is just off the top of my head. There is more than plenty for one day in Glasgow!