Want to visit Scotland’s largest city on a shoestring budget? Luckily, Glasgow offers plenty of free indoor and outdoor activities to suit all tastes and ages!
From incredible art collections and quirky museums to scenic parks and bountiful green spaces – your trip to Glasgow will be packed with lots of exciting – and most importantly – completely free sightseeing activities.
Ready to go? Here’s our list of top free things to do in Glasgow:
Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
In terms of free museums, Glasgow offers some impressive options. Head to the Hunterian Museum, Scotland’s oldest public museum and also home to one of the biggest collections. Expect to see works ranging from paintings to fossils, all the way to Ancient Roman artefacts and dinosaurs!
Founded in 1807, the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery was created to showcase scientific developments, help people learn about the wonders of the world and to provide a place for study to university students. The museum makes for a great family outing, keeping both children and adults entertained.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm and is free for everyone to visit.
Free City Tours Glasgow
If you’re looking for free days out in Glasgow, then you can’t go wrong with walking tours. Join the daily Glasgow Free Tour which departs from George Square every morning at 10.30 AM.
This two-hour guided tour will take you through some of Glasgow’s main sights. You’ll see Glasgow’s Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Scotland and the oldest building in Glasgow dating back to 1136! Also on the tour are the City Chambers and majestic University of Glasgow, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city that’s also the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world.
Don’t forget to book your tour in advance, free events get snapped up quickly!
Outdoors Glasgow Day Trips
Did you know that in Gaelic, Glasgow (Glaschu) literally means ‘green place’? In fact, with so many green spaces to visit, you’re in for a real treat! As such, no trip to Glasgow would be complete without visiting the Botanic Gardens and its majestic glasshouses like Kibble Palace.
With an incredible collection of exotic and native plants – it’s the perfect place to visit to learn more about the world’s flora, but also great if you just want to come along for a scenic stroll! The impressive 19th century curved wrought iron and glass Kibble Palace hosts many rare tropical plants including orchids, ferns as well as carnivorous plants.
The Botanic Gardens are free to visit and open all year round from 7 AM to dusk.
Indoors Glasgow Day Trips
Whether you’re sheltering from the rain, looking for some warmth in winter or getting some respite from the sweltering sun in summer – there are plenty of free things to do in Glasgow for those looking to stay indoors.
Head to The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture which hosts art and design exhibitions. This impressive museum was designed by the city’s renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and completed in 1895. Don’t forget to head up the incredible helical staircase up to the viewing platform to get breathtaking city views over Glasgow.
The Lighthouse is open Monday to Saturday between 10.30 AM and 5 PM and is free to visit for all.
Day Trips from Glasgow
Curious to explore Glasgow’s surrounding countryside? One of the main benefits of travelling to Scotland by car is the freedom to discover all areas at your own pace and convenience.
One of the best day trips from Glasgow is only a 40-minute drive away from the city centre. Visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a tranquil oasis where the lowlands and highlands meet, offering incredible views over the deep blue lochs. Go for a scenic hike over Loch Lomond: the Craig Liath Viewpoint Loop is an easy hike suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
To reach Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park from Glasgow, take the A81 and B829 roads.
Book your Larne to Cairnryan ferry and explore Glasgow and its breath-taking surrounding countryside – all from the comfort of your own car.
