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Europe United Kingdom Glasgow Do & See Glasgow School of Art

Overview

Glasgow School of Art

The guide was updated: 2023-11-09

When it comes to architecture in Glasgow, Charles Rennie Mackintosh is the name you'll hear time and again. Best known for his work in the Art Nouveau style, Mackintosh left an indelible mark on the city, with the 1898 Glasgow School of Art as the crown jewel. Nowadays, the school isn't just about educating the next generation of artists — it's also about appreciating its rich history.

Useful Information

Address: 167 Renfrew Street, Glasgow
Website: www.gsa.ac.uk
Public Transport: Cowcaddens underground station (5 minutes' walk)
Phone: +44 141 353 4500
Email: info@gsa.ac.uk

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow is an ideal destination for those with limited time to explore the city, offering free admission to its imposing premises in a leafy Victorian park bearing the same name. With 22 galleries spanning diverse themes, the museum caters to a wide range of interests and is also particularly child-friendly. Visitors can immerse themselves in natural history, art, local history and explore a vast array of artifacts from around the globe, with highlights that include works by Salvador Dalí and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

This floral haven in West End is the place to end all city walks and give rest to your senses amidst a plant collection spreading over 20 hectares. Visit the imposing Kibble Palace, join guided tours and follow the events organised for various ages, all free of charge.

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral

With the first stones laid in 1136, Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest in mainland Scotland, but its origins date back even earlier to the 6th century. Here you can immerse yourself in the details of Gothic architecture and the relics of medieval history.

Auchentoshan Distillery

Auchentoshan Distillery

Established in 1823, Auchentoshan Distillery proudly proclaims its ties to a city with such history as Glasgow, the establishment also being an essential part of the local heritage. Through various guided tours and tasting events, visitors can explore the history and the whisky-making process of this single malt distillery, while also indulging in unique cocktail creations and a remarkable gift selection.

Cycling in Glasgow

Cycling in Glasgow

A guided tour by bike is a great way to explore Glasgow's landmarks from a new angle, meet new people and work off last night's haggis. The tours often touch upon big-name watering holes, and you can choose from a range of themes or even organise a completely custom trip.

Glasgow City Chambers

Glasgow City Chambers

Inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1888 and housing the Glasgow City Council since 1996, the City Chambers in George Square is one of the most iconic elements of Glasgow's cityscape. The building is open for the public to admire the marble ornaments, paintings and imposing rooms such as the banqueting hall.

Pollok Country Park

Pollok Country Park

Whether it's cycling or a relaxing picnic you are after, the city's only, 146-hectare country park is a scenic location for any outdoor programme. Beyond the treasures of nature — such as the popular Highland cattle — the park also houses the Pollok House and the Burrell Collection with their impressive art collections.

The Necropolis

The Necropolis

East of the city's prominent cathedral, the Glasgow Necropolis is where fifty thousand — including numerous prominent figures — found eternal rest over the course of the 19th century. Guided tours are available to explore the architecture and stories preserved in this 15-hectare Victorian cemetery.

House for an Art Lover

House for an Art Lover

Designed inside and out by the internationally acclaimed Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the House for an Art Lover is an arts centre in Southside's spectacular Bellahouston Park. The venue is also a popular choice for private celebrations, and houses a café that well lives up to its environment, making for a sublime location for afternoon tea.

Celtic Park

Celtic Park

The Celtic Football Club was founded in Glasgow in the late 1880s by two Irish priests in a bid to raise money in the city's poor East End. The club has since become one of the most successful in Scotland and is the winner of over 50 Scottish League Championships and dozens of other cups, including one European Cup. Celtic Park is the perfect place to get a taste of the spirit surrounding the club, and other events too are hosted here at times.

University of Glasgow

University of Glasgow

Through guided tours or individually, visitors can stroll through this imposing campus and explore its 500-year history. On-site landmarks include the Hunterian Museum, Art Gallery and the Zoology Museum — or why not just soak up vibes at the students' favourite cafés and restaurants.

Road A82 to Inverness

Road A82 to Inverness

Spanning 270 kilometres, this picturesque route traces its path from Glasgow to Inverness via Fort William. Majestic mountains — including the highest, Ben Nevis — stand tall on either side of the road, accompanied by twists and turns leading to notable sights such as the legendary Loch Ness and Loch Lomond. Other engaging landmarks include castles like Urquhart and adventurous trails for climbing and hiking, most notably Glen Coe.

West Highland Line

West Highland Line

This train journey from Glasgow to Mallaig — and through another branch to Oban — transports you into the breathtaking wilderness of western Scotland not many eyes get to see. Admire the highlands, lakes, national parks and some of the smallest stations in the network, and keep your eyes peeled for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in Harry Potter movies.

Glasgow School of Art

Glasgow School of Art

When it comes to architecture in Glasgow, Charles Rennie Mackintosh is the name you'll hear time and again. Best known for his work in the Art Nouveau style, Mackintosh left an indelible mark on the city, with the 1898 Glasgow School of Art as the crown jewel. Nowadays, the school isn't just about educating the next generation of artists — it's also about appreciating its rich history.

The Burrell Collection

The Burrell Collection

The Burrell Collection, held by many to be one of the world's finest private art collections, was founded in 1983 and donated by industrialist Sir William Burrell to the City of Glasgow. It includes everything from Chinese porcelain to paintings by Renoir and Cézanne. Various happenings occur throughout the year.

Glasgow Science Centre

Glasgow Science Centre

With a mission to bring science to all kinds of audiences, Glasgow Science Centre on the south bank of the River Clyde houses numerous events, workshops and exhibitions. Surely they have IMAX, but it has some serious competitors on the entertainment front, such as the bodyworks show and the science theatre.

King's Theatre

King's Theatre

A cherished cultural gem, King's Theatre has been enchanting audiences since its opening in 1904. This historic venue hosts a diverse array of shows, including dance performances, musicals and comedy shows. The theatre also offers workshops as unique opportunities of insight into the world of performing arts.

Hunterian Art Gallery

Hunterian Art Gallery

This rather peculiar museum consists almost exclusively of items donated by one collector, and Glasgow University student, William Hunter. These range from rather normal geological artefacts to deformed animal skeletons, scientific curiosities, human organs preserved in jars, and even a mummy.

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art

The museum tackles a rather complex task of exploring the global religious faiths and taking a closer look at what it is that makes them different from one another: their perceptions of life and death, as well as brief histories, are presented in an artistic way.

Tennents Wellpark Brewery

Tennents Wellpark Brewery

One of Scotland's favourite breweries now offers tours conducted by knowledgeable guides, who provide visitors with an insight of the over 450-year old brewing tradition of Wellpark Brewery. Beer tasting is included in the tour price and bookings should be made in advance.

Tenement House

Tenement House

Visit the Tenement House and learn all about what everyday life was like in the early years of the 20th century. The house belonged to Miss Agnes Toward, whose personal belongings are still contained in the building, where gas lighting was installed to portray the original atmosphere of the home.

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

When you think of theatre, you might not immediately think of mechanical sculptures — but that's exactly what you'll find at the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. The theatre showcases intricate mechanised figures that "perform" thought-provoking shows on life's big questions. Perfect for both kids and adults, it's a collaborative wonder featuring the work of sculptor-mechanic Eduard Bersudsky, theatre director Tatyana Jakovskaya, and light and sound designer Sergey Jakovsky.

Glasgow Tigers Speedway

Glasgow Tigers Speedway

For motor sport fans, the Glasgow Tigers Speedway is a must with weekly competitions, excellent viewing points (including from the in-house bar) and even a children's "Growlers Club" where the young ones get to meet the Tiger's mascot.

Glasgow West End

Glasgow West End

The West End area contains some of the best cafes, bars and stores in town (check Woodlands Road for eateries). It is home to the stunning Botanic Gardens, the University campus and Kelvingrove Museum & Park. Make sure to include Byers Road, Great Western Road and Ashton Lane into your itinerary.

Ibrox Stadium

Ibrox Stadium

In the 1870s, four young fellows met to talk about their dream to have their own football club. Rangers Football Club was founded soon after and is, nowadays, the most successful Scottish football team and eternal rival of Celtic Football Club.

Glasgow Central Tours

Glasgow Central Tours

One of Glasgow's most exhilarating guided tours is one that takes you on an adventure through the hidden, underground part of the iconic central train station building. Explore the tunnels, winding stairwells, abandoned stations and railway lines all hidden beneath the busy transport hub.

Riverside Museum

Riverside Museum

Winner of the European Museum of the Year award (2013), the Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel contains some rare example of vintage vehicles, ranging from old-model trams to cars and even chariots. The state-of-the-art interactive displays and exhibits are guaranteed to appeal to various age groups.

National Piping Centre

National Piping Centre

Learn everything about the history and significance of the Highland Bagpipe, the quintessential Scottish musical instrument, and possibly get a chance to have a go at playing a tune yourself on one of the guided tours offered at the National Piping Center.

The Wee Food Tour

The Wee Food Tour

Fancy a journey for your taste buds? Look no further than the Wee Food Tour, guided by locals who know their haggis from their "cullen skink" — that's a hearty Scottish soup made with haddock, onions and potatoes, by the way. This popular tour will whisk you away to hidden gems serving the best of Scottish fare, from the traditional to the downright indulgent — think deep-fried pizza! It's a cracking way to get a real flavour of the area, led by people who know it best.

The Tall Ship Glenlee

The Tall Ship Glenlee

A visit to SV Glenlee is a glimpse into Glasgow's nautical history. This former cargo sailing ship has been lovingly restored and transformed into one of Glasgow's prime attractions. Climb aboard and roam from the captain's quarters to the engine room, soaking up the maritime atmosphere. Got little adventurers in tow? They'll be well entertained in the ship's dedicated play area. Audio guides are at your disposal for a more enriching visit. It's not just a ship; it's a glimpse into Glasgow's nautical history.

Buchanan Street

Buchanan Street

One of Glasgow's main arteries is a lively, pedestrian-friendly street with an abundance of shopping locales, eateries, street performers, and some prime examples of fine Scottish architecture. A shopping hotspot by day, it's also home to some very popular bars and remains busy until late.

Scottish Football Museum

Scottish Football Museum

If you are a football fan, then head over to this museum and learn more about the history of Scottish football. The museum is located at Hampden Park and includes a great football collection, 2,500 objects on display to be exact. This is a great pastime pick for the whole family.

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