Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Glasgow, Scotland

April 22, 2022 Nicolette Lion

As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is famed for its culture, shopping and people. Spend your day exploring a wide range of fascinating free museums and galleries, enjoying the UK’s best shopping outside of London, and taking advantage of tips from friendly local people on the city’s hidden gems — then choose from 130+ weekly musical events for a special night out. Glasgow is also the perfect base for exploring more of Scotland, with great connections to the Highlands and the islands.
Restaurants in Glasgow

1. The Mackintosh House

82 Hillhead Street, Glasgow G12 8QE Scotland +44 141 330 4221 [email protected] http://www.glasgow.ac.uk/hunterian
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,027 reviews

The Mackintosh House

The beautiful home of Charles Mackintosh, the turn-of-the-century Scottish architect and artist who brought international fame to the city of Glasgow. The Mackintosh House remain closed for now. We will provide an update on our reopening plans as soon as possible.

Reviewed By MadalynH7 - Huddersfield, United Kingdom

Located within the Hunterian Art Gallery this is a wonderful reconstruction of the MacIntosh's terrace house, with much original furniture. Very attractive and very well done.

2. The Glasgow School of Art

167 Renfrew Street, Glasgow G3 6RQ Scotland +44 141 353 4500 [email protected] http://www.gsa.ac.uk
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,849 reviews

The Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art is currently closed to visitors following a fire on 15th June 2018, with all tours cancelled until further notice. This includes access to the visitor centre, GSA Shop and exhibitions in the Reid Building, Mackintosh at the GSA Tours and Mackintosh's Glasgow Walking Tours.

3. The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3NY Scotland +44 141 287 5511 http://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 798 reviews

The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Most of the city's major musical performances and operas are held here.

Reviewed By LinguiJosh - Gosport, United Kingdom

I came here from Edinburgh on 3rd February for the Boyzlife (support 'Katie Kittermaster') concert, and was immediately welcomed into the venue. The front of house usher was very friendly, directing me where to go and ensuring that I was aware of anything necessary. They made all the adjustments for others that you could possibly ask for, and were accommodating. During the concert itself, the staff were very lenient but firm when they needed to be (and given the type of concert that it was, unlike many others), this is something I imagine they needed to take into consideration greatly. Presentation-wise, it's clear that they care greatly; the toilets were spotless, the venue itself was immaculate, and they made good use of the function room afterwards for the merchandise stalls. I had absolutely no issues here, and was happy with the service I received.

4. House for an Art Lover

10 Dumbreck Road Bellahouston Park, Glasgow G41 5BW Scotland +44 141 483 1600 [email protected] http://www.houseforanartlover.co.uk/
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,211 reviews

House for an Art Lover

Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901 and built in the attractive setting of Bellahouston Park in the 1990s, House for an Art Lover allows the visitor an insight into Mackintosh's renowned talent not just as an architect, but as a an artist, designer and pioneer of the Modern Movement. The venue runs regular arts themed events and is home to the popular Art Lover's Cafe.

Reviewed By Tinkypaws - Glasgow, United Kingdom

My partner and I very much enjoyed our recent visit to the House for an Art Lover. We felt safe, the staff were excellent, the afternoon tea scrumptious and the music room beautiful. Thank you for providing such a lovely, peaceful atmosphere.

Kelvingrove Art Galleries Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG Scotland +44 141 276 9599 [email protected] http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/kelvingrove/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15,301 reviews

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Free Entry. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Mu​seum is Scotland's most visited free attraction.​ With 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, the collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally-significant.

Reviewed By mkoperabuff

Great museum fabulous art deco MacIntosh exhibits, natural history, social and Scottish history, furniture, decorations and marvelous paintings of Scottish, French, Dutch, English and other masterpieces, e.g. Rossetti, Turner, Monet, Cezanne. Beautiful high Victorian opulent building, organ concert, nice cafe and shops and free, please shop or leave a donation well worth it. Great for children too especially the natural history exhibits.

6. Merchant City

Glasgow Scotland +44 141 552 3138 http://merchantsquareglasgow.com
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 761 reviews

Merchant City

Self-guided walking tour maps are available from George Square Tourist Office of Merchant City, now a vibrant historic cafe quarter and designer-shopping mecca. Highlights of this tour, which dates back to medieval times, include the grand neo-classical halls and Georgian townhouses built for Glasgow's rich tobacco barons and shipping merchants.

Reviewed By ian_dempster - Wigan, United Kingdom

Merchant city is a great area full of splendid buildings restaurants bars and as a great vibe. Love the converted fruit market.

7. The Tenement House

Tenement House 145 Buccleuch Street, Glasgow G3 6QN Scotland +44 141 333 0183 [email protected] http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Tenement-House/
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 697 reviews

The Tenement House

** Currently closed due to Covid 19 crisis ** The Tenement House is a National Trust for Scotland property in Glasgow's City Centre. With 1892 original features it provides a rare glimpse into life in Glasgow in the early 20th century. The house, lived in by Miss Agnes Toward for over half a century is a unique opportunity to experience collections in their unchanged environment. See what it meant to be an 'independent woman' in the first half of the 20th century; experience how ordinary folk lived, and appreciate how many of the household amenities we now take for granted were considered luxuries less than a century ago. Authentic gas lighting has been installed to recreate the atmosphere of the house, which didn't have electric lighting until 1960. An exhibition on the ground floor makes the most of Miss Toward's extensive personal archive, providing a valuable time capsule for visitors today. Toilet facilities and a gift shop are available on the exhibition floor.

Reviewed By Medievalhistorylover

Looked after by the NTS, the House gives an insight into tenement dwellings in the early 1900's. Photos (without flash) can be taken; the guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. If walking to the property, the easiest (and quickest) route is from Sauchiehall Street and following the brown tourist attraction signs.

8. City Chambers

80 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DU Scotland +44 141 287 2000 http://glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 983 reviews

City Chambers

Inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1888, Glasgow City Chambers dominates George Square and is currently home to Glasgow City Council. The grand marble staircase and banqueting hall are among the building's many highlights. Free guided tours are conducted at 10:30am and 2:30pm on weekdays except public holidays and special events.

Reviewed By cindyb1973

Although we did not get to actually tour this building, we were able to walk around the lobby/reception area, Absolutely gorgeous place, gorgeous marble and stairways, I believe guided tours are also available, we were just there after hours but there was a staff person at the reception desk and he was very helpful. And the United States Statue of Liberty stands on top of this building!!! Across the street from this building is George Square that boasts several statues and memorial sites, easy walk around and informative as well.

9. Glengoyne Distillery

Dumgoyne, Glasgow G63 9LB Scotland +44 1360 550254 [email protected] https://www.glengoyne.com/visit-us/distillery-visits
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,562 reviews

Glengoyne Distillery

Often described as "Scotland's Most Beautiful Distillery", Glengoyne is open 7 days for a range of unique whisky tasting experiences. Just a short drive from Glasgow, Stirling and Loch Lomond, this traditional, hard working distillery has been flourishing since 1833. Glengoyne's range of in-depth distillery experiences includes the legendary Malt Master session where guests create their very own individual whisky to take home.

Reviewed By BillPNo1 - Friendswood, United States

Midday on our first day of walking The West Highland Way, we came upon the Glengoyne Distillery and felt obliged to stop and take the "Best Whisky Tour in Scotland". Having not taken any other Whisky Tours in Scotland, I can't verify the superlative claim but I was very well plaeased with trhe tour and the included tasting. Not usually a Scotch drinker (my tastes usually prefer Bourbon) I was pleasantly surprised to see how well I enjoyed the very good taste of the Glengoyne Single Malt Whisky! I tasted the 12 year old Glengoyne, on the "Glengoyne Tour"but in retrospect, I wish that I had taken the "Wee Tasting Tour" which also included a tasting of the 18 year-old Glengoyne Old Highland Single Malt Whisky. The tour of the distillery was very informative and I learned a lot about the process and procedures. I would like to take the tour again if the opportunity presents.

10. Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Royal Infirmary Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF Scotland +44 141 552 6891 http://www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk/
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,963 reviews

Glasgow Cathedral

The medieval Glasgow Cathedral has been in constant use for worship for over 800 years, and is of great architectural and historic interest. Highlights include one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows in Britain, and the ceiling in the Blackadder Aisle which was built around 1500 by Archbishop Blackadder. Cared for by Historic Scotland and open to visitors throughout the year from 9.30am except Sundays when it is open at 1pm. Recitals and special family events are a regular feature. Closing times vary seasonally.

Reviewed By 743iftikhara

We arrived 2 days earlier than our guided Scotland and Ireland tour. These are the things everyone must do here. The Glasgow Cathedral, The Necropolis and the Tennent's Brewery. Tennent's Lager is on tap in every bar in Scotland and Ireland. Even if you dont like beer. You must have a pint from a tap. At the Cathedral, St. Mungo , Glasgow's patron saint from the 6th century, lies buried under the slabs of the church, we met a gentleman volunteer who took us on a tour and was a wealth of knowledge. He refused to accept money. Find a volunteer/guide. You will not return as the same person. The Necropolis is so amazing. Read up on it before you go. Also get on the hop on hop off to see other sites. Its cheap. You will not regret it. (We went in 2017) Need at least 2 to 3 days.

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