Only 24 hours? How To Spend One Day in Glasgow, Scotland 2023

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, so it’s almost impossible to see everything in one day. You can still try, though! No matter if it’s a last-minute trip or a quick tour, all it takes is a few minutes of immersion to see the city for what it really is. Explore our 24-hour travel guide to Glasgow and take in the enticing atmosphere of the Dear Green Place.

Table of Contents

One Day in Glasgow: #Morning

If a job is important, it’s important to do it well. That includes the morning meal! Start the day with a memorable breakfast at the famous Cafe Gandolfi in Glasgow. The restaurant is in the city’s old cheesemarket and is known for its fluffy pancakes, eggs cooked in every way possible, full Scottish, and freshly squeezed juice. This is a winner because of the honest Scottish ingredients, the effortlessly cool design, and the unique tastes.

Only 24 hours? How To Spend One Day in Glasgow, Scotland 2023 — Pancakes | © Kurman Communications/Flickr

After taking in the atmosphere in Merchant City and watching life go by in Glasgow, start walking toward George Square to see the City Chambers, an architectural masterpiece that Queen Victoria opened in 1888. Every luxurious detail points back to the time when Glasgow was the second largest city in the British Empire. The free tours are great, but nothing can prepare you for the staircase, which is made of shining Italian Carrara marble and is the largest of its kind in Western Europe. Modern art from around the world and around the corner can be seen at the nearby GoMA.

Next up is the Lighthouse, which is Scotland’s Center for Architecture and Design and was Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s first project for the public. Make sure to check out each floor and climb the Instagrammable spiraling stairs to get the best views of the city.

One Day in Glasgow: # Afternoon

The best thing to do after seeing The Lighthouse is to go to The Willow Tea Rooms, which is a must-see food stop with beautiful Mackintosh furniture and magical food. Even though it’s tempting to go to the nearby style mile and Sauchiehall St., take a three-minute walk to the famous Glasgow School of Art and look at the design skills there. It’s worth a look inside, and the GSA artists’ shop has some great gift ideas.

The best way to spend an afternoon is to go to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is full of interesting displays and cultural collections, such as a Dal masterpiece.

One Day in Glasgow: #Evening

Kelvingrove is only a quick 11-minute walk or a quick taxi ride from Ubiquitous Chip, a great restaurant and well-known Glasgow culinary institution with fairy lights and a Jungalow vibe. Use the modern Scottish menu and boutique drinks list and let the night unfold. The Chip empire also has a magical Roof Terrace, the smallest pub in Scotland called Wee Pub, which is a firecracker of a drinking spot, and The Corner Bar.

If you can pull yourself away from The Chip, walk down Ashton Lane, which might be the prettiest street in all of Glasgow, and check out the tempting attractions. Brel is a great place to kick back and relax with drinks from Belgium and other places. The outdoor courtyard is a dream come true because it is a great place to talk and watch people.

Take a taxi to The Corinthian Club and live out all your Vegas dreams there to end the whistle-stop tour of Glasgow. The cocktails at this gem’s many bars are also out of this world. Those who love music can go to King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut or any of Glasgow’s other live music venues. Expect an unforgettable night!

Topic: Only 24 hours? How To Spend One Day in Glasgow, Scotland 2023

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