Glasgow

The great city of Glasgow needs no introduction… but the friendly folk of Glasgow will be sure to say hello anyway! 

An aerial view of the magnificent George Square, Glasgow.

Overview

Famous for its live music, striking architecture, marvellous (and often free) museums, botanic gardens and loads more, the bike will be added to that list after Glasgow becomes the epicentre for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

A world class museum in a truly magnificent building, bringing an amazing range of art, history and nature to life. With 22 galleries featuring extensive and internationally significant collections, this is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. And it’s all FREE.

The grand building provides an iconic backdrop in the heart of the bohemian west end of the city and recently hosted world leaders, including President Biden, for the COP26 climate summit. 

Even better, Kelvingrove Park is hosting multiple 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs events, so you’re just around the corner.

Heads - artwork Designed By Sophie Cave in the Expression Court of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Heads - artwork Designed By Sophie Cave in the Expression Court of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Beautiful Botanic Gardens

If the madness of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs is getting to you, why not take a morning or afternoon off amongst the plants in the restorative atmosphere of the Botanic Gardens?

Located by the River Kelvin, it hosts a variety of plant collections, woodland copses and riverside walks as well as the iconic Kibble Palace, a magnificent glasshouse designed by John Kibble. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. Or order from the Tearoom.

Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Shop Until You Drop

Big brands, boutiques, luxury outlets and indie stores are all very well represented in Glasgow. Check out Buchanan Street, Argyll Arcade and Merchant Square and you’ll see what we mean.

If you’re on a budget or just fancy an unusual day out, the legendary (and weekend only) Barras Market is a one-of-a-kind mix of street vendors, vintage flea markets, shops and pubs.

Buchanan Street, Glasgow
Buchanan Street, Glasgow

Bring Your Bike (or rent one!)

With over 300km of cycleways, there’s no better way to explore Glasgow than by bike. As well as everything mentioned above, check out the Glasgow School of Art, Science Centre, Riverside Museum, Necropolis, record shops, vegan cafes, stadiums, pubs… Glasgow’s got it all.

Plan Your Visit

Don’t miss a split second of the action in Glasgow, Scotland’s lively, characterful capital of bikes.

Plan your perfect trip at VisitScotland and find things to do while in town at Glasgow Life.

 

Fun Facts!

Many notable Scottish cyclists were born in Glasgow, including Aileen McGlynn MBE, James McCallum, Robert Millar and Ceris Gilfillan.

If you fancy some urban adventuring, check out the indoor e-bike arena, iMotoX.

There are plenty of fantastic cycling routes in the city. Check out the Kelvin Walkway, the Forth and Clyde Canal, the banks of the River Clyde and Glasgow Green. 

You can even cycle all the way to Edinburgh on a flat, easy canal path route. But there are 157 trains every day between Queen Street and Waverley, so you don’t have to!

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