The first stop on our epic Scottish Rail Trip was Glasgow. After a long train journey from London Euston, and a short sleep in our hotel, we had just 24 hours in Glasgow to see the main sights in the city.
Here is my quick, whistle-stop tour of Glasgow. For it, I’ve assumed that you are staying in the city centre and have access to buses / the metro.
24 Hours in Glasgow | A Quick Itinerary
Day 1 – Morning
To begin with, leave the hotel early in the morning. Grab some breakfast (either in the hotel, or on the go!) and head to the bus station on Argyle Street (or your nearest one). Take the Number 2 or 3 out to Bunhouse Road, just over the river.
As you get off the bus, you should be able to see the main University building directly ahead of you. Walk up the hill towards University Avenue. This is where you’ll find the iconic buildings of this beautiful University, which are well-worth pictures and exploring. If you want to, there is a self-guided tour that runs around the campus, as well as the cloisters and the Hunterian Museum.
As you continue down the Avenue, you will eventually enter the Glasgow West End. This has to be one of the trendiest places in Scotland and it is crammed with things to do. See the shops and cafes at Byres Road, explore the Riverside Museum and Tall Ship, or enjoy a morning drink at The Clydeside Distillery. Ashton Lane is the place to go to if you want a student-style lunch, or even a film-sesh at Grosvenor Cinema.
Day 1 – Afternoon
After eating some lunch along one of Scotland’s most stylish streets, it is time to head over to Glasgow Cathedral. It is not too long a journey from Ashton Lane; catch the subway from Hillhead to Buchanan Street. Then, take the 41 bus to the Cathedral.
Entry to the Cathedral is free, but donations are recommended. Take your time walking around this gorgeous building and discover all the hidden rooms. Make sure that you also explore the crypts underneath the main building; they are both spooky and fascinating!
My favourite part about Glasgow Cathedral though has to be the Necropolis. This impressive mound is the final resting place of many notable Scots, and even has a memorial to William Wallace. Perhaps the best thing though has to be the view of Glasgow from the top of the hill; it really is one of the best. In the Summer, lots of colourful wildflowers grow here, making it one of the most eerily beautiful places in the city.
Day 1 – Evening
Return to the centre of Glasgow and stroll around the shops. There really is plenty to see and do, and I for one could spend an entire day shopping here!
Along this tour though, the main sight has to be George Square. This is home to the iconic Duke of Wellington statue, complete with the famous traffic cone. I personally think that this is one of the best places to eat in Glasgow; the Greek restaurant Elia in particular is delicious!
Getting There and Where to Stay
Getting to Glasgow is really simple. From London, you can take either the train from Euston (about 5 hours) or fly in to the airport. We opted for the former as it was more straight-forward and places you right into the thick of it.
For 24 hours in Glasgow, you have a few options of where to stay. As we visited as part of a larger Scottish adventure, we only wanted a quick base where we could relax. We chose to stay at Motel One. It was cheap and stylish, which was perfect for two nights.
Final Thoughts | 24 Hours in Glasgow
24 Hours in Glasgow gives you just enough time to see the most iconic views, enjoy the foodie paradise and a pint or two of Tennent’s. This was our first stop on our Scottish Rail Journey before we took a train up north to Fort William – but that is another story.
