Glasgow often flies under the radar for visitors heading to Scotland, but if you spend even a single day here you’ll see why it’s worth your time. When we were walking around it felt like the New York City of Scotland. It has grit and charm, mixing Victorian architecture with urban energy, a vibrant food scene, and plenty of green spaces to balance out the busy streets. We had just one full day to explore Glasgow, so here’s exactly how we spent it from a delicious breakfast to a sake nightcap with some sightseeing in between. Plus we’ll tell you how to get there and where to stay.
Schedule At-A-Glance
- Breakfast at Singl-End Merchant City
- Glasgow Cathedral
- The Necropolis
- Lunch at The Smokin’ Fox
- Gallery of Modern Art
- Buchanan Street
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery
- Pre-Dinner Drinks at Rioja
- Dinner at Nippon Kitchen
Breakfast at Singl-End Merchant City
🍽️ We kicked off the day at Singl-End Merchant City, a cozy spot that balances hearty Scottish breakfasts with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
🍳 We shared the full Scottish veggie breakfast but added sides of the meats from the traditional version, including sausage, bacon, and black pudding. This way we got to try it all.
🍄🟫 The standouts from our meal were the giant, juicy portobello mushroom, perfectly poached eggs on top of thick sourdough bread, and the black pudding, which was packed with flavorful without being overpowering.
⭐️ They also serve a completely vegan version, which makes this place a crowd-pleaser no matter your diet. Coffee is strong, portions are generous, and service is friendly.
🥂 You can make is a “brunch” by adding a mimosa or Bloody Mary.
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Morning Exploring: Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis
⛪️ We then made our way to Glasgow Cathedral. This Gothic landmark is one of the city’s most impressive, with a history that dates back mostly to the 1200s. Entry is free, which is always a plus.
👻 Right behind the cathedral is the Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery set on a hill overlooking the city. It is full of elaborate monuments, winding paths, and some of the best views of Glasgow’s skyline. This spot is well worth a visit, even if you have limited time in the city.
Lunch at The Smokin’ Fox
🥙 For lunch, we headed to The Smokin’ Fox, a gastropub near Central Station. They offer a £10 lunch menu, which is a good value in a city where eating out can add up quickly.
🍔 We tried the fish and chips, which came with a crisp batter and flaky fish, and a cheeseburger that was flavorful without being overly heavy. Both plates felt like the right size for midday (the lunch portions are smaller than the regular menu options).
😋 The vibe here is relaxed and fun, making it a good break in the middle of a day of sightseeing.
Afternoon Stroll: Art, Parks, and Shopping
🚶♀️ The afternoon is great for wandering. Glasgow is easy to explore on foot, and there is plenty to choose from depending on your interests.
🎨 The Gallery of Modern Art is free.
🛍️ Buchanan Street is the city’s main shopping area, lined with shops, buskers, and lots of great people-watching opportunities.
🖼️ If you have more time, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the west end comes highly recommended, but we didn’t make it there.
Pre-Dinner Drinks: Rioja vs. Slug & Lettuce
🍸 Cocktails in Glasgow can vary a lot in price, and we learned this quickly.
😮 At Slug & Lettuce, a martini was nearly $20 USD, which felt like too much for what was otherwise a chain-bar experience.
🌟 Our preference was Rioja, a tapas restaurant and cocktail bar with a better atmosphere and prices that felt fair (about $10). Drinks here were just as good, the service was attentive, and the space felt lively without being overwhelming. If you are choosing between the two, Rioja is the better option.
Dinner at Nippon Kitchen
🍜 Dinner was at Nippon Kitchen, a Japanese restaurant in the city center. The menu has a wide range of options including sushi and ramen.
🍣 We ordered a mix of sushi rolls, some hot dishes, and a sake flight to sample different varieties.
🍱 Everything was fresh and flavorful, and the setting was stylish and comfortable. It is a popular spot, so booking ahead is a good idea if you are short on time.
Getting To and From Glasgow
🚂 We arrived in Glasgow by train from Inverness. The ride itself was convenient and scenic, though we didn’t have the assigned seats we paid for in first class and ran into a major train issue that caused a delay and early termination of our route.
🧐 We had to hop onto a different train, which was a bit of a hassle, but in the end we only lost about an hour. ScotRail’s customer service was excellent throughout, and they promptly issued a refund for the inconvenience. Overall, we found navigating the train system in Scotland to be straightforward, though maybe not the most reliable.
🚌 The bus is another good alternative, especially if you are heading to or from the airport. We took the Megabus from Buchanan Bus Station to Edinburgh Airport, which cost about 16 USD per person. The ride took an hour, was comfortable, and ran on time. For budget-friendly and efficient travel, this is a great option.
Where to Stay in Glasgow
🏨 We based ourselves at the Hampton Inn. The hotel is on the smaller side but seemed recently updated and had everything we needed for a short city stay. The location was excellent at about a 10- to 15-minute walk from most attractions, though the Necropolis took over 30-minutes to reach on foot. If we had to do it again, though, we would’ve stayed right on or just a block off Buchanan Street.
❤️ We recommend staying within walking distance of Queen Street Station and Buchanan Bus Station. This makes it easy to connect to trains and buses while also keeping you in the heart of the city. If you have a preferred hotel chain, chances are you will find a good option in this area that suits your preferences.
A Day Well Spent
🏴 By the end of the night, we had covered a good sampling of Glasgow. A hearty Scottish breakfast, historic sights, a budget-friendly pub lunch, city-center exploration, cocktails at a tapas bar, and a Japanese dinner with sake flights.
🫰 Glasgow may not have the glamour of Edinburgh but we appreciated its authenticity and contrasts between historic and modern energy.
🎸 In fact, it left us wanting to come back for another visit. If we had more time, we would’ve loved to explore Glasgow’s nightlife and music scene. But we were too tired after a long day at the end of our week in Scotland. If you only have 24 hours here, our route will keep you well-fed, entertained, and give you a good feel for Scotland’s biggest city.
Have you been to Glasgow? What were your favorite things to do?
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