Hey there, fellow budget explorers! Glasgow on a tenner? You bet! This here blog is your one-stop shop for rocking adventures in this awesome Scottish city, all without breaking the bank.
We’re talking hidden gems, free finds, and sneaky ways to stretch a ten-pound note further than you ever thought possible. So, grab your comfy shoes, a thirst for fun, and get ready to see Glasgow!
Riverside Museum
Free
This hands-on riverside museum is just outside the city centre on the banks of the Clyde. It has a large collection of over 3,000 interesting historic vehicles including steam trains, Glasgow trams and trolleybuses, vintage cars, motorbikes and even – possibly – the world’s oldest bicycle. There’s also a recreation of an old-fashioned Glasgow street with shops, a subway station and a pub, where you can take a step back through time. Out on the river, you can go inside the Tall Ship Glenlee, which has a fun play area for under 5s inside the cargo hold.
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Glasgow Tower
Tickets from £8.63
Imagine whooshing up 127 meters in a comfy pod, the whole city of Glasgow slowly unfolding beneath you. That’s what it’s like to take a trip up the Glasgow Tower at the Science Centre! It’s the tallest building in all of Scotland, and the coolest part? It actually rotates so you can get a full panoramic view. You’ll see the River Clyde sparkling, the whole cityscape sprawled out, and maybe even a hint of the highlands in the distance. It’s a pretty unforgettable way to see Glasgow!
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Pollok Country Park
Free
As Glasgow’s only Country Park, Pollok is the place to be if you’re looking for beautiful scenery and relaxing woodland walks. There is loads on the estate to keep you occupied, from visiting the resident highland cows to taking a tour of the world-famous Burrell Collection. Filled with various gardens, ponds and stunning architecture, Pollok Country Park is a safe haven for wildlife and visitors alike. Few things could be better than enjoying a serene picnic here in the spring and summer months.
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House for an Art Lover
Adults – £9, students & Children over 10 – £7.50, children under 10 – free
House for an Art Lover offers visitors a fully immersive look into the talents of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a remarkable artist, architect, designer and pioneer of Modernism. The house and grounds feature an incredible collection of art and sculptures which will inspire creativity in any visitor. Check out the trendy Art Lover’s Cafe or attend an event such as the Piano Concert with Afternoon Tea where you’ll enjoy beloved piano songs from the past century.
Ensure to check the house’s opening times before your visit as weddings and events are held here regularly.
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Glasgow Science Centre Planetarium
Tickets from £5.90
The Glasgow Science Centre has an amazing Planetarium which you can purchase an individual ticket to if you’re on a flying visit or a budget. It’s like stepping into another world entirely! Imagine reclining in a comfy seat under a giant, domed screen, then blasting off on an incredible journey through space. One minute you’re exploring the rings of Saturn, the next you’re gazing at faraway galaxies. They have shows led by real astronomers, too, so you’re learning a ton while feeling like a total space explorer. It’s an out-of-this-world experience you won’t forget!
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Barras Market
Free
Ah, The Barras! It’s not your typical market, that’s for sure. You can spend hours wandering the stalls, sifting through vintage treasures one minute and trendy trinkets the next. There’s always a bit of everything – furniture whispering stories of past lives, quirky artwork by local Glaswegian talents, and enough tartan scarves to outfit a whole Highland army! Don’t forget to haggle with the stallholders, it’s all part of the fun (and you might just snag a bargain!).
Just remember, comfy shoes are a must for navigating the maze of stalls, and keep an open mind – you never know what unique gem you might unearth at The Barras!
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Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Free
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow is an absolute must-see! The building itself is grand and imposing, but inside it’s a treasure trove of wonders. You’ve got everything from mummies and dinosaur skeletons to stunning paintings by famous artists. One minute you’re marvelling at a life-sized model of a T-Rex, the next you’re gazing at a Monet. It’s perfect for a fun and fascinating day out, whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just curious about anything and everything.
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Audio Glasgow
Tickets from £8
Fancy catching some tunes in a cool, underground spot? Audio in Glasgow is the place to be! It’s this intimate venue tucked near the famous Arches, perfect for getting sweaty on the dance floor or chilling with a drink before diving into the late-night scene. Plus, they have killer sound and always seem to have interesting gigs on the go. You might just discover your new favourite band!
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Gallery of Modern Art
Free
You’ll find the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), Scotland’s most-visited art gallery, in a grand neoclassical building in the Royal Exchange Square. Its contemporary art exhibitions are always changing, so you can discover something new on every visit. On your way into the gallery, make sure you stop for a photo with the iconic Duke of Wellington Statue, which is permanently crowned with a traffic cone thanks to the determined work of some local pranksters. The statue has become an eccentric symbol of the city’s characteristic humour and spirit.
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Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace
Free
Escape the city buzz and step into a world of green at Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens! Lush flowerbeds sprawl beneath your feet, and the air hums with the happy drone of bees. Don’t miss the star of the show, the Kibble Palace. Stepping inside this Victorian glasshouse is like entering a tropical paradise. Towering palm trees reach for the sunlight filtering through the glass, and exotic flowers burst with colour in every corner. It’s a sensory feast for any plant lover!
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