Please be advised that Edinburgh city centre is becoming a low emissions zone (LEZ). All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. To check if your car meets LEZ emissions standards, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez
Glasgow
If you’re looking for day trips during your stay with us at Parliament House Hotel in Edinburgh, we would highly recommend a visit to Glasgow. This is Scotland’s largest city, with a wealth of attractions for you to explore. What’s more, Glasgow is very easy to reach from Edinburgh. There are regular train and bus services between the two Scottish cities. From our hotel, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Edinburgh Waverley station and the train journey from there is about an hour. Alternatively, you can walk to Edinburgh Bus Station in less than 10 minutes, and buses take up to an hour and a half. Use Traveline Scotland to plan your journey, or ask us at reception if you need any help at all.
Glasgow attractions
There is so much to see and do in Glasgow, you really need more than a day. However, we recommend visiting at least a few of these top attractions in the city centre on your day trip.
Glasgow Cathedral – This magnificent cathedral, founded in the 12th century, is the oldest building in the city. Free to visit, it has a fascinating history and stunning architecture.
The Necropolis – Beside the cathedral, the Necropolis is a Victorian graveyard, where 50,000 individuals are said to be buried. There are many historic tombs and memorials to see there.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – A wonderful museum with 22 galleries covering a wide variety of topics. Including a large natural history collection and a significant collection of arms and armour.
Riverside Museum – This museum of transport and technology, by the River Kelvin and River Clyde, explores Glasgow’s history of shipbuilding, engineering and train production.
Glasgow Science Centre – Made up of the Science Mall, Glasgow Tower and an IMAX cinema, this purpose-built centre is a fun and engaging place, making science accessible and fun for all.
Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery – Glasgow is home to Tennent’s Lager, Scotland’s market-leading brand of pale lager. Visit the site that has been producing it since 1885 and tour the entire brewery.
Clydesdale Distillery – Learn all about the whisky-making process at Clydesdale Distillery on the banks of the River Clyde, with a whisky tour and tasting.
Glasgow walks
Although Glasgow is a large and bustling city, you can find space to relax with a stroll through the streets or a walk in the park.
Glasgow Green – Take a walk along the Clyde Walkway to the parkland of Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest park. There are Clyde viewing platforms in the park, where you can take in views of the river.
Glasgow Murals Trail – There are many amazing murals in Glasgow, painted on the sides of buildings across the city centre. Follow the trail, which takes you around all these impressive works of art.
Kelvingrove Park – This classic Victorian park is set on the banks of the River Kelvin. As well as visiting the art museum there, you can enjoy lovely riverside walks and visit the local cafes.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens – From the city centre, you can get a bus or subway out to the Botanic Gardens, where there are lots of scenic walking trails to explore.
‘This street is a hive of activity from shoppers, business people to street performers. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and attractions along the street. It has a great vibe and just watching the world go by is also a pleasant pastime here. Something for everyone.’
– Buchanan Street Glasgow Tripadvisor Review
Glasgow entertainment
There are plenty of great entertainment venues in the city, where you can catch a show. Plus lots of dining options across the city.
Eating and drinking – Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, coffee and cake, a slap-up dinner or cocktails and canapes, you’ll find the perfect spot in Glasgow.
Live music venues – From the famous Barrowland Ballroom to the iconic Glasgow Hydro, the city is a hub for live music and shows.
Theatre – Enjoy a show at one of Glasgow’s top theatre venues. Musicals, plays, concerts and comedy. It’s all happening here.
‘Absolutely beautiful, love the view, architecture. The entry was free. Recommended with the museum next to the cathedral.’
– Glasgow Cathedral Tripadvisor Review
Visit Glasgow for the day
So, take a day trip to Glasgow and explore Scotland’s largest city. With all of this to experience and more, and so easy to reach from Edinburgh, it makes for a great day out. Find more things to do during your stay with us, in our Edinburgh Guide and Edinburgh Blog and please get in touch here if you need any help or advice.
