Often referred to as one of the world’s friendliest cities, Glasgow’s impact on British culture should not be underestimated. It’s the biggest city in Scotland, a thriving, bustling metropolis that brims with an open-hearted hospitality; it’s the birthplace of musical greats from Primal Scream to Franz Ferdinand, Simple Minds to Belle & Sebastian; and it’s a city with football held deep within its soul, the home of teams with long, proud histories.
The vibrancy, variety and sheer quality of the city’s dining scene is equally impressive, with Glasgow now stepping into the spotlight as host of The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Great Britain & Ireland 2025. Taking place on Monday 10th February, the event will see the unveiling of the latest coveted MICHELIN Stars. So, whether you’re visiting for its food or just because you’ve never seen this exhilarating city in action, we have the perfect 48-hour itinerary to let you glimpse Glasgow’s highlights.
Where to Stay
The first thing to consider when planning any 48-hour trip is where will be your base for the next two days. In Glasgow, you’re spoilt for choice, with a number of hotels recommended by The MICHELIN Guide conveniently located in the city centre. Which one you opt for depends on your personal preference, on whether you get more excited by cool modern chic, historical splendour or maximalist opulence.House of Gods is the provider of the latter, dripping in the kind of totally unnecessary but fabulously enjoyable decadence that makes a trip away feel that little bit special. The gold colour scheme and abundance of velvet say it all, really. Voco Grand Central, meanwhile, sports a cooler, more minimalist kind of style. Despite its modernity, the hotel is steeped in history, a Victorian-era building which houses a wall of fame depicting its illustrious past guests, from Churchill and JFK to John Lennon and Frank Sinatra. Finally, Kimpton Blythswood Square provides a masterclass in how to blend the traditional and the contemporary. Its beautiful Georgian building has been renovated with great respect, meaning period character is retained alongside the modern-day comforts.
Day 1
Morning
It might sound simple, but one of the best ways to get a feel for a city is just to walk around – so that’s exactly what we’re going to do on your first morning in Glasgow. Your nominal destination is Glasgow Cathedral – which is between 15 and 30 minutes away depending on which hotel you chose – but it’s worth taking the time to detour and soak up the city. Singl-end Merchant City is the perfect stop-off for sustenance, offering a range of breakfast and brunch items plus a tempting ‘cake table’. Bargain hunters should also make for the East End’s Barras Market if it’s a weekend, while art lovers should head to the Gallery of Modern Art for its free entry exhibitions.
Once you arrive at the Cathedral itself, you’ll be treated to one of Glasgow’s great architectural gems. Its Gothic style makes it an imposing, fascinating presence, and one which also boasts a fine collection of stained-glass windows for you to marvel at. What’s more, the building is imbued with an unquestionable sense of history, dating all the way back to the 12th century and apparently being the birthplace of St. Mungo, patron saint of Glasgow. Next to the Cathedral, you’ll find Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian burial ground with a similar flair for the dramatic. Its elevated position offers superb views of the city, too.
Lunch
For lunch, your decision is simple: Celentano’s. This Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant is just a stone’s throw from Glasgow Cathedral and is home to some of the best value, best tasting Italian cooking in the city. Housed in a 19th-century sandstone building, it uses largely Scottish produce to power dishes that don’t skimp on flavour. The menu is designed to share so coming with friends will help you sample a range of dishes – just make sure one of them is a pasta.
Afternoon
For the afternoon’s activities, we’re heading over to the west of the city. To get there, unless you fancied some serious walking, you should take a trip on the Glasgow Subway. Affectionately known as the Clockwork Orange due to its circular shape and bright branding, this is one of the oldest underground railways in the world. Get on at Buchanan Street and take the ‘inner circle’ line to Hillhead. From here, it’s a short walk to your destination: Glasgow Botanic Gardens.
Over 9,000 different plants can be found inside this vast expanse of greenery on the edge of the city; among them are notable collections of begonias, tree ferns and dendrobium orchids. Plants from all over the world can be found inside Kibble Palace, the striking domed glasshouse which serves as the Gardens’ most recognisable feature. Once you’ve had your fill of relaxing greenery, head to the nearby Ashton Lane. Providing a different kind of prettiness, this cobbled backstreet has a picturesque look and is filled with bars and pubs – making it the ideal place for a drink before dinner.
Dinner
We’re giving you a choice here. If you’re celebrating or simply fancy some of the best cooking in Glasgow, book yourself a table at Cail Bruich. Holder of One MICHELIN Star, Chef Lorna McNee’s restaurant is a shining example of the brilliant cuisine that can be found in Glasgow. Lorna and her team have a superb understanding of the quality of their produce, knowing when to take a step back and let it speak for itself, and when to enhance it with a skilfully crafted accompaniment. For something really special, book the kitchen table.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck during your trip, you can’t get much better than Ka Pao. Another Bib Gourmand recipient, this wonderfully affordable spot encompasses influences from around Southeast Asia. The kitchen shows a keen sense of balance, resulting in dishes that care little for fuss, but pack in flavour in abundance.
If you want to add an extra activity before bed, you could go to Ka Pao for an early evening meal before heading back into the city centre for some live music. King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut is a Glasgow institution, a small but beloved spot that’s hosted huge names over the years. Barrowland Ballroom in the East End has a similarly storied history and regularly tops lists of the country’s best live venues.
Day 2
Morning
Well-rested from your previous day’s exploits, fuel up with breakfast at the hotel before making the journey over to the West End, where you’ll be spending most of the day. Once again, the Subway is your friend here – get off at Kelvinhall for your first stop. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is exactly what it sounds like, a free to visit cultural cornucopia holding over 8,000 exhibits. It’s also an architectural gem, both inside and out, a shining example of a gallery that is a work of art in itself. What’s more, it’s a fitting venue for The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Great Britain & Ireland 2025.
Before lunch, head north to the University of Glasgow. While going back to school isn’t on everyone’s city break to-do list, this particular educational establishment is well worth a look. For starters, it’s one of Britain’s most beautiful universities, with the much-photographed Gilbert Scott Building giving Oxford and Cambridge a run for their money. There’s museums and galleries to visit too, including The Hunterian, Scotland’s oldest public museum, and Mackintosh House, a reassembling of the home of architect, artist and Glaswegian icon Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Lunch
Just up the road from the University is Stravaigin, another restaurant specialising in minimum pretence and maximum flavour. Proudly rooting their dishes in Scottish produce, the chefs go on something of a world tour when it comes to the flavours and combinations they use; you could be in Japan for your starter and Jamaica for your main, while your dining partner takes trips to France and Malaysia. That said, you’ll always be able to order the signature house haggis or veggie haggis should you wish to get a proper taste of Scotland.
Afternoon
Fuelled up from lunch, it’s time to stretch those legs again. Take a walk through the lovely Kelvingrove Park, one of the biggest and best green spaces in Glasgow. Once you’re out the other side, you can carry on for another 20 minutes or so to the edge of the River Clyde, the main artery that bisects the city. From here, you have a distinct choice: more educational enrichment at Glasgow Science Centre or a refreshing trip to The Clydeside Distillery.
Ideal if you’re travelling with children, the Science Centre is a suitably space-age building located at the edge of the water; among its many attractions are a planetarium, illusion rooms and hands-on demonstrations of how our world works. The Clydeside Distillery, meanwhile, is the perfect stopping-point for those who are visiting Scotland out of a love of whisky. Its tours and tastings let you glimpse inside the distilling process, while indulging your taste buds at the same time.
Dinner
It’s your final night in this marvellous city so it only seems right to cap it with another MICHELIN Starred meal. Unalome by Graeme Cheevers is one of many terrific restaurants in the lively neighbourhood of Finnieston and is a fitting way in which to end, as Graeme himself is a Glaswegian and his cooking is a celebration of outstanding Scottish produce. All over the UK, you’ll find top-notch Scottish ingredients, pointing to the sheer deliciousness of delicacies like Orkney scallops and Loch Fyne crab. Unalome is the perfect place to experience them, cooked with care and skill, and presented in combinations with such wonderful balance that the whole dish sings.
So, there you have it, two days in Glasgow. We hope you enjoy your trip and don’t forget to tune in for The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony 2025, hosted at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and broadcast live on YouTube.
Address Book
Ashton Lane, Hillhead, Glasgow, G12 8SJBarras Market, 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow, G4 0TT
Barrowland Ballroom, 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow, G4 0TT
Gallery of Modern Art, 111 Queen St, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, G1 3AH
Gilbert Scott Building, University Of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Glasgow Botanic Gardens, 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow, G12 0UE
Glasgow Cathedral, Castle St, Glasgow, G4 0QZ
Glasgow Necropolis, Castle St, Glasgow, G4 0UZ
Glasgow Science Centre, 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1EA
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AG
Kelvingrove Park, Park Terrace, Glasgow, G3 6BY
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, 272A St Vincent St, Glasgow, G2 5RL
Mackintosh House, 120 Blythswood St, Glasgow, G2 4EA
Singl-End Merchant City, 15 John St, Glasgow, G1 1HP
The Clydeside Distillery, 100 Stobcross Rd, Glasgow, G3 8QQ
The Hunterian, University of Glasgow, 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow, G12 8QQ
University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Hero Image: George Square in Glasgow city centre. © Glasgow Life/Paul Watt Photography
