Free Things to do in Glasgow
Glasgow is one of Scotland's cultural capitals, but with so much on offer, we wanted to let you in on the free things to do there. Because who said you had to pay to have a great time? Scroll down and check it out!
Date published: 4th Jul 2022
Scotland's own Dear Green Place is absolutely jam-packed with culture and a range of experiences for you to do whilst there. But with the rising cost of living, we know that these may not be accessible to many, so we've got you covered with a whole host of FREE things to do on your visit.
Whether you want some delve into some history, catch some live music for nowt, or maybe even explore the creative nooks and crannies of the city of Glasgow, have a scroll down, we're sure we've got something for you.
Explore the numerous galleries of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Image: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on Facebook
When: 10am - 5pm every day except for Fridays and Sundays where it opens at 11am
Where: Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG
With its door open for more than 100 years, this Glaswegian architectural delight should be top of your list when visiting the city. Inside are 22 galleries featuring art, animals, ancient Egypt and so much more. Not only that, but the building itself is a stunning accomplishment (just look at it!) and we could spend hours getting lost inside.
So, if you're looking for some culture that's a bit more refined than a deep-fried mars bar, then this is the place to visit when looking for free things to do in Glasgow.
Stroll around the City Centre Mural Trail and take in the incredible artwork
Image: Glasgow Mural trail on Facebook
When: Open all day (we'd recommend going in the day though)
Where: Check the website for a map
Whilst Glasgows street art may not live up to the likes of New York or Londo, we still think it ranks pretty high. Commissioned by the council to help rejuvenate the city streets, these huge murals do exactly that. With pieces ranging from crazy cat ladies to Billy Connely to Boba Fett, the mural trail is a fantastic way to get to grips with Glasgow as a city and see some damn fine street art along the way.
Entirely free, and mapped online, this is one of the best free things you can do when visiting the city
See free traditional live music at The Ben Nevis Bar
Image: Ben Nevis Bar on Facebook
When: Free music every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 8pm-11pm(ish)
Where: 1147 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8TB
Now, if you're fancying a bit of live music, mixed with some traditional Scottish culture, then look no further than this fine establishment, The Ben Nevis Bar. Glasgow is a city with music at its heart, and has even been awarded a UNESCO City of Music status! If you wanna experience just why this is then Ben Nevis Bar should be your first haunt, plus, if you visit on a Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday night then you can take in their range of traditional Scottish music, all for free!
So make sure when looking for a cheap but fun night you head down here, you won't regret it.
Get lost in the maze of Barras Market
Image: Barras Market on Facebook
When: Weekends 10am - 4pm
Where: 244 Gallowgate, G4 0TT, Glasgow
If you really want to integrate yourself and see what true Glaswegian life is like, then we highly recommend a visit to Barras Market. This labyrinth of independent stores and vendors is bustling come the weekend, and you can find anything you could desire within its boundaries. From food to clothes, music to board games, books to antiquities, this market has it all.
It is a fantastic place to walk around if you are looking for free things to do in Glasgow, and who knows you might find a little something too.
See world-class modern art at GoMa
Image: GoMa on Facebook
When: 11am-5.30pm every day
Where: 111 Queen St, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH
Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art is the most visited in the whole of Scotland, and for good reason. Its focus on the new and brave (instead of the traditional) makes for an inquisitive visit that will have you racking your brain as to what artists are trying to say. Set in a beautiful neo-classical building in the centre of Glasgow the contents are weird, wacky and somewhat unusual to the untrained eye, and if you're looking for free things to do in Glasgow this is one we cannot recommend enough.
Experience the creative community of The Hidden Lane
Image: Hidden Lane on Facebook
When: For appointments and visits, various. But you can walk through any time
Where: The Hidden Lane, 1103 Argyle Street, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND
Featuring around 100 mini studios amongst other shops and food vendors, this creative community is one of the hidden gems of the city. Containing a range of tattooists, jewellers, photographers, upcyclers and more, The Hidden Lane features more than your average painting studios; we can guarantee that there's something here for everyone.
Not only that but this eccentric little area is a dream to walk around and has whimsy around every corner, you'll have bags of fun exploring what each of its nooks and crannies has to offer, and whilst the shops may tempt you to part ways with your cash, to just walk around is such a treat hen looking for free things to do in Glasgow.
Visit the beautiful ground of Glasgow Botanical Gardens
Image: Glasgow Botanic Garden on Facebook
When: 11am - 5pm every day
Where: 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE
You can't beat a good Botanical Garden for a day out, and Glasgow's near 200-year-old Botanic Garden is no exception. With a variety of themed areas to the gardens outside and the stunning interior greenhouse, these sites feature over 9000 plants between them. You can spend forever mooching around the grounds without getting bored. Besides the agricultural marvels, the site is also just a fantastic place to chill out with your friends and family, and will provide a great day out, all for free!
Watch local talent at Bloc+
Image: Bloc+ on Facebook
When: Free live music every night
Where: 117 Bath St, Glasgow, G2 2SZ
Now, if you're after some free music that isn't of the traditional Scottish ilk, and more modern Glaswegian, then Bloc+ has your eardrums ready to rock. With free live music every night of the week, this independent venue has been a forward-thinking force in the city for over 20 years. It prides itself on the wide range of musical styles it puts on stage, and its unpretentious, relaxed environment.
Well worth a visit and whilst you will end up spending money on beer and maybe some scran, the free live music is definitely worth the small expense.
Chronicle transportation history at the Riverside Museum
Image: Riverside on Facebook
When: 10am - 5pm every day except for Fridays and Sundays where it opens at 11am
Where: 100 Pointhouse Rd, Partick, Glasgow G3 8RS
This funky building, located on at the junction of the Rivers Kelvin and Clyde, is home to the industrial revolutions of transport and technology throughout Glasgow's history. The collection, gathered over the centuries, reflects the important part the city has played in the world with its contributions to heavy industries like shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering.
The collections also feature the development of the car industry, as well as some gorgeous old trams. It is a wonderful trip fit for any engineering mind to geek out at, but, for those less industrially minded, the site is still an amazing peek into the past and if you're looking at some free things to do in Glasgow that are a bit different, this one should make the list.
Wander through the spectacular Pollock Country Park
Image: Friends of Pollok Park on Facebook
When: 10am - 6pm every day
Where: 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AT
Who wouldn't want to go to the best park in Europe? (Well in 2008 but who's counting). This mammoth park located just out of the city centre is an absolute delight and with gardens aplenty and cool features hidden throughout, like the fairy garden above, this park is perfect for families to chill and explore or for partners to take a romantic stroll.
You'll find all you could want in a park here: a play park, wildlife garden, woodland walks, vegetable gardens, and picnic areas, onto of all this you will find a majestic waterfall. With all the free things to do in Glasgow, this is the one that you will end up spending the most time in.
To find even more events happening around Glasgow in 2022, click or tap - HERE
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
