This article was written by Sophie Adams, a student writer based in Glasgow.
There is always something going on in Glasgow, with its rich variety of cultural activities and landmarks. But when budgets are tight, it can sometimes make finding things to do a little more challenging. Fortunately, Glasgow is a city with plenty of options on free things to do. From museums and galleries to tours and trails, there’s something for everyone. So here’s our list of some of the best free things to do in Glasgow for students. 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum  

From Charles Rennie Mackintosh to Vincent Van Gogh, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a place you have to visit. They have 22 different galleries that showcase a wide range of art. In addition to the permanent displays, there’s also limited exhibitions so you’ll always be able to see something new. If you enjoy classical music, you can also listen to live organ recitals Mon-Sat at 1pm, and Sundays at 3pm.
Free things to do in Glasgow for students
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The Gallery of Modern Art

Located in the centre of the city, the Gallery of Modern Art, or GoMA for short, is another free must-see in Glasgow. Housing four galleries and a library, it’s an easy place to lose yourself for a few hours. You can get all the information on their current exhibitions on the Gallery of Modern Art website. The gallery is also located close to another iconic Glasgow landmark, The Duke of Wellington Statue. So you can soak in the local culture in one visit – all for free! 

Free Walking Tour 

If you are looking to learn more about the history and architecture of Glasgow, why not spend your day taking a free walking tour of Glasgow. The average tour lasts for around two hours and starts at George Square. You can book your place here.

Glasgow Mural Trail 

Free things to do in Glasgow for students
Source: Alan Findlay on Unsplash
Scattered across Glasgow are incredible pieces of street art that make up the Glasgow Mural Trail. It’s a great way to see the works of many great street artists such as Smug, Rogue-One and more.  As your walk from location to location, you’ll also get to see plenty of the city. 

Botanic Gardens  

If you are looking for something to do in the West End, you should head to the Botanic Gardens. You can spend the day exploring the trails and glasshouses situated within the grounds. And if you’re looking to make the most of a rare dry day in Glasgow, why not take along a picnic as well? The Gardens are only a five-minute walk from the Hillhead subway station and are open from 7am until dusk.

The Burrell Collection

Having only recently reopened following refurbishment, The Burrell Collection is another great museum to visit. The collection consists of 9,000 pieces, which were gifted to the city by Sir William Burrell and his wife Lady Constance back in 1944. The collection is pretty impressive, boasting everything from Egyptian pottery and Chinese art. A big plus is that it’s only a short bus or train ride from the city centre too!

The Riverside Museum

Free things to do in Glasgow for students
Source: Fredrika Carlsson on Unsplash
On the banks of the River Clyde is the Riverside Museum, which displays collections across transport and technology. Situated right next to the museum is The Tall Ship, which is also free to visit . This is a great spot to see the history of Glasgow in industries like shipbuilding and engineering. 

Necropolis 

If you are looking to learn some more about Glasgow’s history you can visit the Glasgow Necropolis. This 37-acre Victorian cemetery is the final resting place of over 50,000 people. It’s also one of the few cemeteries that kept extensive records, meaning that the Necropolis gives a unique insight into the city’s history. So there is our roundup of some of the best free things to do in Glasgow. If you’re looking to venture further outside the city, it’s worth checking out our list of the best beaches near Glasgow.

Last Updated on June 13, 2025

Published on November 13, 2022

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