๐ Friday, 5 September: Solo Exploration & Whisky
Your first day is a solo adventure into Glasgow's West End. You'll dive into art and history, explore a modern distillery on the Clyde, and finish with a classic Glasgow pizza and a legendary whisky pub once your friend arrives.
08:00 - 10:00
Arrival & Transfer
Flight BA 8720 arrives at Glasgow Airport (GLA) (08:15). Take the Glasgow Airport Express (Service 500) from Stance 1. Get off at George Square and walk 5 mins to Moxy Glasgow Merchant City.
10:00 - 12:00
Luggage Drop-off & Museum
Leave your carry-on with the hotel concierge. Walk to Buchanan St Subway, get a day pass, and take the Outer Circle to Kelvinhall. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (Opens 10:00).
12:00 - 14:00
Lunch in the West End
Walk to the picturesque Ashton Lane. Have lunch at Brel, a Belgian-inspired bar with a great beer garden.
14:00 - 16:00
Whisky Distillery Tour
Walk to The Clydeside Distillery on the River Clyde. Attend your pre-booked tour and tasting session. Booking is essential.
16:00 - 18:00
River Walk & Hotel Check-in
Enjoy a scenic walk east along the River Clyde, past the OVO Hydro. Return to the Moxy Hotel to formally check in and freshen up.
18:00 - 20:00
Meet Your Friend & Dinner
Meet your friend at Buchanan Bus Station (he arrives ~18:30) or the hotel. Walk to Paesano Pizza on Miller Street for dinner. *Note: No reservations are taken, so be prepared for a short wait.*
20:00 - 22:00
Whisky Bar Experience
Walk to The Pot Still on Hope Street. This legendary pub boasts over 800 whiskies to choose from.
๐ Saturday, 6 September: History, Style & Fine Dining
Today, you and your friend will explore Glasgow's historic heart and modern style. From the ancient Cathedral and Necropolis to the panoramic views from The Lighthouse, the day culminates in a fantastic dinner in the trendy Finnieston area.
10:00 - 12:00
Visit Glasgow Cathedral
From your hotel, take a short walk to the magnificent 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral (Opens 10:00).
12:00 - 14:00
Necropolis & Lunch
Explore the adjacent Glasgow Necropolis, a grand Victorian cemetery with fantastic city views. Lunch at Mharsanta for contemporary Scottish cuisine. Booking is advised.
14:00 - 16:00
City Views & Design
Walk to George Square, then visit The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture. Climb the Mackintosh Tower for panoramic views (Opens 10:30).
16:00 - 18:00
Shopping & "Style Mile"
Explore the "Style Mile," starting with the shops and street performers on Buchanan Street. Wander through the elegant Argyll Arcade, famous for its jewellers.
18:00 - 20:00
Dinner in Finnieston
Take a First Bus (Service 2) from Argyle Street to the Finnieston area. Dinner at The Finnieston, a celebrated restaurant focusing on sustainable Scottish seafood. Booking is highly recommended.
20:00 - 22:00
Drinks in Finnieston
Post-dinner drinks at a trendy bar like The Kelvingrove Cafรฉ (cocktails) or The Ben Nevis (whisky).
๐ Sunday, 7 September: Transport, Art & Departure
Your final day covers modern transport history, iconic street art, and a classic pub lunch before your friend's departure. You'll have some solo time before catching your late-night bus back to London.
10:00 - 12:00
Check-out, Luggage & Museum
Check out from Moxy. Store luggage in lockers at Buchanan Bus Station. Take the Subway (Inner Circle) from Buchanan St to Partick for the Riverside Museum. (Opens 10:00).
12:00 - 14:00
Transport History & Pub Lunch
Explore the museum and the Tall Ship Glenlee. Lunch at the iconic The Horseshoe Bar on Drury Street.
14:00 - 18:00
Street Art Exploration
Walk the self-guided City Centre Mural Trail. Download a map online to see some of Glasgow's most famous large-scale artworks.
18:00 - 20:00
Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner with your friend at The Anchor Line near the bus station. Booking advised.
20:00 - 22:00
Solo Free Time
Your friend departs for Edinburgh. You have ~2 hours free. Grab a final pint at a pub like The Atholl Arms, or relax in a cafรฉ.
22:00 - 22:35
Prepare for Departure
Collect your luggage from the lockers. Head to the Megabus stance at Buchanan Bus Station at least 15 mins early. Bus to London departs at 22:35.
๐ Packing List
Layering is your best strategy for Glasgow's weather.
- ๐งฅWaterproof Jacket with a Hood: This is non-negotiable.
- ๐Comfortable, Water-Resistant Footwear: You will be doing a lot of walking.
- ๐Layering Tops: A mix of t-shirts and long-sleeved tops.
- ๐งถMid-layers: One or two sweaters, jumpers, or fleeces.
- ๐Trousers/Jeans: Two or three pairs.
- ๐A "Smart Casual" Outfit: For your Saturday night dinner.
- ๐Portable Power Bank: Essential for keeping your phone charged.
๐๏ธ Booking Summary
Book bolded items a few weeks in advance.
Must Book
Advised to Book
- The Finnieston (Restaurant)
- Mharsanta & The Anchor Line restaurants.