Where to Take the Best Photos in Glasgow? Our 10 Must-See Spots

The largest city, Glasgow, is situated in west central Scotland on the banks of the River Clyde. It is the 27th most populated city in Europe and the third most populous city in the United Kingdom. Glasgow is a major financial, retail, industrial, cultural, and fashion hub. It has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick only ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten locations for stunning photos while you are there.

We're sharing our top picks for breathtaking photo spots in Glasgow in this guide. In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Glasgow Cathedral

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Glasgow Cathedral is a parish church belonging to the Church of Scotland. It is the oldest structure and the oldest cathedral on the Scottish mainland. In addition to being the mother church of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the province of Glasgow, it served as the cathedral of the Archbishop of Glasgow. The only medieval cathedrals in Scotland to have largely survived the Reformation are St. Magnus Cathedral on Orkney.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A medieval Gothic cathedral with centuries of history and dramatic architecture.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning for a peaceful atmosphere and soft light.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the stained-glass reflections and exterior stone details.

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2. The Necropolis

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There are about thirty-five hundred monuments, including a Victorian cemetery known as the Glasgow Necropolis. It is located east of Glasgow Cathedral on a low but noticeable hill. Here, fifty thousand people have been laid to rest. Not every burial has a stone, and only a tiny number are listed on monuments, which is typical for the time.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A Victorian cemetery with ornate tombs, statues, and stunning views over the city.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset, or the golden hour, is for the most atmospheric shots.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot towards the Cathedral for a powerful composition.

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3. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

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Glasgow Museums is in charge of this fantastic museum and art gallery. One of Scotland's most well-known museums and free tourist destinations is Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The structure lies next to Argyle Street in Kelvingrove Park, which is in the city's West End. The collection, along with the museum and art gallery, opened in 1901. One of Europe's largest collections of civic art is also housed in the structure.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  One of Scotland’s most beloved museums, filled with everything from Renaissance art to natural history.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Weekday mornings for quieter galleries.
• Photography tip 📷
  Don’t miss the grand interior organ hall and dramatic lighting inside.

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4. The University of Glasgow

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One of the amazing spots, the University of Glasgow, is a public research institution. It is one of Scotland's four ancient institutions and the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world. The institution participated in the 18th-century Scottish Enlightenment, together with the universities of St Andrews, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh. It is the ninth-largest university in the United Kingdom and the second-largest in Scotland in terms of overall enrollment.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Its Hogwarts-like architecture makes it one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Late afternoon, when the stone glows golden.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use wide angles for dramatic archway shots and gothic towers.

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5. George Square

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Scotland's main civic square is called George Square. Cathedral Square, St Andrew's Square, St Enoch Square, Royal Exchange Square, and Blythswood Square on Blythswood Hill are the other six squares in the city center. George Square, named for King George III, was first planned in 1781 but wasn't finished for another 20 years. It is encircled by significant architectural structures, such as the opulent Municipal Chambers on the east side.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s the center of Glasgow, with statues, history, and city life all around.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Evening, when the lights make it feel magical.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the City Chambers building from the center of the square.

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6. Riverside Museum & The Tall Ship

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Glasgow Life's first purpose-built museum of the twenty-first century is the Riverside Museum. It is home to the city's amazing transportation and technology collection and is situated where the Rivers Kelvin and Clyde converge. For the benefit of residents and visitors alike, the Tall Ship is an independent museum dedicated to preserving the Glenlee and the region's nautical past. The Glenlee, one of just five sailing ships still in existence that were built by Clyde, has now been restored to her former splendor. You can travel back in time and experience life on the high seas by visiting this magnificent ship.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A bold modern building showcasing vintage vehicles and transport history.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Mid-morning for balanced natural light inside.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot the reflections on the museum’s dramatic glass façade.

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7. Glasgow Green & The People's Palace

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The 5th Earl of Rosebery opened the little People's Palace and Winter Gardens, a museum and glasshouse located in Glasgow Green on January 22, 1898. Glasgow Green is a park located on the north bank of the River Clyde in Scotland's east end. It is the city's oldest park, having been created in the fifteenth century. Through the St Andrew's Suspension Bridge, it is connected to the south.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Historic green space with a museum telling Glasgow’s social history.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Spring or summer for flowers and open skies.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the symmetry of the glass palace against greenery.

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8. Buchanan Street

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Glasgow has Buchanan Street as one of its main shopping avenues. Its beauty draws all tourists and demonstrates the discipline to many. With a generally more upscale selection of stores than the nearby streets of Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street, it makes up the middle portion of Glasgow's well-known retail district.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s the city’s main shopping street with grand architecture and a lively vibe.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon for soft light and street activity.
• Photography tip 📷
  Stand at the top for a great cityscape shot.

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9. Glasgow Science Centre

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On the south bank of the River Clyde, in the Clyde Waterfront Redevelopment region, sits the Glasgow Science Centre, a tourist destination. It is one of Scotland's most visited paid tourist destinations, was established by Queen Elizabeth II. The three main buildings make up this purpose-built science center, which is a registered charity. In the area of visiting attractions, Glasgow Science Centre received a five-star rating from VisitScotland, the Scottish tourism body.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A modern building with hands-on science exhibits and a unique design.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning, when it’s quiet and calm.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the building’s reflection in the river.

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10. Botanic Gardens & Kibble Palace

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In 2011, the Botanic Gardens received a Green Flag Award, and it is situated in Scotland's West End. Among its many glasshouses, the Kibble Palace is the most famous. The Gardens' extensive collection of tropical and temperate plants is grouped by how they were first introduced to Scotland. The Kelvin walkway offers a continuous walking path connecting the two green areas. The River Kelvin flows along the north side of the Gardens and through Kelvingrove Park.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A peaceful garden with a beautiful glasshouse full of exotic plants.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Spring and summer, when the gardens bloom.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot inside the glasshouse for soft, dreamy light.

Final Thoughts

These are the top photography spots you won't want to miss in Glasgow. However, there is much more to see and enjoy, as the city offers endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Glasgow.

Ready to go explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, because you’re going to take a lot of photos.

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