As Scotland’s largest city, it’ll come as no surprise that Glasgow is jam-packed full of fun activities.
But what about when it’s raining?
(Spoiler: it probably is.)
Even amid a good old Scottish downpour, there are so many indoor activities in Glasgow to keep you busy.
I promise you’ll find more than a few you’ll love!
So from crazy golf and roller discos to escape rooms and pottery painting, here are the 31 best indoor activities in Glasgow.
1. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Address: Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG
Phone number: 0141 276 9599
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is without a doubt one of the best indoor activities in Glasgow, come rain or shine.
The impressive red sandstone building is situated just across from Kelvingrove Park and makes a pretty impressive sight in itself.
But what’s inside is even better…
The museum has 22 themed galleries with a core collection of over 8000 objects on display, as well as a changing programme of temporary displays all year round.
Entrance to Kelvingrove is completely free (apart from some temporary exhibits which have a small entrance fee).
However, there are donation points throughout where you can pay both cash and card.
See everything from the bizarre Floating Heads attraction to the world-famous Salvador Dali masterpiece ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’.
This place is hours of fun.
And don’t forget to pop by the on-site café and gift shop before you go!
2. Gallery Of Modern Art
Address: Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH
Phone number: 0141 287 3050
The Gallery of Modern Art is located right in the centre of Glasgow, just behind the Duke of Wellington Statue.
(You know that bizarre statue of a Duke on a horse with a traffic cone on top of his head? Yep, that one!)
This world-class art museum contains four galleries as well as a café, a small shop and a library.
Focusing on influential ideas about life and the human experience, each gallery presents new works of art by talented artists from Glasgow and beyond.
And the best bit is that admission is completely free!
Just a little pre-cursor before visiting: some of the exhibits are as wacky as the statue outside the building.
But it’s modern art so it’s meant to be weird, right?
3. Golf Fang
Address: 82 – 100 Lancefield St, Glasgow G3 8JD
Mini-golf has got to be near the top of the list of best indoor activities and funky venue Golf Fang does not disappoint.
Part of renowned entertainment chain Ghetto Golf, this wacky course comprises eighteen tricky holes that will be sure to bring out your competitive streak!
Much of the décor pays homage to Glasgow’s culture and humour.
We’re talking a miniature replica of the past iconic Old College Bar as well as a whole host of impressive Glasgow street artwork and surreal obstacles.
As well as the course itself, there’s also the Flip & Dip food outlet and cocktail bar serving up a variety of signature Golf Fang cocktails.
Choose from a bunch of different packages, from £12 for golf only, £22 for a ‘Hole in One’ which includes golf, food and a bevvy, or even ‘The Big Swing’ which is £35 for an arrival drink, golf, one cocktail, one shot and a Ghetto Golf branded visor.
Better get practising your swing!
4. People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
Address: Glasgow Green, Glasgow G40 1AT
Phone number: 0141 276 0789
A walk around Glasgow Green is lovely on a sunny day.
But if the weather has taken a turn for the worse then you can always take cover in the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, one of the best indoor activities in Glasgow.
This museum is one big history lesson on the people of Glasgow from the 1700s to the late 20th-century.
An impressive collection of objects, films and photographs tell the story.
Step into the glasshouse conservatory of the Winter Gardens, home to a wonderful display of tropical trees and foliage that you might not expect to find in the middle of Glasgow.
Admission is free so it’s well worth adding this spot to your Scotland itinerary!
5. Tennent’s Brewery Tour
Address: 161 Duke St, Glasgow G31 1JD
Phone number: 0141 552 6552
Tennent’s pride themselves on being Scotland’s favourite beer.
And you can learn why on one of their fantastic Brewery Tours.
Discover the process that takes place inside the 450-something-year-old Wellpark Brewery.
Kick things off at the Tennent’s Story Heritage Centre and finish with a nice cold pint of the good stuff, poured straight from the copper tanks.
Tours are £12.50 per person (which includes your beer) and they only run on weekends so it’s best to book in advance.
When in Glasgow, you might as well find out why students across the country call the famous Tennent’s ‘Vitamin T’.
6. Platform
Address: 253 Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8DL
Phone number: 0345 241 6253
This is one of my favourite indoor activities in Glasgow!
Right below Glasgow Central Station lies Platform, an exciting and innovative concept in eating, drinking and socialising.
It’s essentially a huge indoor street food market with a bunch of local vendors and 350 seats spread out under brick archways and bright, funky light fittings.
Platform also has a beer hall and microbrewery and even run the occasional live music or theatre event, making it the perfect casual spot for a catch up with your mates.
They also have a strong ethos when it comes to environmentalism and sustainability, and all catering disposables are made from plants, not plastic.
Fun and environmentally responsible – we love to see it!
7. University of Glasgow
Address: University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ
Phone number: 0141 330 2000
A cold, misty day might just be the perfect opportunity to visit the iconic buildings rumoured to have inspired Hogwarts: the University of Glasgow.
Although the Gothic-style turrets, archways and gargoyles are indeed outdoors, you can explore plenty of the grounds while still undercover.
For example, the famous Cloisters: a collection of impressive archways and fluted columns that have been seen onscreen in multiple films and tv shows – including Outlander!
Guided tours of the campus are also available if you want more in-depth knowledge of the University’s architecture and history.
During term time, there’s even a live music lunchtime concert every Thursday.
Wander around and see what you find!
8. Hunterian Museum & Hunterian Art Gallery
Address: 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ
Phone number: 0141 330 4221
Also, part of the University of Glasgow campus, the Hunterian Museum and Hunterian Art Gallery is Scotland’s oldest public museum.
It was founded in 1807, though it has been recently refurbished.
The Hunterian is home to over a million artefacts ranging from fossils and meteorites to the artwork of James McNeill Whistler and the masterful designs of Glasgow’s very own Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Here you’ll find The Mackintosh House, a display with the reassembled interiors from Mackintosh’s Glasgow home.
It’s worth visiting, as you’ll end up recognising his famous Art Nouveau motifs all over Glasgow!
Admission to the Hunterian is free, but there can be charges for some special exhibitions.
9. Rollerstop Roller Disco
Address: 139 Middlesex Street, Glasgow G41 1EE
Phone number: 0141 429 7298
Rollerstop is Glasgow’s only roller rink and it’s a great way to get your heart racing and blood pumping on a rainy day!
With colourful décor (including a giant sparkly disco ball), great music and daily themed events, Rollerstop is guaranteed fun for everyone who’s able to join in.
However, there’s also a lovely spectator area and café for those who can’t.
Staff are always on hand to teach you how to skate if it’s your first time, and skates are available for hire at the venue.
If you happen to be in Glasgow on a Tuesday, it’s only £6 admission and skate hire is free!
Time to get your skates on!
10. Glasgow Science Centre
Address: 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA
Phone number: 0141 420 5000
Glasgow Science Centre is easily one of the best indoor activities in Glasgow.
It’s a day of fun for all the family – and especially the kids!
You could spend an entire afternoon wandering the two acres of over 400 interactive exhibitions, live shows and spectacular planetarium.
Around every corner is a new, fascinating display of modern technology and science, presented in genuinely inspiring and fun ways that make you want to get involved and learn.
You can learn about renewable energy and build rollercoasters in the Science Mall, watch spectacular 3D films on Scotland’s biggest IMAX screen, and even climb up the 127 metre high Glasgow Tower in the sky!
Standard Entry is £13 per adult with an additional £3 for the Planetarium and £3.50 for Glasgow Tower.
Well worth the price if you ask me!
11. The Climbing Academy
Address: 124 Portman Street, Glasgow G41 1EJ
Phone number: 0141 429 6331
Glasgow’s The Climbing Academy is the city’s very first purpose-built bouldering centre that welcomes all ages and abilities.
And I promise it’s not as scary as it looks!
Based in an old newspaper printing works, the centre is lined with bouldering walls that have routes suitable for beginners, intermediate and total pros.
There are no harnesses keeping you safe in bouldering so it’s not for the faint-hearted.
However, there are soft mats on the ground to give you a little peace of mind and honestly, it’s a lot of fun!
Peak price for adults is £11 and you can also hire bouldering shoes for an additional £3.
This is a good one if you like to keep active, even if it’s indoors instead of outside!
12. Laser Quest
Address: 124 Portman St, Glasgow G41 1EJ
Phone number: 0330 122 2205
Right next door is an activity that everyone knows and loves: good old Laser Quest.
On arrival, each player is kitted out with a laser gun and hi-tech bodypack that looks like something straight out of a sci-fi film.
Then, it’s time to let loose in the Laser Quest Labyrinth.
From there, you have 20 minutes to zap your enemies (aka likely the friends you arrived with) and get your scores at the end.
It’s like stepping inside a video game and it’s a great rush of adrenaline for everyone involved.
One game costs just £6.95 per person, but I’d recommend playing two or three games – you might need a few chances to win.
One of the best indoor activities in Glasgow? I think so!
13. The Craft Pottery
Address: Suite 16, Axiom Building, 48-54 Washington Street, Glasgow G3 8AZ
Phone number: 0141 243 2823
How about one of the best indoor activities in Glasgow for the creatives?
The Craft Pottery is the city’s pottery painting and craft studio where people of all ages and interests can come to get in touch with their artsy side and paint the afternoon away.
Choose from a whole host of blank pottery pieces i.e. a functional mug or plate, or a more decorative ornament or vase.
All items are food, dishwasher and microwave safe, so you can make the most out of your creation when you take it home!
(Note: the pieces have to be glazed after painting which can take up to a week, so make sure to plan this one for the beginning of your trip if you have the time to wait!)
Oh, and did I mention it’s BYOB?
14. Spa at Blythswood Square
Address: 11 Blythswood Square, Glasgow G2 4AD
Phone number: 0141 248 8888
Sometimes a bit of bad weather calls for a good old pamper day, and in this instance, The Spa at Blythswood Square has got you covered.
A treatment at this luxury destination is coveted by locals and visitors alike.
Nine lavish rooms and a whole menu of relaxing treatments will have you feeling revived and replenished in no time.
On-site, you’ll also find a thermal suite and two relaxation pools as well as a lounge and café area so you can truly relax in any way you choose.
There are a few different packages to choose from.
To enjoy 90 minutes in the Thermal Spa followed by afternoon tea it’s £60pp, and with two treatments added on top, it’s £175.
But keep an eye out online as they sometimes run special offers.
So go on – treat yourself!
15. Xcape Room
Address: 1/1 106 Hope St, Glasgow G2 6PH
Phone number: 07450288781
If you’ve never experienced an escape room before – now’s your chance.
Xcape plunges you into a real-life adventure game where you have to solve mysterious puzzles and deduce difficult clues to get out – in just 60 minutes!
Choose from themes like Prison of Dark Wizards, Magic Forest and Haunted Hospital.
Once you’ve chosen your theme, it’s time to throw yourself into the drama and adrenaline of being locked in a room.
This is a team activity where you have to work together to get out, ideally without too many arguments along the way…
But whether you manage to escape or not, Xcape makes it a fun and exciting experience that you won’t forget any time soon.
Prices depend on party size but fall between £44 for two people or £98 for seven people.
Do you think you can escape?
16. Flip Out Trampoline Park
Address: 89a Southcroft Rd, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 1UG
Phone number: 0141 406 1600
This is one of the best indoor activities in Glasgow for the adrenaline junkies.
Flip Out Trampoline Park has an impressive 63,000 square feet of trampolines – that’s a lot!
The gigantic main arena has a floor of trampolines, inflatable obstacles, a bounce basketball court, a bungee run and a helter-skelter that runs into a ball pit.
Flip Out is also one of the first trampoline parks in the UK to have an official Ninja Obstacle Course – and all this for only £11!
Staff are always on-site to show you around and keep you right on all the equipment, so you know you’ll be safe no matter what.
Perfect for kids (and big kids too!).
17. Silverburn Shopping Centre
Address: Barrhead Road, Glasgow G53 6AG
Phone number: 0141 880 3200
Just a little outside of the city centre, you’ll find Silverburn, a shopping, dining and drinking haven!
They’ve got a great range of stores, from high street staples to luxury makeup and jewellery, as well as a dozen eateries to whet everyone’s appetite.
There’s also a Cineworld, kids’ play area and even a spa if you’ve got a bit more time on your hands.
It might be just a typical city shopping centre with a few extra bells and whistles, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need on a bad weather day.
So stay undercover and enjoy an afternoon at Silverburn!
18. Snow Factor at XSITE
Address: Kings Inch Road, Braehead PA4 8XQ
Phone number: 0141 739 3324
Braehead, just outside Glasgow city centre, is home to one of Scotland’s most unique entertainment centres, XSITE.
It’s an incredible all-rounder destination for delicious food and exciting activities.
But by far the best has got to be Snow Factor, Scotland’s only year-round snow sports resort.
This amazing destination is home to the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope where you can go sledging, learn to ski or snowboard, or even climb the indoor ice wall.
You can also visit the Baltic Ice Bar for a little apres-ski, or dine at the Bavarian Restaurant and Bier Halle, Bar Varia.
So whether you want to take proper lessons or just want to play in real snow, it’s always the right time of year to visit Snow Factor!
19. Botanic Gardens & Kibble Palace
Address: 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE
Phone number: 0141 334 2422
Right along the edge of the River Kelvin lies the Botanic Gardens, one of the best indoor activities in Glasgow.
And at the heart of this lush green space, you’ll find Kibble Palace, which is an absolute treat to step inside – no matter the weather.
This gigantic, wrought iron framed glass structure is a beautifully stark contrast to the thriving greenery inside it.
The palace houses plants from around the world – as far as the Middle East, and even Australia and New Zealand!
As well as tropical plants that you might not expect to see in Glasgow, you’ll also find a few classical stone sculptures of historical or mythical figures.
Spending a moment inside Kibble Palace is like being in a sanctuary, especially when you have the sound of rain droplets or wind whistles against the panes of glass.
It’s also not a bad spot for a photo, so get your phone ready!
20. Òran Mór
Address: Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8QX
Phone number: 0141 357 6200
What was formerly known as Kelvinside Parish Church is now the well-renowned Òran Mór (fun fact: that’s Gaelic for ‘great melody of life’ or ‘big song’) and it’s one of the absolute best entertainment venues in all of Glasgow.
Not only is the architecture of the venue breathtaking, with an original Victorian bar and ornate archways and ceiling, but Òran Mór host a whole load of events that keep the arts and entertainment scene thriving.
One of the most famous is the internationally known and loved ‘A Play, A Pie and A Pint’ lunchtime theatre event – which is… exactly as it sounds.
And it’s fantastic!
So whether it’s for a touch of theatre, a live music event, a tasty meal or just a wee pint, Òran Mór is a safe bet for everything.
21. Hillhead Bookclub
Address: 17 Vinicombe St, Glasgow G12 8SJ
Phone number: 0141 576 1700
Now, this venue is a bit of a student hot spot in the West End, but it has to be on this list of the best indoor activities in Glasgow.
Hillhead Bookclub is (surprisingly) not a book club.
Instead, it’s a casually eclectic bar and restaurant that serves amazing pub grub and fantastic cocktails.
It’s the kind of quirky little place where the cutlery never matches, the tunes are always good and the people are always friendly.
Upstairs, there’s even a couple of ping-pong tables for a bit of after-dinner fun.
They even hold a tournament now and then if you’re up to the challenge.
Loser buys the next round?
22. The Grosvenor Cinema
Address: 24 Ashton Ln, Glasgow G12 8SJ
Phone number: 0141 339 8444
Tucked away on Ashton Lane is The Grosvenor Cinema, originally a 1920s cinema complex that has been recently refurbished and upgraded into a classy, quaint cinema.
Kitted out with luxurious sofa chairs and full-sized couches, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable cinema in the city.
It’s Glasgow’s only fully-licensed cinema, so you can grab a glass of wine or a bottle of beer while you enjoy what’s on the big screen.
The Grosvenor always have a good selection of new releases but also re-runs of old classics.
Just be sure to book ahead as tickets can sell out surprisingly fast.
From there, kick your feet up and relax!
23. The Mitchell Library
Address: North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN
Phone number: 0141 287 2999
The Mitchell Library is one of Glasgow’s iconic landmarks with its distinctive green dome.
And luckily for you, the inside is just as impressive.
Stretching over five floors, the library is one of Europe’s largest public libraries and is freely open to the public – though you must be a member to access certain privileges.
As a visitor, though, it’s a great place to wander and admire the interior architecture and collection of millions of items.
(These include the Glasgow City Archives and Special Collections – one of the world’s best resources for tracing back family history.)
On the ground floor, you’ll find a café bar and learning centre providing free internet and Wi-Fi services.
And an extension to the building hosts a variety of theatre, music and spoken word events in the Mitchell Theatre.
A library might not be your first thought when visiting a new city, but this one is sure to impress!
24. The Absent Ear Hidden Bar
Address: Secret (for obvious reasons)
Phone number: Also a secret – get in touch via their Instagram @theabsentear or website theabsentear.com
One of the newest additions to Glasgow’s already thriving bar scene is The Absent Ear – a secret speakeasy bar with an Art Deco twist.
The name pays homage to Vincent Van Gogh (and the ear he famously… ahem… removed) and you’ll find nods to the legendary artist throughout the bar.
To enter the bar you have to find his self-portrait just outside the door and press the buzzer hidden in his ear.
The whole theatre of the place is fantastic and it makes for a fun and unique place to spend a couple of hours.
The cocktail menu is top-notch and the presentation is even better.
It’s a real flamboyant affair, which just adds to the fun of it being so secret.
You can book through the website or via their Instagram, and they’ll tell you the secret location…
25. The Stand Comedy Club
Address: 333 Woodlands Rd, Glasgow G3 6NG
Phone number: 0141 212 3389
What better way to spend an evening than by sampling some of Glasgow’s finest (and newest) comedy?
That’s where The Stand Comedy Club comes in.
This stand-up comedy venue has a stage that truly welcomes everyone.
From a complete comedy newbie’s first-ever show to big-name acts like Kevin Bridges looking to test out new material, this place has it all.
It’s the kind of place that you leave with your cheeks in agony from laughing so much, and you’ll be repeating the jokes to your mates for at least a couple of days afterwards.
Tuesday has to be one of the best nights to visit, as it’s the weekly beginners night ‘Red Raw’ which has been voted the best open mic night in the UK – and for only £5!
Just be sure to avoid the front few rows if you’re a little on the shy side.
The comedians like to pick on those at the front and drag them into a few jokes!
26. Hatchet Harry’s Axe Throwing
Address: 95 Union St, Glasgow G1 3TA
One to tick off the bucket list (even though it probably wasn’t on there in the first place) is axe throwing.
And Hatchet Harry’s can help you out with that one!
Hatchet Harry’s is Glasgow’s very own urban axe throwing facility.
Here you can truly let your inner Viking loose and chuck around a couple of weapons (safely, of course).
You’ll be guided by experienced throwing instructors and then led through a tournament with the rest of your group to determine the best axe-thrower.
Perfect for a mate date, or an actual date, this sport will certainly let you release some pent up energy and anger or, at the very least, give you a good giggle.
Prices start at £26.00 per person for a 90-minute session.
27. VEGA Bowling
Address: 260 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8QW
Phone number: 0141 428 4496
Located on the rooftop of YOTEL Glasgow (one of the city’s newest additions to the hotel scene) is a brand new rooftop bowling alley – VEGA.
Named after one of the brightest stars in the universe, the venue has spectacular views across the city of Glasgow.
Similarly, it has a space-age interior that nods to Glasgow’s iconic music scene and culture.
Each lane is neon-lit and you can order food and drink directly to your lane – a little refuel before the next round.
At only £8.50 per person per game, you can get a good few rounds into one evening!
28. Barrowland Ballroom
Address: 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow G4 0TT
Phone number: 0141 552 4601
One of the most beloved venues in the entire city of Glasgow has to be The Barrowland Ballroom.
And luckily for you, it’s one of the best indoor activities in Glasgow too.
You simply have to visit if you get the chance.
Barrowland is a world-famous music venue; the gigantic neon sign is iconic in the city of Glasgow, lighting up the whole of Gallowgate red, yellow, green and blue before every single gig.
First opened in 1934, there’s something very nostalgic about going to the Barrowlands.
You feel like you’re properly ‘going to the dancing’ (a phrase that every Scottish granny uses when they talk about their youth).
The acoustics inside are seriously impressive, for all you music-lovers.
And this venue has been home to some incredible big-name acts over the years including David Bowie, Biffy Clyro, U2 and The Clash.
29. Papercup Coffee Company
Address: 603 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HX
Phone number: 07719 454376
Now, I don’t know about you, but one of my absolute favourite things to do on a bad weather day is to stop off somewhere for a nice toasty flat white.
Papercup Coffee Company on Great Western Road might be small in size but it certainly packs a punch.
It serves up some of the best coffee in the West End with a fantastic selection of specialist roasts to try out.
Just one look at their Instagram page and you’ll see latte art galore, as well as some top tier scran.
Avo toast with pomegranate seeds, halloumi sandwiches and pancake stacks…
You might have a hard time choosing what you want!
It’s one of the best brunches in Glasgow for good reason, after all.
Great coffee? Tick.
Tasty food? Tick.
Cosy vibes? BIG tick.
30. The Glasgow Vintage Co
Address: 453 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HH
Phone number: 0141 338 6633
Calling all thrifters – this is one of the best indoor activities in Glasgow for you!
Glasgow is an absolute treasure trove when it comes to vintage and second-hand shops, and one of the best has to be The Glasgow Vintage Co.
Thousands of vintage gems are immaculately displayed over two jam-packed floors.
From period dresses and skirts to retro t-shirts and genuine leather and shearling jackets, you might end up leaving with a bag full of goodies!
There are plenty of other second-hand and charity shops dotted on Great Western Road and Byres Road too.
So it’s the perfect spot for a day spent dashing in and out of shops.
31. Princes Square
Address: 48 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 3JN
Phone number: 0141 221 0324
Princes Square is an immaculately restored listed building from 1841, located on Glasgow’s Style Mile Buchanan Street.
The building itself is impressively ornate, with 19th-century features and 25 shops, 12 restaurants and bars and a quirky new Everyman Cinema.
Princes Square features slightly higher-end stores like Reiss, COS and Kate Spade, as well as a few more Scottish brands like Essense of Harris and Isle of Harris Distillers.
So whether you’re window shopping or looking for souvenirs, it’s a lovely place for a browse.
The square can take you from day into night, too, as the lights dim and the bars start buzzing around mid-late evening.
So go on, order yourself a cocktail while you’re there!
Chances are you won’t run out of indoor activities in Glasgow, then.
You’ve got your classic museum and gallery visits, a selection of shopping destinations, a secret bar, and even a few mad activities like axe-throwing and roller skating.
What more could you need?