26 Aug 2026
Glasgow 2: Back again for more Mackintosh, Murals, and Museums
Wandering Works for Us Podcast
Date: 26 August 2026
Title: Glasgow 2: Back again for more Mackintosh, Murals, and Museums
Summary of Episode
Glasgow has become one of our favorite cities in Scotland, and after spending five days there on this trip, we decided it deserved its very own episode.
We love Edinburgh too, but Glasgow has a completely different feel. Edinburgh is the picture-perfect Scotland that many visitors imagine—castles, bagpipes, kilts, and the Royal Mile. Glasgow feels more like a real, lived-in city. It is creative, friendly, walkable, a little grittier in the best possible way, and full of great food, pubs, art, architecture, and interesting people.
On this trip, we revisited a few favorites, including the Willow Tea Rooms, while also exploring new places. Beth went deep into the world of Charles Rennie Mackintosh with a visit to the Hunterian and the recreated Mackintosh House. Shelley took some time on her own to follow Glasgow's incredible mural trail and discovered just how much of the city you can see on foot.
Of course, we also went looking for Highland coos at Pollok Country Park, found one of Glasgow's oldest pubs, ate some excellent Thai and Vietnamese food, and had a few adventures with the city's public transportation and construction.
And because we were traveling with our friends Sheila and Chris, we also took them out of Glasgow for a visit to our beloved little Scottish town of Strathaven. Their reaction reminded us of something we always encourage travelers to do: make time for the smaller places. The big cities are wonderful, but sometimes the best travel memories happen when you slow down, visit a village, meet some locals, and see what everyday life is really like.
Pour yourself a gin and tonic—preferably a Glasgow gin—and come along with us as we talk about five days in one of our favorite Scottish cities.
Key Topics
00:33 – Welcome to the Glasgow episode
After a few technical difficulties—and a couple of false starts—we finally get going and explain why Glasgow deserves its own episode.
01:25 – Why we came back to Glasgow
We had visited before on day trips, but this time we stayed in the city for five days and had a chance to really explore.
03:25 – Why Glasgow is our favorite Scottish city
We talk about how walkable and comfortable Glasgow feels and why we keep wanting to return.
03:40 – Edinburgh vs. Glasgow
Edinburgh is the beautiful, quintessential Scotland that everyone imagines. Glasgow? It feels more like a real, lived-in city—and that is exactly what we love about it.
06:00 – Gin and tonic, Glasgow style
We introduce our special Glasgow gin, brought back for us by our friend Geoff, and talk about the Glasgow street artist featured on the bottle.
08:25 – Back to the Willow Tea Rooms
Great tea, scones, Scottish breakfast, and plenty of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
10:40 – The Hunterian and the Mackintosh House
Beth goes looking for more Mackintosh and discovers a fascinating museum, an unexpected science collection, and the recreated home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife. The “whatever” building is the Mackintosh House at the Glasgow School of Art.
15:00 – Shelley takes on the Glasgow mural walk
A little solo time turns into a walking tour of Glasgow's incredible murals, hidden alleys, tunnels, and street art.
17:50 – Our updated opinion on the hop-on, hop-off bus
We loved it on our previous visit, but with all the construction around George Square, we don't think it's the best choice right now.
20:30 – Highland coos at Pollok Country Park
This was an absolute must-do for Sheila—and she was determined to see some Highland coos. We talk about getting there, racing to the field, and finally seeing the famous fluffy cows.
24:10 – Hanging out at The Scotia Bar
One of Glasgow's oldest pubs, good beer, dark wood, friendly locals, and some memorable conversations.
24:55 – Football weekend in Glasgow
We accidentally found ourselves in town during a huge football weekend and discovered just how seriously Glasgow takes its football—and its beer.
27:10 – A Sunday roast we wouldn't repeat
Not every meal can be a winner. We share our honest experience and then move on to some much better food.
30:00 – Where we ate in Glasgow
Excellent Thai at Rosa's Thai, delicious Vietnamese at Four Seasons, and a surprisingly good breakfast at Black Sheep Coffee.
32:00 – A day trip from Glasgow to Strathaven
We take Sheila and Chris to one of our favorite places in Scotland to meet friends, see more Highland coos, eat ice cream, visit a pub, and spend time in a real Scottish village.
34:00 – Why more village time might be better travel
Our biggest travel takeaway: don't spend all your time checking off the major cities. Make time for small villages, local pubs, public transportation, and everyday life.
36:50 – What's coming next
We wrap up Glasgow and preview our next Scotland episode: a very different adventure into the Highlands.
37:35 – Subscribe, share, and… maybe another gin and tonic
We attempt to close out the episode while proving that two gin and tonics may not be ideal for remembering your outro.
Important Links
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Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list! (https://wwforus.com/private-tours-and-expert-tour-guides-in-portugal/)
Blog post for this episode: Glasgow, Scotland: Best things to do and see (https://wwforus.com/glasgow-scotland-best-things-to-see-and-do-in-2026/)
Also, Glaswegin brand gin can be found here. (https://glaswegin.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6Xh8fcbIH5Cn1jN7mmtvgtfeFvV7sLfvhjNt2t_7Pqm50boyE)
RESOURCES & LINKS
Looking to plan your next trip to Portugal? We can help! Check out our guides and Itineraries at wwforus.com (http://wwforus.com)
Free Lisbon Itinerary (https://wwforus.com/lisbon-itinerary-a-flexible-first-time-itinerary-for-2-days/)
Packing List (https://wwforus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Portugal-Travel-Packing-List.pdf)
Essentials for every trip (https://wwforus.com/travel-essentials-we-actually-use-tested-gear-for-every-trip/)
Renting a car in Portugal (https://wwforus.com/renting-a-car-in-portugal-everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-go/)
Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list! (https://wwforus.com/private-tours-and-expert-tour-guides-in-portugal/)
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