Riverside Museum Glasgow
A hyper-modern museum showcasing Glasgow's transport history with fascinating vehicles and interactive exhibits. Free entry!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Riverside Museum Glasgow
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hyper-modern museum showcasing Glasgow's transport history with fascinating vehicles and interactive exhibits. Free entry!
"One of the best museums we have ever been to, great displays and interactive fun for all ages.
"🚗 Taxi for Quick Access
Jump in a taxi for efficient travel, especially with kids.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate 3-4 hours to truly soak in the exhibits and interactive displays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Vehicle Collection
Marvel at classic cars, trams, buses, and bikes. A nostalgic journey through transport history!

Recreated Glasgow Streets
Step back in time exploring old shops and streets, offering a glimpse into daily life of the past.

The Tall Ship Glenlee
Behind the museum
Explore a magnificent 19th-century sailing ship docked right outside the museum. (Separate admission fee applies)
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Riverfront Charm
Plan for Transport & Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What to do for a few hours in Glasgow?
🚗 Taxi for Quick Access
Jump in a taxi for efficient travel, especially with kids.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate 3-4 hours to truly soak in the exhibits and interactive displays.
Glasgow museums
9 hours in Glasgow - recommendations please!
☕ Cafe Options
The main cafe can be busy; try the smaller upstairs cafe for a quieter break.
🚢 Tall Ship Visit
Don't miss the Tall Ship; a separate ticket offers a unique maritime experience.
In for a visit
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Taxi for Quick Access
Jump in a taxi for efficient travel, especially with kids.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate 3-4 hours to truly soak in the exhibits and interactive displays.
☕ Cafe Options
The main cafe can be busy; try the smaller upstairs cafe for a quieter break.
🚢 Tall Ship Visit
Don't miss the Tall Ship; a separate ticket offers a unique maritime experience.
💰 Donation Welcome
While free, consider a donation to support this fantastic museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Riverside Museum's free admission and impressive collection of historic vehicles, from cars to trams. The modern building and interactive displays are a hit with families, and the recreated street scenes offer a nostalgic journey. While the Tall Ship has a separate fee, it's considered a worthwhile addition. Some find the main cafe busy, but overall, it's a highly recommended, engaging, and accessible museum experience.
"The Riverside Museum is a fantastic place to visit, especially as admission is free, making it accessible for everyone. Its location right by the river adds to the charm, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the scenic surroundings before or after exploring the museum itself. The building is modern and striking, and once inside, you’re greeted with an impressive collection that feels both inviting and easy to navigate.
One of the highlights is the range of lovely old vehicles on display, from vintage cars and trams to classic bikes, which are fascinating to see up close. The museum is also very well thought out in terms of accessibility, with excellent disabled facilities that ensure all visitors can enjoy the experience comfortably. It’s a place that combines history, culture, and atmosphere beautifully, making it well worth a visit."
Nicholas Martin
"Amazing place, one of the best museums we have ever been to, got there at opening time, stayed until around 3.00pm, great coffee, great soup...... The displays are very well laid out with lots of interesting info. The ship conveyer belt was so cool. Great to sit in an old underground train and watch the movie from the 1940s, also the Coronation tram, the old shops and street were so well done..... Love seeing the Caledonian Railway 123 loco, still have my Triang/Hornby one from the 1970s :) Not all about transport, plenty about Glasgow life. The Tall Ship is worth a visit too just behind the museum."
Martin Carran
"Superb place for anybody who likes cars, motorbikes, buses, trains, trams & more, it is also free to enter. Lots to look at, take your time to walk around & look up, there is also an upstairs. The cafe downstairs very busy, waiting to be seated, there is a smaller cafe upstairs, you can go outside straight onto the tall ship, which isn't free, £4.50 adult. They do ask if your able to make a donation, absolutely recommend a visit, good for children as well, the tour buses pick up down there as well."
Niki Holmes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Riverside Museum is easily accessible. Many visitors opt for taxis for a quick and direct route, especially when traveling with children.
It's also a stop for tour buses, making it convenient for organized sightseeing.While specific parking details aren't widely shared, taxis are frequently recommended for ease of access.
Consider public transport options or ride-sharing services if driving yourself.The museum is located by the river, offering a pleasant walk if you are in the vicinity. However, for those coming from further afield, taxis or public transport are more practical.
Yes, the museum is accessible. It's located near the Glasgow Science Centre, which is well-served by public transport.
Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.Taxis are a popular and efficient choice for families traveling with children to the Riverside Museum.
This ensures a comfortable and direct journey, minimizing travel stress.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Riverside Museum offers free admission, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors.
The museum is generally open daily, but it's always best to check the official website for the most current opening hours and any potential holiday closures before your visit.
As admission is free, booking tickets in advance is not typically required for the Riverside Museum. However, for special exhibitions or events, it's advisable to check their website.
No, the Tall Ship Glenlee, located behind the museum, has a separate admission fee of approximately £4.50 for adults.
Since the museum is free to enter, there are no discounts on admission. However, concessions may apply for special exhibitions or events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts an impressive collection of historic vehicles, including vintage cars, trams, and bikes. It also features recreated Glasgow streets and interactive displays.
Yes, it's very family-friendly with interactive exhibits and a wide range of vehicles that appeal to all ages.
Visitors typically spend around 3-4 hours to explore the museum thoroughly and enjoy the various displays.
Absolutely! The museum features many fun interactive elements designed to engage visitors of all ages.
The Coronation tram is a specific, well-preserved tram from a significant era in Glasgow's public transport history, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located downstairs, and a smaller one upstairs. The downstairs cafe can get quite busy during peak times.
The cafe offers coffee, soup, and other refreshments. Visitors have praised the coffee and soup specifically.
The museum's riverside location means there might be other eateries nearby, but the onsite cafe is a convenient option for visitors.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or before/after your visit to maintain the museum's environment.
Reviews suggest reasonable prices, with visitors mentioning good coffee and soup.
It's a convenient option for a break during your visit.📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the Riverside Museum, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits.
The vintage vehicles, recreated street scenes, and the exterior architecture of the museum itself offer great photographic opportunities. The Tall Ship Glenlee is also a picturesque subject.
Yes, you can take photos of the Tall Ship Glenlee. It's a striking vessel and a popular subject for visitors.
Flash photography is often discouraged or prohibited in museums to protect delicate exhibits. It's best to avoid using flash unless explicitly permitted.
You can capture images of a diverse range of historical transport, detailed streetscapes, and the impressive modern architecture of the museum building.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider using taxis for a quick and stress-free journey to the museum, especially if you have young children in tow. Allocate at least 3-4 hours to allow everyone to explore at their own pace without feeling rushed. The upstairs cafe offers a slightly quieter option if the main cafe is busy.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, utilize public transport or walk if you're staying nearby. If you do opt for a taxi, consider sharing the cost if traveling with others. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save on cafe expenses, though the onsite cafe does offer affordable options like coffee and soup.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay special attention to the details in the exhibits, such as the Coronation tram and the Caledonian Railway 123 loco, which are highlighted by enthusiasts. The adjacent Tall Ship Glenlee further enriches the historical experience, connecting land transport with maritime history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Glasgow's Transport Heritage
Visitors can step aboard an old underground train and watch a 1940s film, or marvel at iconic trams like the Coronation tram. The displays are thoughtfully curated, providing context and stories behind each exhibit, making it more than just a display of vehicles but a narrative of Glasgow's industrial past and its connection to global transport.
Beyond individual vehicles, the museum recreates historical street scenes, allowing you to wander through old shops and experience what Glasgow might have looked like decades ago. This immersive approach makes the history tangible and engaging for all ages.
The Tall Ship Glenlee: A Maritime Gem
Exploring the Glenlee allows you to walk its decks, descend into its cabins, and imagine the voyages it undertook. It's a tangible piece of Glasgow's shipbuilding heritage, a city that was once a powerhouse of maritime construction. The ship provides a stark contrast to the land-based transport exhibits inside the museum, showcasing another vital aspect of historical movement and trade.
Visitors can easily transition from the museum to the ship, making it a natural extension of the Riverside Museum experience. The ship's presence adds a significant dimension to the visit, offering a different perspective on the era of exploration and commerce.
Accessibility and Family Fun
For families, the museum is a guaranteed hit. The wide array of vehicles, from trains to cars, captivates children, while the interactive displays provide hands-on fun. The recreated street scenes also spark imagination, allowing kids to 'time travel' and explore different eras.
Reviewers consistently highlight the museum as a great place for children, with plenty to see and do to keep them entertained for hours. The free admission further enhances its appeal as a budget-friendly family outing.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit