Riverside Museum

Glasgow which includes modern architecture and night scenes
Riverside Museum
Glasgow featuring interior views
Glasgow featuring interior views
Glasgow which includes modern architecture and a sunset


Travel through the history of transport in a modern museum that features interactive exhibits, a wide variety of vehicles and replicas of old Glaswegian streets.

Marvel at the vast array of locomotives, boats, cars and bicycles on display in Glasgow’s award-winning Riverside Museum. The building itself is astonishing, a curvy, modernist masterpiece designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Inside, it contains a wealth of transport treasures that make for an engaging and exciting day out with the whole family.

The collections here were originally housed in the Transport Museum. Witness the result of Zaha Hadid’s distinctive blend of metal, glass and curves in the new building, which was commissioned in 2004. The design is intended to reflect the connection between the city and the River Clyde.

Allow plenty of time to experience everything on display in the museum. The history of transport is chronicled across nine different display themes such as Crossing the World, Made in Scotland and Transport and Leisure. The collection of over 3,000 items includes early car models, a South African steam locomotive and an old train carriage with an interior you can explore.

The Riverside Museum prides itself on the breadth of interactive displays across its exhibits. Get interactive with the touch screens that are spread throughout the galleries, each containing a wealth of information on the museum’s collections.

Walk down a street from late 19th-century Glasgow. This is one of the museum’s three impressive street replicas. Old-world trams pass traditional store fronts, giving visitors an authentic look at the city between 1895 and 1930. Discover other immersive exhibits, including an Edwardian photography studio and a car garage from the 1960s.

Head to the riverfront outside the main entrance to visit the Tall Ship, which is berthed next to the museum. This three-masted steel ship was built in the late 19th century and is open for guided tours.

The Riverside Museum is open daily and guided tours are available with advance booking. Walk to the museum along the banks of the Clyde. Partick train and subway station is 10 minutes away by foot. Metered parking is available for those driving to the museum.

Plan a trip to see Riverside Museum

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Muthu Glasgow River Hotel
VKM Apartments
Isle of Skye Guest house

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Social Hub Glasgow

The Social Hub Glasgow

4 out of 5
15 Candleriggs, Glasgow, Scotland
The Social Hub Glasgow
Moxy Glasgow SEC

Moxy Glasgow SEC

3.5 out of 5
FINNIESTON STREET, Glasgow, Scotland
Moxy Glasgow SEC
Clayton Hotel Glasgow

Clayton Hotel Glasgow

4 out of 5
298 Clyde Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Sandyford Hotel

Sandyford Hotel

3 out of 5
904 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Sandyford Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central

DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central

4 out of 5
36 Cambridge Street, Glasgow, Scotland
DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central
Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

4 out of 5
375 West George Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel
Crowne Plaza Hotel Glasgow by IHG

Crowne Plaza Hotel Glasgow by IHG

4 out of 5
Congress Road, Glasgow, Scotland
Crowne Plaza Hotel Glasgow by IHG
Courtyard by Marriott Glasgow SEC

Courtyard by Marriott Glasgow SEC

4 out of 5
16 Stobcross Road, Glasgow, Scotland
Courtyard by Marriott Glasgow SEC
Radisson RED Glasgow

Radisson RED Glasgow

3.5 out of 5
Finnieston Quay; 25 Tunnel Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Radisson RED Glasgow
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Riverside Museum

At Riverside Museum in Glasgow, visitors can explore a variety of engaging activities including local tours that showcase the museum's fascinating exhibits. The area is also home to vibrant theatre performances and impressive art installations, making it a cultural hub. Enjoying these attractions will enhance your experience at this remarkable museum.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots to Riverside Museum include Buchanan Galleries, St. Enoch Centre, and Argyll Arcade, all around 1.2km away, offering a mix of high street and unique shops. If you're up for a drive, you can explore even more options in Glasgow's city centre.

Recreation

Explore Hampden Park for an invigorating experience with its sports atmosphere, perfect for fitness enthusiasts. Enjoy live performances at the O2 Academy Glasgow, immersing yourself in vibrant entertainment. For tranquility, visit Queen's Park, where you can unwind amidst beautiful greenery and serene surroundings.

Adventure

Embark on the West Highland Way Trailhead, a breathtaking hiking experience located 3.1km from Riverside Museum, offering stunning outdoor scenery. For climbing enthusiasts, the Glasgow Climbing Centre, a mere 621m away, provides thrilling sports adventures. Explore the serene Hillside Path, situated 1.9km from the museum, for a peaceful outdoor stroll.

Nightlife

In Riverside Museum, Kings Theatre Glasgow offers a captivating cultural experience just 1.6km away, while Clyde Auditorium presents a diverse range of performances only 435m away. For a family-friendly adventure, AMF Bowling, also 1.6km away, provides fun-filled arcade entertainment to enjoy after dark.

Find the best attractions near Riverside Museum

The Riverside Museum in Glasgow offers a wealth of cultural experiences, with nearby attractions including the Museum of Transport and various historic colleges and arts centres. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, visitors can explore the vibrant local scene while enjoying the museum's fascinating exhibits and the scenic riverside. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in Glasgow's rich heritage during your visit.

  • OVO Hydro: Experience exhilarating live performances at OVO Hydro, an entertainment venue renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly events. With a capacity to host thousands, it’s a hub for music and entertainment, just 435m from Riverside Museum.
  • University of Glasgow: A visit to the historic University of Glasgow, located 186m away, immerses you in rich culture and stunning architecture. This prestigious institution boasts beautiful gothic buildings and a fascinating history, making it a perfect spot for exploration.
  • Buchanan Street: Stroll along Buchanan Street, a bustling shopping precinct 1.2km from Riverside Museum. Known for its lively outdoor vibes, it offers a mix of high-street shops, cafes, and street performances—ideal for a family day out.

Best time to go to Riverside Museum

The best time to visit Riverside Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Riverside Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Riverside Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Riverside Museum

To save money on your visit to Riverside Museum in Glasgow, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January and October to November. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, with Monday being the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia to compare prices and find last-minute deals. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities for significant savings. Look for free attractions in Glasgow and utilise public transport, such as buses and trains, for affordable travel around the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Riverside Museum are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Riverside Museum is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Riverside Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Riverside Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen destination, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you can easily discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay at Riverside Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.