Things to do in East Kilbride

Activities, attractions and tours

Almost a carpet of snowdrops
Almost a carpet of snowdrops
Some snowdrops on a cold crisp but sunny morning
New houses and lochan
Photo by Alec MacKinnon (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Sunrise over Calderglen
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. OVO Hydro

The SSE Hydro, an iconic, elliptical building on the banks of the River Clyde, is one of the busiest concert venues in the world. The 12,000-seat arena fills up quickly, with fans gathering to see the high-caliber guests who perform here. Join the crowds to experience the electric atmosphere and to sing along with your favorite band.
Learn more
SSE Hydro showing mist or fog and street scenes

2. Hampden Park

Experience the thrill of watching a live sporting event in Hampden Park, one of soccer's most celebrated arenas. The stadium is the home ground for the Scottish soccer team as well as Queen's Park Football Club. Watch a match here with cheering loyal fans or browse the stadium’s museum, which tells the story of Scottish soccer to the present day.
Learn more
Hampden Park

3. Buchanan Street

Buchanan Street is a common part of any trip to Glasgow as it is bookended by two major stations. Spend time on this wide, car-free street during your trip to the cosmopolitan city. Walk along the length of “Style Mile” for an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing.
Learn more
Buchanan Street showing night scenes and street scenes

4. University of Glasgow

Mingle with academics and undergraduates as you wander around the halls of learning in the University of Glasgow. You don't have to be enrolled to enjoy the historic sights of Scotland's second-oldest college or to attend the public lectures and concerts that the university hosts. Head to Gilmorehill Campus in the west end of the city for the main attractions.
Learn more
University of Glasgow showing heritage elements

5. Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre

The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) has earned a prestigious reputation for hosting some of the biggest events in the U.K. The different buildings that comprise the center are unmistakable sights on the riverside, their contemporary metallic architecture fitting in with the ultra-modern waterfront, which also features two stylish museums. Walk along the banks of the River Clyde to admire the unique structures or attend one of the many impressive events hosted within.
Learn more
Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre featuring a river or creek and a bridge

What to do in East Kilbride

Popular places to visit

SSE Hydro which includes mist or fog

OVO Hydro

4.5/5(263 reviews)

Glasgow's multipurpose events venue attracts the biggest names in entertainment. Come to see a performance or simply to admire the building's design.

OVO Hydro
Hampden Park

Hampden Park

4/5(85 reviews)

The home of Scottish soccer, this stadium is beloved by fans of the game who gather here for its electric atmosphere and popular museum about the sport's history.

Hampden Park
Buchanan Street featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

Buchanan Street

4.5/5(717 reviews)

Cutting through the heart of Glasgow, this bustling pedestrianized street is lined with sleek shopping centers, restaurants and several cultural highlights.

Buchanan Street
University of Glasgow showing heritage elements

University of Glasgow

4.5/5(164 reviews)

Explore the campus of one of the U.K.'s oldest universities and feed your fervor for learning in its museums, lecture halls and historic buildings.

University of Glasgow
Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre featuring a river or creek and a bridge

Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre

4.5/5(155 reviews)

These buildings that make up one of Scotland’s most important events venues have become iconic sights on the banks of the River Clyde.

Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre
Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony 2014

Celtic Park

4/5(170 reviews)

Catch an event at Celtic Park during your trip to Dalmarnock. Discover the area's fascinating museums or seek out its local tours.

Celtic Park
George Square showing a square or plaza, a monument and a memorial

George Square

4.5/5(556 reviews)

The people of Glasgow love their spacious central gathering place, which is full of statues and surrounded by stately buildings and restaurants.

George Square
Glasgow Kelvingrove park

Glasgow Green

4.5/5(107 reviews)

Glasgow Green is just one of the places to see in Glasgow, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

Glasgow Green
Princes Square is a shopping centre with a peacock sculpture over the facade on Buchanan Street in central Glasgow, Scotland. In 2016, it was voted Scotland's best building of the last 100 years. #LikeALocal

Merchant City

4.5/5(172 reviews)

During your trip to Glasgow, you can do some window-shopping at Merchant City. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Merchant City

Frequently asked questions

Is East Kilbride worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to experience the cultural attractions and local charm or sample regional foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in East Kilbride.
How do I spend a day in East Kilbride?
Buchanan Street and Glasgow Science Centre are two great places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in East Kilbride while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in East Kilbride?
The top tourist attraction in East Kilbride is Buchanan Street, so be sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in East Kilbride?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Bothwell Castle, Hermaness National Nature Reserve and Scottish Football Museum with a three-day break in East Kilbride. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Glasgow.
Is East Kilbride a walkable city?
It comes down to what you'd like to see and do in East Kilbride. Several top attractions, such as Calderglen Country Park, are reachable on foot. If you feel like a stroll around one of East Kilbride's vibrant neighbourhoods, Cambuslang is 5 kilometres away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in East Kilbride with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all ages, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in East Kilbride with kids.

What to do in East Kilbride for adults?
Tennent Caledonian Breweries and OVO Hydro are just a couple of the things to do in East Kilbride. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in East Kilbride?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in East Kilbride. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Hermaness National Nature Reserve is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia