Top 10 Things to Do in Paisley for First-Time Visitors

1. Take a Walking Tour with Paisley Tours

The best way to explore Paisley is on foot — with a local guide who brings the town’s past to life. Paisley Tours offers immersive walking experiences that uncover everything from medieval royalty to witch trials, revolutionaries, and the town’s global textile legacy.

Led by passionate storytellers (not boring history buffs), these tours are full of fascinating detail, humour, and heart. You’ll come away seeing Paisley through entirely new eyes.

👉 Book your Historical Tour here

Or browse all options at www.paisleytours.org.uk/tours

2. Step Inside Paisley Abbey

Founded in 1163, this majestic abbey is one of Scotland’s most important religious sites. Marvel at the soaring Gothic architecture and stained glass, or go searching for the town’s famous alien gargoyle. Royal burials, rebel monks, and ancient secrets — it’s all here.

3. Discover the Paisley Pattern at the Museum

The iconic paisley teardrop isn’t just a fashion statement — it’s part of the town’s soul. Learn how it travelled from Persia to the mills of Renfrewshire, and how Paisley helped weave itself into global style history.

Note: The newly refurbished museum is due to reopen soon, but even before then, the story lives on in exhibitions and shopfronts throughout the town.

4. Grab a Coffee at Roasters or a Local Café

Need a break? Roasters on Gauze the High Street Street is a favourite with locals — known for its friendly vibe, great coffee, and perfect people-watching perch across from Paisley Town Hall. Whether you’re after a flat white or a toastie, it’s a great place to recharge between stops.

Other local gems include Taste Buds, offering a warm welcome and a wee bit of Paisley charm.

5. Explore the Secret Laneways

Paisley is full of hidden lanes and wynds with intriguing names — like Shuttle Street and Thread Street. Many of them trace back to the town’s weaving roots. A wander down these passageways feels like slipping through time.

6. Visit the Coats Memorial Church

Known as the 'Cathedral of the Arts,' this ornate church was gifted by the famous thread baron Thomas Coats. It’s a jaw-dropping example of Victorian grandeur — and a poignant reminder of the town’s philanthropic spirit.

7. Picnic in Barshaw Park

A perfect green space for families, couples or solo travellers. Feed the ducks, relax on the grass, or just soak in the view from the hilltop. Local tip? Catch the miniature railway if it's running!

8. Follow the Threads of Public Art

Paisley’s streets are stitched with creativity. From the Thread Mill Museum to modern murals celebrating the town’s textile heritage, public art in Paisley tells its own vivid story. Don’t miss the sculptures near the Abbey, the Sma’ Shot Cottages installations, and the growing number of street art pieces that blend history with local pride.

9. Shop Local on the High Street

Forget chain stores. Paisley’s independent businesses are full of personality. From vintage finds to handmade crafts, you’ll be supporting a new wave of local makers and shopkeepers.

10. Unwind at Vienna’s or The Bull Inn

Wrap up your visit with a drink in one of Paisley’s most popular venues. Vienna’s brings the nightlife buzz, while The Bull Inn is steeped in history. Either way, you’ll leave with a story or two.

Ready to explore?Don’t just tick things off a list — let Paisley surprise you. And for the most unforgettable introduction to the town, book your walking tour with us today.