Glasgow: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Scotland’s vibrant second city
Friendly lively, dynamic and increasingly sophisticated, Glasgow is Scotland’s largest and arguably most vibrant city.
In recent years, this former shipbuilding hub has reinvented itself as a perfect weekend getaway, filled with wonderful museums, unbeatable bars and restaurants that take full advantage of the excellent fresh seafood caught daily on Scotland’s west coast.
In July, Glasgow hosts the biggest Pride event in Scotland; and in early August, one of Glasgow’s grandest and most historic districts erupts into life for the Merchant City Festival, a nine-day extravaganza showcasing street art, music, theatre, and comedy.
What to do
Wander the West End
Glasgow’s West End is one of the most hip, eclectic and cosmopolitan parts of the city. Take a stroll down Byres Road, a busy thoroughfare packed with interesting cafes, bars and boutiques. The area is also criss-crossed with pretty, hidden little cobbled streets like Ashton Lane, which is lit with strings of fairy lights at night.
At the bottom of Byres Road, turn left to reach Kelvingrove Museum (10am-5pm), a palatial, gothic building set in extensive parkland.
A 10-minute walk from the museum is The Mackintosh House, which was home to Glasgow’s most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, from 1906-1914; on weekday mornings you can get a guided tour for £6. Behind it you’ll find the Hunterian Museum (10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-4pm Sundays), a true cultural gem and the oldest museum in Scotland.
Inside, you’ll find eye-opening anatomical displays, books, manuscripts, fossils and fascinating zoological specimens.
Take a speedboat trip
One of the most thrilling ways to experience the broad, deep and winding river Clyde is by booking a trip with Pacific Quay Powerboats.
Their 45-minute City Centre Sightseer tour costs £12 for adults and £6 for children.
Follow the Glasgow Mural Trail
The city’s impressive street art scene is just one of the ways various vacant or rundown industrial areas have been brought back to life.
Glasgow council has developed a detailed and helpful free guide that you can download, too.
Have a retro night at RollerStop
Vintage skating rink RollerStop hosts themed, adults-only club nights packed with rock’n’roll hits and lit with funky strobe lighting. Tickets from £4.
Where to stay
Barrie Munn – the entrepreneur behind Sleeperz hotel in Cambridge – opened sleek boutique hotel Grasshoppers in 2012. It’s handily situated right beside Glasgow Central station, and is elegantly decorated in pale greys and whites. The breakfasts are to die for too. Doubles from £70, B&B.
ABode Glasgow is a beautiful and historic three-storey Georgian townhouse that was originally the home of the first Scottish prime minister, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman; it’s now a grand but surprisingly budget-friendly accommodation option in the city centre. Doubles from £79, B&B.
If you want to experience Glasgow like a local, you should definitely check out this beautifully decorated and unusual loft apartment in Finnieston, available through Airbnb. A fully stocked kitchen is included in the £100 per night price.
Where to eat
Innovative and artistic brasserie Ubiquitous Chip on Ashton Lane is a must-visit for lunch. Try their fresh, caper-filled egg gribiche with syboes and pickled chillies for just £6.95.
Glasgow was voted the most vegan-friendly city in the UK a few years ago, so make sure you swing by laidback, appealing vegan pub The 78 in Finnieston. Try their delicious katsu panko tofu burger with pickled asian veg for a real flavour kick.
Bombay Babu Street Kitchen sells the best chai and roti this side of Maharashtra. Don’t miss their pau bhaji: a mix of spiced cauliflower, peas and potato served inside a fluffy, buttered morning roll.
For a sweet treat, head to Tantrum Doughnuts, a hugely popular bakery that sells creative and indulgent doughnuts, as well as frothy hot chocolate topped with giant, toasted marshmallows.
Where to drink
Stravaigin (meaning “to wander” in Gaelic) is the place to be if you want to experience some of the best hospitality Scotland has to offer. You can sample everything from classic cocktails to locally brewed craft beer.
If you like bohemian, lively and great-value spaces, check out Hillhead Bookclub in the West End – local brew Tennents is just £2.50 Monday to Thursday. They also serve cocktails in gramophones.
Soak up laidback vibes at Chinaski’s, a compact, cosy, candlelit bar with a great range of whiskys and bourbons.
If you need a caffeine fix, try Artisan Roast, who roast their own beans. You can buy various tasty blends to take away with you too.
Where to shop
For high-end fashion head to Glasgow’s “Style Mile”, a central, upscale shopping district that incorporates Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Merchant City.
You can get great, quirky and unusual items like vintage clothing, local Scottish crafts and handmade jewellery at a variety of independent shops in De Courcy’s Arcade on Cresswell Lane.
For a uniquely Glaswegian shopping experience, head to famous market The Barras. It sells everything you could possibly need, from Rangers and Celtic memorabilia to saris (4-10pm daily).
Architectural highlight
The beautiful vaulted Cloisters (also known as the Undercroft) at the University of Glasgow date back to the 1860s. They’re part of Bute Hall, a Gothic revival building designed by renowned architect George Gilbert Scott.
Nuts and bolts
What currency do I need?
Pound sterling.
What language do they speak?
English.
Should I tip?
10-12 per cent.
What’s the time difference?
GMT.
Public transport
FirstBus Greater Glasgow is the main bus company. You can get a one-week adult bus pass for £15.50.
Best view
You’ll get a panoramic view of the city from The Lighthouse, Scotland’s national centre for design and architecture.
Insider tip
If you’re feeling brave, drunk or particularly hungry, ask a local chip shop for a “munchie box”: essentially a bit of everything on the menu. If you’ve had a few too many whisky cocktails, a munchie box will either kill or cure you.
