Venture to the South Side of the city (5–10 minutes by train from Glasgow Central) and go to bakery47 for incredible homemade cakes before a performance at the Tramway or Citizens theatres.
For non-theatre lovers, Glasgow has a popular and diverse music scene, with live bands at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut every night. Go for laughs at The Stand, Glasgow’s popular comedy club, or have a quieter evening at the arthouse cinema.
Wander the cobblestone lanes of Hillhead for boutiques and quirky restaurants and bars, as well as nearby Otago Lane for the curious institutions, Tchai Ovna tea house and Voltaire and Rousseau secondhand bookshop.
Where are the best places to stay and eat?
Glasgow has a range of hotels and hostels to suit every budget. Staying central or in the West End provides easy access to attractions and to the
Glasgow Subway , or “Clockwork Orange” – a circuit of which takes only 24 minutes.
Two of our favourites are The Brunswick, a small, independent designer hotel and the Alamo Guesthouse, a good-value, family-run boarding house next to Kelvingrove Park.
Brunch at Tribeca, The Hyndland Fox, or Cafe Gandolfi and dine at The Ubiquitous Chip, Rogano, or Stravaigin; these restaurants will dispel the stereotype that Glasgow only caters deep fried pizzas and Irn Bru (although these can be sourced, if desired). One of the best things to eat in Glasgow is curry; try Mother India ’s Cafe, Koolba, or The Wee Curry Shop.
Explore more of Glasgow with the Rough Guides. Compare flights, find tours, book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.
Top image: The Riverside transport museum and tall ship on the River Clyde, Glasgow © Targn Pleiades/Shutterstock