Breadcrumbs [Home](/index%2Ephp/) > [A Pocket Guide To Glasgow](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/2484) ![A Pocket Guide To Glasgow ](https://media.slman.com/7CXmR-81uCYpTFaVb6ILu8xpWxY=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F10%2Fglasgow-guide-thumb.png) Image: ANNA URLAPOVA/PEXELS [UK](/index%2Ephp/culture/travel/uk) / 01 November 2023 # A Pocket Guide To Glasgow Scotland’s biggest city has character and history on every street; world-class galleries, buzzy neighbourhoods and an impressive food scene are just a few reasons to visit Glasgow. Here’s where to stay and go on your next trip… Image: ANNA URLAPOVA/PEXELS [ ![Kimpton Blythswood Square](https://media.slman.com/_7xqK8OIg81eyJknOzH7ouaZzKk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F10%2Fblythswood-square-glasgow.png) ](https://www.kimptonblythswoodsquare.com/) Kimpton Blythswood Square ## STAY Glasgow’s hotel scene has seen some exciting developments over the last few years – with plenty of affordable openings. For a luxury trip, book a room at [Kimpton Blythswood Square](https://www.kimptonblythswoodsquare.com/). It’s in a restored Georgian building in the city centre, and rooms have recently been renovated with Scandi-inspired décor. There’s a modern spa with relaxation pools, a thermal suite and lounge, as well as the destination seafood restaurant Iasg. Another smart choice is [Voco Grand Central Glasgow](https://www.guestreservations.com/voco-grand-central-glasgow-an-ihg-hotel/booking?gclid=Cj0KCQjwsp6pBhCfARIsAD3GZua1hVNjItt0OWvf6hMBiocQqOtVyERjZVR3M58N-_z9hjamkmjLOQ8aAiaWEALw_wcB) in the city’s shopping district. It has modern interiors, but the historic property has hosted numerous famous faces over the decades, from Frank Sinatra to Charlie Chaplin. Today, rooms are light and bright, while the glamorous central champagne bar is a buzzy spot with its grand domed ceiling and marble floor. If you’re after a boutique hotel, [Dakota](https://dakotahotels.co.uk/glasgow/) on Regent Street offers the luxury extras you’d expect at a bigger property – like comfy beds with plush linens, rainfall showers and Sky TV for cosy evenings in. Head to restaurant [Grill](https://dakotahotels.co.uk/glasgow/grill/) for generous Scottish breakfasts and bistro dishes, and settle down in the cosy champagne room. There's complimentary access to a nearby gym and in-room beauty treatments available on request. On the other side of the city, [Cathedral House](https://cathedralhouseglasgow.com/) is one of our favourite properties on this list. Its eight individually designed rooms are spacious and homely, with the feel of a lovely B&B and service of a luxury hotel. One of the main draws is its ground-floor Italian restaurant [Celentano’s](https://celentanosglasgow.com/). Dinner here is not to be missed – and worth booking if you stay elsewhere. Apart-hotel group [Native](https://nativeplaces.com/property/native-glasgow/) has an outpost on Glasgow’s George Square. There are 64 apartments set in an Edwardian building that was formerly the HQ of a shipping company. Appropriately enough, Native’s design takes inspiration from the glamour of a 1920s ocean liner – think art deco-inspired accents and plush furniture. It has two restaurants for brunch through to late-night dinners. [Virgin Hotels](https://virginhotels.com/glasgow/) has an outpost overlooking the river Clyde. You’ll find spacious and airy rooms, a restaurant for all-day dining, and a rooftop bar with city views. Finally, readers looking for something more budget-friendly should head to newcomer [Revolver](https://revolverhotel.co.uk/). Set above nightclub Polo Lounge, its modern hostel-style rooms offer everything from bunkbeds to suites for couples – and prices start from just £25 pppn. There’s also a rooftop terrace for pre-drinks, ideal for a weekend away. [ ![Dakota](https://media.slman.com/D0uAcH_PmO99HkvEYvdlrP2MLzs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F10%2Fdakota-glasgow.png) ](https://dakotahotels.co.uk/glasgow/) Dakota ## EAT & DRINK Glasgow’s exciting restaurant scene is reason enough to plan a trip. Thanks to the city’s diverse population, visitors will find restaurants serving everything from authentic Italian to Chinese. For fine dining, book a table at [Unalome](https://www.unalomebygc.com/) by Glaswegian chef Graeme Cheevers – it’s one of the city’s two Michelin-starred restaurants. In the foodie hub of Finnieston, this lively spot is renowned for its sophisticated dishes made with the best of Scottish produce. Also holding a star is [Cail Bruich](https://www.cailbruich.co.uk/) on the Great Western Road. Headed up by two brothers, the restaurant recently won Scotland’s Restaurant of the Year at the 2023 AA Hospitality Awards. Count on elegant dishes in its design-led dining room. [ ![Voco Grand Central Glasgow](https://media.slman.com/RIDTYgGB6NNL-mLXEce8eWLU9bg=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F10%2Fvoco-glasgow.png) ](https://www.guestreservations.com/voco-grand-central-glasgow-an-ihg-hotel/booking?gclid=Cj0KCQjwsp6pBhCfARIsAD3GZua1hVNjItt0OWvf6hMBiocQqOtVyERjZVR3M58N-_z9hjamkmjLOQ8aAiaWEALw_wcB) Voco Grand Central Glasgow Many Italians migrated to Glasgow from the late 19th century onwards, so the city has excellent Italian restaurants, including the aforementioned [Celentano’s](https://celentanosglasgow.com/). Staff serve generous bowls of pasta with baskets of fluffy focaccia in the cosy dining room. As well as crowd-pleasing dishes like cacio e pepe and beef ragu pappardelle, you’ll also find inventive dishes like lasagne fritti and cod cheek linguine. For a great rustic meal, family run [Sarti](https://www.sarti.co.uk/) has two outposts in the city, both serving seafood, pasta and pizza with carafes of wine. Then there’s [Eighty Eight](https://88glasgow.co.uk/), known for its handmade tagliatelle and daily changing menu. Look out for locally sourced seafood and desserts like poached pears with rum meringue. For Mediterranean dishes, [Gloriosa](https://www.gloriosaglasgow.com/) is a new neighbourhood restaurant where you can enjoy plates like squid with broad beans and courgette, roast hake with pepperonata, and melon sorbet with frozen vodka. To the north of the city, Italian-owned gelateria [Ginesi’s](https://www.instagram.com/ginesisgelato/) makes artisan gelato using Italian ingredients and Scottish milk and cream. [ ![Cail Bruich](https://media.slman.com/baZF7ykOUaTtbKOvskccwuRwT2Q=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F10%2Fcail-bruich-glasgow.png) ](https://www.cailbruich.co.uk/) Cail Bruich [ ![Celentano’s](https://media.slman.com/Y7f57sjRXmZKfSj-xnsWdTKqrvE=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F10%2Fcelentanos-glasgow.png) ](https://celentanosglasgow.com/) Celentano’s For long lunches and relaxed dinners, there are numerous neighbourhood restaurants to know. [Five March](https://fivemarch.co.uk/) does small plates with local beers and a neat selection of wines. Menu highlights include lamb meatballs with cumin and chickpeas, and fried chicken with pickles and peanuts. [Ubiquitous Chip](https://ubiquitouschip.co.uk/) on cobbled Ashton Lane has a similar vibe. Here, diners can tuck into inventive Scottish dishes with a modern twist, like venison haggis, smoked fish boards and Scottish seatrout. There’s an outdoor courtyard, an upstairs brasserie, a rooftop terrace and several bars – perfect for a fun date or evening with friends. Casual dinners are best spent at [Ox and Finch](https://www.oxandfinch.com/) in the West End. There’s a laidback atmosphere where friendly staff serve Mediterranean-inspired sharing dishes. We like the sound of the poached hake with squid, chickpeas, celery and green olive aioli, followed by raspberry and olive oil millefeuille. Thanks to its proximity to Scotland’s coastline, Glasgow also has excellent seafood restaurants. [Crabshakk](https://www.crabshakk.co.uk/) has two outposts: the original site in Finnieston and a second in the West End. The former has been a favourite among locals since it opened 13 years ago. Today, diners at both places can expect the same seafood platters and sharing dishes of mussels mariniere, langoustines, and crab cakes. Another great option is [Shucks](https://www.shucksglasgow.com/), from the same team behind Cail Bruich. The menu of local seafood dishes is hyper-seasonal – barbecued squid, shrimp with marie-rose butter and brown butter poached cod might be among the options for you. For southeast Asian-inspired sharing plates, book a table at [Ka Pao](https://www.ka-pao.com/), which showcases dishes from Northern Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. For a great curry, book a table at Glasgow institution [Mother India](https://www.motherindia.co.uk/). In opulent surrounds, diners can enjoy traditional curries mopped up with huge naan breads. [Outlier](https://www.instagram.com/outlier.gla/) in Calton is the place for your coffee and pastry fix. It’s a beautifully designed space with a café and gallery. Bread, pastries and cakes are by ex-Rochelle Canteen chef Allisa Murphy-McFarlen, and there are also brunch dishes and toasties. Later this year, Outlier will gain its licence to serve wines and cocktails in the evening. Meanwhile, [Tantrum Doughnuts](https://tantrumdoughnuts.com/) makes sweet treats finished with signature jams, custards and toppings. Choose from flavours like crème brûlée, birthday cake, forest fruits jam, and pistachio and hibiscus. In the evening, make a beeline for one of the city’s many bars and pubs, like [The Hug and Pint](https://www.thehugandpint.com/) on Great Western Road. This buzzy spot serves small plates, beer and wine – and there’s usually live music from local bands. Then there’s the nearby [Bananamoon](https://www.bananamoonbar.com/), one of the city’s coolest new openings. Head in for retro interiors and great cocktails. [ ![Shucks](https://media.slman.com/UxOZso-VI9bM1FKs46ZVx5qvSNA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F10%2Fshucks.png) ](https://www.shucksglasgow.com/) Shucks ## VISIT A magnet for Turner nominees and prize winners, Glasgow’s art scene is impressive. You could easily spend a weekend gallery hopping around world-class institutions. Bookmark the [Centre for Contemporary Arts](https://www.cca-glasgow.com/) for its year-round programme of exhibitions, events and films; the [Gallery of Modern Art](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/gallery-of-modern-art-goma) with its works by numerous Scottish artists; and the free [Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum) that’s home to over 8,000 objects. Other places to visit include the [Hunterian Museum](https://www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/) next to the university library, and [Glasgow Science Centre](https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/) if you have kids in tow. [Glasgow Botanic Gardens](https://glasgowbotanicgardens.com/) is another must-see spot. Set over 27 acres of land near the city centre, it’s home to 9,000 plants in temperate and tropical glasshouses. You can also book guided tours. Visitors should also set time aside to visit Pollok Country Park, the city’s greenest open space. Follow the City Centre Mural Trail to see some of Glasgow’s best street art – including the Shuggie Bain Mural dedicated to the book of the same name by Douglas Stuart. After a culture fix, book tickets to a gig at the famous [Barrowland Ballroom](https://barrowland-ballroom.co.uk/) – arguably the UK’s best music venue. With its impressive sound system and unique sprung dance floor, it hosts up-and-coming acts and international names alike. Another cool venue is [SWG3](https://swg3.tv/) which hosts warehouse raves, gigs, art shows and more by the river. ![](https://media.slman.com/GQRV5jefD66nDa7y3Gfg8m4vEUQ=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F10%2Fsl-guide-to-glasgow.png) PAULINA B/UNSPLASH DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at .