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30 Fun Things to Do in Glasgow, Scotland (with Map)

There are so many fun things to do in Glasgow, Scotland. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting on multiple occasions now, and I never run out of amazing places to visit. There are so many world class attractions, fun activities, and insightful walking tours around this historic city.

I have a really awesome Glasgow one day itinerary if you’re looking to spend a day (or a day and a half) in this Scottish city. However, this Glasgow travel guide showcases all of the most fun things to do in Glasgow, whether you’re staying for a night or several nights. I was able to check out most of the places on this list after spending 3 days in Glasgow (although you could definitely stay in the city longer!).

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Best Things to Do in Glasgow

In this Glasgow travel guide, I’ll be showing all of the best things to do in Glasgow. Furthermore, this is a sustainable way to visit Glasgow. This means that everything on this list takes our social and environmental impact into consideration. This includes:

  • A fantastic hotel to choose when in Glasgow
  • Public transportation options within Glasgow and getting to the city
  • Walking tours in Glasgow with a positive social impact
  • The best parks and green spaces
  • Top places to visit overall, and what to do in Glasgow’s City Center and West End
  • The best vegan restaurants in Glasgow
  • And here’s where you can find amazing coffee shops in Glasgow

Quick Guide to Glasgow

Here are some of the best tours, activities, attractions and lodging in Glasgow. If you’re planning your trip at the last minute and you’re looking for must do activities, look no further!

Best Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Best Hotels and Accommodation in Glasgow

Getting Around Glasgow

In Glasgow, it’s really easy to get around using public transportation. First and foremost, Glasgow is an extremely walkable city and it’s possible to reach many places on your own two feet.

Glasgow has a subway system that serves the city centre, west end, and southside of the city. It operates in one big loop and the subway is very easy to figure out. For wherever the subway doesn’t go, you can take the bus. First Bus Glasgow has over 80 routes throughout the city.

Lastly, if you’re looking for transportation and a tour combined, consider booking a ticket aboard the Glasgow Hop On Hop Off Bus. You can enjoy unlimited hop on hop off privileges for a day or two aboard the open top, double decker bus. The full loop lasts 80 minutes and it visits most popular sights and attractions all over the city.

Getting to Glasgow City Centre From the Airport

If you find yourself arriving at the Glasgow airport, it’s easy to get right into the city. Take the Glasgow Airport Express service 500 bus right outside the terminal into town. Walk outside of the airport, turn left, and walk to the end to stance 1. You might see the bus waiting for you. If not, the bus arrives every 12 minutes during the day, and once every 15 minutes in the evening.

There is a booth where you can pay for your fare before boarding the bus. The bus fare might seem a little bit expensive (£10), but it’s quick, easy, and likely to be cheaper than a taxi. Get off the bus at one of five stops in the city centre and you’ll be right in the middle of it all.

Getting to Glasgow By Train

Caledonian Sleeper Train

Reaching Glasgow by train isn’t only an eco-friendly choice, but it’s also an enjoyable experience, too. Taking an overnight sleeper train is a memorable experience in itself! When you’re traveling between Scotland and England, a journey aboard the Caledonian Sleeper is something that you need to do at least once in your lifetime.

The Caledonian Sleeper is an overnight rail service that connects London to Scotland. You can take the overnight sleeper train from London to Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fort William, and Inverness.

The journey from London to Glasgow typically only takes about five hours, but they stretch it out to a full eight hours so you’re able to get enough sleep on the way. You can board the train from London’s Euston Station at 10:30pm (the train departs at 11:40pm) and you’ll arrive in Glasgow at around 7:00am.

If you’d rather take the train from London or elsewhere in England by day, it’s a very scenic and relaxing way to get to Glasgow. I took an Avanti West Coast train from Glasgow back to London on one occasion. I suggest booking your train tickets here through Rail Europe.

Continuing Beyond Glasgow

Looking to get outside of Glasgow on a road trip of Scotland? I highly suggest comparing car rental prices and booking your car hire with Discover Cars. You’ll find the best rates, Discover Cars offers full insurance packages, and they have fantastic customer service. I always choose Discover Cars when I travel. Find the best car rental rates in Glasgow here.

Best Things to Do in Glasgow: A Map

Do you want to see everything I’ve mentioned in this article displayed on a map? This will help you navigate around the city. Here are the best things to do in Glasgow on an interactive map.

How to use this map: Click on each icon to learn more about each location. To reference this map at a later date, click the star next to the map’s title. It will save the map to your Google Maps account. Then, open Google Maps and go to “Your places” in the menu to see this map.

Fun Things to Do in Glasgow: Walking Tours

Walking tours are always a good choice, even if it’s a place you’ve visited before. I recommend choosing a walking tour that’s led by a local guide who can provide unique insights to the city you’re visiting. They often offer a local’s perspective and will help you better understand the history and culture.

Not only that, but they can answer any questions that you might have. Here are a couple of awesome walking tours that I experienced in Glasgow.

Street Art Walking Tour

Glasgow street art - Glasgow mural trail - Things to do in Glasgow

If you love art, local culture, alternative travel or anything remotely offbeat, I highly recommend taking a Street Art Walking Tour. Our incredible tour guide took our small group on a stroll beneath bridges, down alleyways, and along the river’s edge to view some of the best street art in Glasgow.

There are so many stories behind these works of art by local and international artists. Plus, there are so many little details that you might otherwise miss if you aren’t touring around with a local. For instance, in the Wind Power mural by Rogue One, someone added googly eyes to one of the windmills (you can only see it when looking up close).

Glasgow street art - Glasgow mural trail - Things to do in Glasgow
Glasgow street art - Glasgow mural trail - Things to do in Glasgow
Glasgow street art - Glasgow mural trail - Things to do in Glasgow
Glasgow street art - Glasgow mural trail - Things to do in Glasgow
Glasgow street art - Glasgow mural trail - Things to do in Glasgow

We also stopped several times to admire works of art that you wouldn’t notice unless you were searching for them. There was a faded unicorn on one sidewalk (the unicorn is Scotland’s national animal because the unicorn beats the lion, which is England’s animal). We saw another tiny work of art on the ground at another point, and then another work of stencil art high up on a building.

While it is entirely possible to check out all of this street art on your own, you won’t gain nearly as many insights to the stories behind the art as you will with your guide. You’ll learn so many stories about local history and culture, and how they are connected to the murals around town.

I suggest using this street art walking tour as a jumping off point to explore even more murals in Glasgow. I’ve got a blog post all about the Glasgow Mural Trail and how to find this amazing street art with a self-guided tour.

Alternative Glasgow Walking Tour

Invisible Cities Glasgow walking tour

Embarking on an alternative walking tour with Invisible Cities is one of the best things to do in Glasgow. Invisible Cities is an award-winning social enterprise. They train people who have experienced homelessness in Glasgow to become tour guides of the city. The guides create their own tours, so you’ll often learn interesting details and facts that aren’t on any other walking tours.

We met our tour guide, Sonny, at Glasgow Green and began walking along Saltmarket and then the Trongate. Sonny told us many stories about the old public hangings and happenings in this historic market.

For instance, there were supposed body snatchers in this area who dug up graves to sell the corpses as cadavers for medical studies. But, they were actually killing homeless people and got caught when the bodies seemed too fresh.

Glasgow, Scotland city view
Send Back the Money - Scotland slave trade
Duke of Wellington statue with traffic cones
Homeless Jesus sculpture at St. George's Tron, Church of Scotland

As we continued on our tour up to Buchanan Street, we learned that much of Glasgow was built on the backs of the slave trade. For example, Buchanan Street is named for Andrew Buchanan, a man who profited from the slave trade and owned plantations in Virginia. The mansions of many slave traders are all over Merchant City.

After visiting George Square and the Duke of Wellington state with its iconic cones, we ended the tour at the Homeless Jesus sculpture at St. George’s Tron, Church of Scotland. The sculpture was created by Timothy Schmalz, an artist from the Toronto area, and there are about 100 of these artworks worldwide. The sculpture illustrates a homeless man sleeping on a bench under a blanket. You wouldn’t realize from afar, but if you examine his feet closely, you’ll see crucifixion wounds.

This tour by Sonny at Invisible Cities provided a general walking tour of Glasgow that’s perfect for first time visitors. It also delves into some alternative places to visit, historical details about the dark side of Glasgow, and other facts that you won’t get on any other tour. You’ll currently find Invisible Cities in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and York.

Best Things to Do in Glasgow: Explore Parks and Green Spaces

When you think about Glasgow, images of a slightly gritty, working class city might spring to mind. While Glasgow is full of amazing historic architecture, Glasgow also has many beautiful parks and green spaces. This is a great opportunity to go for a stroll on tree-lined pathways, see pretty plants and flowers, and even catch glimpses of adorable Highland Cows.

See Highland Cows at Pollok Country Park

Pollok Country Park

Pollok Country Park is a massive greenspace on the south side of Glasgow, perfect for walking and cycling. There are many trails through forests and you’ll feel like you’ve transported yourself far outside of the city. In actuality, it’s only a short bus ride to get to Pollok Park. A trip to Pollok Country Park is one of the most fun things to do in Glasgow.

There are many beautiful gardens with flowers and vegetables, and we even stumbled upon some adorable hobbit houses on our walk. As you continue walking through the park, you’ll eventually reach Pollok House, a grand country estate owned by the Maxwell family for six centuries.

Pollok Country Park
Hobbit houses at Pollock Park
Highland cows in Glasgow
Highland cows in Glasgow

Fun fact: Pollok Country Park was a filming location for Outlander! While there are pretty gardens and a stunning historic home on the Pollok Country Park property, we visited primarily to see the “fold” of Highland Cows (or “Heilan Coos” as the Scots say it). When it comes to Highland Cows, a large group is called a fold rather than a herd.

We walked all over this park in search of the cows and they were quite a distance from our starting point. Our search to find the hairy coos allowed us to discover the magic of Pollok Country Park and it was such a delight to explore. Eventually, we made our way to a point on Google Maps simply marked “cows” and found a few of them grazing by a fence. They’re so adorable!

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a wonderful, free thing to do in Glasgow and home to the finest gardens in the city. Wander around the property to view plants and flowers. When I visited in the fall, the flowers were mostly done for the year, but it was lovely to see the fall colours on the trees.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow Botanic Gardens

To see gorgeous greenery all year long, step into the historic Kibble Palace. It’s a brilliant Curvilinular Glasshouse designed by John Kibble. It’s home to a national collection of tree ferns. There are trees and plants from around the world inside the Kibble Palace, and it’s well worth a visit.

Kelvingrove Park

Kelvingrove Park

Kelvingrove Park is a greenspace along the River Kelvin in Glasgow’s west end. It was designed in 1852, and there are many interesting features to discover as you wander around the park. The largest structure is the Stewart Memorial Fountain, and there are numerous other monuments and statues sprinkled throughout the park.

Kelvingrove Park
Kelvingrove Park

Kelvingrove Park is also home to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It has 22 galleries with a vast array of exhibits, featuring everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance art. It’s one of the most popular Glasgow attractions and one of the best places to visit in Glasgow for museum lovers.

Glasgow Green

Glasgow Green

Glasgow Green is the oldest park in Glasgow (and the oldest public park in Britain!), and it’s located just east of the Saltmarket. Some notable structures in Glasgow Green include the McLennan Arch, Nelson Monument, the Templeton Factory, and the St. Andrew’s Suspension Bridge.

The People’s Palace and the Winter Gardens usually top the list of any Glasgow itinerary, but the People’s Palace building is closed for renovations at this time. There isn’t any set timeline as to when it will reopen.

Must Do Glasgow: The Best Places to Visit

While there are so many fun things to do in Glasgow, there are many attractions and activities that are completely unique to this Scottish city. I highly suggest that you incorporate the following spots into your Glasgow itinerary because it’s likely you won’t find anything quite like them anywhere else in the world.

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse, Glasgow

Please note that the Lighthouse is currently closed, but will hopefully reopen soon. You might not have heard of The Lighthouse, but it’s one of the best places to visit in Glasgow. It’s Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, a visitor centre, and an exhibition centre that’s free to check out.

One of the main reasons to visit the Lighthouse is for the city scenery views. There are two perspectives within the building: one is up on the 6th floor where you can observe impressive city views from behind glass. However, the best cityscape scenery is from the Mackintosh Centre on level three.

The Lighthouse, Glasgow
The Lighthouse, Glasgow
The Lighthouse, Glasgow

Walk up a circular staircase, originally part of a water tower designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. At the top, there’s an outdoor viewing platform for the best scenery of Glasgow. The staircase itself is quite impressive when you’re looking down on it from the top. 

For those with accessibility requirements, I highly recommend that you take the elevator up to the sixth floor to see Glasgow from the indoor viewing platform. If you don’t have any trouble hiking up several flights of stairs, definitely take the spiral staircase within the Mackintosh Centre to the narrow platform at the top.

Glasgow Necropolis

Glasgow Necropolis

It might seem strange to some to include a cemetery on this itinerary, but it really belongs on any list of Glasgow points of interest. The Glasgow Necropolis is a must visit for any fans of intriguing architecture as you’ll discover styles spanning across the centuries. It’s one of the most unusual things to do in Glasgow, but I highly recommend wandering around the Glasgow Necropolis.

Glasgow Necropolis
Glasgow Necropolis

While there are about 3500 monuments, approximately 50,000 people were buried at the Glasgow Necropolis. Only a small percentage of people are named on the stones, and not every grave has its own stone. 

The Necropolis is up on a hill overlooking the Glasgow Cathedral and the city, so you can admire some great views from up there. Take some time to wander around and examine some of the interesting carvings and graves. There are some brilliant statues dedicated to some fascinating individuals. If you’d like to delve deeper, I suggest booking a walking tour with a local for more insight and history.

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral

The Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest cathedral on mainland Scotland and the oldest building in Glasgow, dating to the 12th century. The Glasgow Cathedral is an incredible example of Scottish Gothic architecture. It’s also one of the few Scottish medieval churches to have survived the Scottish Reformation not unroofed. The tomb of the patron saint of Glasgow, Saint Mungo, is in the lower crypt.

Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral

Interestingly enough, the University of Glasgow started with classes held within the cathedral in 1451. While the building is owned by the Crown, it is maintained by Historic Scotland as a popular tourist destination. It also continues to be a place of active worship.

Path Along the River Clyde

River Clyde

The River Clyde is a destination in itself, so you can go for a stroll here while discovering the murals. On a bright and sunny day, you’re likely to see many people out for a morning stroll or bike ride, whether they’re on their way to work or enjoying the views.

There’s a path that extends along the River Clyde, winding beneath the roads at times. You’ll spot several bridges for pedestrians or trains. While the scenery might seem on the gritty side from time to time, it’s real and vibrant in its own way. There’s also a ton of street art on the River Clyde, so you’ll be able to see some awesome public art on your walk.

Things to Do in Glasgow City Centre

Glasgow City Centre is the main commercial centre of the city, located north of the River Clyde. While many European cities have meandering streets that are difficult to navigate, Glasgow’s streets were constructed in a grid pattern. This makes it really easy to find your way around town. Here are the best things to do in Glasgow City Centre that you don’t want to miss.

Go Shopping on Buchanan Street

Go Shopping on Buchanan Street

Buchanan Street is one of the main shopping streets, and it is a pedestrian only street closed off to traffic. You’ll notice some magnificent Victorian and Edwardian architecture with department stores and boutique shopping experiences.

If you go for a stroll down Buchanan Street, you’re likely to encounter musicians or street performers in this lively environment. If you love shopping, visiting Buchanan Street is one of the most fun things to do in Glasgow.

Sample Local Beer (at the Pub or Brewery)

Drinking beer in Glasgow

If you love beer, you’re in luck. There are lots of local brews made in Glasgow and the surrounding area. I sampled the St Mungo Lager by Glasgow’s West Brewing Company at a local pub, and it was perfectly refreshing.

Drinking beer in Glasgow
Drinking beer in Glasgow

Consider popping into the Tennent Caledonian Breweries to sample one of Scotland’s favorite beers (and tour around one of Scotland’s oldest businesses!). Want to combine your love for beer with a walking tour? This tour of the city allows you to discover the history of Glasgow along with some of its best brews.

Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall is the world’s oldest surviving music hall, and it’s right here in Glasgow. I had never heard of the Panopticon before my most recent trip to Glasgow. Our tour guide, Caron, showed us this historic place as an extra added stop on our street art walking tour.

It features a recently restored 1920s stage where Stan Laurel (of Laurel and Hardy fame) made his debut. Nowadays, you can visit the Panopticon for classic films, variety nights, comedy nights, drag nights, and so much more. For an alternative side of the city (as well as historic side), visiting the Panopticon is one of the most fun things to do in Glasgow.

George Square

George Square

Wander through George Square, the main civic square of Glasgow and one of six squares in the city. It’s named after King George III and has important buildings surrounding it, including the City Chambers and the Merchants House.

There are also several iconic statues, including those of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. There’s a statue of Robert Peel who established the London Metropolitan Police Force, and he’s the reason the police in the UK are called “bobbies”. You’ll also witness the city’s cenotaph to commemorate Glaswegians killed in World War I.

Purrple Cat Cafe

Purrple Cat Cafe

Purrple Cat Cafe is Glasgow’s first cat cafe and they are home to 30 rescued kitties. If you’re looking for one of the most fun things to do in Glasgow, make sure to pay a visit to the cats. They have lots of hot and cold beverages, cakes and desserts, and loads of vegan options.

Glasgow Attractions in the West End

Behind downtown Glasgow, the west end is a neighbourhood that you need to check out. It’s a bit trendy, quirky, and there are lots of fun things to do in Glasgow’s west end. You’ll want to explore all three of its separate areas: Finnieston, Kelvinbridge and Partick. On top of the following places to visit, the west end has loads of amazing restaurants and bars, and it’s certainly one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK.

University of Glasgow and the Cloisters

The Cloisters - Things to do in Glasgow

I love discovering historic universities on my travels. For instance, I’ve included a trip to the National University of Ireland Galway in my 1 day Galway itinerary. If you’re looking for what to see in Glasgow specifically at the university, head to the famous Cloisters.

The Cloisters - Things to do in Glasgow

The archways and columns of the Cloisters are the most iconic sight at the University of Glasgow. You might recognize this area from Outlander or Cloud Atlas, and walking around the University of Glasgow made me feel as though I was attending Hogwarts. 

If you’re looking to take photos around the Cloisters, I suggest visiting later in the day or on the weekend when the students aren’t around as much. While you’re at the university, consider checking out the Hunterian Museum. There are over one million items, ranging from art to meteorites to mummies. Plus, it’s free to visit.

Ashton Lane

Ashton Lane

In the west end, you’ll find the cobblestone street called Ashton Lane, lined with pubs and restaurants. It’s near Byers Road where you’ll find even more pubs and restaurants. There’s even a small cinema on Ashton Lane.

Ashton Lane
Ashton Lane

A pub that I really enjoyed on Ashton Lane was called Brel. Towards the end of the road, dine at the renowned Glaswegian restaurant, Ubiquitous Chip. No matter where you end up along the street, you’re guaranteed to have a great time mingling and sampling some drinks. It’s even a great spot to go pub hopping!

The Hidden Lane

The Hidden Lane, Glasgow

In Finnieston, The Hidden Lane is one of Glasgow’s best kept secrets. It’s a community of artists, designers, and musicians with over 100 studio spaces and a tearoom. You can pop into some of the galleries and shops or walk around these brightly painted houses.

The Hidden Lane, Glasgow
The Hidden Lane, Glasgow
The Hidden Lane, Glasgow

Don’t miss stopping by Bubblegum Kitschville, an arts and curiosity shop where I was able to find art and jewelry with cats on them that I adore. There’s a pottery shop next door (Spin Pottery), a yoga studio, the Hidden Lane Tearoom, and so much more.

Glasgow Art Galleries and Museums

Glasgow is home to many world-class museums and art galleries. Best of all? Most galleries and museums in Glasgow are free to visit. Even if you only have a short amount of time, you may as well take a wander inside a museum to check out a few exhibits. These also make for great rainy day activities. After all, you’re in Scotland, so it’s bound to rain at some point.

Gallery of Modern Art

The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is the main contemporary art museum in Glasgow. You’ll find works here by local and international artists, and it’s free to visit. Why not pop into the gallery for an hour or so to discover some intriguing art? 

Even if you don’t step inside GoMA (I highly recommend that you do, even for a little while), you should at least see the building itself. It’s an impressive neoclassical building with a famous statue out front. It’s a statue of the Duke of Wellington riding a horse. Why is it so famous?

Gallery of Modern Art
Gallery of Modern Art

Locals continue to play a prank on the Duke of Wellington statue by placing a traffic cone on his head. When authorities remove the traffic cone, they only find that it becomes replaced with a new cone almost immediately. The image of the traffic cone on the statue became quite iconic. When I visited, there was a cone on the Duke of Wellington’s head and the horse’s head.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Glasgow, and I highly recommend checking it out when you visit. It’s right within Kelvingrove Park. There are 22 galleries with a vast array of exhibits, featuring everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance art.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

This attraction is a must for museum lovers, and even for those who love incredible architecture. There are several rooms within the Kelvingrove Museum and they are all spectacularly designed. Kelvingrove Gallery is 100% free to visit, like many museums and galleries in Glasgow.

Hunterian Museum

Hunterian Museum

After visiting the Kelvingrove Gallery, you should take a short walk to the University of Glasgow. Not only can you live your Harry Potter dreams and wander through the Cloisters, but you can also check out the Hunterian Museum. The entrance to the museum is within the Cloisters. Walk up a flight of stairs and you’ll reach the Hunterian Museum. It’s free to visit, so you should pop in after checking out the Cloisters.

Hunterian Museum
Hunterian Museum

In the museum, there are over one million artifacts, ranging from art to meteorites to mummies. There are both permanent displays and limited exhibitions. This is Scotland’s oldest public museum. I really enjoyed the ancient Roman artefacts recovered from the Antonine Wall in Scotland, as well as the collection of gems and fossils.

Vegan Restaurants in Glasgow

Did you know that Glasgow is the vegan capital of the United Kingdom? It’s been named as one of the most vegan-friendly cities in Europe.

After visiting Glasgow several times now, I haven’t come close to dining at all of the vegan restaurants in Glasgow, never mind all of the vegetarian and vegan-friendly ones. Here are the top establishments for vegan cuisine in Glasgow, including both 100% plant-based restaurants and vegan-friendly ones.

Soul Food Kitchen

Soul Food Kitchen

Soul Food Kitchen is a 100% vegan restaurant in Glasgow’s west end, and it’s rated as the best vegan restaurant in Glasgow on the Happy Cow app. They serve healthy, plant-based eats like vegan burgers, bowls, mac and greens, avocado toast, and so much more.

I suggest trying the Green Beast Burger (their signature green patty topped with cashew cheese) and the broccoli with garlic and chili. Both were delicious!

The Glasvegan

The Glasvegan

The Glasvegan has the best vegan fast food in Glasgow. They serve breakfast in the morning (try their Scottish breakfast!) and other yummy meals throughout the day.

You’ll want to try one of their hot dogs, chick’n burgers, mac ‘n cheese, or nachos. They have a huge variety of menu items splashed across one of the walls, making it difficult to choose just one meal.

Suissi Vegan Kitchen

Suissi Vegan Kitchen

Suissi Vegan Kitchen offers vegan Asian cuisine in Glasgow’s West End. I heard so many excellent things about Suissi Vegan Kitchen, so I was really excited at the opportunity to finally dine there. This restaurant did not disappoint and in fact, it was difficult to choose what to eat from the menu.

There are all sorts of yummy dishes like noodle soups, gyoza, mushroom dishes, curries, pad Thai, and more. I settled on the Satay Tofu to start and the Cantonese Crispy Noodles as my main dish. I would love to return to Suissi Vegan Kitchen someday to sample even more meals from the menu. It was just so good.

Mono

Mono deep fried pizza

Mono dates all the way back to 2002, serving up delicious vegan food and drinks. It’s a mainstay in Glasgow’s vegan scene, and shares the same owner as Stereo (makes sense…Mono and Stereo!). Similar to Stereo, Mono also hosts live music gigs and performances, in addition to its restaurant.

On the menu, you’ll find sandwiches, pizza, schnitzel, burgers, mac n’ cheese, hummus, soups, salads, and more. There are also gluten-free options, and they’ll be sure to assist you if you have any other food allergies.

Coffee Shops in Glasgow

Are you a coffee drinker like I am? How about tea? There are so many cozy cafes in Glasgow that you’ll simply adore. I’m going to share a few of my favourites here. If you’d like to see more Glasgow coffee shops, take a look at my blog post about the best coffee shops in Glasgow.

Ushi’s Coffee Corner

Ushi's Coffee Corner

Ushi’s Coffee Corner is a queer-run coffee shop featuring hot and cold coffee beverages and a full vegan dining menu. There’s local art splashed across the walls and this location often runs vegan popup events for other small businesses. Order your coffee with oat milk or vanilla pea milk.

For coffee, they offer drip/filter coffee, pour over coffee, cold brew (14 hour steep) and espresso beverages. Try the beetroot latte, matcha latte, a mocha, or Ushi’s spicy vanilla hot chocolate. There are also several kinds of tea, including Earl Grey, Indian Chai, Passionfruit & Rose and others. I ordered an iced Americano with oat milk and it was fantastic.

Offshore Coffee

Offshore Coffee

Offshore Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Glasgow, and it’s been a part of the West End coffee culture for over a decade. It’s right near Kelvingrove Park and the University of Glasgow. They have a range of espresso beverages, vegan baked goods and lunch offerings.

I adored the relaxed atmosphere in this cozy cafe. There are many tables, plush chairs and couches where you can enjoy your coffee while working, savouring great conversation or reading a book. It’s one of those places where you’re encouraged to spend time while sipping your favourite drinks. Offshore Coffee is one of the best coffee shops for freelancers and those who love working on their laptops in cafes.

Papercup Coffee Company

Papercup Coffee Company

Papercup Coffee Co is located on the Great Western Road (the A82) just west of the River Kelvin before you reach the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. It’s one of the best cafes in Glasgow where you’ll find great coffee, plain and simple. It’s a small coffee shop, and well worth a visit.

I sipped a delicious Americano and I love that there’s a colourful mural splashed across the wall. The coffee was rich and flavorful, and the service was excellent. I noticed that they had some vegan treats, as well as plant-based milks. Pop by Papercup when you’re walking towards the University of Glasgow or Ashton Lane.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

Now that I’ve visited Glasgow on a few occasions, I have three fantastic hotel suggestions for you. All three hotels are conveniently located within Glasgow’s city centre. It’s the prime location to base yourself for sightseeing and spending one day in Glasgow.

Grasshoppers Hotel

Grasshoppers Hotel

The prime location of Grasshoppers Hotel makes it one of the top hotels in Glasgow, if not the best place to stay in Glasgow. It’s right beside the Glasgow Central Station, and many of its rooms even overlook its beautiful glazed roof. 

Hotel guests can enjoy modern amenities, like complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a Samsung flatscreen TV, and a Sky Box with premium channels and additional sports stations. There’s also a separate desk if you need to work, perfect for the business traveler. A buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.

Maldron Hotel Glasgow City

Maldron Hotel Glasgow City

I recommend staying at the Maldron Hotel in downtown Glasgow. The location is perfect as it’s easy to walk all over town, and it’s also a quick walk to the subway and train station. It’s also great for the business traveler as there’s complimentary Wi-Fi, and plenty of space to work from your room or the lobby.

The rooms are spacious, clean, and modern. The hotel staff is friendly and helpful. There are many vegan options at their breakfast buffet. I was delighted to see vegan sausages, hash browns, fresh fruit, toast and jam, and a variety of beverages.

The Z Hotel Glasgow

The Z Hotel Glasgow

The Z Hotel has one of the best locations in Glasgow, directly across from George Square and next to the Queen Street Station. Housed in an old printworks building, Z Glasgow combines historic charm with updated modern rooms.

While my room was on the smaller side, it’s one of the better priced hotels in the city for being so centrally located. I didn’t spend much time in the room anyway, and it had everything that I needed: complimentary Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, and a comfortable bed.

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More Accommodations in Glasgow

Looking to compare more properties in Glasgow? Here are hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals, all in one place displayed on a handy map. Enter your travel dates for more accurate information. Click on each property to learn more and book your stay.

More Places to Visit in Glasgow

Looking for even more top things to do in Glasgow? Here are even more popular things to see in Glasgow and beyond:

  • Riverside Museum
  • Glasgow Science Centre
  • The Mackintosh House

More Blog Posts About Scotland

We’ve spent months exploring Scotland on multiple trips: a two week road trip around Scotland, a hiking holiday to the Highlands, multiple city breaks, and we even got married in Edinburgh! Justin and I have so many amazing experiences to share with you. I’ll continue to add articles to the blog to help you plan your future adventures in Scotland.

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