1 Boogie nights in the Barrowlands
Glasgow has been known for its epic nightlife since the Barrowland Ballroom first opened in 1934. Sub Club, oft-voted one of the best, thanks to past sets from Erol Alkan and the Blessed Madonna, is about to turn 36, making it the longest-running underground dance club in the world. Dancehall fanatics flock to the Rum Shack, the queer community love Slay, and Stereo remains a classic for gigs and live performances.
2 Must-laugh comedy
Glaswegians have achieved legendary status as comedians – mainly thanks to Billy Connolly, who was voted greatest standup comic of all time – twice – by Channel 4. Glasgow has a roaring comedy scene throughout the year, but if you really want to laugh till your belly’s sore, check out the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (which runs, this year, from 15 March to 2 April). Highlights include Frankie Boyle’s Lap of Shame and Glasgow’s Queens of Comedy, with the city’s funniest drag acts.
3 Play dress-up
Established in 1986, Starry, Starry Night offers a cornucopia of vintage treasures from decades past – from antique clothing dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras to vintage clothing and retro outfits right through to the 1980s. Expect to fight off fashion-forward students from nearby University of Glasgow for the finest finds.
4 Girls on film
The gorgeous architecture of central Glasgow makes it a popular movie location for Hollywood directors, and the Glasgow Film Festival, which takes place every March, is one of Europe’s top audience-focused film festivals. This year, it will open with the UK premiere of Girl, Glasgow writer-director Adura Onashile’s feature film debut, and close with Polite Society, the feature debut of Nida Manzoor, creator of the sitcom We Are Lady Parts.
5 Mackintosh at the Willow
The genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh defines Glasgow. The Willow is the finest example of the artist’s work currently open to visit. The glass panels in the Salon de Luxe are not to be missed and, as it’s a tearoom, you get to have your cake and eat it inside an artwork.
6 Shopping on the south side
Glaswegians love the cafe culture and community spirit of the south side of the city – composed of beautiful, traditional tenements, the city’s leafiest parks and distinctive cafes and delis. A highlight is Mount Florida Books (an independent shop specialising in literary fiction, dedicated to reinvesting its profits into literacy projects in Glasgow) or Milk Cafe (a social enterprise set up to help women from a refugee and migrant background).
7 Mural trail
From Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow is an art lover’s paradise. If your tastes turn to open-air exhibition, however, try following the street mural trail in the city centre, where the sides of buildings have been rejuvenated into bright and colourful pieces of public street art.
8 Gastronomic Glasgow
Glasgow has a varied food scene, from street food through to haggis-fusion curries, but the city is also home to two Michelin star restaurants: Cail Bruich in the west end, and Unalome by Graeme Cheevers, which achieved its star just last year.
9 Performance in Pollokshields
Community involvement in arts is important to Glasgow, as a new programme delivered city-wide by artists and art organisations proves. To experience emerging artists and international works, Tramway is renowned for its dynamic, year-round programme of dance, live art and free exhibitions. These respond to the cultural, social and political issues of our time. At the heart of the Pollokshields community, it is located right next to the Hidden Gardens – a beautiful public oasis that provides calm, tranquillity and sanctuary for all who visit.
10 Bikes, then brunch
How about a cycling trip of Glasgow with brunch at the end of your endeavours? Hire a bike from OVO city bikes and follow one of the bike routes, stopping in at Ocho on a cobblestoned street overlooking the canal. Going by bike is a great way to take in the Victorian sandstone buildings, the west end and the waterways.
11 The traffic cone on the Duke of Wellington’s head
In the 1980s, for reasons known only to themselves, Glaswegians started putting a traffic cone on the head of a Duke of Wellington statue. By 2011 the Lonely Planet guide included the traffic cone/statue combo on its list of the “Top 10 most bizarre monuments on Earth”. Consider it a must-Instagram for 2023.
12 Day trip to Stirling
If you fancy seeing where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned, a day trip to Stirling, with its castle, could be just the ticket. Trains from Glasgow’s Queen Street station can have you there in 30 minutes. Visit the cobbled streets of the old town and just outside Stirling sits the Wallace Monument, a 220ft tower that marks William Wallace’s victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
13 Longing for Loch Lomond
While Loch Ness may be Scotland’s most famous body of water thanks to a mythical monster, Loch Lomond is celebrated purely for its stunning scenery – and it lies, oh so conveniently, about 30 miles from central Glasgow. Visit to comprehend why lyrics regarding “Yon bonnie banks” and “Yon bonnie braes, where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond” keep inspiring cover versions – even after the definitive AC/DC rendition.
With its thriving arts and food scenes, world-class heritage sites and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Highlands on its doorstep, Glasgow is the perfect destination for a short break. To start planning your trip and discover the city for yourself, head to peoplemakeglasgow.com
