Where to Stay in Glasgow (Best Places, by a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Glasgow | Neighbourhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

As a native Glaswegian, I’ll help you find the best places to stay in Glasgow.

I’d recommend first-time visitors stay in Glasgow City Centre if you’re interested in nightlife and shopping. The City Centre also has my #1 hotel pick, voco Grand Central. This hotel has hosted famous historic guests, and it forms the front of the Glasgow Central Train Station, making it convenient for transportation.

But there are vibrant areas to the east of the city or south of the River Clyde that are also worth considering. I’ll overview the top neighbourhoods and hotels, along with their pros and cons, and where to dine and drink in each.

Let’s start with a summary of the best hotels.

Best Places to Stay in Glasgow

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Glasgow? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – voco Grand Central
• 📍 Best Location – voco Grand Central
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin
• 👪 Best for Families – Argyll Hotel
• 💻  Best for Business – citizenM Glasgow
• 🔔 Best Boutique – Dakota Glasgow
• 🏟️ Best Near The Hydro – Courtyard by Marriott Glasgow SEC
• 🏨 Best Historic Hotel – Babbity Bowsters
• 🛏️ Best Budget – YOTEL Glasgow

Click here to see all top Glasgow hotels or here for apartments.

Okay, let’s do a deep dive into the best areas and neighbourhoods in Glasgow: 

7 Best Neighbourhoods & Areas to Stay in Glasgow

Before we get into where to stay, here’s a rundown of the city’s layout.

Glasgow is bisected by the River Clyde from the east to the west. To the north of the Clyde lie the student areas of the West End and Finnieston. The City Centre, Merchant City, and Dennistoun are to the east. In the Southside are the neighbourhoods of Shawlands and Govanhill.

Glasgow City Centre

👉 Best Area For Shopping and Nightlife| ✨ Best City Centre Hotels: voco Grand Central • Kimpton – Blythswood Square Hotel • citizenM Glasgow

The City Centre is the heart of Glasgow. It’s full of shops, bars, restaurants, and theatres, making it a must-see for first-time and repeat travellers alike. 

Glasgow City Centre is home to the terminal train stations, Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central, along with Buchanan Street Bus Station. This makes it a prime place to stay for travellers planning day trips from Glasgow. 

The iconic voco Grand Central Hotel forms the front of Glasgow Central Train Station.  The hotel has hosted famous and historic guests including John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill. Stay here for history and transport convenience.

Glasgow’s Christmas Market is set up in George Square between Queen Street Station and the City Chambers in December. The square is used as a meeting place or lunch spot during the rest of the year, especially by those who love to people-watch.

The Kimpton – Blythswood Square Hotel is within walking distance of all the main attractions but nicely tucked away on a quieter square. Stay in luxury here and splurge with a pass to their exquisite spa facilities.

Hit up Sloans, Glasgow’s oldest pub, to get your dancing on at a traditional Scottish ceilidh. The Cathouse Club is the place to be for rock music, and house music fans shouldn’t miss Sub Club.

Pros of Staying in Glasgow City Centre:

• Walkable, central location
• Close to bars, clubs, and restaurants
• Easy to reach transport to other towns and cities

Cons of Staying in Glasgow City Centre:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Loud and crowded at night

Dennistoun (Glasgow East)

👉 Best Area For Restaurants and Parks | ✨ Best Dennistoun Hotels: Claremont House B&B

The East End of Glasgow has long been overlooked by tourists. But the Dennistoun neighbourhood is a haven for foodies searching for Glasgow’s best restaurants. The family-run, nearly century-old Coia’s Cafe is an iconic Glasgow institution. Come here for traditional Italian food and homemade ice cream.

Craving some greenery? Wander over to Alexandra Park. The park has some of the best views over the East End, including Celtic Park stadium. 

Beer aficionados should visit the Drygate and Tennent’s breweries. Both offer tours and tastings, and Tennent’s brewery dates back to the 16th century. 

Dennistoun is more off the beaten track than parts of central Glasgow, but it has the benefit of being close enough to the action. It’s only a 15-minute bus or train ride to George Square from Dennistoun. This neighbourhood is a great option for visitors who want a quieter city break.

Claremont House B&B is one of Dennistoun’s only hotels, not far from Alexandra Park. The remainder of Dennistoun’s accommodation options are limited to apartment rentals, which give more of a homely feel. 

Pros of Staying in Dennistoun:

• More affordable pubs and restaurants
• Beautiful park with impressive views
• Walking distance to the city centre

Cons of Staying in Dennistoun:

• Limited accommodation options
• The subway doesn’t extend this far east

Trongate (Glasgow East)

👉 Best Area For Thrifting and Concerts| ✨ Best Trongate Hotels: Fraser Suites Glasgow • Glassford Residence • Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City – Riverside

Trongate sits in Glasgow’s historic centre where you can still find some buildings dating back hundreds of years. 

The Tron Theatre was once an 18th-century kirk. Today, it’s a producing house for contemporary theatrical performances. There is a steeple dating from the 1600s across the street.

Stop by the Barras Market on weekends. You can famously find anything for a bargain here. Video cassettes, retro Scottish sweets, artwork, vintage clothes, knick-knacks, carpets – you name it and it will be on sale in the Barras. Adjoining the market is Smokey Trotters Kitchen, where you can treat yourself to a burger after a hard morning’s shopping.  

The Barrowland Ballroom, one of Glasgow’s most legendary concert venues, is above the market. This venue dates from the 1930s and was used as a music video background for Simple Minds and Amy Macdonald. Gigs at the Barrowland Ballroom often sell out quickly, so it’s best to book fast if you want to experience a show here.

Fraser Suites Glasgow makes for a comfortable stay in Trongate. The historic hotel offers spacious apartments with well-equipped kitchens. It’s remarkably affordable, too, making this an ideal choice for budgeters who want to save money by cooking some of their meals. 

Shoppers should stay at Glassford Residence, which is within easy walking distance of Princes Square Shopping Centre, St Enoch Shopping Centre, and Buchanan Galleries. Just make sure you have enough space in your luggage for all your goods!

Pros of Staying in Trongate:

• Historic buildings
• Large park with walking paths
• Close to a large market

Cons of Staying in Trongate:

• Can be noisy at night
• Limited accommodation options

Merchant City

👉 Best Area For Coffee and Nightlife| ✨ Best Merchant City Hotels: Babbity Bowsters • Moxy Glasgow Merchant City • The Social Hub Glasgow

Merchant City is Glasgow’s cultural hub, home to independent cafes, bars and restaurants. 

This is the place to stay if you appreciate the finer things in life. Visitors can book a room in historic townhouses, such as Babbity Bowsters. This top-rated accommodation was built in the 18th century and now comprises a restaurant, bar, and hotel. 

Merchant City is a prosperous area to the east of the City Centre. It’s named for the traders who shipped tobacco, sugar, and tea during the North Atlantic slave trade. 

The quarter then became the site for produce markets in the 19th century, including the Old Fruitmarket. The market has now been beautifully transformed into a music and entertainment venue. 

This area is within easy walking distance of George Square, Glasgow Central Station, and Glasgow’s subway line. This makes Merchant City ideal for people visiting without cars. Moxy Glasgow Merchant City is also right next to High Street overground station.

Take a stroll along the banks of the River Clyde, through Glasgow Green, or follow the mural trail for easy, scenic walking routes. 

Pros of Staying in Merchant City:

• Great for people without cars
• Range of bars and restaurants
• Historic buildings

Cons of Staying in Merchant City:

• Hotels can be expensive
• It may be noisy in the evenings and at weekends

Finnieston

👉 Best Area For Live Events| ✨ Best Finnieston Hotels: Argyll Hotel • Courtyard by Marriott Glasgow SEC • Moxy Glasgow SEC

Finnieston has been described as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s tucked between a recently rejuvenated stretch of the Clyde riverbank to the south and the student hub of the West End. Finnieston is packed with trendy independent restaurants and bars.

Head down to the Clyde to see the former home of Glasgow’s world-leading shipbuilding. You can pay a visit to the Tall Ship and the city’s Riverside Museum, which holds a huge collection of historical transport vehicles. 

Some of the biggest and most exciting events in Glasgow are held in the OVO Hydro arena, including concerts and comedy shows. The Courtyard Hotel by Marriott Glasgow SEC is just a short walk away if you’re attending a performance there. However, it’s a popular choice for eventgoers, so be sure to book far in advance!

Pros of Staying in Finnieston:

• Close to large event venues
• Trendy restaurants and bars
• Easy to walk to the river

Cons of Staying in Finnieston:

• Hospitality venues can be more expensive
• The streets can be noisy with traffic

Shawlands

👉 Best Area For Parks| ✨ Best Shawlands Hotels: Number 10 Hotel • S.H Apartments

Shawlands is a neighbourhood on the south side of Glasgow. It’s the place to be for those who keep up with food and cultural trends in Scotland’s largest city. 

Shawlands borders some of Glasgow’s prettiest parks, including Pollok Country Park. This extensive greenspace shelters a flock of Highland cows and contains the Burrell Collection. The unique museum is full of artwork and historical artefacts, and offers craft workshops.

On the other side of the neighbourhood, visitors can take in an outdoor film or concert in Queen’s Park in the summer months. Return to the park in winter to watch ice skaters on the pond. The Number 10 Hotel overlooks Queen’s Park and offers a peaceful stay in a busy location. 

Shawlands is also ideal for book lovers. Head to Glasgow institution Young’s Interesting Books for a bit of independent and second-hand book shopping. Two other can’t-miss bookshops are LGBTQIA+ booksellers Category Is Books and the hidden gem, Mount Florida Books.

Pros of Staying in Shawlands:

• Surrounded by luscious parks
• A hub for cultural attractions 
• Cheaper places to eat and drink

Cons of Staying in Shawlands:

• You’ll need to take public transport to reach the central train and bus stations
• Limited accommodation options

West End

👉 Best Area For Museums | ✨ Best West End Hotels: One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin • Ambassador Hotel • Albion Hotel

Glasgow’s West End is known as a centre for students. The University of Glasgow campus is based between the busy shopping street of Byres Road and Kelvingrove Park. 

The main university building is well worth a visit for avid architecture fans, particularly the cloisters. On campus, you can find the Hunterian Collections, which include a museum, an art gallery, and a zoology museum. 

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is in the West End, and it’s arguably the best museum in Glasgow. The gallery holds work by Scottish and international artists, natural history artefacts, and a pipe organ, played daily.

Wondering where to stay for a taste of luxury? Look no further than One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin. This beautifully preserved Victorian townhouse serves the best of Scottish cuisine and Scottish whiskies for a high-class stay.  

No trip to the West End is complete without visiting the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The conservatories in this park have beautiful marble statues amid national plant collections. The Botanics hosts film showings and outdoor plays in the summer, light displays at Halloween, and book fairs year-round.  

The Ambassador Hotel is right on the Botanic Gardens’ doorstep, and some rooms even have a view over the beautiful River Kelvin. Don’t miss a drink on the hotel’s terrace on rare sunny days.

Pros of Staying in the West End

• Great art galleries and university museums
• Scenic walks along the River Kelvin
• Plenty of vintage and thrift shops

Cons of Staying in the West End:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Bars will be busy during term time

Tips for Staying in Glasgow

Be Aware of Football Fixtures

Public transport can be crowded and traffic may be worse than usual when Glasgow’s football teams are playing matches in the city. Celtic play in the East End while Rangers are based in Glasgow South. Try to avoid travelling during peak times for fans.

Book in Advance if Renting an Automatic Car

Glasgow’s public transport is good, but if you’re planning a more far-flung day trip from the city, you may want to rent a car.

It is possible to rent automatic cars in Scotland, but most drivers have manual cars so the supply of automatics will be limited. Electric vehicles are becoming more common – just be sure to check charging station locations before travelling.

Don’t Drink Alcohol Outdoors

Glasgow has a strict bylaw prohibiting people from drinking alcohol in outdoor public places. Breaking this law can result in a hefty fine. You also can’t drink on public transport. Make sure alcohol is sealed if you’re carrying it outside.

Prepare for Rain

Glasgow is the rainiest city in the UK, and the weather can catch you out at any time. Be sure to bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and an umbrella, no matter what time of year you’re visiting. This way, you can enjoy all of Glasgow’s fun attractions comfortably! Better safe than soggy!

See my complete Scotland packing list for more information on what to bring.

Check Out Public Transport Timetables

Public transport is relatively frequent in Glasgow, but night services are limited to a few bus routes. The Glasgow Subway has reduced hours on Sundays, ending service at 6 p.m. Traditional taxis often only accept cash, so bring money with you or use Uber.

Aside from these few exceptions, public transport is a great way to get around cheaply, especially if you’re on a budget in Glasgow.

👉 Read Next: 3-Day Glasgow Itinerary

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Glasgow for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Glasgow for first-timers are the Glasgow City Centre and West End. Both are great options for good public transport.

Glasgow’s City Centre offers a central location to travel to the west or east end and Glasgow South. Alternatively, the West End has plenty to offer while still having good transport connections to the rest of the city.

What are safe areas to stay in Glasgow?

Glasgow is a far safer city than it was a few decades ago. Tourists should feel safe in most areas. The Merchant City, Shawlands, and the West End see plenty of tourists and visitors may feel safer staying there.

When out at night, take all normal precautions such as staying in busy, well-lit places. In addition, be aware of occasional anti-social behaviour in and around Glasgow Central Station after dark.

How do I get to Glasgow?

You can get to Glasgow by direct bus from Glasgow Airport. It will take you to George Square in Central Glasgow. 

Take the train into the city centre from Prestwick Airport. There are also frequent trains to Glasgow from Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, as well as from London. 

Do I need a car in Glasgow?

You do not need a car in Glasgow. There are many public transport options in Glasgow, which make it easy to get around. The Glasgow Subway connects the West End, Glasgow South, and the City Centre. 

However, a car will likely come in handy if you are travelling onwards to Loch Lomond or the Scottish Highlands.

What is the coolest neighbourhood in Glasgow?

The coolest neighbourhood in Glasgow is Shawlands. It has been voted as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, and the hip factor is only rising. Stay in Shawlands to keep up with culture and food trends. It is also an easy walk away from the recently renovated Burrell Collection.

What is the best street in Glasgow for nightlife?

The best street in Glasgow for nightlife is Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow City Centre. Broadcast and Nice n Sleazy are late-night pubs that host gigs most nights. You’ll always have a memorable night clubbing in The Garage. Stop in at The Variety Bar for a more relaxed atmosphere. 

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I hope this guide has given you plenty of options on where to stay in Glasgow. There’s something for everyone in Scotland’s largest city, so find where feels right for you and enjoy. 

Planning to spend some time in Edinburgh on your travels? Then you may also want to bookmark my guide on where to stay in Edinburgh.