Best places to stay in Glasgow
The most obvious place to stay in Glasgow is the city centre, close to both Glasgow Central and Queen Street train stations. It’s perfect for public-transport day trips to Loch Lomond, Dumbarton and Edinburgh, for example. You’re also within easy walking distance of the cathedral, George Square and the shopping area known as Merchant City. Alternatively, the city’s West End – home to Kelvingrove and the University of Glasgow – is incredibly popular. You’re a short walk from popular museums, attractions and the botanical gardens and surrounded by vintage shops, boutiques and stunning architecture. Rubbing shoulders with the West End, you’ll find Finnieston. It’s known as the hippest district in Glasgow and a hotbed of cool restaurants and craft beer bars. Argyle Street is the heart of the action here. It shares all of the benefits of the West End for walking-distance attractions and is close to The Hydro for concerts.
Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Glasgow
The West End, Kelvingrove and Finnieston tick all the boxes here. You’re within easy reach of Kelvin Grove Gallery and the Huntarian Art Gallery, as well as Riverside Museum and Glasgow Botanic Gardens. It’s ideal to be within walking distance of these and surrounded by shops and eateries, so you needn’t bring a car or hire one. Shoppers should stay in the City Centre to peruse high-street favourites on Buchanan Street and in the Buchanan Galleries or designer goodies in Merchant City. Independent shops and quirky boutiques are mostly found in the trendy West End.
Where to stay with your family in Glasgow
The Kelvinhaugh end of the West End is ideal for families with kids, close to the Riverside Museum (with its tall ship) and Glasgow Science Centre. If you’ve already visited the museums on a rainy day, head a little farther south to the Glasgow Climbing Centre to burn off some energy. There are also two small play parks in Kelvingrove Park. Equally, the city centre is handy for day trips to Loch Lomond, Dumbarton Castle or Pollok Country Park (easily reachable on the local train line). Older kids will enjoy a fun challenge at Pinkston Watersports centre, just north of the city centre.
Where to stay as a solo traveller in Glasgow
If travelling alone in Glasgow, make a beeline for Finnieston. It’s often cited as Glasgow’s coolest district, and it’s cosy, quirky and has plenty of buzz. It’s also great for budget accommodation, encircled by lively places to eat and drink. Kelvingrove has galleries, a large park to stroll around and pretty shopping areas like De Courcy's Arcade and Ashton Lane. Or head south of the river to Bellahouston Park, home to Rennie Mackintosh’s House for an Art Lover. The house hosts events and art workshops throughout the year, like wreath making, ceramics and drawing classes, or gin tasting, afternoon tea and the Christmas Fayre.
Where to find cheap hotels in Glasgow
For budget stays in Glasgow, you can’t get much better than Glasgow Youth Hostel. Not only does it offer dorm rooms from £22/night, the three-star hostel is nestled in the Park District, a safe and quiet area bordering Kelvingrove Park and close to Finnieston.
The easyHotel Glasgow – in the north of the city centre – is another super-budget option close to city-centre eateries and the bars on and near Sauchiehall Street. Close by, just steps from the iconic Willow Tearooms, designed by Rennie Mackintosh, you’ll find the Ibis Glasgow City Centre. This is a good bet for families and couples, with rooms for under £100 per night, a cheery interior and a reasonably priced breakfast. Close by, for a similar price (~£100 with breakfast), couples, families and solo travellers rate the Hotel Indigo. It’s located in a building with grand Glasgow architecture, just a short walk from the main station.
