BNBbuddy's Glasgow Guidebook
City Centre, Glasgow
A selection of the city centre's must see's and do's!
Paesano Pizza
94 Miller StBusy but great cheap woodfired pizza!
Sloans
108 Argyle StFree ceilidh dancing every Friday!
Tabac
10 Mitchell LnTrendy city centre bar.
The Iron Horse Bar
17-19 Drury StClassic old school Scottish pub.
The Flying Duck
142 Renfield StLate night bar/club
The Old Hairdressers
Renfield LaneLate bight bar/club
The Pot Still
154 Hope StGreat for a wee dram of whiskey!
Gin71 Glasgow
71 Renfield StPopular gin bar!
West End, Glasgow
A list of great pubs, bars and clubs to keep your evenings exciting!
Hawaiian themed cocktail cups and cracking party nights, Tiki Bar is a must-try for all those after a fun bar in Glasgow.
Tiki Bar & Kitsch Inn
214 Bath StHawaiian themed cocktail cups and cracking party nights, Tiki Bar is a must-try for all those after a fun bar in Glasgow.
Beautiful spot in Glasgow with gream bars and places to grab a quick eat. A must see!
224 locals recommend
Ashton Lane
Ashton LaneBeautiful spot in Glasgow with gream bars and places to grab a quick eat. A must see!
Tennent's Bar Glasgow
191 Byres RdVery popular, traditional Scottish bar
The University Cafe
87 Byres RdGreat place to grab old school fish and chips!
Number 16 Restaurant
16 Byres RdElegant food for a special evening out
Fab place to grab a glass of wine they source themselves and have a chat!
7 locals recommend
Vino Valentino
6 Chancellor StFab place to grab a glass of wine they source themselves and have a chat!
Artisan Roast
15-17 Gibson StGreat coffee, relaxed atmosphere
Stravaigin
28 Gibson StPerfect place to try Haggis and serves a great brunch!
Celino's Partick
235 Dumbarton RdFantastic deli to grab some lunch for a picnic!
The Belle
617 Great Western RdFriendly tranditonal Scottish pub
Loop & Scoop
665 Great Western RdPerfect place to grab some dessert
Non Viet Hai
609 Great Western RdThe best Vietnamese food outside of Vietnam
Must sees/dos
A list of Glasgows finest attractions
The Glasgow Art Club
185 Bath StGreat for a rainy day wander.
Riverside Museum
100 Pointhouse RdFun day out!
Glasgow Science Centre
50 Pacific QuayFun for the whole family and perfect for a rainy day out!
The Clydeside Distillery
100 Stobcross RdGreat whiskey tour
Drygate Brewery
85 DrygateGreat sampling of countless beers.
Finnieston, Glasgow
Finneston is an area between the city center and the West end which has fantastic restaurants (always better to book in advance as such a busy area) and bars. Best area for a night out. Here are a few suggestions but most of the pubs and restaurants in this area are fantastic.
The Finnieston
1125 Argyle StSeafood & bespoke beers - excellent atmosphere.
Lebowskis
1008 Argyle StBest for their signiture white russions and burgers.
Ox and Finch
920 Sauchiehall StTrendy restuarant with great food
Crabshakk
1114 Argyle StBest seafood in Glasgow
Ben Nevis Bar
Argyle StreetBest for beer or a whiskey!
Best day trips out of Glasgow city
Great escapes close to the city to explore on a longer stay
Just 30 minutes from Glasgow by car or direct train, the town of Stirling is famous as the location of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 - when Robert the Bruce defeated the English invaders. It was also where legendary William Wallace beat the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, a victory for Scottish independence. (Both battles are commemorated at the excellent Bannockburn Heritage Centre). Between Stirling and the quaint village of Bridge of Allan stands the majestic Wallace Monument, a spectacular 246-step tower with sweeping views of the area, as well as artifacts that belonged to Wallace. The spectacular 12th-century Stirling Castle, built atop a 76-meter-high volcanic crag, has played an important role throughout Scotland's rich history and is open to visitors
321 locals recommend
Stirling Castle
Castle WyndJust 30 minutes from Glasgow by car or direct train, the town of Stirling is famous as the location of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 - when Robert the Bruce defeated the English invaders. It was also where legendary William Wallace beat the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, a victory for Scottish independence. (Both battles are commemorated at the excellent Bannockburn Heritage Centre). Between Stirling and the quaint village of Bridge of Allan stands the majestic Wallace Monument, a spectacular 246-step tower with sweeping views of the area, as well as artifacts that belonged to Wallace. The spectacular 12th-century Stirling Castle, built atop a 76-meter-high volcanic crag, has played an important role throughout Scotland's rich history and is open to visitors
The lovely Isle of Arran is only 267 square kilometers in size but contains examples of just about everything that makes Scotland one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Arran is a one-hour ferry ride from Ardrossan, which itself is an easy train trip from Glasgow. Like the mainland, the island is marked by magnificent mountains, moorland, sandy beaches, an abundance of wildlife, castles, fishing harbors, and great golf. It's also a walker's paradise, and buses run regularly around the island from the ferry terminal at Brodick to its various tourist attractions.
Although its highlights - including Brodick Castle and Goat Fell mountain (873 meters) - can be seen in a day (including the ferry ride), you will want to spend at least a few days exploring this wonderful part of Scotland.
8 locals recommend
Isle of Arran
The lovely Isle of Arran is only 267 square kilometers in size but contains examples of just about everything that makes Scotland one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Arran is a one-hour ferry ride from Ardrossan, which itself is an easy train trip from Glasgow. Like the mainland, the island is marked by magnificent mountains, moorland, sandy beaches, an abundance of wildlife, castles, fishing harbors, and great golf. It's also a walker's paradise, and buses run regularly around the island from the ferry terminal at Brodick to its various tourist attractions.
Although its highlights - including Brodick Castle and Goat Fell mountain (873 meters) - can be seen in a day (including the ferry ride), you will want to spend at least a few days exploring this wonderful part of Scotland.
Benmore Botanic Garden, set amidst spectacularly rugged mountain scenery north of Glasgow at the southern end of Loch Eck, is part of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden. The avenue of giant Californian redwoods planted in 1863 line the long driveway to the property, where you'll be rewarded with a chance to wander around more than 300 different species of rhododendron and azaleas.
Other highlights include Puck's Hut, a wooden memorial to Isaac Bayley Balfour who had the idea to create the gardens, and a bronze statue dating from 1875 (A boy with two dolphins) donated by the owner of adjacent Benmore House (now an outdoor learning center). Nearby Argyll Forest Park is also well worth checking out. Established in 1935, it was the first of its kind in Britain and boasts an impressive 186 mi network of footpaths.
66 locals recommend
Benmore Botanic Garden
4 UigBenmore Botanic Garden, set amidst spectacularly rugged mountain scenery north of Glasgow at the southern end of Loch Eck, is part of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden. The avenue of giant Californian redwoods planted in 1863 line the long driveway to the property, where you'll be rewarded with a chance to wander around more than 300 different species of rhododendron and azaleas.
Other highlights include Puck's Hut, a wooden memorial to Isaac Bayley Balfour who had the idea to create the gardens, and a bronze statue dating from 1875 (A boy with two dolphins) donated by the owner of adjacent Benmore House (now an outdoor learning center). Nearby Argyll Forest Park is also well worth checking out. Established in 1935, it was the first of its kind in Britain and boasts an impressive 186 mi network of footpaths.
"Yon bonnie banks and yon bonnie braes" of Scotland's largest freshwater loch are only half an hour from Glasgow, at the southern end of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. In addition to the haunting beauty and romantic vistas that the song speaks of, Loch Lomond is a center for boating and other water sports. Golfers head for the Carrick Golf Course at Cameron House, one of Scotland's finest championship-standard golf courses, with views of Ben Lomond across the waters of the loch. Hiking and bicycle trails abound throughout the park, and Loch Lomond cruises depart from Balloch, at the southern end of the lake. Although you can easily reach the loch by train, Loch Lomond is often part of tours of the West Highlands from Glasgow. The full-day guided West Highland Lochs, Glencoe and Castles Small Group Day Trip from Glasgow includes attractions such as Kilchurn Castle, the town of Inveraray, and Castle Stalker on Loch Laich.
254 locals recommend
Loch Lomond
"Yon bonnie banks and yon bonnie braes" of Scotland's largest freshwater loch are only half an hour from Glasgow, at the southern end of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. In addition to the haunting beauty and romantic vistas that the song speaks of, Loch Lomond is a center for boating and other water sports. Golfers head for the Carrick Golf Course at Cameron House, one of Scotland's finest championship-standard golf courses, with views of Ben Lomond across the waters of the loch. Hiking and bicycle trails abound throughout the park, and Loch Lomond cruises depart from Balloch, at the southern end of the lake. Although you can easily reach the loch by train, Loch Lomond is often part of tours of the West Highlands from Glasgow. The full-day guided West Highland Lochs, Glencoe and Castles Small Group Day Trip from Glasgow includes attractions such as Kilchurn Castle, the town of Inveraray, and Castle Stalker on Loch Laich.
In the industrial town of Port Glasgow, 25 miles west of Glasgow's city center, stands the 15th-century Newark Castle. The mansion, with a gatehouse and tower, was once the seat of the (sometimes murderous) Maxwell family. Although the Tower House rooms are not open to visitors, you can see the building's lovely Jacobean exterior and the fascinating "below stairs" rooms with exhibits relating to the working conditions and lives of the family's staff.
Another former industrial center is Greenock, the birthplace of engineer James Watt, who made the Clyde navigable. It's also famous for being the final resting place of "Highland Mary," immortalized by Robbie Burns.
Newark Castle
Castle RoadIn the industrial town of Port Glasgow, 25 miles west of Glasgow's city center, stands the 15th-century Newark Castle. The mansion, with a gatehouse and tower, was once the seat of the (sometimes murderous) Maxwell family. Although the Tower House rooms are not open to visitors, you can see the building's lovely Jacobean exterior and the fascinating "below stairs" rooms with exhibits relating to the working conditions and lives of the family's staff.
Another former industrial center is Greenock, the birthplace of engineer James Watt, who made the Clyde navigable. It's also famous for being the final resting place of "Highland Mary," immortalized by Robbie Burns.
Fans of the poetry and songs of Robbie Burns, Scotland's beloved national poet, will surely want to explore the places he lived and the countryside he immortalized, and at the same time, see one of the most beautiful coastal regions of Scotland. Follow the Burns Heritage Trail from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, on the outskirts of Ayr, where you'll see the beautifully preserved thatched house where the poet was born and lived as a child. After visiting the 16th-century Auld Kirk where his father is buried, this circular tour heads south to Dumfries and the Robert Burns House, where the poet lived for the four years before he died here in 1796, at age 36. The house is now a museum and gives a good portrait of his life. His grave is in the nearby St. Michael's Churchyard.
Another highlight of the Ayrshire coast is Culzean Castle and Country Park, with woodland trails and landscaped gardens that include a Victorian Walled Garden. You can visit the Burns sites and Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire Coast Day Trip from Glasgow: Robert Burns Country and Culzean Country Park tour, with a guide who will tell more about Burns and Culzean castle, including its connections with President Eisenhower at the end of World War II.
Ayrshire Coastal Path
Ayrshire Coastal PathFans of the poetry and songs of Robbie Burns, Scotland's beloved national poet, will surely want to explore the places he lived and the countryside he immortalized, and at the same time, see one of the most beautiful coastal regions of Scotland. Follow the Burns Heritage Trail from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, on the outskirts of Ayr, where you'll see the beautifully preserved thatched house where the poet was born and lived as a child. After visiting the 16th-century Auld Kirk where his father is buried, this circular tour heads south to Dumfries and the Robert Burns House, where the poet lived for the four years before he died here in 1796, at age 36. The house is now a museum and gives a good portrait of his life. His grave is in the nearby St. Michael's Churchyard.
Another highlight of the Ayrshire coast is Culzean Castle and Country Park, with woodland trails and landscaped gardens that include a Victorian Walled Garden. You can visit the Burns sites and Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire Coast Day Trip from Glasgow: Robert Burns Country and Culzean Country Park tour, with a guide who will tell more about Burns and Culzean castle, including its connections with President Eisenhower at the end of World War II.
Dumbarton Castle perches dramatically on a basalt rock on the north bank of the Clyde facing Port Glasgow. This strategically important stronghold was started in the 6th century and was central to the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde's rule over the surrounding area until 1018. Only the dungeon and 12th-century gateway remain of this medieval edifice where Mary Stuart embarked for France at age five. Other highlights include the wonderful views, the Georgian artillery fortifications, and the Governor's House with its interesting artifacts from the castle.
35 locals recommend
Dumbarton Castle
Castle RoadDumbarton Castle perches dramatically on a basalt rock on the north bank of the Clyde facing Port Glasgow. This strategically important stronghold was started in the 6th century and was central to the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde's rule over the surrounding area until 1018. Only the dungeon and 12th-century gateway remain of this medieval edifice where Mary Stuart embarked for France at age five. Other highlights include the wonderful views, the Georgian artillery fortifications, and the Governor's House with its interesting artifacts from the castle.
Some surviving parts of Paisley Abbey date from its construction in 1163. Highlights of a visit include the choir stalls and a walk up 197 steps to the Tower. Another Paisley landmark is the ornate Thomas Coats Memorial Church. Funded by one of Scotland's leading textile manufacturers and completed in 1894, its intricate stonework was the product of numerous apprentice stonemasons. While in the area, pay a visit to Paisley Museum and Art Gallery, with its interesting displays relating to the development of the textile industry and the story of the distinctive "drop motif" on the world-famous Paisley pattern. Exhibits include the old looms on which the best-selling designs were produced, as well as original woven and embroidered shawls from Kashmir, the inspiration for the Scottish production.
23 locals recommend
Paisley Abbey
Abbey CloseSome surviving parts of Paisley Abbey date from its construction in 1163. Highlights of a visit include the choir stalls and a walk up 197 steps to the Tower. Another Paisley landmark is the ornate Thomas Coats Memorial Church. Funded by one of Scotland's leading textile manufacturers and completed in 1894, its intricate stonework was the product of numerous apprentice stonemasons. While in the area, pay a visit to Paisley Museum and Art Gallery, with its interesting displays relating to the development of the textile industry and the story of the distinctive "drop motif" on the world-famous Paisley pattern. Exhibits include the old looms on which the best-selling designs were produced, as well as original woven and embroidered shawls from Kashmir, the inspiration for the Scottish production.