Gay Guide: Glasgow

Gay-Friendly Glasgow is a prominent destination on our Scottish Highland Hikes tour. We’ll begin and end our expedition here, with an afternoon set aside for you to explore the metropolis on your own.

Scroll down for our tips to best enjoy this incredible destination.

Where to Stay

While on tour we’ll relish in the timeless Grand Central Hotel in the heart of the city. Of particular note is the chic chandelier suspended the entire length of the main staircase.

If you decide to book a few extra nights in Glasgow after our tour concludes, you may want to consider some of the city’s other offerings including west-end Hotel du Vin & Bistro or Blythswood Square.

For a more boutique experience, try 15Glasgow (pictured above).

Where to Eat

Let’s begin with a local favourite: McCune Smith, a wallet-friendly lunch joint just east of Merchant City. The cafe lovingly prepares every sweet and savoury offering with only the finest Scottish artisan produce.

For an authentic chippery, head to Old Salty’s where haddock, hake and cod are thinly battered and fried to that perfect golden brown. The shop is a tad pricier than other chipperies but the consistent quality is well worth the extra pence.

For the carnivorously inclined, book a table at chic basement bistro, Meat Bar. Its menu ranges from burgers and brisket to nearly every cut of steak available. Even the cocktails are garnished with strips of crispy bacon.

For those looking to splurge, Gamba is well known for serving the coastal country’s best seafood to exacting standards. It’s been awarded numerous prizes including UK Seafood Restaurant of the Year Award and two AA Rosettes.

Finally, if you’re interested in a high-end approach to haggis, black pudding or any other Scottish fare, trek over to The Red Onion. It’s a quaint, friendly space with a rotating menu of heightened classics.

Where to Go Out

Glasgow is arguably the gayest city in the UK and you’ll feel welcome in every pub, club and bar. However, let’s zero in on Merchant City, Glasgow’s centrally-located gaybourhood.

First, grab a pint at Delmonicas in the centre of Merchant City (pictured below). The mainstay opened in 1991 and is usually the first stop on any night out.

From Delmonicas you can head to either Riding Room or Menergy, both known for their pee-your-knickers-funny drag queens. The Underground is also widely enjoyed, especially amongst those looking to sit back with a pint or five.

When you’re ready to hit the dance floor, there’s a slew of venues only a short shantay away: Polo Lounge is a go-to for top 40 and campy classics. AXM is a large club and famous for big name DJs. For the edgier amongst us, Club X is well known for its S&M, sex shows and risque performances. And finally, for the young bucks who aren’t as keen on Kylie or the other queens of pop, try Katie’s Bar or The Flying Duck. Both feature a rotating roster of talented up-and-coming DJs.

What to Do/See

On tour we’ll visit the famed Glasgow School of Art. In 2014 the historic building caught fire and will only be reopened a few short months before we arrive.

We recommend diving further into Glasgow’s thriving art scene at Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and Hunterian Museum, all of which house masterpieces from every era.

If you fancy yourself a stroll, wander towards the city’s more impressive architectural feats including Glasgow Cathedral, City Chambers or the Hydro building. Also, if the weather is nice take an afternoon in Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens.

Finally, Style Mile is a massive centrally-located square brimming with shopping opportunities.

Men should stop at Slater for a dapper selection of suits and ties. Mr Ben for your vintage needs. And if you want to indulge in tweed and tartan, browse the kilts at MacGregor and MacDuff.

That’s All We’ve Got!

If you have any questions about gorgeous Glasgow, never hesitate to get in contact. And if you’re interested in joining Out Adventures in Scotland, our Highland Hikes expedition departs August 2018.

While we no longer offer our Scottish Highland Hikes tour, we have plenty of other gay adventures! Check out our Gay Tour Calendar for details.