From a local
If we were showing a friend around Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games, this is exactly where we’d take them. From our favourite local spots to the best free events happening across the city, here’s how to make the most of your time between the Games.
Start with a Proper Coffee
Glasgow has one of the best speciality coffee scenes in the UK, so skip the chains.
Our favourites are Laboratorio Espresso for one of the city’s best flat whites, Papercup Coffee in the West End if you’ve got a little more time, or Outlier, where you’ll find great coffee alongside excellent brunch.
If the sun’s out, grab your coffee to go and wander through the city.
Spend a few hours in Finnieston
This is probably Glasgow’s coolest neighbourhood and somewhere we’d recommend to almost everyone visiting.
Browse The Hidden Lane, home to independent makers’ studios, then stop for lunch at Ox and Finch or Gloriosa's before finishing with a drink outside at Kelvingrove Cafe or The Finnieston.
It’s lively without feeling touristy and gives you a real feel for modern Glasgow.
Wander the West End
Rather than racing between attractions, spend a couple of hours simply wandering.
Walk through Kelvingrove Park then head to The University of Glasgow. Take in the view of the city before wandering through the Cloisters.
For sunset, stroll along the River Kelvin and grab a drink by the River at Inn Deep.
Independent Shopping
If you’re looking for something you won’t find back home, we’d recommend:
- The Hidden Lane for local artists and makers.
- Kelvin Rooms for sustainable lifestyle pieces
- East End Press
- Glasgow Design Exchange
- Starry Starry Night for vintage bits
- Drosten for beautifully curated menswear.
Soak it up
Where we'd eat
Just One Meal? Book Ox and Finch.
Celebrating? Treat yourself to UNALOME.
Quick Bite? Pop into Sugo or Paesano
Something Relaxed? Grab a table at Ka Pao.
Tip: Glasgow gets busy, so if there’s somewhere you’ve got your heart set on for dinner, it’s worth booking ahead. For everything else, leave a little room to wander.
Fancy a Pint?
Rather than going wherever Google suggests, we’d send you here:
Just want to get fully immersed in the Games?
Game on Live site
From 23 July to 2 August, Kelvingrove Park becomes the heart of the Commonwealth Games celebrations, with Glasgow’s official Game On Live Site bringing together live sport, entertainment and family-friendly activities in one of the city’s most beautiful parks.
Merchant City Festival
From 24 July to 2 August, one of Glasgow’s best-loved summer festivals returns during the Commonwealth Games, filling the historic Merchant City with entertainment, food and a brilliant atmosphere.
