Glasgow

Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow once was known as the British Empire's “second city.” Today, it remains a competitive force in the worlds of business, finance, and gay frolic. Fast-talking, friendly Glaswegians are proud of their city and give a warm welcome to visitors.

 

Pride Glasgow takes place in July. A huge stage is set up in George Square, which sits next to Queen Street train station. Glasgay is an annual arts festival that runs from October to November. Venues throughout the city hosting shows, films, and exhibitions.

 

Getting here

Glasgow Airport is the main gateway into Scotland for transatlantic flights. The closest rail station to the airport is Paisley Gilmour Street, just one mile from the terminal, so easily reached by taxi or bus. Connect from here to Glasgow Central on one of eight SPT trains each hour (5/hr on Sundays) - also to Ayr and Clyde Coast destinations. Number 500 buses depart every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, for a trip of 25 minutes (5 pounds) to Glasgow's two main rail stations – Central and Queen Street – and the main bus terminus - Buchanan Bus Station. For more options see the airport website above.

Prestwick Airport, 30 miles southwest of Glasgow, has some good connections as well.

To arrive by train see the websites of National Rail and ScotRail.

 

Getting around

Glasgow's streets are busy and vibrant, and walking along the charming River Clyde is one of the best ways to get to know the city. Bring along comfortable shoes, because you’ll want to stroll. For subway, bus, ferry and other public transportation see STP, the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

 

Currency and Money

Scotland’s currency is the British pound. ATMs are available in the downtown area.

 

Local Media and resources

Glasgay the website for Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture also has info on year-round events and places to go in Glasgow.
ScotsGay is a magazine with news and listings for all of Scotland, including Glasgow. Read them online or download a pdf edition.

The Gaybourhood website also covers what's going on in Scotland.

 

Accommodations

Charing Cross Guest House (310 Renfrew St; 44-141-332-2503), affordable accommodations, heart of Glasgow, walking distance from attractions, nightlife and shopping districts.

Marks Hotel (110 Bath St; 44-141-353-0800), gay-friendly boutique hotel, great location, elegant, modern design, room-service includes vegetarian meals, free wi-fi.

 

Nightlife

Arches (253 Argyle St), ground-breaking theater productions, edgy underground arts scene, young new music talent, name DJs, sometimes gay party venue, cafe/bar & restaurant.

AXM Glasgow (80 Glassford St), Wednesday through Sunday gay dance club, former Bennets site, mixed straight-friendly crowd.

CCA (350 Sauchiehall St) cafe & bar at Centre for Contemporary Arts, performance, film screenings, exhibit space.

Court Bar (69 Hutcheson St), small pub, mostly straight daytimes, gets gayest in later evening hours.

Delmonica's Bar (68 Virginia St), large neighborhood party bar, nightly entertainment, bingo, quiz shows, karaoke, men and women mix.

FHQ (10 John St) upstairs from Speakeasy, former Trophy Room, Scotland's "only female Gay Bar/Club" with entertainment, late-night bites.

Milk (17 John St), nightly gay warm-up bar, games, parties, karaoke, DJs, former Scene.

Polo Lounge (84 Wilson St), Merchant City gay camp party bar, nightly entertainment, special parties, Poptart Tuesdays, Club X dancefloor.

Speakeasy (10 John St), late night cocktails/food, jukebox, acoustic Mondays, Speakeasy afterhours, jukebox music, food.

Tron Theatre Bar & Kitchen (Chisholm St), busy mixed establishment, classic Victorian setting, tasty fare, pre-and-post show drinks, free WiFi access.

Tunnel (84 Mitchell St), midweek dancing on first Wednesday nights each month, billed as "Scotland's biggest gay night out," each with a different theme. Mostly straight Urban Fridays, Saturdays.

Underground (6a John St), large video/party bar, comfortable chairs and tables, pool games, karaoke, free WiFi, comedy nights, former Revolver Bar.

Waterloo (306 Argyle St), Glasgow's -- maybe Scotland's -- longest-running gay bar. Rainbow flag-bedecked traditional pub, friendly and lively, mostly men, theme parties.

 

Saunas

Ambassadors Rainbow (41b York St), gay sauna, private dark rooms, qualified masseur, free Wi-Fi, comfortable chill-out lounge.

Pipeworks (5-10 Metropole Lane) modern, clean, open overnights on Saturdays, 35-man spa pool, 20-man sauna, sling room, TV and internet. lounges.

Relax Central (27 Union St, 3rd floor), local gay sauna.

 

Shopping and services

ACDC (59 Virginia St), innovative clothing designer shop, custom-made original clothing, jeans, kilts, accessories.

Luke & Jack (45 Virginia St)

Q! Gallery (87-91 Saltmarket), studio and gallery showcase for queer artists.

Siks & Secrets (308 Argyle St)

Touch of Class Travel (Touchofclasstravel.co.uk) can arrange low-cost weekend and city breaks, theater tickets, or corporate travel, Ken Clifford, the man in charge, has over 25 years' experience in the business.