LGBTQIA+ guide to Glasgow
Modern and sophisticated with a down-to-earth attitude, Glasgow’s unique charm has seen it voted ‘the friendliest city in the world’ by Rough Guides. Its LGBTQIA+ scene is equally as welcoming and vibrant, with pubs, clubs and cafes dotted around the revitalised Merchant City district. Explore our guide to LGBTQIA+ Glasgow for the lowdown on the best neighbourhoods, hotels and events in the city.
Dates for the diary
Pride Glasgow
Dates TBC
A celebration of all things LGBTQIA+, Pride Glasgow is a two-day spectacle held every summer. A colourful rainbow parade runs through the city while Glasgow Green plays host to a music stage, bars and more. Expect a carnival atmosphere and lots of kilt-clad Scotsmen.
Scottish Queer International Film Festival
Dates TBC
Each October, Glasgow hosts the Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF). Celebrating LGBTQIA+ film in Scotland, the festival is a non-profit event showing lesser-known and publicised material from the community.
Get to know Glasgow
Swing by the ‘fiercely independent and Queer’ Category is Books for a page-turning look into LGBTQIA+ culture. Pick up new and second-hand books, zines, comics and art celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories, communities and history. You can also visit Glasgow Women’s Library, a vast collection dedicated to women’s contributions throughout history, alongside a fascinating set of LGBTQIA+ documents.
Hailed by Travel Gay as ‘one of Glasgow’s friendliest gay bars’, The Underground in Merchant City is ideal for a relaxed afternoon drink or game of pool. This laid-back gay bar transforms into a buzzing club after dark.
Out and about
Stylish stays
citizenM
Providing affordable luxury to a tech-savvy generation is the aim of citizenM Glasgow, located a short walk from the city’s LGBTQI+ district. With siblings in cities including New York, London and Amsterdam, this hip hotel offers a self-service 24-hour canteen serving hot breakfasts, barista coffee, delicious pastries and cocktails.
Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow
Just a short walk from the gay scene, four-star Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow is cool and contemporary. It is home to modern eatery Grahamston Kitchen & Bar, which offers delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Other facilities include a stylish bar, a 15-metre swimming pool, sauna and gym, and 247 rooms and suites in a choice of design styles.
15Glasgow
15Glasgow is a five-star gay-friendly ‘sleep boutique’ bed and breakfast in a restful residential neighbourhood. This Victorian townhouse has five large guest suites and breakfast is served to your room – the full Scottish option includes the finest Ayrshire bacon and Stornoway black pudding.
Getting here
Glasgow is in Scotland, four-and-a-half hours north of London by train. It’s also served by flights into Glasgow Airport, Scotland’s principal long-haul gateway with direct flights from the United States, Canada and the Middle East, and Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Flights from major European cities operate to both airports.