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Dates for the diary

Glasgow's queer scene

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 queer stories, communities and history. 

You can also visit Glasgow Women’s Library for a vast collection dedicated to women’s contributions throughout history, alongside a fascinating set of documents from the Lesbian Archive.   

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.

During Glasgow’s Pride celebrations, join in the fun at the Barras Pride Street Market, an inclusive shopping night with a diverse trader line-up. You’ll find the Celebrate With Pride stall at Barras Market year-round, selling fabulous LGBTQIA+ merchandise. 

Going out in Glasgow

Despite its name, it’s not hard to spot this queer bar. Located in the Merchant City area, think colourful cocktails, karaoke and drag queens.

Explore Glasgow’s queer scene at Speakeasy

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Group of men on a night out toasting their shots before drinking them, celebrating New Year
Speakeasy

Endless entertainment awaits at this cabaret bar. Expect flair, flamboyance and late-night theatrics.

Step into cabaret at The Riding Room

Photo by: Getty Images

A performer peaking out from behind a curtain
The Riding Room

A sleek basement bar that attracts a mixed lesbian and gay scene. Dive into its cocktails and see live drag acts take to the floor.

Get a table at Katie’s Bar and Kitchen

Photo by: Anna Majewska

Location: Glasgow

Freddy Mercury impersonator on stage in front of a crowd at Katie's Bar and Kitchen in Glasgow, Scotland
Katie’s Bar

Despite its name, it’s not hard to spot this queer bar. Located in the Merchant City area, think colourful cocktails, karaoke and drag queens.

Explore Glasgow’s queer scene at Speakeasy

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Group of men on a night out toasting their shots before drinking them, celebrating New Year
Speakeasy

Endless entertainment awaits at this cabaret bar. Expect flair, flamboyance and late-night theatrics.

Step into cabaret at The Riding Room

Photo by: Getty Images

A performer peaking out from behind a curtain
The Riding Room

A sleek basement bar that attracts a mixed lesbian and gay scene. Dive into its cocktails and see live drag acts take to the floor.

Get a table at Katie’s Bar and Kitchen

Photo by: Anna Majewska

Location: Glasgow

Freddy Mercury impersonator on stage in front of a crowd at Katie's Bar and Kitchen in Glasgow, Scotland
Katie’s Bar

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 LGBTQIA+ 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.

Explore more

From loud and proud Pride festivals all over the country, to hundreds of queer pubs and gay-friendly hotels, Britain is one of the world’s most welcoming nations when it comes to LGBTQIA+ visitors.

Photo by: Dan Regan

Bristol Pride marches through the city centre

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture, with a heart that beats through its people.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures

The gateway into Scotland, the Borders and Lowlands pack a punch.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest

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