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.
A celebration of all things LGBTQIA+, Pride Glasgow is a spectacular celebration 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.
Each autumn, 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The train from London to Glasgow takes around four and a half hours. Glasgow is 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.
