Live music
Thanks to its recent booming history of zeitgeist bands, DJs, and traditional folk and jazz outfits, Glasgow proudly holds the title of UNESCO City of Music. As such, it’s a paradise for gig seekers, whether you’re after a huge, bouncing concert or an intimate bar venue.
Based in central Glasgow, King Tut’s announces itself with a grungy, no-holds-barred head-banging atmosphere. This small venue hosts some of the city’s best live music, having discovered an impressive list of now-famous bands, from the likes of Blur to The Strokes. Open till late, King Tut’s has live music most nights of the week, so check the gig listing to see what’s in store.
272a St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5RL.
The Arches
Set in the bare red-brick arches of Glasgow’s viaduct, The Arches is a unique community arts and culture venue, able to seamlessly transform itself from stylish sit-down jazz club to body-shaking DJ night. Although home to Pressure, one of Glasgow’s premiere club nights, The Arches prides itself on its variety of international live music acts, which span everything from old-world Celtic folk to retro Motown.
253 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8DL.
Cocktail bars
If you prefer a refined and chilled-out night, Glasgow’s up-market bars are just the thing. Although sprinkled throughout the city, you’ll find a large concentration of finer drinking establishments in the Merchant City district. Metropolitan
Based in central Merchant City, Metropolitan is a high-end cocktail bar that knows the meaning of indulgence. Full of supple leather seats and golden candles, it also has a piano bar where expert ivory-tinklers play smooth background music. Enjoy lavish pink cucumber cocktails, classic strawberry daiquiris, or chic martinis.
60 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1LE.
Theatres
Central Glasgow is home to the city’s theatre and retail district, an entertainment hotspot that also includes cinemas, restaurants, and easy-going pubs. There's no better place to take in a show.
Dating back to 1867, the Theatre Royal features an immense auditorium of glossy gold arches and shimmering deep-red curtains. With a constantly changing - and constantly full - schedule of opera, ballet, and stage plays, you’re bound to find something of interest at this historic theatre.
282 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 3QA.
Clubs
Want to have a serious night on the tiles? Glasgow's edgy clubs provide hedonism a-plenty, so you can keep on partying till the birds start chirping.
As with live music, Glasgow takes its clubbing scene seriously. Sub Club, based centrally, is the world’s longest running underground dance club - a mad mash-up of thumping techno tunes, flashing laser lights, and dance-floor mayhem. Open through much of the week, this club sees a regular line-up of locally-loved DJs with a mix of internationally known headliners.
22 Jamaica Street, Glasgow G1 4QD.
