Yulia MissTourist 
If you are looking for your next exciting destination I can’t seem to recommend the city of Glasgow, Scotland enough! Why, you are wondering? So, so many reasons why! This is my ultimate guide on where to stay in Glasgow, including the best neighborhoods and accommodation options in each of them – I am recommending hotels and Airbnbs in all price ranges for your convenience.
There is always a lot going on in Glasgow and it’s well divided between East, West, North, and South. With hipster heaven on one side and Catholic cathedrals on the other; it really depends on your personality rather than your budget.
The city center has amazing hotels and youth hostels, it’s very well connected to public transport, there are restaurants, bistros, galleries, pubs, social centers, free spaces, music, lights…students, young adults, hipsters, and nomads would have a blast here.
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. City Centre – where to stay in Glasgow for first time visitors
- 2. Glasgow East – best area in Glasgow for families
- 3. West End – where to stay for budget travelers
- 4. Glasgow South – where to stay for nature lovers
- 5. Glasgow North West – where to stay for a local experience
- BONUS: Visit the Monster of Loch Ness
- Conclusion
Not so much if you are a family with kids. If you are visiting Glasgow with your children, consider booking a hotel or accommodation in East Glasgow. It is still close to all the tourist attractions, it’s still a vibrant area, but definitely a step down from the hustle in the city centre.
Or, maybe you’ve heard of the magical meadows and castles of Scotland and all you want to do is sip on a glass of tea in your garden, in a traditional Scottish bed and breakfast? Boy, do we have some options to show you!
Let’s dig a bit deeper and explore each little corner of Glasgow, Scotland and find the best places to stay for you:
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you are short on time and you are looking for excellent accommodation within walking distance to the main attractions in the city center here are the best options and prices for you in Glasgow, Scotland:
To help you visualise the city of Glasgow a little bit better, this map shows all the areas I will be talking about in this post:
- City Centre : for first-timers
- East Glasgow : for families
- West End : for budget travellers
- South Glasgow : for nature lovers
- North West : for a local experience
1. City Centre – where to stay in Glasgow for first time visitors
If you are in Glasgow city for just a few days and you are looking for vibrant and easily accessible places to stay then look no further than the city center! The city centre is close to all the main attractions like George Square, Buchanan Street, the museums, the art galleries, the best trendy and hip restaurants and of course, the best hotels and places to stay.
Glasgow’s city center is big and diverse so in just one day you can have a picnic in Kelvingrove park, see George Square (one of the oldest squares in the UK), visit the contemporary Buchanan Gallery, do some amazing shopping and still be in the city center!
Wondering where to stay in Glasgow central? Here are my suggestions:
One of the best places to stay in Glasgow, this hotel puts the L in luxurious and its located right next to George Square. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with glazed tiles, terrazzo flooring, timber wall paneling, and balconies with a breathtaking view. A kitchen and dining area are included as well as a restaurant, a bar, a lounge area and as we’ve heard “the best coffee you can find in Glasgow”.
Other Accommodation in Glasgow City Center
Modern, family-friendly hotel set in the heart of Glasgow city centre with breakfast, room service, tea and coffee makers in each room
perfect little clean hotel with comfy beds and extreme value for your money in the city centre
A stylish 2-bedroom apartment that has everything you need for a comfortable stay, free on-site parking, and walking distance to Glasgow central.
2. Glasgow East – best area in Glasgow for families
Looming over Glasgow East are the sharp spires of the Glasgow Cathedral. If you go a little bit further you will find the Glasgow Necropolis and a little bit of peace of mind. Here, just above the city, you can take a few minutes to give yourself a little rest and after that is time for a glass of wine.
Glasgow East is the city center of academics and bohemians, so if you are passionate to capture the true essence of the Galic culture and really dig into Glasgow’s history, you are at the right place at the right time. This is a quiet area suitable for big families with children or groups who’ve done enough partying in their lives. 🙂
Tastefully decorated hotel far enough from the city center to be in a quiet location, but still close enough to walk to it. A welcome drink and many books in the lobby will brighten up your evening in case you are tired. One of the best places to stay in Glasgow East!
Other Accommodation Options in Glasgow East
19th-century recently renovated building 10 minutes walk to both railway stations
a charming and pleasant hotel, just 10 minutes walk from Buchanan street
large nicely furnished bedroom that will make you feel you are in a luxury hotel
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3. West End – where to stay for budget travelers
Glasgow West End is spread along the River Clyde. It’s not the city center so you will probably need a cab to get to George square but, moneywise it might be the best area to stay when you are visiting Glasgow, Scotland.
When in the West End you can visit the iconic Riverside Museum or the Byres Road if that’s your cup of tea, or actually have a cup of tea on Ashton Lane, a modern area lined with shops, cafes, bars, and pubs.
Here you will also find the spire of Sir George Gilbert Scott’s Glasgow University main building, a rather big landmark that definitely deserves a visit. The university itself is the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world, so if you ever wondered what it would be like to visit Hogwarts for a day this is the closest you will get to that experience.
You will always feel welcomed in this 4 star, funky decor hotel. It has an excellent fitness center, private parking and it offers some fantastic views to Clyde river! Oh, and it is pet-friendly too in case you are looking to stay with a dog/cat! As usual, the hotel is super popular, so make sure to book in advance!
Other Accommodation Options in West End
a very comfortable hotel, the best place to stay if you are short on time and need to get to the airport fast
a clean, budget-friendly hostel great for meeting other people with similar interest
an amazing little apartment owned by the kindest women in the world
4. Glasgow South – where to stay for nature lovers
So far I’ve been showing you the glamorous and urban side of Glasgow, Scotland, but here in the south, it’s all about greenery, picnics, history, good food, and family values.
If you want to get to the city center you will have to walk a little bit or cross the river a few times a day, but, this should not be a deal-breaker for you because along the way you will stumble across Queen’s Park, a magical slice of greenery heaven, or if you are looking for a little bit of rustic Scottish charm head over to Bellahouston Park and see the House for an Art Lover.
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, Glasgow
When in Scotland, how about staying in a castle, huh? Then it’s only natural that you would be getting the full royal treatment! The rooms are spacious and fully equipped, there is a bar with a fine selection of whiskey, an art gallery, a top-notch restaurant, pool table, tennis court, and a beautiful garden. The castle is a short 10-minute drive from the center
Other Accommodation Options in Glasgow South
Charming hotel with great staff located in a Victorian town house, get a room facing Queens park!
Great value for money hotel with friendly and helpful staff, very close to Queens Park
Affordable 1 br apartment in a quiet residential area but close to city center by public transportation
5. Glasgow North West – where to stay for a local experience
North West Glasgow is one of the city’s most diverse communities. Slowly, you will see that you are living the hustle and bustle of the crowded city and you are getting closer and closer to the Scottish countryside as you venture further North West from the West End district. North West Glasgow is the perfect place to stay for a local adventure or get a sense of real community.
If you are lucky enough to visit Glasgow in summer you can go rafting or sailing on one of the many, many channels or spend your time in nature by visiting the wetlands and countless other outdoor spaces available to you in this large part of Glasgow, Scotland. Kids will love The Childrens Wood and North Kelvin Meadow!
а stylish 5-star boutique hotel, only a 30-minute drive from Loch Lomond. If you are a fan of spacious rooms, impeccable cuisine, wide wine selection, professional staff, and stunning decor, look no further. You can even do your morning workout in the gym and have your afternoon tea right there, in the gorgeous garden
Other Accommodation Options in Glasgow North
Beautiful hotel 2 min away from the Botanical Garden. You can get a great deal if you book in advance!
Affordable 3* hotel in a quiet place with a charming duty manager! Also super close to the Botanic Garden
Private room in cosy glasgow flat with small garden to relax in during your stay in Glasgow
BONUS: Visit the Monster of Loch Ness
There is no denying that Glasgow city is a beautiful place that you have to visit, but since you are in Scotland already you must take at least two days, get on a train from wherever you are and don’t get off until you reach the “Loch” station. The name rings a bell, doesn’t it?
Loch Ness is a freshwater lake (loch in Scottish) located in the Scottish Highlands ~290 km (180 mi) from Glasgow. Loch Ness is best known for alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie, a very dear local treasure.
If you are thinking about a day trip, there are plenty of tour providers who will organize the trip for you (I can personally recommend this one). You can plan ahead and book a boat trip and sail across the lake, and who knows, maybe you will be the lucky one who sees Nessie again.
If you are thinking to stay overnight, here are some great hotels and other places to stay in the area:
an elegant hotel in the heart of the mysterious Scottish Highlands. A clash between traditional Scottish architecture and contemporary design, Loch Ness Lodge is a luxurious place that offers comfortable rooms, a lounge area, huge gardens, and as they say “the best Scottish breakfast in the land”
Other Accommodation Options Near Loch Ness
a wooden, charming hotel when you want to get warm and cozy
P.S. Did you consider campervanning in Scotland? It is a super nice way to enjoy breathtaking views of the country!
| 👑 Luxury price: | £170 |
 Mid-range hotel: | £120 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | £70 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | £150 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best Area: | City Center |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Point A Hotel |
Conclusion
Hope you found this post useful and you have already booked your ideal accommodation in Glasgow, Scotland! If you haven’t yet, just to recap, here are 2 best places to stay in the city in my opinion:
- Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel for its central location and impeccable service
- Condo Hotel Native Glasgow for the best value hotel for money (and the location, too!).
The truth is, whether you decide to book a hotel or accommodation in the city center or west end, there is a huge selection depending on your budget and needs and as you have seen already I have given you quite a lot of the best places to stay to choose from.
So, don’t be afraid to follow your dreams and visit Glasgow, Scotland as soon as possible. Remember, Glasgow is one of those cities that has no off-season. Spring and summer are beautiful by default, and in winter, Glasgow turns into a winter wonderland with many Christmas markets, apple pies, and mulled wine…I wouldn’t resist…would you?
If you’re continuing after your trip to Glasgow, Scotland, make sure not only to visit London, but check out some literary history in the towns of Stratford and Oxford.
For any further questions or tips about places to stay or Glasgow, Scotland in general, please leave a comment below and I’ll make sure to get back to you, as soon as possible.
Yulia
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