Scotland’s largest city is often overshadowed by the historic capital, Edinburgh, but Glasgow city has a thriving cultural scene that is well worth exploring. This includes the Scottish Opera, the National Theater of Scotland and the Scottish Ballet. There’s also a lively music scene in Glasgow, evidenced by the UNESCO City of Music designation.

Glasgow is a very walkable city, with a small underground system, as well as regular train and bus routes for getting around outside of Glasgow city centre. Using the guide below, you can find the best places to stay in Glasgow, Scotland. Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the most “up and coming” cities of the United Kingdom.

We will cover off all types of Glasgow accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Glasgow hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Glasgow, the best Glasgow hotels, best places in Glasgow to visit, the best places to stay in Glasgow, hotels near Glasgow attractions, Glasgow neighborhood guide and many more.

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Glasgow City Centre – Where to stay in Glasgow for one night

For a central location in Glasgow, the city centre is the best option. Staying in central Glasgow puts you in walking distance to many of the best things to do in Scotland, as well as many restaurants and hotels. For first time visitors or travelers who only have a quick visit and want to know where to stay in Glasgow for one night, the city centre is it.

With a short time to explore the city, you won’t want to waste any time commuting. No matter your budget, from five star hotels to hostels, there is ample Glasgow accommodation in the city centre. Shoppers will be drawn to Buchanan Street in the city centre, lined with High Street brands and specialty boutiques. At the heart of Glasgow city is George Square, a popular meeting place, especially in the warm summer months.

Best places to stay in the City Centre

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in the City Centre:
Clyde Hostel
Glasgow Youth Hostel
Euro Hostel Glasgow
Glasgow House

Budget Hotels in the City Centre:
Premier Inn Glasgow Pacific Quay (SECC) Hotel
Hotel ibis budget Glasgow
Travelodge Glasgow Paisley Road Hotel
Devoncove Hotel

Mid range Hotels in the City Centre:
Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre
Radisson RED Hotel, Glasgow
Village Hotel Glasgow
Campanile Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in the City Centre:
Crowne Plaza Glasgow
Glasgow Marriott Hotel
Hallmark Hotel Glasgow
Argyll Guest House

Affordable Luxury Hotels in the City Centre:
Hilton Glasgow
Dakota Deluxe Glasgow
Blythswood Square Hotel
Destiny Scotland Apartments at Nelson Mandela Place

Merchant City – Where to stay in Glasgow with family

Part of the city centre, but with its own unique vibe, Merchant City is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Glasgow. In the mid 18th century, traders housed their tea and tobacco stockpiles in warehouses here. In the heart of merchant city is Royal Exchange Hall, a beautifully lit courtyard full of shops and restaurants, surrounding the Gallery of Modern Art.

In August, the Merchant City Festival brings street art, music, dance and all kinds of entertainment from all over the world to celebrate Scotland’s City of Music. There’s a wide range of Glasgow accommodation in Merchant City, with hostels, hotels and B&B’s to choose from.

Best places to stay in Merchant City

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Merchant City:
Euro Hostel Glasgow
Clyde Hostel
Glasgow Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels in Merchant City:
The Brunswick Hotel
Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre (George Square) Hotel
St. Enoch Hotel
Rennie Mackintosh Station Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Merchant City:
Fraser Suites Glasgow
Rab Ha’s Hotel
The Spires Serviced Apartments
Mercure Glasgow City Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Merchant City:
Travelodge Glasgow Queen Street Hotel
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Glasgow George Square
Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City Centre Riverside
Native Glasgow

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Merchant City:
Destiny Scotland Apartments at Nelson Mandela Place
Blythswood Square Hotel
Dakota Deluxe Glasgow
SACO Glasgow – Cochrane Street

West End – Cool places stay in Glasgow

Perhaps you’ve previously visited Glasgow, done the highlights and now you’re looking for cool places to go in Glasgow. The West End flanks the River Kelvin and has become a fashionable destination in Glasgow. In addition to impressive architecture, art galleries, museums, pubs, cafes and boutique shops, the West End is dotted with parks and gardens, including the famous Devonshire Gardens and Glasgow Botanical Gardens.

This makes the West End a nice escape from the city, without the boredom of the country. And best of all, you’re only a short ride away from Glasgow Central Station when you do want to explore the city centre.

Best places to stay in West End

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in West End:
Glasgow House
Alba Hostel Glasgow
Hot Tub Hostel

Budget Hotels in West End:
Hot Tub Hostel
Beersbridge Lodge Guesthouse
Smiths Hotel
McLays Guest House

Mid range Hotels in West End:
Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel
Kelvin Hotel
Clifton Hotel
The Heritage Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in West End:
The Belhaven Hotel
Albion Hotel
Alamo Guest House
Argyll Guest House

Affordable Luxury Hotels in West End:
Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens
Hilton Glasgow
Blythswood Square Hotel
Dakota Deluxe Glasgow

Finnieston – Where to stay in Glasgow on a budget

On the near west side of Glasgow is the neighborhood of Finnieston, which manages to be both trendy and affordable, making it a great place to stay in Glasgow near the city centre. Like many cities, Glasgow has transformed this former warehouse district into a desirable destination that was recently voted as one of the “hippest places to live in the UK.”

Argyle Street is home to many amazing restaurants, including several Michelin-featured restaurants, and fun nightlife. Finnieston is also where the Hydro is located, Glasgow’s event arena. Thanks to this major attraction, there are many Glasgow hotels to choose from in Finnieston.

Best places to stay in Finnieston

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Finnieston:
Euro Hostel Glasgow

Budget Hotels in Finnieston:
Alexander Thomson Hotel
Rennie Mackintosh Station Hotel
Travelodge Glasgow Queen Street Hotel
St. Enoch Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Finnieston:
Grasshoppers Hotel Glasgow
Motel One Glasgow
Jurys Inn Glasgow
Artto Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Finnieston:
Glasgow Central Apartments
Native Glasgow
Park Inn by Radisson
The Spires Serviced Apartments

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Finnieston:
SACO Glasgow – Cochrane Street
Blythswood Square Hotel
Dakota Deluxe Glasgow
Hilton Glasgow

East End – Where to stay in Glasgow with kids

A bit of the beaten tourist path, Glasgow’s East End is a viable option for basing yourself during a visit. With the trendy draw of the West End, the East End is often left to the locals. However, you’re still just a short walk to the city centre, but you may have a more authentic experience in this residential area. For those visiting Glasgow with kids, Glasgow Green is the city’s largest public park.

In the park, the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are another interesting destination in Glasgow’s East End. If you don’t want to travel for food and entertainment, you won’t need to, as the East End has its own cafes, restaurants and nightlife. The Barrowland Ballroom is one of Glasgow’s most popular live music venues. The East End is home to the Celtic Football Club, and artists will also find many galleries to browse.

Best places to stay in East End

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in East End:
Euro Hostel Glasgow
Clyde Hostel
Hot Tub Hostel

Budget Hotels in East End:
Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre South Hotel
The Brunswick Hotel
Seton Guest House
Tartan Lodge

Mid range Hotels in East End:
Number 52 Charlotte Street
Fraser Suites Glasgow
Moxy Glasgow Merchant City
Destiny Scotland – Glassford Residence

Family Friendly Hotels in East End:
Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre South Hotel
The Spires Serviced Apartments
Motel One Glasgow
Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City Centre – Theatreland

Affordable Luxury Hotels in East End:
Destiny Scotland Apartments at Nelson Mandela Place
Dakota Deluxe Glasgow
Hilton Glasgow

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