Kelvingrove Cafe
Finnieston
Fodor's choice
At this very inventive cocktail bar in the heart of Finniston, the chic vintage interior feels a bit like a Gatsby party, attracting a well-heeled crowd.
4 Best Nightlife in Glasgow, Scotland
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Glasgow's busy nightlife scene is impressive and varied. Bars and pubs often close at midnight on weekends, but nightclubs often stay open until 3 or 4 am. Traditional ceilidh (a mix of country dancing, music, and song; pronounced kay-lee) is not as popular with locals as it used to be (except at weddings), but you can still find it at many more tourist-oriented establishments.
Glasgow's pubs were once hangouts for serious drinkers who demanded few comforts. Today many of these gritty establishments have been transformed into trendy cocktail bars or cavernous spaces with video monitors, though a few traditional bars survive. Bars and pubs vary according to location; many in the City Centre cater to business types, while those in the West End and Finnieston draw in the younger crowd.
As elsewhere in Britain, electronic music—from house to techno to drum and bass—is par for the course in Glasgow's dance clubs. Much of the scene revolves around the City Centre, as a late-night walk down Sauchiehall Street on Friday or Saturday will reveal.
Scotia Bar
Fodor's choice
This place is a survivor of a different, older city, but it offers a taste of an authentic Glasgow pub, with traditional folk music performances happening regularly. Dark wood, a wood-beamed ceiling, and a classic L-shaped bar set the mood.
Sloans
Fodor's choice
One of Glasgow's oldest and most iconic pubs, the wood-paneled Sloans is always lively and welcoming; it serves traditional pub food like fish-and-chips throughout the day. The upstairs ballroom is a magnificent mirrored affair, and on the floor above there's dancing and a ceilidh—traditional music and dancing—every Friday night (booking essential). The pub has a good selection of beers and spirits, and the outdoor area is always lively when the weather cooperates.
Recommended Fodor's Video
The Horseshoe Bar
Fodor's choice
This iconic Glasgow boozer is tucked away on a hidden alleyway not far from Central Station. The wood-paneled traditional pub is a lively and upbeat Glasgow institution. If you're feeling brave, head upstairs and participate in their legendary public karaoke on the weekends.
