12 Best Bars in City Center, Glasgow

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.

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.

Step behind a curious version of the Iron Curtain where burgers and Tex-Mex diner food mix with an eclectic musical mash of DJs and live rock and folk bands.

Known as "Dels" by locals, this is a lively and upbeat LGBTQ bar and club in the heart of the city's gay quarter. Karaoke, DJs, quiz nights, and an always busy dance floor set the tone for a place where the drinks are cheap and the crowd is warm and friendly.

An intimate venue showcasing up-and-coming independent bands since 1990, King Tut's Wah Wah Hut was the venue where the U.K. Brit-pop band Oasis was discovered. Indeed, the list of those who have played here reads like a catalog of indie music history. It's a favorite with students and hosts live music most nights, but the cozy and traditional pub setting draws people of all ages, and the refurbished bar is a pleasant and comfortable place for a drink or a meal.

A tiny club in the basement of Max's Bar, La Cheetah is popular precisely because it's small and intimate. It plays a variety of dance and electronic music, with some surprising well-known guests who just like the atmosphere.

A classic dive bar on Sauchiehall Street, drinks here are reasonably priced, and their tiny downstairs gig space has played host to many terrific bands and DJs over the years. It's popular with an eclectic crowd of musicians and artists, so if you head in after attending a show, there's a high chance the band you saw that night will be drinking there too. 

This traditional pub has the biggest whisky library in the city, with over 700 libations to choose from. It's popular with locals and tourists alike, and a must for whisky fans.

The newest addition to Glasgow's club scene, Slay hosts a variety of after-hours events for all ages. A mix of pop nights, drag shows, and themed album listening parties make up the bulk of the venue's repertoire but it's also a space that regularly hosts small gigs and live music nights. 

This high-end luxury cocktail bar is hidden away on a surprisingly peaceful alley just minutes from George Square. Creative mixologists can make the drink of your dreams.

The small downstairs music venue gets crowded quickly when bands play Sunday to Thursday night, but that only adds to the electric atmosphere at Stereo. There's also a hopping nightclub where DJs spin on Friday and Saturday nights until the wee hours of the morning. Upstairs, the café-bar serves tasty vegan food and organic drinks.

This atmospheric underground venue has staged cutting-edge music events since its jazz club days in the 1950s. Legendary favorites like Saturday's SubCulture (House) and the Optimo (a truly eclectic mix for musical hedonists) pack in friendly and sweaty crowds on its large dance floor. Open since the 1980s as a nightclub, it is the longest running underground dance club in the world.