So you’ve seen George Square Glasgow, spent an afternoon in Kelvingrove, shopped on Buchanan Street & Princes Square and enjoyed the best tourist spots in Glasgow… what’s next? We’ve put together a short list of the best hidden gems and places that are popular with locals so you can experience life as a local on your Glasgow travels.
The Tenement House
The best way to get to know a new city is to look at its history. Tenement Houses were a huge part of Glasgow’s culture and are synonymous with the history of Glasgow. These iconic sandstone buildings were split into (often overcrowded) apartments housing many large families. The Tenement House in the city centre was lived in by Miss Agnes Toward from 1911 until 1965, who preserved many of her possessions, giving us a fascinating insight into life in those times.
Britannia Panopticon
While tourists flock to King Tuts or any of the busy nightclubs and bars in the city, you might prefer to visit the worlds oldest surviving music hall, the Britannia Panopticon. Located in the historic Merchant City, a visit to this iconic venue means you can say you walked the same stage that Stan Laurel made his debut performance or where Cary Grant leant his trade. You can enjoy a recreated show, take a guided tour or escape their mystery room on your visit.
West End Lanes
A bit of a walk from George Square Glasgow, but well worth the trip, lies the West End Lanes. Crossing the main thoroughfares of Glasgow’s West side are the iconic cobbled lanes full of peculiar and unusual places of interest. Ashton Lane is a great place for boutique dining and a cinema visit. The hidden lane in Finnieston has tearooms, antique stores and places to explore for a beautiful unusual keepsake to bring home. Ruthven Lane and Cresswell Lane have small but gorgeous arcades with boutique stores and art shops. It’s a shopping experience not to be missed.
Glasgow Police Museum
Kelvingrove is one of the best tourist spots Glasgow, no doubt, but when you have explored it from top to bottom, branch out and explore one of four more under the radar museums like the Glasgow Police Museum. Here you can discover a treasure trove of over 6,000 artefacts including police uniforms from around the world, medals, buttons and an array of headgear. The museum won the ‘Best Day Out Award’ at The Glasgow Awards 2019 and is an excellent insight into the worlds oldest police force. Best of all, it’s free to enter and run entirely by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who love what they do!
Glasgow Women’s Library
Libraries are places full of adventure and excitement; how could they not be with so many stories under the one roof! Glasgow has one that’s extra special however, one that celebrates the works, lives, histories and achievements of women. Based in the East, this excellent library was a finalist for the biggest museum prize in the world in 2018. The library tells the story of the past through historic artefacts and archive materials, but also embraces and helps to shape the future with exhibitions, film screenings and a packed year-round, inclusive events schedule.
Queens Park
Take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to Queens Park to drink in the stunning views of the city. Head to the city’s leafy South suburbs, grab a coffee in one of the many artisan coffee shops, then head toward the flagpole for some unbelievable panoramic views of the city. You’ll see spires, towers, turrets and high rises, the rolling hills of the Campsie Fells and locals going about their everyday business. It’s also an ideal spot for a picnic if the weather is good.
While we’re hardly a tourist attraction, you won’t feel any more at home than when you stay in PREMIER SUITES Glasgow. We’re a stone’s throw from all of best tourist spots Glasgow, surrounded by the finest cafes, bars and restaurants in the city, and our space, facilities and service gives you the comfort of a true home from home. Book your stay in PREMIER SUITES Glasgow today by visiting our official website or contacting one of our friendly team. Our best available rates are only available when you book direct.
