5 Things to do in Glasgow's Southside
Glasgow’s Southside is an area of the city with continually increasing attention from locals, visitors, home buyers and businesses. In April 2022, Shawlands was named the fifth most attractive location in Scotland to call home by the Sunday Times. The Southside of Glasgow is a highly diverse community, with leafy green streets and traditional tenement buildings the signature aesthetic of the area. In this guide, we will take you through five things to do south of the River Clyde.
1. Relax with a coffee and cake in one of the many diverse venues
Glasgow’s Southside is brimming with independent cafes of varying styles offering delicious food and drink options. Highlights include Bramble in Shawlands, Grain and Grind or Café Strange Brew on Pollokshaws Road, and if you continue onto Victoria Road, you will find the equally unique Transylvania Coffee Shop. Nothing beats finding a coffee shop that suits you and your preferences, and in the area of the city with the most diverse range of cafes, you are sure to find one to call your favourite in Glasgow’s Southside.
2. Enjoy live music and drinks
Beyond the well-established music and live entertainment scene north of the River Clyde, the southside also has plenty to offer. Regular gigs are held at the O2 Academy, Bellahouston Park and Hampden Park as well as smaller more intimate gigs in venues such as The Glad Cafe. Following your event, there is no need to rush back to the city centre to enjoy a good night out. There are several pubs and bars open late night including The Bungo on Nithsdale Road, boasting a city centre style with a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.
3. Take a stroll around Queen’s Park
Affectionately known by some as the “People’s Park”, Queen’s Park is situated between Shawlands, Mount Florida and Govanhill. This expansive 148-acre greenspace enjoys manicured lawns and is ideal for nature walks at any time of the year. Its position benefits from a fantastic viewing point across to Glasgow City Centre, taking in the Squinty Bridge and the University of Glasgow. Facilities in the park include display greenhouses, an amphitheatre, pitch and putt, ponds, two play areas and various picnic spots. The park is open 24 hours, except from the glasshouse and front gardens which have specific opening times from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
4. Visit the House for an Art Lover
Within another green space in the Southside, Bellahouston Park, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed ‘House for an Art Lover’ delivers on its name. Mackintosh’s work can be appreciated throughout the city, however this original mansion retreat for cultural lovers appeals to everyone who can appreciate art, design and architecture. The layout of the rooms in the House are Mackintosh-designed, including the Main Staircase and Gallery. Inside the house also includes the Art Lovers Café and Shop which visitors can enjoy 7 days a week from 10am.
5. Tour Our National Stadium
Hampden Park is the national football stadium of Scotland, located in the Mount Florida area of Glasgow’s Southside. Hosting international and domestic fixtures, as well as other memorable games including the European Cup Final of 1960, where Real Madrid won 7-3 against Eintracht Frankfurt in front of a crowd of 127,000, it is well worth the visit. You can experience a tour of the stadium and football museum by booking directly with Hampden Stadium. Tours start at 45 minutes and £8 per person; please check opening times and current offers directly with the stadium as pre-booking is required.
Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Enjoy striking views across to Glasgow’s Southside from Clayton Hotel Glasgow. Situated on Glasgow’s River Clyde, enjoys expansive river views and, from our higher floors, excellent views across to the city’s Southside. Plan your trip to Glasgow today.
