Laura Menéndez

As a born and bred Glaswegian who has spent several years in England and abroad, I can confidently say that there’s no place like home. Long seen by outsiders as Edinburgh’s shabby little sibling, the city is enjoying a renaissance, fuelled by home-grown talents cultivated at the city’s world-leading art school and from within the thriving music and arts scene, all whilst grassroots community organisations fight to ensure that development happens as fairly as possible.  But how to spend your time in Glasgow? A weekend visit will give you a great sense of the city, but I’d recommend staying longer to get to know its distinct neighbourhoods (and increase your chances of enjoying a rare sunny day). Rain or shine, a perfect Glasgow day should include a coffee at Outlier, some culture at the Tramway, some independent shopping (try Category Is Books) and a dance in one of the city’s famous clubs (for me, it’s got to be sweaty basement venue The Berkeley Suite). But read on – we’ve got plenty more where that came from. Here are my favourite things to do in Glasgow.  🍂 Autumn 2024: As the nights draw in, the pull of the city’s cosy pubs gets even stronger. Whisky fanatics will enjoy the exceptional selection at The Pot Still in the city centre, while design buffs will enjoy the authentic ’60s style of local favourite The Laurieston Bar (if you think you’ve seen it somewhere before, you probably have – the pub was a location in an episode of Succession).  RECOMMENDED:🍔 The best rest

Back in the day, Bilbao sometimes got overlooked as a near-perfect holiday destination, in favour of its more well-known neighbours like Barca and Madrid. But eventually the world caught on to its brilliance (obviously), and now tourists know it as one of Spain’s most essential cities. It’s a buzzing, gleaming city, as suited to a casual wonder and explore as it is to a strictly packed three-day itinerary.  From its glorious Guggenheim to its tasty pintxos (Bilbao’s tapas), Bilbao strikes a balance between a number of contrasts; cosmopolitan and traditional, wild and super chilled, sophisticated and daring. People often have to choose between here and San Sebastian, but if you’re after a proper city break, Bilbao is the one. From culture to food and markets to viewpoints, here are the best things to do in brilliant Bilbao right now.  RECOMMENDED: 🇪🇸 The best places to visit in Spain📍 The best things to do in Spain🛏 The best hotels in Spain😋 The best restaurants in Spain Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts. 

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again – Glasgow’s food scene is absolutely thriving. And it’s come a long way fast; the city now has ten Michelin-starred restaurants, but its first ever was only awarded in 2021. That’s three years of Glasgow finessing its food offerings, and we’re reaping the benefits. From old-school restaurants with cult status to small plates, seafood and a Hanoi canteen, there is quite literally something to suit every taste here. Go on, indulge. Here are the best restaurants in Glasgow right now.  Recommended:📍 The best things to do in Glasgow🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Glasgow🍳 The best breakfasts in Glasgow🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The best hotels in Glasgow This guide was recently updated by Glasgow-based writer Laura Menéndez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Valencia is a dream come true, and though it’s most known as a city break, much of its appeal is down to its abundance of brilliant Mediterranean beaches. That’s playas in Spanish, platges in the local Valencian language, by the way.  While there are a whopping seven kilometres of beaches within easy access of the city itself, just a short drive away lie even more stunning coastal spots to sunbathe, take a dip or hike your way along the coast. Oh, and there’s over 300 sunny days a year here, so surfing and sunbathing is a must. Here are the best beaches in Valencia.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Valencia🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Valencia🇪🇸 The best places to visit in Spain🏖️ The best beaches in Spain Chabe Rollán is a writer based in Spain. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Happy Pride Month, one and all! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and to celebrate, we asked Time Out’s LGBTQ+-identifying writers and editors to tell us all about their favourite city on the planet. The resulting list covers all four corners of the globe, from the beaches of Brazil to the creative hub of Glasgow’s Southside. These are cities with a vibrant queer community, cities that support and protect LGBTQ+ citizens and visitors, and cities that are notable hubs for LGBTQ+ life in their respective countries and regions. So, what are the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities? While we couldn’t possibly name them all, these are some of our favourites. RECOMMENDED:🗻 The world’s best places to travel alone🗺 The world’s most underrated travel destinations😎 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world  

What’s the vibe?  More than one of Glasgow’s best-known restaurants, Ubiquitous Chip is considered an institution in the city. Opened by Ronnie Clydesale way back in 1971, this warren-like destination with several bars (including the ‘Wee Whiskey Bar’), an upstairs bistro and a downstairs fine-dining restaurant remains a go-to for contemporary Scottish Cuisine.  What are the prices like? Prices range from £30-£49 per person depending on the menu of choice.  What should I order?  The Ubiquitous Chip has a strong focus on Scottish produce and Scottish food without relying on clichés, so Scottish is the way to go. Ubiquitous chip’s signature starter of venison haggis, neeps and tatties is a must if you’re wanting to venture into traditional Scottish cuisine. They also offer a vegetarian option.  What’s worth visiting nearby? The Ubiquitous chip is in Ashton Lane, which in itself is one of Glasgow’s most popular tourist attractions. The fairy lights make this cobblestone alley a picturesque spot at night-time. Glasgow’s botanic gardens are only a 10-minute walk away, and Byres Road, just around the corner from Ashton Lane, is full of cafes and local shops to browse. The University of Glasgow and its picturesque cloisters are also within walking distance. 📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Glasgow

What’s the vibe? Mediterranean-inspired relaxed seasonal dinning with a sophisticated minimalist interior and a focus on sharing. Tucked in the corner of Argyle Street, this open-plan restaurant offers a relaxed and intimate atmosphere in a bright and open space. And it’s got the food to match; simple, flavourful and well executed every time.  What are the prices like? Plates range from £7-29, and the price per head typically comes in at around £60 pp with drinks, or £30 pp for a light lunch. What should I order? Ordering a ton and sharing is the way to go here; Goriosa’s menu changes seasonally, sometimes monthly, or even daily, and the menu features small plates and sharing mains. Whatever’s on the menu, you must order the bubbly focaccia, and try at least one of its excellent desserts.  What’s worth visiting nearby? Tucked in a corner of Argyle Street, Gloriosa is the perfect pit stop if you’re visiting the west end of Glasgow. The Kelvingrove museum and Kelvingrove part are just around the corner, and you can easily cross the river Clyde to find the transport museum and Clydeside distillery. 📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Glasgow

What’s the vibe?  More than one of Glasgow’s best-known restaurants, Ubiquitous Chip is considered an institution in the city. Opened by Ronnie Clydesale way back in 1971, this warren-like destination with several bars (including the ‘Wee Whiskey Bar’), an upstairs bistro and a downstairs fine-dining restaurant remains a go-to for contemporary Scottish Cuisine.  What are the prices like? Prices range from £30-£49 per person depending on the menu of choice.  What should I order?  The Ubiquitous Chip has a strong focus on Scottish produce and Scottish food without relying on clichés, so Scottish is the way to go. Ubiquitous chip’s signature starter of venison haggis, neeps and tatties is a must if you’re wanting to venture into traditional Scottish cuisine. They also offer a vegetarian option.  What’s worth visiting nearby? The Ubiquitous chip is in Ashton Lane, which in itself is one of Glasgow’s most popular tourist attractions. The fairy lights make this cobblestone alley a picturesque spot at night-time. Glasgow’s botanic gardens are only a 10-minute walk away, and Byres Road, just around the corner from Ashton Lane, is full of cafes and local shops to browse. The University of Glasgow and its picturesque cloisters are also within walking distance. 📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Glasgow

What’s the vibe? Opened in 2014, Ox and Finch is still one of Glasgow’s most exciting restaurants. You’ll need to book well in advance if you want to secure a table to try its selection of small plates. This spot is rustic, with low-light ambience and a kind of exclusive feel, but don’t worry – you don’t need to be in your Sunday best.  What are prices like? All plates are small and designed to be shared. Prices range from £4-15 per plate, and you’ll probably be looking at around £50 per head.  What should I order?  Ox and Finch makes something spectacular out of simple, fresh ingredients. Its 200g dry aged rump fillet with diane sauce is a stand out, but all the meat dishes here are pretty special. Vegetables also deserve a spotlight, like the fried artichokes with garlic yogurt and burnt Aleppo butter. If you don’t usually go for desserts, take a risk; the amaro averna semifreddo, blood orange and pistachio will not disappoint.  What’s worth visiting nearby? The tenement house, a brilliant museum that tells the story of the iconic tenement buildings in Glasgow is not too far away.  📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Glasgow

What is it? A lush green space with the grand Pollock House at the centre of its grounds. This slice of gorgeous countryside is just a rather scenic ten minutes away from Glasgow Central on the train. Once there, get the blood pumping with a stroll through serene surroundings, followed by some cooing over the Highland cows and Clydesdale horses.  Is it worth visiting and how long will I spend there? If you’re looking for a full day of relaxation and disconnecting, Pollock Park is a must. It has open spaces, food and drink, lots of art and you can spot highland cattle all year round. If you choose the right season, you’ll spot baby calves too.  Is parking free?  The Burrell Collection, Pollock Park and Pollock House are free. Parking at the Burrell collection costs £5 for 4 hours or £10 for the whole day. National Trust for Scotland members can use The Riverside Car Park at Pollock House and will not be charged. By the way, Pollock Park itself isn’t wheelchair friendly but Pollock House and the Burrell collection are.  Are there toilets? There are currently only toilets inside the Burrel Collection, as the toilets in the Old Stable Courtyard are closed for refurbishment. Toilets are free to use.  Where’s good to eat nearby? Burrell Collection is home to a restaurant and two coffee shops, and there’s the Old Kitchen Cafe at Pollock House. Fancying soups, stone-baked pizzas and sandwiches? You’re in luck (or just settle in for a 

What is it?  Glasgow’s most famous big gothic attraction, with signature spires in tow. Glasgow cathedral was consecrated in 1197 and remains a sturdy and impressive example of Scottish gothic architecture both inside and out. The Necropolis is Glasgow’s gloriously atmospheric cemetery inspired by Père Lachaise in Paris.  Is it worth visiting? Ankle-length black leather coat and Demonia boots optional, look out over the city and wonder just how green and bucolic the view was more than two centuries ago. The view of the city and the cathedral from the Necropolis is not to be missed, and the Cathedral itself has one of the most impressive post-war collections of stained glass windows in Britain.  Is the cathedral free to visit? The cathedral is free to enter but donations are welcome. There is no wheelchair access to the lower church and the necropolis is not wheelchair accessible.  Where’s good to eat nearby? Head to Celentano’s for fresh pasta if you’re hungry, it’s right in front of the necropolis. Drygate Brewery offers food and is just around the corner. Twenty minutes from there is Denniestoun, and Duke Street is packed with coffee shops and eateries. Mesa does one of the best sandwiches in town.  The best restaurants in Glasgow. 

What’s the vibe? A relaxed venue for beer connoisseurs and beer enjoyers alike. This craft brewery with on-site bar, restaurant, outside terrace and venue space offers visitors a sneak-peak into Glasgow’s industrial past. Staff are friendly, welcoming and attentive, and whether you’re looking for a Friday night venue or a chill pint on a week-day, their 26 rotating beers on tap have got you covered. On a sunny day the vibes on the terrace are immaculate. Check their website for gigs, comedy and more.  What are prices like?  Beers range from £1.75 to £7.30. Wines and spirits have slightly higher prizes. And cocktails have a flat rate of £8.95.  What should I order? Ask a member of staff if you have specific beer requests. They know their stuff. Want to try a bit of everything? Their beer flights are the best option – four third-sized pints, either picked by you or based on one of their selections. We also love the chicken burger.  What’s worth visiting nearby? Right next to the Drygate Brewery is the Tenant’s factory. You can indulge in a double-beer afternoon if you want to get to know Scotland’s national beer, Tennent’s later.  The best pubs in Glasgow.