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Gay Glasgow

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland, known for its cool and modern atmosphere where everyone is welcome. In fact, it was voted the “friendliest city in the world”! Scotland as a whole is recognised worldwide for its inclusive nature and progressive LGBTQ legislation, and that openness is particularly apparent in Glasgow. Its vibrant LGBTQ scene includes Scotland's oldest gay bar and its biggest LGBTQ festival in the form of Glasgow Pride. Universities in the city help draw in a diverse and varied crowd, making Glasgow a modern yet still grounded city.

Glasgow Hotel Deals

Grab a great deal on your trip with GayMapper's hotel partners

2* Brunswick Merchant City
3* Holiday Inn Exp. Riverside
4* Hotel Indigo
4* Native Glasgow

Glasgow Gay Bars

GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.

Riding Room

Riding Room

Cocktails, Dancing, Drag

The Riding Room, also known as "the joint on the corner", is Glasgow's home of exotic drinks and even more exotic dancing. First class cabaret, live music, magic, and comedy create a really lively atmosphere where you can share cocktails and hang out in all the dark corner of the bar. Great performances keep the Riding Room on the map all year round.
Polo Lounge

Polo Lounge

Cocktails, Dancing

Polo lounge is Scotland's biggest and most fabulous gay venue. It's always ready to party with as much pop, sleaze, cheese and disco as you can handle. It has four bars open till 3am nightly with cheap drinks and friendly staff. This club is a safe space for everyone so you can feel comfortable partying here, which is lucky since there's a party or themed event hosted here multiple nights a week.
Merchant Pride

Merchant Pride

Dancing, Drag

This is the place to go if you just want a simple pint surrounded by friendly gay people. It's a traditional pub with a bar-like atmosphere thanks to it's host of live entertainment including karaoke, cabaret, and house DJs, making it great for a casual group night out. Merchant Pride is a place for locals and any tourists wanting to get a taste of Glasgow's homely community.
The Flying Duck

The Flying Duck

Gay Friendly, Drag

This bar and diner isn't exclusively a gay venue, but it does hold Glasgow's first indie gay night every month. Its alternative music set brings a chance of pace from some of the other gay clubs, and with its vegan diner menu and dog friendly policy, absolutely everyone is welcome. The Flying Duck is open till late with live music and entertainment. For an intimate and alternative experience with great food and prices, this is the place to go.
The Waterloo

The Waterloo

Older Crowd, Pub Vibes

Scotland's oldest gay bar is still going strong 50 years after opening. It history and no-frills approach to gay nightlight draws in crowds of locals for cheap drinks and a good time. It's won multiple awards for its quality entertainment and overall good venue, and it continues to impress its regulars and tourists. This is a place to have a laugh and feel safe with great people.
Katie's Bar

Katie's Bar

Lesbian, Cocktails, Sports, Drag

Since this basement bar opened in the heart of Merchant City in 2013, it's been a hit with the local gay community. Well priced food and cocktails draw people here, and they stay for the great entertainment. Katie's Bar hosts events every week, including quizzes, karaoke, drag shows, live DJs, and live sport screenings so there's always a party for anyone's taste. Dance tunes, good drinks, and a cool atmosphere promise a great night out.

Gay friendly hotels in Glasgow

GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!

2* Brunswick Merchant City

2* Brunswick Merchant City

In the heart of the Merchant City and conveniently located for the gay nightlife, the stylish Brunswick is a modern, no-frills hotel with 19 en suite rooms and unique architecture. It is located in Merchant City, a cultural area in central Glasgow, close to George Square. The Brunswick has a vibrant bar, The Amsterdam, which stays open until midnight and is a popular city spot at weekends. Enjoy superb food from around the world and a wide choice of drinks. Just minutes on foot from Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations, the Brunswick is also just up the road from Buchannan Street Bus Station. The area is full of the best Glasgow shopping streets, cafes, bars, restaurants and historical attractions.
4* citizenM Glasgow

4* citizenM Glasgow

The citizenM Glasgow offers stylish, modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a cocktail bar, a designer lobby and a 24-hour canteen. The concept is about minimalistic, but well appointed rooms with large communal spaces for hotel guests to relax and mingle. Glasgow Central Rail Station and the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre are less than a 10-minute walk away. George Square and Jamie's Italian restaurant can also be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Rooms at the hotel are compact, bright, and have wall-to-wall windows and luxury beds. Each comes with an iPad mini, which guests can use to modify room color, climate control, control the smart-TV and also adapt the blinds and black-out curtains. Guest can also bring and connect their own device. The bathroom includes a power rain shower and free toiletries. CanteenM is a 24-hour self-service canteen that offers meals and snacks. The contemporary lounge has fashionable furniture and a large-screen TV.
3* ibis Styles George Square

3* ibis Styles George Square

Kick back, relax and enjoy a wee dram or a tipple of Glasgow's own Irn-Bru in our bar. Start the day right with a well-balanced continental breakfast (included in your room rate, naturally) and enjoy the best night's sleep you've had in years. Ibis Styles Glasgow Centre George Square offers accommodation in Glasgow, just a 7-minute walk from Glasgow Central Train Station. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The rooms come with a modern en-suite bathroom, free toiletries, a hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. George Square is 200 m from Ibis Styles Glasgow Centre George Square, while Buchanan Galleries is 500 m from the property. Glasgow Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
3* Holiday Inn Exp. Riverside

3* Holiday Inn Exp. Riverside

This modern hotel is in Glasgow city centre, beside the River Clyde, just a few minutes walk away from the gay nightlife and only 1 km from Glasgow Central Rail Station. The air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen TVs and power showers, and GayMapper loves that breakfast is included for all guests here. The Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City - Riverside is less than 500 m from the St. Enoch Centre shopping mall and St Enoch Subway Station. George Square is 800 m away. Rooms feature modern decor, free WiFi, a 32-inch flat-screen TV, an en-suite with a power shower and an iron/ironing board. There is a bar in reception and a vending machine with snacks. A buffet breakfast is included for guests and can be enjoyed in the Great Room lounge. An evening snack menu is available and pizzas can be ordered at any time. The Holiday Inn Express Glasgow City - Riverside also offers guests discounted parking for the nearby public car parks.
4* Native Glasgow

4* Native Glasgow

A GayMapper top choice in Glasgow due to the location and spacious apartments and studios with funky decor. Found in an Edwardian building formerly home to the Anchor Line Shipping Company's headquarters, this city centre aparthotel is inspired by a 1920s ocean liner. With original 1906 features, there are glazed tiles, terrazzo flooring, timber wall-panelling, fireplaces and even the original safes. With a 24-hour reception, concierge and on-site breakfast at the Anchor Line restaurant on the ground floor, Native Glasgow is located next to George Square. All units include a seating area, a TV, an equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a private bathroom. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge are also available, as well as a kettle. The penthouse apartments also feature a terrace.
4* Hotel Indigo

4* Hotel Indigo

Boutique hotel in Glasgow city centre, with a stylish restaurant and bar, Hotel Indigo Glasgow offers boutique rooms with free Wi-Fi and luxury bathrooms. In Glasgow centre, the hotel is just 500 m from Glasgow Central Station, and down the road from Scotland's oldest gay bar, The Waterloo. The sumptuous bedrooms each have a flat-screen TV and quality Egyptian linens. Rooms also feature a minibar and air conditioning, and the impressive bathrooms have fluffy robes and free toiletries. Situated in Glasgow's Business District, Hotel Indigo is a 10-minute walk from the Gallery of Modern Art. Glasgow Science Centre is 2.4 km away, and Glasgow Cathedral is a 25-minute walk away. Guests can also benefit from an exclusive 25% discount on parking rates at Glasgow Q Park. Set in a grand Victorian building, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill serves a creative menu in elegant surroundings. The vibrant bar offers fine wines and light snacks, and fresh breakfasts are served daily.

Tours & Experiences in Glasgow

Make the most of your travels by pre-booking our popular tours and experiences.  There's a whole range of options, from cultural and historical to food, drink and nightlife.  Get under the skin of your destination, and book a tour or experience now.  


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