Glasgow's cool quarters

Glasgow is a city of surprises where each turn can bring a new discovery, be it a new pop-up shop, an exhibition from an up-and-coming Glasgow artist or a local bar playing live music. One of the best ways to experience the city's diversity is through its different neighbourhoods. Much like New York, away from Glasgow's city centre nestle a number of vibrant local areas off the beaten track where visitors can live like a local. From the fashionable West End to the leafy Southside, from achingly cool Finnieston to the historical Merchant City, Glasgow's neighbourhoods are a great way of getting under the skin of the city and discovering your own hidden gems on the way.

West End
Recently voted 'Best Neighbourhood in UK and Ireland' by the Academy of Urbanism, ultimate hipster hang-out, Glasgow's West End, with its exquisite sandstone villas and leafy avenues is the perfect place to people-watch. Explore the stunning Gothic university buildings, walk through Kelvingrove Park, shop on Byres Road and round off with a cocktail in one of the charming bars on the fairy light-lit Ashton Lane.

Finnieston
Finnieston is situated on the North bank of the River Clyde between the city's West End and the city centre. Since the opening of the 12,000 seater SSE Hydro in the area, Finnieston has been buzzing with bars, restaurants, independent shops and art galleries.
Credit: Nigel Young

Merchant City
Tucked away just behind the city centre is the Merchant City, one of the oldest quarters of Glasgow. It was once the home to the city's wealthy merchants during the city's trading heyday and as such has some of Glasgow's most remarkable architecture. Visitors will find some of the city's finest boutiques, and fascinating places to visit.

Trongate area
Behind the hustle and bustle of Argyle Street, discover independent artist galleries, vintage clothes shops, and cafes where the city's creative community can be found hanging out or browsing the book and record collections.

Southside
Glasgow's Southside is home to two of Mackintosh's most famous buildings, Scotland Street School Museum and House for an Art Lover, plus Tramway - the Scottish Ballet's home and host venue for the 2015 Turner Prize. You'll also find Glasgow's biggest green space, Pollok Country Park, wherein nestles The Burrell Collection and Glasgow's very own Downtown Abbey, Pollock House. The tree-lined conservation area, Strathbungo (or simply 'the Bungo' as it's known to locals) is the place to go for a bite to eat, with a rapidly growing cluster of delightful restaurants, bars and cafes.