Glasgow's West End is charmingly filled with quirky shops, hidden laneways, and both classic and trendy places to try.  I always enjoy finding the artsy, café culture filled part of town and this neighborhood was surely that.  Located near picturesque University of Glasgow and an easy 15-30 minute walk to the city center, this neighborhood is worth a good wander.

Since I’m a bit nomadic, I always prefer to stay in a proper apartment/home wherever I go. Most of the city was booked up due to the conference my business partner, Jess, and I were attending so were pleased when we found this gem near Kelvingrove park.  It was my first time doing a private room stay instead of renting out the whole apartment but I’m so glad I did as I got to know a few local Masters program students who were able to share some of their experiences in the city which is always fun to hear.

For anyone wanting to have a good wander around Glasgow's West End, I recommend strolling through Kelvingrove Park, walk west down University Avenue which takes you through the University of Glasgow, head north on Byres Road and make sure to stray off course to explore Creswell Lane, Ashton Lane, and Ruthven Lane.  If you’re feeling like an indoors activity, visit the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum to learn more about history and see modern art.

Kelvingrove Park
Beautiful during all times of day and filled with lush green scenery alternating between hilly and flat lanes.  There’s a cute fountain on the east side of the park and a few small bridges connecting to Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the University of Glasgow.  Sunset is a great time to visit as you see the amazing colors flourishing over the city, especially from the northern section of the park.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Learn about natural history, animals, and see modern art shows at this free museum in a beautiful historical structure right off the park.  There’s good free wi-fi inside as well as a café in the center so it’s also good for those needing a place to work from without getting distracted.  If you want to grab a bite, Brew Dog is right across the street which has great burgers per my Uber driver.

Byres Road
The main strip  filled with boutiques, nicer restaurants, and cafes.  You’ll surely find whatever you’re looking for here and make sure to lookout for Great George Lane and Ruthven Lane.

Great George Lane to Ashton Lane
Not looking like much when you turn onto it from Byres Road but keep going and you’ll find an adorable little lane filled with not only cute restaurants and bars but also a little tiny movie theater playing the classics.  The Ubiquitous Chip has a great jungle theme inside despite the name and also a few hidden bars within it including the Wee Pub at the Chip which is a tiny pub to fill your pint craving.

Creswell Lane
Heading north from Ashton Lane, you’ll find a few shops and restaurants including Zizzi Pizzeria for oblong pizzas good for groups and Café Andaluz for Spanish tapas (pro tip: they have a Saturday night special of 3 tapas + dessert for £16.95). 

Ruthven Lane
This lane seems a bit less visited but more elegant.  Filled with 2 restaurants and a cute clothing boutique. You’ll see Hanoi Bike Shop right off Byres Road, good dinner or just a few drinks.  Further inside around the corner is my ultimate favorite, The Bothy.  Since my time was limited in this city, I wanted to have Scottish fare and they did not disappoint.  This is the place you imagine yourself eating at when you come to Scotland filled with dishes that are new to my Yankee ears like Bubble & Squeak, Beef Wellington, and Haggie. Menu at bottom for other fun items available.  The interior is absolutely beautiful and very thought out.  As I’m on a clean eating detox at the moment for 30 days, I had the Salmon special which they were able to make gluten and dairy-free for me which I still loved.  My friend Sammy had the Beef Wellington though which looked too good to not photograph even if I couldn’t taste it. 

All in all, it was a great long weekend in Glasgow.  I explored other areas but the West End was my favorite.  I would love to come back and explore more of the countryside in particular and see some Highland Cows or Shetland ponies.  But as they say, it’s good to always save something for next time!

Fun Facts

• You can use Scottish dollars in England and vice versa.
• Bubble & Squeak are leftover veggies fried together