Travel · January 27, 2018

How To Spend: 12 Hours in Glasgow

This time last weekend Joe and I were bundling onto a 9:55 flight to Glasgow from London Gatwick and couldn’t have been more excited for the break.

Although the prime reason for our Scotland visit was a trip to the magical Gleneagles (which you will be hearing all about soon)- we were both incredibly excited for near enough a whole day in the city, and truly aimed to get as much done as humanly possible. Thanks to the powers that be on Instagram (read: a very loyal and helpful following) we had endless names and nods to places we couldn’t miss, but knew with little time we had to plot things carefully. Thankfully, we had both been before (this time for a full long weekend)- so if you are planning a trip longer than 12 hours, I’ll pop the link here so you can see some more of the total must-sees for everything from a girlie weekend, romantic break to some outdoorsy business. Obviously we still have a lot to tick off (namely Kate and Jordan’s baby Market)- but thought I’d best save that for a proper guide in the near future!

Anyway! All timings aside, we were both pretty chuffed with what we managed to squeeze in for our one full day in Glasgow, so I thought I’d pop together a ‘one day’ guide if like us you only have a short amount of time here…

Eating:

Cafe Strange Brew:

Start your day on the South Side at Cafe Strange Brew in Shawlands. Not only is their brunch nothing short of epic (they do pretty much every dish under the lack-of Scottish sun), but their menu boasts five different types of French toast, baked eggs plus endless selections of homemade gluten free (and non) bakes too. Plus, the area is great for moseying around, and there are a tonne of gorgeous independent coffee shops too.

1082 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 3YG

 

Papercup:

If like us, you’re a little tight for time but still want to tick off a handful of spots that aren’t solely totally city centre based, heading over to Great Western Road (and the surrounding Byres Road and Ashton Lane) is a perfect bet. With Papercup coffee on the main street, it’s the perfect lunch pit-stop on a chilly day, or like us- the ultimate stop for a silky smooth hot chocolate to warm yer mits whilst shop hopping.

603 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HX


Paesano:

We had heard nothing but glowing views for Paesano, so heading there for dinner seemed like a total no brainer. With the pair of us being total champions for great authentic Italian pizza, this place hit the spot- and it’s no wonder there are so often queues out of the door. With a menu reminiscent of Franco Manca in London- Paesano keep the menu short but sweet, meaning they get everything totally spot on. With the pizza’s light, burrata creamy and a desert menu fuelled by tarts and soft scoop- it’s hard to resist coming back to visit here alone.

94 Miller St, Glasgow G1 1DT



Shopping:

Hoos:

Give me a city and I’ll find you a home ware shop, said Liv. I feel like I gravitate to great lifestyle shops when I travel, and HOOS on Great Western Road is the most perfect bet. With an interior showcasing simple, yet beautiful Nordic design and carefully created and functional items- it’s the perfect place to pick up pieces you feel like you won’t be able to get anywhere else- and certain a special spot amongst the bustle of the West End.

715 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8QX

 

Retro:

It’s been a long time since I’ve been properly vintage shopping, but I like to think I know a good thrift shop when I find one, and Retro is just that. With rails of coordinated items ranging from authentic fifties tulle prom dresses, lurex eighties knits and seventies sheepskins- it truly feels like everything a vintage shop should be- and with reasonable prices and knowledge behind each piece, it truly feels like a special experience in finding a true delight.

8 Otago St, Glasgow G12 8JH



Staying:

Grand Central Hotel:

Seeing as we booked our hotel pretty last minute before flying up, we weren’t left with an enormous amount of selection. But saying that, we did manage to grab a room at the Grand Central Hotel which was genuinely pretty lovely and in the best location we could have asked for. Situated literally on top of Glasgow’s Grand Central Station, you couldn’t ask for a more central location- and if like us, you want to tick a lot of boxes it’s absolutely perfect. Not only that, but the rooms and bathrooms are gorgeous- and the hotel also has the most beautiful bar that overlooks the train concourse, which is pretty damn romantic. Joe and I both agreed it reminded us a little of the St Pancras Renaissance hotel, so you can say that’s a comfortable thumbs up from us both.

99 Gordon St, Glasgow G1 3SF




And absolutely don’t forget…

NAF:

How oh how could I visit Glasgow and not pay a visit to Tammy and the gorgeous girls at NAF?! By far my favourite salon outside of London (actually scrap that- by far my favourite salon alongside Shoreditch Nails), NAF is one of the coolest places in Glasgow, and it’s just a bonus that they do some of the best nail art and treatments I’ve come across. Not only are the girls ridiculously knowledgable in their fields, but they also have an incredible eye for trends- meaning you can rest assured you’ll be massively taken care of. It’s the kind of place where everyone is so wickedly friendly that when someone leaves you find yourself all shouting ‘BYE!’ and if you’re lucky, resident pooch Betty might even join you for a cuddle mid mani. Now if that ain’t a dream…

12 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6JX



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15 Comments

  • Reply
    Mariya
    January 27, 2018 at 10:24 am

    That HOOS shop looks like a museum!

    Mariya
    http://www.brunetteondemand.com

  • Reply
    Sneha
    January 27, 2018 at 11:26 am

    I’ve never been to Glasgow but I’ve heard it’s a really unique. Going to Edinburgh next week, so maybe Glasgow will be next 🙂 x

    Sneha | lifewithsneha.com

    • Reply
      Barbara
      February 3, 2018 at 7:22 pm

      Just to let you know, Glasgow is only a 40 min train from Edinburgh so it’s definitely doable to see whilst you’re visiting Edinburgh! Enjoy! X

  • Reply
    Flo la vita
    January 27, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    I’ve always wanted to go to Glasgow but I’ve never been. If I do I will definitely be paying a visit to papercup – it looks fab! Xx

    http://www.flolavita.co.uk

  • Reply
    Jasmine
    January 27, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    Glasgow looks absolutely beautiful! Love these photos – you were so lucky to have snow! This nail salon also looks amazing!

    Jasmine xx
    http://www.jasminehardingmakeup.com

  • Reply
    Natali
    January 27, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    Oh, Paesano and Retro definitely seem like places I’d visit in Glasgow immediately! 🙂

    https://lartoffashion.com

  • Reply
    Briana
    January 28, 2018 at 5:01 am

    I wish I could go and get my nails done there!

    Briana
    https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/

  • Reply
    Neeltje | Thoughts in Style
    January 28, 2018 at 10:10 am

    It looks amazing! I would love to go to Glasgow. X
    http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/

  • Reply
    Claire
    January 28, 2018 at 10:41 am

    It’s always interesting to see a city I’ve visited so many time through someone else’s eyes – I’ve never been to Hoos before but I’ll have to check that out!

    G is for Gingers xx

  • Reply
    Anna nuttall
    January 28, 2018 at 11:01 am

    Glasgow has always been on my bucket list to visit. Really must do that one day..

  • Reply
    Sarah - This Mama Life
    January 29, 2018 at 8:19 pm

    Ahh so many places to check out next time I’m up. Love Glasgow! 🙂

  • Reply
    5ft Life
    February 1, 2018 at 3:01 am

    wow, im deffo saving all of these places to check out! So many great places. Also, everyone and their brother seems to go to Naf nails! lol

    Hayley xx
    http://www.5ftlife.co.uk

  • Reply
    Imogen
    February 1, 2018 at 6:58 pm

    Sounds like you had an awesome time! I really need to visit Glasgow! Especially like the sound of retro! Fab post xx Imogen

    http://imogenrose.co.uk/health-fitness/whiten-my-teeth/

  • Reply
    Siobhan
    February 3, 2018 at 11:42 pm

    Yay yay yay yay yay to this post! I was born in Glasgow and currently plotting (or should that be planning) a homecoming trip. NAF is v high on my agenda.

    BIG LOVE,

    Siobhan
    justauniform.com

  • Reply
    Lauren
    February 7, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    Omg that pizza looks SOOOO GOOD! Been wanting to visit Glasgow for ages so will be keeping this list handy.

    Lauren x
    Britton Loves | Cruelty-Free/Vegan Beauty • Lifestyle • Photography

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