Glasgow's east end
Top attractions
Cathedral Precinct – historic heart of Glasgow
Step into Glasgow’s past with a visit to the historic Cathedral Precinct. This area brings together some of the city’s oldest and most fascinating landmarks.
Highlights include:
Glasgow Cathedral: A stunning medieval building and a must-see. Book your visit through at Historic Environment Scotland.
Glasgow Necropolis: A beautiful Victorian garden cemetery overlooking the Cathedral. Walk among the monuments and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Visit Friends of Glasgow Necropolis for walking tour details.
Provand’s Lordship: The oldest house in Glasgow. Discover what life was like 500 years ago, explore its 17th-century furniture and stroll through the medicinal garden. Find out more at Glasgow Life.
St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art: Explores the role of religion in people’s lives, with exhibits from faiths around the world. Visit Glasgow Life to find out more.
Top tip
All are free to enter and within easy walking distance of each other.
Glasgow’s legendary music and markets
Glasgow is the UK's first UNESCO City of Music. The east end is where you'll find the city's most legendary music venue, the Barrowland Ballroom. For listings of upcoming gigs, visit Barrowland Ballroom. Or head to our music venues in Glasgow page for an overview of the city's music scene.
No visit to the east end is complete without exploring the Barras Market. It's an institution. Open every weekend from 10am–4pm, the market is packed with vintage goods, vinyl records, and retro games. Chat with friendly traders and treat yourself to a bite from Hutch, Monster Munchies, or Alma Mexicana. With plenty of coffee and sweet treats on offer, you won’t leave hungry. Find out more at The Barras.
Experience Glasgow’s Unique Culture
Discover Glasgow’s story at the People’s Palace, a Victorian landmark in Glasgow Green. The museum is currently closed for refurbishment and will reopen in 2027. Once it’s back, you’ll be able to explore the stories that shaped Glasgow’s unique personality. Find out more at Glasgow Life.
Tennent’s Brewery is a must-see for both history buffs and beer lovers. Take in Tennent's Heritage Centre free of charge and find out about the rise of an iconic Scottish brand. Or book one of the guided tours by visiting Tennent's.
Explore the history of Glasgow Royal Infirmary and its global impact at its museum. For more information, visit Friends of Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Top places to eat and drink
Calton and Barras: Local flavours and lively venues
The Calton area in the city's east end has many dining and drinking spots.
The Winged Ox Bar & Kitchen: Enjoy hearty meals in a former 19th-century church, now home to Saint Luke’s live music venue. Check out the menu at The Winged Ox.
Scran + Roadie: Award-winning café for brunch and epic pizza slices. Relax in a friendly setting and browse their menu at Scran + Roadie.
Barras Art and Design Centre (BAaD): Stylish spot for food, drink, and entertainment. Enjoy pizza, burgers and shawarma wraps. Find out more at BAaD.
Smokey Trotters Kitchen: Famous for stacked burgers, wings, and fries. Follow Smokey Trotters on Instagram for mouth-watering photos and updates.
Ho Lee Fook: Enjoy street food from the east, served with love on Glasgow’s streets. Visit Ho Lee Fook for the latest menu.
The Gate: Modern Scottish pub offering exciting cocktails with a local twist. See their cocktail creations on The Gate's Instagram.
Van Winkle: U.S. style with Glasgow’s largest selection of bourbon. Expect BBQ and southern classics. Visit Van Winkle for details.
Brewery triangle: Craft beer and community
The beauty of the city’s brewery triangle in the east end is that they each specialise in something different.
Tennent’s Brewery: Discover Scotland’s iconic lager and explore the Heritage Centre free of charge. Book a brewery tour at Tennent's for a behind-the-scenes experience.
Drygate Brewing Co.: Craft brewery, brasserie, and event venue with 26 rotating taps and a curated bottle selection. Visit Drygate for more information.
WEST Brewery: German-style beers brewed in line with ancient purity laws. Enjoy one of the city’s best beer gardens at this dog-friendly venue. Find out more at WEST Brewery.
Dennistoun: Cool cafés and global tastes
Dennistoun is known for its community spirit and vibrant food scene. Here are some local favourites:
Tibo: Trendy spot known for Philly cheesestack toasties and casual dining. Check out Tibo for the menu.
Mesa: Sourdough sandwiches with creative fillings. See mouth-watering photos on Mesa’s Instagram.
Celino’s and Coia’s Café: Two neighbourhood staples serving authentic Italian cuisine and deli treats. Visit Celino’s and Coia’s Café for more.
Zennor: Specialty coffee roasted in the UK, plus breakfast and lunch options. Follow Zennor’s Instagram for updates.
La Bodega: Family-owned Venezuelan café serving empanadas, arepas, and fresh coffee. Visit La Bodega for more information.
Parks and green spaces
Glasgow’s east end is home to some of the city’s most beautiful and historic parks.
Glasgow Green
The city's oldest park Glasgow Green connects the east end with the city centre. On the east end side, you’ll find unique landmarks like the Doultoun Fountain and Templeton on the Green. It’s a great spot for walks, cycling, and soaking up local history.
Cuningar Loop
Glasgow’s newest park, Cuningar Loop, is a shining example of urban regeneration. Thousands of trees have transformed this former industrial site into a haven for wildlife and visitors. Enjoy the adventure play area, riverside boardwalk, and outdoor gym. Find out more at Forestry and Land Scotland.
Glasgow Necropolis
For something truly unique, visit Glasgow Necropolis. This Victorian garden cemetery offers peaceful walks among impressive monuments and panoramic views of the city.
Tollcross Park and Alexandra Park
Locals love Tollcross Park and Alexandra Park for their open spaces, play areas, and picnic spots. Both parks are perfect for families and anyone looking to relax outdoors.
Visit Glasgow City Council for more info on green spaces in the city.
Music and arts in the creative east end
Many of the city’s artists and creators live and work in the east end. It is no surprise that the area is full of cultural things to do.
Live music and iconic venues
Barrowland Ballroom: Experience unforgettable gigs at this legendary venue, the heart of Glasgow’s music scene.
Saint Luke’s: Enjoy live bands and events in a beautifully restored former church.
Drygate Brewery: Catch live music, comedy nights, and creative events in a unique brewery setting.
Barras Art and Design (BAaD): Discover gigs, fashion shows, and talks in a stylish multi-purpose space.
Visit our what's on section for a great selection of events to attend.
Public art and mural trails
Art is everywhere in this down-to-earth neighbourhood.
The Album Pathway at Barrowland Park: Created by a Turner Prize nominee, see the names of bands who’ve played at Barrowland since 1983. It’s part of a city-wide contemporary art trail featuring 14 public artworks. Find out more at our contemporary art trail page.
St Mungo mural: Snap a photo of one of the UK’s most Instagrammed murals. It is a modern depiction of Glasgow’s founder on High Street. Visit our city centre mural trail page to find out more.
Independent galleries and studios
David Dale Gallery: Visit exhibitions by emerging and established artists in this independent gallery. Visit the David Dale Gallery's Instagram for more.
Local studios: Discover creative spaces and pop-up exhibitions throughout the east end. Check out the Glasgow Art Map for more details.
Top sporting teams and venues
Glasgow's east end is home to some world-class sporting venues. Many are part of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
Visit the Emirates Arena for athletics, basketball, and major events. Next door, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome hosts international cycling competitions and offers sessions for all abilities. You can book a taster session or just watch the action from the stands. Find out more at Glasgow Life.
Tollcross International Swimming Centre
Dive into Tollcross International Swimming Centre, a top-class venue that’s hosted international competitions and is open for public swims. It’s the perfect spot for a few lengths or to watch future champions in action. Book at Glasgow Club.
Celtic Park
Football fans know the energy of Celtic Park, home to Celtic Football Club. Take a stadium tour for a behind-the-scenes look, or get tickets to a match and feel the roar of the crowd for yourself. Book at Celtic Football Club.
Want to find out about another area of the city? Visit our neighbourhood page to decide where to explore next.
Article last updated: October 2025
