glasgow
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glasgow is often overlooked for its posher, more-well known counterpart, edinburgh. but, if its the real scotland you're after, glasgow is the place to be. good people, good food, good music and nature a hop, skip and a jump away means glasgow is the ideal scottish taster.
almost everywhere in glasgow is accessible by foot. our favourite way to show off our city is to 'cafe-hop' from the West End to the City to the East End. walking around glasgow gives you the opportunity to discover foodie heaven and all the quirks that makes glasgow, glasgow. if walking isn't for you, the subway provides great links between the city centre, the west end and the south side, as well as to the major train and bus stations.
i hope this guide gives a wee taster of the goodness to be discovered in glasgow - there is so much to see and do and eat here. i hope you fall in love with this little slice of scotland just as i have
to eat and drink
Kelvin Pocket
@lilybarnett
best cafe in glasgow - best coffee outside of australia (iykyk), friendly people and scrumptious treats. our orders are always a long black and an iced soy chai. enjoy with whatever focaccia is on offer and a side of cinnamon, lemony, date bun goodness.
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Papercup Coffee Company
@lilybarnett
all round foodie and coffee hotspot with seasonal menus and specials
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Paesano Pizza West End
@lilybarnett
if you’re chasing that feeling you get only from pizza hailing from Naples, this is your place. a must try when in glasgow
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Pastéis Lisboa
@lilybarnett
best Portuguese tarts in the entire world (and I’ve spent time in Portugal)
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I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger Glasgow
@lilybarnett
pop in for specialised cheese knowledge and nibble picks
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Ramen Dayo Finnieston
@lilybarnett
fab ramen joint with a plethora of vegan/veggie/gf options available. late night joint with traditional vibes and an ace selection of tipples
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Daily Coffee
@lilybarnett
allpress coffee joint with fab selection of sweet and savoury treats. fergus and his team are the best in the bev biz
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Celentano's
@lilybarnett
upmarket italian fare in funky newly renovated space. we can recommend the pasta section of the menu - absolutely delightful!
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Sacred Tum Tacos
@lilybarnett
ever popular south side taco joint - get in early or preorder to avoid disappointment
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Cottonrake Bakery
@lilybarnett
sweet treats for any day of the week - get there early so you don't miss out. we can recommend the cinnamon buns + the cardamom buns (if you're lucky enough to visit when theyre baking)
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The Hidden Lane Tea Room
@lilybarnett
scrumptious wee tea room with fab selection of teas and classic high tea sweets
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to shop
Gulabi Photo
@lilybarnett
best film lab in glasgow - quickest turn around of all time and all round legends
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DRAW art store
@lilybarnett
scrumptious little art store - head to DRAW for an instant creativity and mood booster
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Hyndland Bookshop
@lilybarnett
boutique selection of fiction and non-fiction reads. great kids section
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Achilles Heel Running Store
@lilybarnett
fab spot to pick up your next pair of runners with specialised guidance from professionals
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Caledonia Books
@lilybarnett
biggest and best selection of second-hand books. open 12-6 tuesday to saturday
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Godshot studio
@lilybarnett
coffee shop with fab retail section filled with homewares, homegoods and must-haves
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Music From Big Blue
@lilybarnett
record store stocking all the favourites and local label 'Last Night From Glasgow'
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To do:
Barras Market
@lilybarnett
a glasgow instituion - head to @sophylouise_illustration 's booth to pick up some glasgow inspired art
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Glasgow Botanic Gardens
@lilybarnett
wonderful spot for an afternoon stroll through lush gardens and magnificent greenhouses - we love it here because it reminds us of home
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Kelvingrove Park
@lilybarnett
great spot for a stroll - stop at the fountain for a fantastic view of the university. the lookout on parkview terrace is also a must
you will find this space packed on summer afternoons
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SWG3 Studio Warehouse
@lilybarnett
well-loved music venue. if you have the chance to see a gig here -> do it!
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Glasgow Green
@lilybarnett
lush park in the city centre with the People's Palace and Wests Brewery close by - perfect spot for a sunny day picnic
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Glasgow Necropolis
@lilybarnett
climb this wee hill to the best view of glasgow (and to visit some famous graves)
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Pollok Country Park
@lilybarnett
a wee taste of wild Scotland in the city - spot some Highland Coos on your wanders
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The Burrell Collection
@lilybarnett
a large private art collection within Pollock Country Park - stunning building and art in stunning surrounds
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Queen's Park
@lilybarnett
if you're on the southside, a queens park visit is a must! perfect spot for a walk with stunning views over Glasgow
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Loch Lomond
@lilybarnett
take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch and explore the shores of Loch Lomond. If hiking/walking is your thing we can recommend the Balloch to Helensburgh trail. stunning views of the loch and the lowlands
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Gallery of Modern Art
@lilybarnett
"GoMA offers a programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops. GoMA displays work by local and international artists as well as addressing contemporary social issues through its major biannual projects."
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Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
@lilybarnett
gallery/museum set within Kelvingrove Park - meander through the galleries to try and find the Monet
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Glasgow Women's Library
@lilybarnett
dedicated to women's history, this library is a must stop for everyone. often hosting events and discussion spaces, get involved in some culture at the glasgow womens library
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* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
lily barnett
i am originally from the gold coast, australia (now based in glasgow, scotland), and since high school i have spent my time travelling the world alongside getting my degrees. i am a lover of slow-travel, cafe-hopping and an aimless wander. my travel style is food-centric and often involves scouring wherever i am in the world for a wee sweet treat whether that be a smoothie, a splice, or any form of baked good (i do not discriminate).
although only 24, i have been lucky enough to come from a family where travelling and discovering new cultures and places was always the priority. this has become the defining feature of my adult life and you can often find me planning the next big adventure. besides travel, i love to take amateur photos on my film camera, get my nose in a book, and go wild swimming.
i hope my page can ignite the travel bug in someone else and that i can successfully share some of my favourite places in the world with those who are a little bit curious about getting to know our world a little bit better
love always and see you out there,
lily x
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