Attractions aplenty in Glasgow's West End

With September rapidly approaching (bringing with it the promise of autumn) you may be looking for ways to take advantage of the last rays of sunshine. And so with that in mind, we at Euro Hostel Glasgow thought that we'd tell you about one of the most gorgeous parts of our stunning Scottish city.

Glasgow's West End is an immensely popular tourist attraction for visitors, whether they've come from abroad or from other parts of the UK. A casual stroll along the River Kelvin reveals exactly why this is a tourist hotspot. It doesn't matter what you're looking for in a weekend break – those staying at hostels in Glasgow can find it here.

Perhaps you're looking to go on a miniature pub crawl? Or seeking some retail therapy? How about taking in the atmosphere at the beautiful Victorian Glasshouses or having a look at the city's famous university? Sample the best by having a look at the possibilities below.

A bit of retail therapy
If you're into shopping, you'd be foolish to miss out on the West End's fantastic selection of retro, vintage and second-hand stores. No matter what era you prefer your wardrobe to live in, you're bound to find something appealing in this little corner of Bohemia.

From Victorian finery to 80s gladrags, you'll find clothes, jewellery, hats, accessories and footwear – all unique and all at an excellent price. So go on – have a look and see if you can find something special to take home with you.

Grab a coffee at Tinderbox Cafe
Once you've finished your shopping, you'll need a little refreshment. Tinderbox's West End branch opened in 1998 and it's been serving up hot coffee and a warm friendly atmosphere ever since. The beverages are consistently well-made, as are the sandwiches and noodle salads, making it an excellent place for a spot of lunch.

If you're venturing in during the afternoon, a cup of tea and one of their home-made cakes is your best option. The menu features well-known favourites such as cup cakes and carrot cake, although root vegetable fans should go one further and try the parsnip variety, which tastes excellent while being a little bit different.

A contemporary clean design ensures that the interior is as easy on the eye as the cakes are on your taste buds. 189 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8TS, 0141 339 3108.

Take a stroll through the Botanic gardens
This little slice of paradise is a wonderful place of calm and tranquillity, located in the hustle and bustle of the city's West End. Get Glasgow out of your lungs and renew your connection with nature as you wander through this botanical masterpiece, observing the various horticultural collections within.

The most awe-inspiring part of the Botanic gardens is the Victorian greenhouses, each one a veritable plant palace reaching up to touch the sky. Outside of these, there are formal gardens to explore, as well as the arboretum, so you're unlikely to get bored here. Finally, stroll along the banks of the River Kelvin, which runs just alongside the venue, for some riverside relaxation. Botanic Gardens, 730 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 OUE, 0141 276 1614.

Catch a bit of culinary genius
No matter what your tastebuds desire, you'll find something to appease their appetite in Glasgow's West End. From Indian and Italian, to Turkish and American, a wide range of nationalities are represented through their tasty cuisine and warm service.

For a personal, intimate and thoroughly Scottish experience, we recommend visiting Peters on Hyndland Street. Run by the owner and his wife, the food is extremely well-cooked and superbly good value.

If you're seeking something spicy, then Chillies West End is the place to visit. Head along to Woodlands Road and try a variety of exotic foods, with recipes sourced from the Ganges to the Himalayas. No matter where you go, you won't be disappointed.

Chill out with a drink
Glasgow's West End is, as one would expect, packed with an eclectic mix of bars and pubs capable of fulfilling the wildest dreams of any tavern fanatic. The Arches cafe bar in Argyle street is a good place to start if you're on a night out, as you can also get a fantastic meal in before the serious drinking starts.

Or you could try going for a lunchtime pint at Left Bank Bar and end up staying all day there for the buzzy atmosphere and very reasonably priced drinks. Or visit Jinty McGinty's, the quirkily-named Irish pub that keeps things nice and simple with excellent pub grub and a laidback vibe. You won't go wrong, no matter where you choose to indulge.
 

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