Glaswegian nightlife

You may have heard it said that the Scottish like to live life to the full, and anyone experiencing a night out in Glasgow would find nothing to dispute that fact. No matter how you like to spend your evenings, the city will provide.

Perhaps you're looking for live music in a small pub with some friends? Or would you prefer shouting the lyrics to your favourite song with over a thousand people sharing the experience around you? How about belting out some karaoke tunes to a captive audience?

Glaswegians are known for their hospitality and generosity of spirit so it's not uncommon for tourists to find themselves on a dance floor with the locals, which is one of the reasons this place is a fantastic setting for a night out, and the destination of choice for more than three million tourists. Those staying at hostels in Glasgow can give themselves a heads-up by checking out all the best venues below.

The Classic GrandPrefer your tunes funky? Like dressing up to get your groove on? Say no more and follow us to the Classic Grand. Don't be fooled by the slightly shabby exterior - the inside features a gorgeously smooth decor with beautiful fittings that hark back to its days as a cinema. This venue is big on theme nights and fancy dress, so make sure you check out what’s appropriate if you want to fit in with the crowd and make the most of your night.

Live music is also a common occurrence, with bands performing on most nights. So if you fancy hearing the dulcet tones of Falcovo, Ignition or The Lords of the Underground, this is the place to go. The talent might not be world-renowned, but it's a high standard nonetheless. And drinks at £1 will mean that you won't go thirsty. 18 Jamaica Street, Glasgow, G1 4QD, 0141 847 0820.

Flat 0/1Everyone's got that friend who is always having soirees at his or her venue that inevitably involve cocktails, beer and in some occasions, public nudity. For party-goers in Glasgow, that friend is Flat 0/1 (although they tend to keep the public nudity to a minimum).

Designed to look like a flat from the 70s, expect comfy sofas, big beds and a fully-stocked bar. DJs have a wide variety of tastes, so you can expect music that is much more up-to-date than the furniture. Flat 1, 162 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2, 01413 316227.

The ArchesWhether you're in town for an entire week or just one night only, you owe it to yourself to experience the Arches. Repeatedly voted one of the top 100 clubs in the world by DJ magazine, this industrial brick building is home to a number of club nights, including Pressure, Inside Out and the legendary Octopussy.

The club has a reputation for discovering new cutting-edge talent on the board and often showcases up-and-comers in the city, but you should expect veteran Ibiza trendsetters to appear behind the decks as well. If you're lucky enough to be visiting during one of its many extravaganzas, the Arches is definitely worth checking out as it often hosts various festival acts. 253 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL, 0141 565 1000.

Beer CafeKick back and enjoy the bustling atmosphere at this vibrant little pub, which is situated just off of Merchant Square, so you can watch the world go by to your heart's content.

Beer fanatics will be in awe of the drinks menu, which is comprised of beverages from as far afield as Germany, the States, South America and beyond. But that doesn't mean that local products have to miss out – they also source a variety of beers from local producers.

Looking for something more than the average drinks list from your local pub? This is the place to go. Specialist beers include peach and cherry varieties, but if you're truly fed up with the hops, they also have an excellent cocktail menu. 78 Candleriggs Glasgow G1 1TS, 0141 552 9815.

The Horse Shoe Bar
Don't let the quaint old-fashioned exterior of this little pub fool you – the Horse Shoe has been at the centre of the city's social scene for so long that it's become something of a legend. There's no better place to go for a pub lunch and a pint, but it's in the evenings that it lights up Glasgow's city centre as the place to be.

Home to the longest bar in Britain, the Horse Shoe is known for its thriving karaoke nights which provide Gaga and Adele wannabes with the chance to belt out – or ruin – their favourite songs. The drinks menu features reasonably-priced shots, cocktails, beers and ciders as well as a wide selection of wines and locally-sourced whiskies. If you want to go home and say you've spent an evening at a traditional Scottish pub, this is the place to be. 17-19 Drury Street, Glasgow, 0141 248 6368.

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