3 reviewed party hostels · from €17.56/night · Hostelworld rated
Glasgow’s nightlife doesn’t just start when the sun goes down: it kicks off the moment you step into Sauchiehall Street or Ashton Lane. These two strips are where backpackers end up, whether they planned to or not. Hostels here are cheap (beds from £10 a night) and packed with travellers who’ve just arrived from Edinburgh or are about to head to the Highlands. The scene isn’t about polished clubs with dress codes; it’s about dive bars, underground gigs, and pubs where the beer is cheap and the conversation flows faster than the Clyde. Most hostels sit within a 15-minute walk of the city centre, so you can roll out of bed and into a bar without breaking a sweat.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Social hostel perfect for students and solo travelers looking for bonding with other backpackers. Nice common area with a billiard table, jukebox and plenty of board games, great for socializing and chill. Nice working room, available for digital nomads and those traveling for business purpose.
Safestay Glasgow Charing Cross, nestled near Sauchiehall Street's lively nightlife, is the go-to hostel for party enthusiasts. With weekly activities, 24/7 service, and proximity to major entertainment venues, it's the perfect base for exploring Glasgow's vibrant party scene.
Situated in Merchant City, Glasgow, Revolver Hotel stands as the top pick for those seeking a lively party atmosphere. Featuring a rooftop gym,, hot tub, and event area, it merges indulgence with entertainment. Close to top-rated bars and eateries, it promises a memorable experience.
Organised nights out with a local guide
A DIY pub crawl using the Subway. Buy a day pass (£4) and stop at a pub near each of the 15 stations. Most crawls start at St Enoch and end at Hillhead, hitting Waxy O’Connor’s and The Record Factory along the way. It’s a local tradition, and you’ll meet backpackers doing the same. No booking needed: just turn up and follow the crowd.
A organised crawl visiting four bars and a club. Starts at 9pm with a welcome shot, then moves through the city centre. Entry to the club is included, and you get drink discounts at each stop. The crowd is mostly backpackers and international students. Book online in advance: it sells out on weekends.
How Glasgow's nightlife zones break down
The heart of Glasgow’s nightlife. Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street are lined with bars, clubs, and hostels. It’s loud, busy, and where most backpackers end up. The Subway’s St Enoch station drops you right in the middle, and most hostels are within a 10-minute walk. During the day, it’s all shopping and cafes; at night, it transforms into a bar crawl waiting to happen.
Home to students, artists, and a more alternative scene. Ashton Lane is the main draw, but Byres Road has dive bars and late-night kebab shops. The hostels here are quieter, but you’re only a 15-minute Subway ride from the city centre. During the day, explore the Botanic Gardens or Kelvingrove Museum: both are free and a short walk away.
The up-and-coming spot for food and drinks. The bars here are trendier, with craft beer and small plates, but the prices are higher. It’s where locals go to avoid the city centre crowds. The Hydro and SEC are nearby, so it’s a good base if you’re catching a gig. Hostels are scarce, but it’s a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
This place is a Glasgow institution. Three floors of music: indie on the ground, rock upstairs, and cheesy pop in the basement. Entry is usually £5–£10, and it gets packed by 11pm, especially on weekends. The crowd is a mix of students and backpackers, and the drinks are priced for both. If you’re into live gigs, check their schedule; they host bands most nights.
A massive Irish pub with multiple floors, hidden snugs, and a fake tree in the middle. It’s always busy, but the atmosphere is friendly: locals chat with travellers, and the Guinness is poured properly. Happy hour runs from 4pm to 7pm, with pints at £3.50. If you’re doing the Sub Crawl, this is a must-stop.
A dive bar with a cult following. The jukebox is legendary, the beer is cheap, and the crowd is a mix of artists, musicians, and backpackers. It’s small, so it fills up fast, but that’s part of the charm. Open until 3am, and the bar staff don’t tolerate nonsense: keep your behaviour in check.
A warehouse turned arts and music venue. The vibe is industrial-chic, and the events range from underground raves to live bands. Entry varies: £5 for club nights, up to £20 for big-name DJs. The crowd is older than the student-heavy bars, and the dancefloor gets sweaty. Check their website for what’s on; it’s not a nightly venue.
Glasgow’s best rock and metal club. Two floors, sticky floors, and a playlist that never veers into pop. Entry is £5–£8, and it’s open until 3am. The crowd is loyal: expect leather jackets and air guitar. If you’re into headbanging, this is your spot.
One of the world’s best underground clubs. The music is house and techno, the sound system is immaculate, and the crowd is there for the love of dancing. Entry is £10–£15, and it’s members-only on Saturdays, so check ahead. Doors open at 11pm, but it doesn’t get busy until after 1am.
Not a single venue, but a cobbled alley packed with bars. Start at The Grosvenor Cinema for a pint in the balcony bar, then move to Brel for Belgian beers in the beer garden. It’s touristy but fun, and the crowd spills onto the street when it’s busy. Most places shut by 1am, but the atmosphere is worth it.
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