As Glasgow gears up to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, visitors will find a city buzzing with anticipation and ripe for exploration. Having previously staged the event in 2014, Glasgow will officially join Edinburgh and Auckland as a two-time host when the Games run from July 22 to August 2, 2026. The Scottish city stepped in after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew due to spiralling costs.
Historic Bars and Liquid Refreshment
Whether you're in town for world-class sport or to soak up the renowned cultural scene, you'll need some standout spots for refreshment. One such place is The Citizen, a vibrant bar and eatery located directly opposite the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
Housed in a striking red sandstone building with a Dutch Renaissance-style facade, the venue was once the home of the Evening Citizen newspaper, which served the city for over a century until its closure in 1974. Inside, the heritage is celebrated with framed front pages and cartoon-style portraits of old-school journalists.
Today, the clatter of typewriters has been replaced by the cheerful chatter of patrons. Staff pour tank-fresh beers from the local Tennent brewery, alongside cocktails and wines. At the rear, a large photo montage showcases the faces of multicultural, 21st-century Glasgow, many with roots across the Commonwealth. The menu offers hearty pub classics, with the Citizen steak pie coming highly recommended as a perfect pairing for a pint.
Urban Whisky and Chocolate Pairing
While most Scotch whisky is distilled in the countryside, Glasgow boasts its own impressive producer on the banks of the River Clyde. The Clydeside Distillery opened in 2017 and offers a range of tasting experiences, including one that pairs contrasting Scotch whiskies with artisanal chocolates.
The distillery sources its water from Loch Katrine, a scenic spot near Glasgow, and is steeped in local history. It occupies the historic 1877 pump house at The Queen's Dock, originally built by John Morrison, the great-grandfather of the distillery's current chairman, Tim Morrison. Guided tours include an audio-visual exhibition and a chance to admire the sleek copper stills with views of the river.
This stretch of the Clyde once carried ships laden with Scottish whisky to ports across the British Empire, including Melbourne. The distillery is cleverly positioned between two architectural marvels: the Sir Norman Foster-designed OVO Hydro arena and the Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum.
A UNESCO City of Music Venue
Venturing into Glasgow's trendy West End, the Park Bar in Kelvinhaugh is a cornerstone of the city's live music scene. Glasgow is a designated UNESCO City of Music, and this corner pub, which opened in 1895, is one of its best venues for traditional Gaelic song and dance.
A recent winner at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, The Park Bar has long been a hub for Glasgow's Gaelic community, with many patrons hailing from the Scottish Highlands and islands. Afternoon sessions and ceilidh nights keep the atmosphere lively. The decor nods to its loyal clientele, with photos of island ferries on the walls and an Australian flag among others hanging from the ceiling—a testament to the international competitors who have graced its stage.
The bar is also a featured stop on the Glasgow Food & Drink Tour, which highlights culinary gems in the city's leafy West End. As Glasgow prepares to welcome the world once again in 2026, these venues offer a perfect blend of history, flavour, and authentic local spirit.
