Glasgow Merchant City is one of the city's trendiest and most attractive destinations for tourists and locals alike. Located in the heart of the city, it has a range of bars, restaurants and shops, taking in some of the city's most interesting historic buildings, giving it a unique atmosphere and feel. With multiple cultural, architectural and educational attractions, it has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot or just a place to get to know one another better.
1. Glasgow Merchant City parks and places for a walk on a first date
If the weather is favourable and you're looking for a relaxed first date, then why not take a walk together in one of the area’s many parks? Glasgow’s Pollok Park is a great place to start as it’s pretty close to Glasgow Merchant City. Here, you can find peaceful woodlands, meadows, riverside paths and a beautiful country house, which has been in the same family for over 300 years. It's a great place to get to know each other and explore the city if you don’t want to stay too close to the city centre. If you’d like to stay closer to Merchant City, George Square is a great option - it’s a historic square in the heart of Glasgow that's home to the impressive City Chambers, memorials and statues, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants. It’s a great spot for a romantic stroll.
2. Places for a coffee date in Glasgow Merchant City
If you'd like to have a more traditional coffee date, then Merchant City is the right place for you. There are plenty of cafes, coffee houses and independent coffee shops that make a great spot for a relaxed chat. The Hillhead Book Club, on Byres Road, is a quirky independent bookshop and café. If you’re looking for a more upmarket and sophisticated experience then you might want to try the exquisite Thomas Gaffney on Ingram Street. This beautiful Victorian era cafe offers a range of speciality coffees and pastries as well as an extensive selection of books and artworks. Or, for something a bit different, there’s the Five March. This unique and quirky cafe combines a cafe, bar and events space, giving you plenty of food and drinks options.
3. Glasgow Merchant City galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
If you're looking for something a bit more cultural, then you can always pay a visit to one of the many galleries, museums and exhibitions in the area. There's the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) which is one of the largest modern art galleries in Scotland, offering all kinds of interesting exhibitions and collections, from painting and photography to sculpture, video and performance art. The Gallery of Modern Art is also part of the Glasgow Museums, which also include the Riverside Museum and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. These two venues offer even more opportunities to explore and learn together, with exhibitions covering all kinds of topics, from history, science and technology to art and culture.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Glasgow Merchant City
If you're looking for something a bit more lively, why not try some of the live music and entertainment venues in the Merchant City? There are plenty of places to choose from, from pubs, clubs and bars to theatres, cinemas and music venues. The famous King Tut's Wah Wah Hut has been around since 1990 and is one of the best-known music venues in the city. It has hosted some of the biggest names in music, from Amy Macdonald to Oasis, as well as some of the best up-and-coming acts from around the world. The venue also offers live comedy and DJs, so you're sure to find something to suit whatever mood you’re in.
5. Glasgow Merchant City pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
If you'd rather have a drink or a bite to eat, the Merchant City has plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants that are perfect for a first date. For something a bit traditional, why not try the renowned The Albion Bar, one of the oldest pubs in the city with a traditional interior and local beers. If you're looking for somewhere a bit more sophisticated, then the Old College Bar is the perfect spot. The pub is located in the historic University of Glasgow and offers a great selection of craft beers and an extensive menu of local pub favourites as well as some more modern dishes.
