The best 10 cafes in Glasgow, United Kingdom
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Glasgow, the city of tartan kilts and irrepressible spirit, boasts a delightful café scene that will perk up even the most lethargic of travelers. With a veritable smorgasbord of caffeine havens to choose from, here are ten cafés that are as stimulating as a bagpipe solo at sunset. From the quirky cat-themed Kitty Cuddles to the hipster haven of Beanstalk & Co., these coffee sanctuaries offer the perfect blend of aroma, ambiance, and pastries fit for the gods. So grab your tartan thermos and unleash your inner coffee connoisseur – Glasgow's got it brewin'!
Save destination1. Papercup Coffee Company
603 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HX, UK
Nestled in the vibrant city of Glasgow, Papercup Coffee Company is a caffeine haven that will leave you buzzing with delight. With its cozy yet quirky interior, complete with mismatched furniture and walls adorned with captivating artwork, this charming coffee shop is a must-visit for all coffee aficionados. Sip on their aromatic brews which pack more punch than a bagpipe serenade, and pair it with one of their delectable pastries that will make your tastebuds do a Highland jig.
Learn more2. The Steamie Coffee Roasters
1024 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8LX, UK
Welcome to The Steamie Coffee Roasters in Glasgow! Tucked away in the heart of this vibrant city, this caffeine haven awaits you with open arms and a rather cheeky smile. Prepare to be serenaded by the intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted beans, as locals gather to share amusing tales and unravel the mysteries of life, all while indulging in their liquid gold. Don't be surprised if you find yourself engaging in lively banter with passionate baristas who are more than willing to ignite your love affair with coffee, one perfect brew at a time.
Learn more3. Riverhill Coffee Bar
24 Gordon St, Glasgow G1 3PU, UK
If you find yourself in Glasgow, stumbling about in search of a cozy caffeine haven, fear not! Just around the corner lies the delightful Riverhill Coffee Bar, a charming oasis for tired souls and espresso enthusiasts alike. With its rustic yet inviting interior, this gem is perfect for sipping on your favorite brew while pondering all of life's important questions, like why do socks disappear in the washing machine? Once you step foot inside Riverhill, you'll be greeted by the smell of freshly ground coffee and a chorus of clinking cups. As you approach the counter, their friendly baristas will dazzle you with their impeccable latte art skills, brewing up concoctions worth every penny, or pound if you're in the UK. Plus, if you happen to be in the mood for a light snack, their delectable homemade pastries and sinful cakes will tempt even the most disciplined of dieters. The atmosphere here is simply unbeatable - think warm, cozy, and filled with people fervently typing away on their laptops, pretending to be productive. So, whether you're yearning for a quiet coffee date with your laptop or in need of a caffeine fix before tackling the bustling city streets, Riverhill Coffee Bar is the ultimate haven for coffee lovers looking to caffeinate their way to happiness.
Learn more4. Singl-end
263 Renfrew St, Glasgow G3 6TT, UK
Welcome to Singl-end in Glasgow, a little slice of culinary heaven where single is not an unfortunate relationship status but a charming café-restaurant that will make your taste buds sing. Nestled in the heart of the city, this quirky joint boasts a menu as extensive as a Shakespearean play, offering delights that even Romeo and Juliet would ditch their tragic love story for. From their scrumptious sourdough bread, so addictive that the sheer mention of it will have you reaching for a carb-induced inhaler, to their mouthwatering brunch options, this place is singlehandedly redefining what it means to have your heart stolen by food.
Learn more5. Gesso
7 Lubas Pl, Glasgow G42 0BW, UK
Welcome to Gesso, the caffeinated haven of Glasgow! Rest assured, this charming hideaway boasts an atmosphere so cozy, you'll wonder if they've sprinkled fuzzy socks in the air. Brace yourself for the deliciously tempting aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans that will twirl around your nose like a caffeinated waltz, seducing you to surrender to the wonders of this caffeine-infused paradise. With its cleverly mismatched furniture and walls adorned with quirky artwork, Gesso is a place where creativity and caffeine unite, leaving you with a sense of inexplicable joy and a strong desire to take up watercolor painting while caffeinated to the gills.
Learn more6. Gordon St Coffee
Central Station, 79 Gordon St, Glasgow G1 3SQ, UK
Welcome to Gordon St Coffee, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee haunts your senses like a caffeine ghost. Located in the heart of Glasgow, this little haven is the perfect spot to caffeinate away your worries. The baristas here are like coffee wizards, conjuring up potions guaranteed to transform even the grumpiest morning grouch into a coffee-loving unicorn.
Learn more7. MILK Cafe
MILK cafe, 452 Victoria Rd, Govanhill, Glasgow G42 8YU, UK
Welcome to MILK Cafe, where cows would agree that this isn't your typical dairy destination! Nestled in the heart of Glasgow, this bovine-inspired haven will surely bring out the "moo" in you. With their tongue-in-cheek decor and menu, this unique café is udderly perfect for those seeking a whimsical escape from the humdrum of everyday life.
Learn more8. Laboratorio Espresso
93 W Nile St, Glasgow G1 2SH, UK
Welcome to Laboratorio Espresso, where coffee aficionados gather like bees around a buzzworthy hive in Glasgow. Nestled in the heart of the city, this caffeine mecca serves up liquid gold with a side of quirkiness. From java snobs to caffeine converts, be prepared to have your taste buds tickled and your addiction ignited in this cozy den of roasted goodness.
Learn more9. Tinderbox
118 Ingram St, Glasgow G1 1EJ, UK
Nestled snugly on the bustling Great Western Road, Tinderbox in Glasgow is a quirky little haven for coffee enthusiasts and toast aficionados alike. With its charming exposed brick walls and enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, this hipster hotspot is the place to be and be seen (or unseen, if you prefer being a coffee-sipping ninja). With a menu as carefully curated as your mysterious Tinder profile, their avocado toast is guaranteed to make even the grumpiest Glaswegian crack a smile, and their flat whites are so creamy and dreamy, you'll find yourself secretly planning your next Tinderbox rendezvous before you've even finished your first sip.
Learn more10. Artisan Roast Glasgow
15-17 Gibson St, Glasgow G12 8NU, UK
Welcome to Artisan Roast Glasgow, a caffeinated haven in the land of kilts and bagpipes! This quirky coffee shop offers a unique blend of Scottish charm and hipster vibes. Get ready to indulge in their top-notch brews, which are so good they will make you want to hug a highland cow (not recommended, but we won't judge!).
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Glasgow by plane is to fly into Glasgow International Airport, which is located about 10 miles west of the city center. Multiple airlines operate flights to Glasgow International from various cities around the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to get to the city center.
Car
The best way to get to Glasgow by car is to take the M8 motorway, which connects Glasgow to other major cities in Scotland and northern England. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak travel times, and parking in the city center can be difficult.
Train
There are multiple train stations located in Glasgow, but the best way to get there by train is to take the West Coast Main Line to Glasgow Central Station. Trains run regularly from major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Glasgow Central Station is located in the heart of the city and is within walking distance of many attractions.
Boat
While there is no direct way to get to Glasgow by boat, you can take a ferry to other cities in Scotland and then travel to Glasgow from there. For example, you can take a ferry from Belfast, Northern Ireland to Cairnryan, Scotland, and then drive or take public transportation to Glasgow.
Bus
The best way to get to Glasgow by bus is to take a coach operated by National Express, which runs from cities across the UK. Coaches arrive and depart from Buchanan Bus Station, which is located in the city center. From the bus station, you can take a taxi or public transportation to get to your final destination in Glasgow.