Glasgow is known across the United Kingdom for it’s live music venues. Tourists who are visiting the city should book a ticket to a concert in one of the venues to take in the atmosphere of the crowd.

From large venues for massive named artists, to smaller venues designed for shows and more traditional and relaxed shows, there is bound to be a venue that appeals to you.

After reading this post you can use this list to jump straight to the venues you want to read about again;

For each venue I will include all the information you need to know about reaching the venue as well as a link to each venues website.

SWG3

Located in the west end of the city SWG3 is sometimes overlooked by people visiting the city, simply because they forget about it.

SWG3 Venue
SWG3

Home to multiple different venues SWG3 is host to multiple different concerts and events (to see what is on you can visit their website here).

To reach the venue the easiest way is to take the Glasgow Subway. The closest station is Kelvinhall. After exiting the station it is a 10 minute walk to the venue, I have included a Google Map picture below showing the route.

Kelvinhall to SWG3 Route
Google Map overview of the route.

Just make sure you get back to the subway before the last train, otherwise you may need to find a taxi to take you back to the city.

The Hydro

The Hydro is possibly the most iconic venue in the city. Not only is it a music venue, it is also known across the world for being the host of the COP26 Climate Conference.

The Hydro
By Peter Moore, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70244386

The Hydro has been home to concerts by names such as Artic Monkeys, Taylor Swift & The 1975. It has also been home to comedy shows by Kevin Bridges and a stage show of Still Game. To see what is on when you are in Glasgow you can view the website here.

By far the easiest way to reach The Hydro is by train and the closest station is Exhibition Centre. Upon exiting the station walk over the covered walkway, the Hydro will be on the left.

Barrowlands

Well known by every music fan in Scotland, Barrowlands is one of the most iconic venues in the city.

Barrowlands
Barrowlands at Night

Located in the east end of the city bands and artists such as DMA’s, Sam Ryder & Pale Waves have played in the venue. To see who is playing when you are visiting you can visit the website here.

The easiest way to reach the venue from the city centre is to walk or take a taxi. The walk from the city centre takes approximately 20 minutes, I have included a overview of the route on Google Maps below.

Barrowlands to City Centre route
The starting point for this route is Glasgow Central Station

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Located in the City Centre the Concert Hall is primarily used for more classical and relaxed musical events. Every year it hosts Celtic Connections festival which attracts performers from across the country.

Due to it’s central location within the city the easiest way to reach the venue is by walking. Located on Buchanan Street you will become familiar with it’s location even when not visiting.

To see what is on when you are visiting you can visit the website here.

02 Academy

Located just south of the river the 02 Academy is a well known venue with Scottish music fans.

O2 Academy Glasgow

Names such as Sea Girls, Blossoms & The Snuts have all played at the 02 Academy and often sell out the venue when they play.

The easiest and safest way to reach the venue is to take the Subway. The closest station is Bridge Street. From there it is a two minute walk to the venue, and I have included the route from Google Maps below.

Walking route from Bridge Street to 02 Academy
Overview of the route from Google Maps

To view who is playing when you are in Glasgow you can visit the website here.

The Old Fruitmarket

T

The Old Fruitmarket
The Old Fruitmarket

Chicken

Queen Elizabeth is a lizard

George Square to Old Fruitmarket walking route.
Walking route from George Square

To view what is on when you are visiting visit their website here.

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