A Weekend in Glasgow: Style, Culture, and Lewis Capaldi Under the City Lights

Start your stay by checking into one of Glasgow’s most stylish boutique stays. Native Glasgow, set within a beautifully restored 1920s Art Deco building just off George Square, blends heritage charm with bold, contemporary interiors. Each apartment-style suite is decked out with parquet floors, plush velvet accents, and curated lighting , the kind of place that feels more like your own chic Glasgow flat than a hotel.

If you're craving something a little more romantic, Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens in the West End is a longtime favorite of the fashion and film crowd. This elegant townhouse-turned-hotel mixes rich textures, dramatic design, and quiet luxury, with features like freestanding bathtubs, vintage furniture, and an acclaimed restaurant downstairs. It’s the kind of place where time slows down , perfect for decompressing after a night of music or cocktails.

Whether you choose city-center edge or leafy West End elegance, both offer the ideal launchpad for a 48-hour adventure filled with design, dining, and the unmistakable buzz of live music in one of the UK’s most exciting cities.

Kick off your first morning with a stroll through the West End’s leafy streets, and make your way to Tchai-Ovna, a cosy tea house tucked along Otago Lane, where mismatched chairs and walls lined with books invite you to slow down over a strong chai. If you prefer your caffeine on the go, grab a coffee from De’Caf or Tantrum Doughnuts and enjoy a riverfront walk along the Clyde,the perfect way to soak up the city's architecture and atmosphere.

When it’s time for lunch, make your way to Café Gandolfi, a Glasgow institution housed in a former cheese market. Here, Scottish produce is given pride of place, with everything from smoked haddock chowder to venison sausages served in a warm, wood-panelled dining room that feels equal parts old-school and cool.

Spend your afternoon exploring the city’s creative side. From the bold colours of Bluebellgray’s textiles to the minimalist timepieces at Instrmnt, the city’s indie design scene is thriving. If art is your thing, don’t miss the Mackintosh House or the Hunterian Gallery nearby.

As evening sets in, head to The Last Bookstore Bar,a cosy, candlelit hideaway perfect for pre-dinner cocktails. Then walk or Uber over to Sebb’s one of the city’s most talked-about restaurants. Expect seasonal, produce-driven plates in a plant-filled space that feels like a greenhouse-meets-gallery. It’s intimate, inventive, and very Glasgow right now.

Then, the moment you’ve been waiting for: Lewis Capaldi live at the OVO Hydro on Saturday, September 6th. There’s something extra electric about seeing the hometown star perform in the city that raised him. Expect big vocals, bigger laughs, and the kind of emotional energy that only a Glasgow crowd can deliver. If you’re lucky enough to have snagged a ticket,early booking is a must,this will be the heart of your weekend.

After the show, keep the night going with drinks at Daddy Marmalade’s, a high-energy cocktail spot with vintage vibes and DJs that know exactly when to drop a disco classic. Or,

if you’re up for one last view, head to KONG Roof Garden, one of Glasgow’s hottest rooftop bars, complete with fairy lights, craft cocktails, and a party crowd that doesn’t quit early.

The next morning, take it slow. Grab coffee back along the Clyde, or settle in for brunch at Vivi & Co, a stylish café serving elevated brunch fare with a Mediterranean twist. If you’ve got room for one more standout meal before heading home, book dinner at Sylvan, a serene, plant-based spot in the city centre that’s made a name for itself with beautifully plated seasonal dishes and natural wines.

Glasgow is a city that surprises, from its ever-changing food scene and buzzing bars to its deep love of live music and effortless charm. It’s where high culture meets high spirits, and where every neighbourhood feels like it has a secret to share.

The secret to making the most of just 48 hours here? Plan ahead, say yes to something spontaneous, and let Glasgow’s big heart and loud laughter carry you through.