This vibrant cultural hub is at the forefront of great entertainment. It has a renowned music scene, plenty of hipster haunts and some supremely sophisticated venues. In this article, we’ve compiled some of our top date night ideas in Glasgow.
Things to do in Glasgow for couples
You may have just the briefest of interludes or bags of time to spare, either way, there are ample opportunities for love to blossom in this Scottish city.
1. Wild Cabaret
Combine a multiple course dinner with a night of variety at Wild Cabaret in the Merchant City. It’s decadent and racy, with sharp-witted comic hosts, burlesque, circus and magic on the bill. The calendar of events is ever-changing, with some in-house and some external shows. Guests are encouraged to dress up and escape the ordinary for a thrilling night here.
Take to the slopes in Scotland’s own take on the Alps. The indoor ski and snowboard centre Snow Factor houses this sub-zero bar. You’ll don some warm jackets and insulated gloves before entering the bar where everything’s made of ice - even your glass. Warm-up with a cocktail and get a selfie on the ice-throne. And if it goes well, you can have a go at sledging afterwards. This is sure to be a cool and fun date. Due to COVID-19, the Ice Bar was not able to open in 2021, however they have said that they fully itend to in 2022, so check the linke below and watch this space!
If you and your date are into emerging music, this is the place to be. King Tuts has become a Glaswegian institution since its inception in 1990 and is now a nationally celebrated venue for live gigs. It helped launch the careers of the likes of Blur, Super Furry Animals, Travis, Paolo Nutini, Two Door Cinema Club and many many more. It’s open into the wee small hours, serving snacks and light meals till early evening.
Fancy an adrenaline fulled date? Not only will a powerboat trip along the Clyde take your breath away, but you can also learn much about the area’s history, shipbuilding and infrastructure. Leaving from the Science Centre, you can choose between a fast blast ride or a city sightseeing trip. Take a sunset cruise for an enchanting, romantic vibe - and you’ll get a discount at Krispy Kreme with your ticket, so you can end the date on a sweet note.
Your date in Glasgow can even be in your very own home. Stay safe and stay indoors while meeting lots of eligible people in your area, with online speed dating. You’ll save a fortune on drinks and food. Grab your favourite tipple from the supermarket, pull up a chair at the kitchen table and away you go with some virtual meets.
So named because of its music and acrobatics, at Swing, you can enjoy aerial, blues, jazz, funk and soul acts in high-end vintage art deco surroundings. The live entertainment takes place every Thursday to Saturday night, accompanied by house champagne and decadent cocktails. Book a table in advance and you can have a bottle of fizz waiting for you - that’s sure to make an impression on your date.
If it’s a first date, you might not want to invest a ton of cash into a day or night out. That way, if you don’t hit it off, or you’re short on time, it means you haven’t lost anything. There are lots of parks, green spaces and the riverside for walks, but if the weather isn’t fine and you’re wanting a budget-friendly option, choose from one of these date ideas.
7. Big Feed Street Food
For foodies who can’t afford the price tag of a fancy restaurant - or who prefer something a bit more relaxed and edgy - Scotland’s biggest indoor food market is perfect. The atmosphere at Big Feed is buzzing and best of all, you don’t have to have the same type of meal.
Wander around the popup stalls and select from the many mouthwatering options, savoury and sweet, boozy and health-conscious You can bring your dog, there’s indoor and outdoor seating, parking and public transport links.
This incredible venue is the world’s oldest surviving music hall, dating back to the 1850s, yet it’s incredibly trendy. Strung with fairy lights with rundown shabby chic retro charm, you’ll be transported back in time at Britannia Panopticon. And best of all, the ticket prices are astounding low.
A unique night of entertainment surrounded by history can be had for as little as a fiver. There are plays, circus acts, comedians, singalongs, cabaret, drag and more at this theatre in the Trongate.
If you’d like a Sleepless in Seattle style first meeting, The Lighthouse is Glasgow’s answer to The Empire State Building. Climb the helical staircase in the Mackintosh Centre to reach the outdoor viewing platform, offering some of the finest vistas in the area. Or take the lift to level six, where there’s an indoor viewing space with floor to ceiling windows. Then pop to the airy cafe to chat over coffee and a cake.
Culture vultures can immerse in brand new plays from innovative emerging playwrights, via a bargain three-in-one ticket at Oran Mor. And the hearty pies are super tasty - you’ll get a choice of two or three flavours (including a vegan option) and either a lager, cider, wine or soft drink. The caveat is, this has to be a lunchtime date, but it can be sandwiched into your lunch hour and you won’t need to pick up a meal deal afterwards.