Quirky Things To Do In Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, so it only makes sense that its historic streets are filled with unique goings-on. Among its 90 green spaces and over 29 world-class museums and exhibitions that are free to enter, it's filled with burlesque shows and fairground-themed bars drawing upon nostalgia. It's no wonder that visitors here are in the millions thanks to its vibrant music scene and afternoon teas that stray away from the norm, so take a look at our favourite quirky Glasgow things to do here, all before trying them out for yourself, of course.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 1st November 2024




Flight Club Glasgow Brunch Social

@ Flight Club Glasgow on Various dates from Saturday 9th November 2024

If there's one event we're dying to head to? It's Flight Club's Brunch Social. The cracking event allows you and your pals to play a fun round of darts in its glitzy, fairground-themed surroundings while enjoying a scrumptious meal - we're talking bottomless pizzas served on paddles and a bottle of prosecco each. Plan the perfect weekend with your friends and book your spot now from £30 per person.

Mecca Glasgow Quay

Fronting two other locations in Forge and Drumchapel, Mecca Glasgow Quay is holding some seriously fun events at its city centre venue. If it's quirky things in Glasgow for young adults you're after, pop over for a cracking round of bingo, complete with games, tasty burgers and loaded dirty fries washed down with an array of liquid libations like classic mojitos and strawberry daiquiris.

Paintvine

Unleash your inner artist with a drink in one hand and a brush in the other with tickets to one of Paintvine's sculpt and sip evenings with tickets starting from £29 per person. If you're looking for quirky fun things to do in Glasgow, Scotland, this sociable activity ticks all the boxes. It doesn't matter what your level of experience is as all the equipment is provided, and you'll be guided through using air dry clay, learn how to make pinch pots and decorate them however you desire. Just purchase drinks separately at the bar and get ready for a two-hour session where you craft your own masterpiece in the form of a ring holder, candle holder and more.

The Corinthian

The Corinthian is a stunning, Grade A-listed venue, housed in a former bank and high court, sporting domed ceilings and grand decor. It also happens to be holding its fair share of unusual goings-on throughout the year across its five fabulous floors. Its famed themed afternoon teas are not to be missed, bringing together live performances, tiers of tantalising treats and plenty of prosecco, not to mention fun prizes with tickets starting from £35 per person. There's also live music from Charlie Parker's Piano Bar every Saturday, as well as late-night DJ sets in Tellers Brasserie too. 

Afternoon Tea in Glasgow

Do you want to devour a freshly made scone slathered in clotted cream and jam from sky-high heights? Or perhaps you'd rather pop miniature sandwiches in your mouth from the comfort of a swish booth? Either way, you'll find it all in our guide to afternoon teas in the city. Get stuck in with The Ivy's Champagne affair from £19.95 per person, or head on up to Windows Restaurant on the seventh floor of The Carlton George Hotel where an intimate selection of cakes and unlimited tea refills are being served alongside views of Nelson Mandela Place and The Gallery of Modern Art. 

ARTÀ

When it comes to quirky things to do in Glasgow for couples that are on the quirky side, ARTA really blows it out of the water. The gorgeous, Mediterranean-inspired venue is not only a photo-worthy opportunity with its floral decor and grand, cascading staircase, but it also hosts an array of fun-filled events throughout the week (salsa social, anyone?). And if you're looking for a standout meal, swing by for a decadent dinner in unique surroundings on the first floor and tuck into tapas plates of blue cheese croquettes or smoky, sizzling pans of paella, washed down with sangria. What's more, be sure to check out its cocktail and charcuterie Fridays and spectacular drag performances, not to mention its famed music-themed tribute nights that have previously featured Fleetwood Mac and Magic Mike acts.

Fayre Play - Glasgow

Put your aim to the test at Fayre Play, which combines booze and some of the city's finest street food with fairground games like Bulls Aye and Slam Drunk. If you're ever short of the best quikry things to do in Glasgow, this multi-coloured venue has got you sorted whether it's date night or you're in charge of organising a social with friends. Touting scrumptious scran like buttermilk fried panko chicken burgers or chilli dogs with themed cocktails (think Clown Star Martinis and bubblegum-flavoured Hubba Bubbas), there's plenty of fun to be had.

YO! Sushi School - Glasgow Central

@ YO! Glasgow Central on Wednesday 6th November 2024 and 5 other Wednesdays

Become a sushi master by enrolling in the YO! Sushi School at Glasgow Central from £24.95 per person. Classes take place on Wednesdays and last for two hours, where you'll be shown by an expert how to brush up on your knife-cutting skills and master the art of maki. Learn all about the history of the food too, and tuck into nibbles as you go, like edamame and gyozas, before getting to grips with crunchy California rolls and salmon avocado hand rolls. Plus, you'll be able to enjoy 20% off sushi kits too - which you might want to secure after your date or quirky hang, as practice makes perfect.

Moskito

While Moskito Cocktail Bar & Restaurant is quirky within itself, with purple-hued interiors, floral depictions of Brigitte Bardot and hanging foliage - it also hosts all kinds of unique events. Think themed brunches centred around The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Spice Girls or Britney, all featuring bloody marys and mimosas paired with avocado toast and fluffy pancake stacks from £30 per person. And if drag queen entertainment and musicals are your thing? Look forward to tribute nights and quizzes that'll get all the gang laughing and testing their knowledge in the process. 

Old Skool Bingo

Prepare to travel back in time with Old Skool Bingo and party like never before with tickets starting from around £16 per person. You'll experience an evening packed with R&B-inspired fun and games, plus the event's unique twist on bingo. Get down to memorable hits, try your hand at winning prizes and bask in non-stop entertainment. This high-energy extravaganza also features dance competitions, so brush up on your twists and turns as you could be getting down to win the crown

Glasgow Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt! Single route or double for racing!

@ Glasgow Central Station on Various dates from Tuesday 5th November 2024

Glasgow Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt helps you see the city in a whole new light with its immersive, outdoor trial, which is as perfect for family bonding activities in the holidays as much as it is quirky work socials. Not only will you have fun solving puzzles and figuring out riddles, but you'll also get to explore iconic landmarks and secret back streets, learning new facts as you go. If you find the treasure? You'll nab 20% off at a fab pub, so snap your tickets up now from £19.99 for two. 

Sloans

Famously Glasgow's oldest boozer and restaurant, Sloans used to live life as a coffee house in 1797 on Argyle Street before evolving into somewhat of an institution famed for its lively events and scrumptious mac 'n' cheese. It features a pretty courtyard, an ideal spot for an alfresco pint of Tennent's, and a beautiful Grand Ballroom which sees its Friday Night Ceilidh take place every week, as well as its EatFilm club, which screens classic movies on the big screen, paired with popcorn, a main course and a bottle of beer, house wine or soft drink from £20 per person. 

Pink Bars And Restaurants In Glasgow

It's Barbie season all year round in this city, thanks to its pick of pink haunts, and why not spend a day checking a bunch of them out? If you're looking to get some great social media content then head to October, where you'll find cherry blossom trees and neon lights. If a converted townhouse on Bath Street is more your thing, then check out Hummingbird, home to a lively cocktail bar, karaoke pods and scrumptious nibbles like chicken and chorizo pinchos, or pulled duck spring rolls washed down with a signature Cereal Killer, made up of Disaronno Velvet, Tia Maria and Frosties Milk.

Super Bario

Looking for quirky things to do in Glasgow city centre? We've got you sorted. Enter Super Bario, a cool arcade bar (the city's first, in fact) that offers you local beers and restored classics from the golden era of gaming. This place lets you battle your friends on Mortal Kombat, Ridge Racer and so much more in a super sleek setting, decked out with hanging lights and neon signage. You'll also find some delicious beers to get your lips around, like a sour Strawberry Sundae offering from Vault City as well as a classic pint of Tennent's. 

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

One of the top quirky things to do in Glasgow (that also happens to be free) is visit the Botanic Gardens. Perched by the River Kelvin and home to the iconic curvilinear glasshouse, Kibble Palace designed by John Kibble, it makes the perfect addition to a day checking various tree ferns out. Whether you're into your flora or not, it's hard not to marvel at over 9000 different types of plants from Southern Africa all the way to South America. And if you're hungry and thirsty? The grounds sport a dainty tea room serving fresh sandwiches and cakes. Delicious. 

SWG3

If clubbing or concerts are more your type of thing then you won't want to miss out on what's happening at SWG3, one of the city's most iconic live music venues. You'll find it housed in a former galvanizers' yard, leaving its warehouse days behind (in part, thanks to its quirky industrial design) and offering an atmospheric creative hub instead. Having hosted the likes of Seth Troxler and Fatboy Slim, this late-night mecca can also switch things up with outdoor movie screenings, Bongo's Bingo and more. It's also a pillar in the art community, hosting everything from design fairs to artwork shops.