The Skinny Guide to North Glasgow

This article has been updated with copy from the 2023 edition of the Skinny Guide to Glasgow, which is available now at venues across Scotland. Pick up a copy for detailed breakdowns on the city's different districts, as well as articles on the history and culture of Glasgow itself.

The area north of Great Western Road is comprised of several different neighbourhoods, strung together down the Forth and Clyde Canal. To the west lie Maryhill and North Kelvinside, land historically owned by literal Mary Hill and today a beloved residential area frequented by students and locals alike. East of the canal you’ll find Port Dundas, a 19th-century industrial hub turned 21st-century hub of the cultural variety.

Things to do in North Glasgow

To get active, make for The Loading Bay skatepark (Borron St) or the Climbing Academy’s Prop Store (24 Craigmont St), a bouldering centre housed in the BBC’s old prop warehouse.

For a dive into the city’s cultural past, the historic Queen’s Cross Church (870 Garscube Rd) sits around the corner from a four-storey-high mural of the sun that closely resembles Partick Thistle’s mascot Kingsley (Northpark St). One is a site of worship and iconography that has left its mark on Glasgow’s art world; the other is the Charles Rennie Mackintosh church.

The canal's banks are home to a huge array of creative folk: many of them, including Glasgow Sculpture Studios, can be found in The Whisky Bond (2 Dawson Rd). Round the corner, Carnival Arts Yard (124 Craighall Rd) is always worth a nosey.

Civic House (26 Civic St) is a community-minded arts space that hosts everything from music festivals to LGBTQIA+ bike maintenance workshops. Sister venue The Glue Factory (22 Farnell St for studios, 15 Burns St for events) also serves as an occasional location for gigs.

Food and drink in North Glasgow

The Civic House canteen was taken over late last year by Parveen's and the sisters have quickly won hearts with their communal atmosphere and delicious food. Across the canal you'll find Ocho (8 Speirs Wharf), an all-day cafe with great brunch options, or up the road there's Rockvilla Pizza & Subs (6 Possil Rd) who'll do you a meatball (or veggie ball) sub with pizza dough in place of bread. If you want even more rolls, try North Star Cafe or Comet Pieces (108 and 150 Queen Margaret Dr).

For tourists on the Trainspotting circuit, 97-year-old Cafe D’Jaconelli (570 Maryhill Rd) may be of interest. Its jukebox and red leather booths mark it out as one of the film’s most iconic Glasgow locations.