For your next trip to scotland, you want to know which are the districts in Glasgow to avoid and the best places to stay to visit?
Like the majority of large cities in Europe are home to dangerous neighborhoods, it is, in fact, prudent to find out about the neighborhoods in advance. This way, you avoid choosing your hotel in a dangerous area of Glasgow, a red-light district or one not really recommended for tourists.
To find out which neighborhoods to avoid in Glasgow, here is a guide with a Google Map that makes it easier to spot them.
This article was written using information and data available on the internet in 2024 (neighborhoodscout.com, statistics.gov.scot, crimegrade.org, scotland.police.uk, etc.). It is therefore a synthesis of factual data which does not involve any judgment or discrimination.
Is Glasgow a dangerous city in 2024?
NO despite a crime rate which remains quite high, we cannot consider Glasgow to be dangerous. Indeed, while Glasgow was, around ten years ago, one of the most dangerous cities in Europe, today in 2024, it is no longer as dangerous as before. View statistics on Scottish Government official website who mention a sharp drop in crime in Glasgow and throughout Scotland.
However, Glasgow still remains the most dangerous city in Scotland. This is what we can read in the article: Scotland's most criminal areas or on the newspaper The Scottish Sun which reveals the very high rate of sex crimes in Glasgow compared to the rest of Scotland.
Finally, according to 2024 Numbeo ranking of the most criminal European cities, Glasgow ranks average with a crime index of 46.07. In comparison, Glasgow is less dangerous than Turin, Brussels, Dublin, Bordeaux , Barcelona ou Toulouse.
Is Glasgow safe for tourists?
YES : Tourists can visit Glasgow with complete peace of mind.
That's how I felt myself when I visited Glasgow during my road trip in Scotland. Indeed, I did not feel any insecurity on all the tourist places that I had the chance to visit.
The less safe areas of Glasgow are on the outskirts of the city (see below) and not in the tourist areas. But, as in all tourist cities, visitors should remain cautious of pickpockets and avoid certain areas of Glasgow.
Map of Glasgow neighborhoods
Glasgow is made up of 5 large areas (23 districts):
- the City Centre: Historic centre, it is a culturally rich area with the best preserved Victorian architecture in the United Kingdom, numerous shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs.
- the West End: This area in the west is renowned for its quirky back streets, incredible food scene and relaxed vibe. It is a large bohemian district and full of charm.
- the East End: In the East area, there are the oldest buildings in the city as well as new complexes whose architecture is innovative. It is an area where modernity and heritage mix.
- the South Side: The South area is green with beautiful traditional buildings, the largest parks in the city and small restaurants and trendy cafes.
- the North: Zone which combines the urban side with the calm of the green spaces with a beautiful heritage at the edge of the canals.
In order to identify the neighborhoods to avoid in Glasgow and the best places to stay for tourists, here is a map that you can enlarge: https://maps.app.goo.gl/t8LXR99HJCX3kFnF7
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Glasgow
We cannot say that there are truly dangerous areas in the center of Glasgow. In fact, the most dangerous areas in Glasgow are on the outskirts of the city.
However, there are areas to avoid in Glasgow as they are less interesting for tourists, too far from tourist sites, poorly served by public transport or less safe at night (see below):
Neighborhoods to avoid in Glasgow
Here are the neighborhoods to avoid in Glasgow in 2024 because they are less safe or unattractive for a tourist stay:
- easter house
- blackhill
- Anderston/City/Yorkhill
- Calton
- govan
- Southside Central
- Springburn/Robroyston
- Shettleston
- Mary Hill
- Pollokshields
In addition, as in many cities, the area around the station should also be avoided. Read the article : Glasgow Central most dangerous train station in Scotland according to crime statistics.
Red light districts to avoid in Glasgow
A neighborhood with poor traffic at night is not a good place to choose your hotel. As a result, the red light districts of Glasgow which are located Anderson and around Blythswood Square are also areas to avoid.
Best neighborhoods in Glasgow
It's hard to say which are the best neighborhoods in Glasgow. Indeed, this port city on the banks of the River Clyde is home to many pretty neighborhoods. With its Victorian, Art Nouveau and contemporary architecture, Glasgow has many great places to stay. Choosing the best district of Glasgow can be done according to your type of stay:
- Glasgow City Centre: Best area of Glasgow for a tourist stay;
- Merchant City: Best district of Glasgow for entertainment and shopping;
- Glasgow East: Best neighborhood in Glasgow for families;
- West End: Best neighborhood in Glasgow for budget travelers and students;
- Glasgow South: Glasgow's best area for nature lovers.
Where to stay in Glasgow to visit?
The center of Glasgow (Glasgow City Center) is the most popular area for tourists visiting Glasgow. Indeed, this is where the majority of the city's tourist attractions are located. To find your way, know that George square is the main square of central glasgow.
It is from this square that the tourist bus departs which is practical for visiting the essential sites of Glasgow:
And in this downtown, there's a little neighborhood called Merchant city.
Merchant City, Glasgow's most popular tourist district
Merchant City is the most touristy area of Glasgow. It is home to pretty, elegant streets, good restaurants, cocktail bars and pubs.
It is an area very close to Glasgow tourist attractions such as the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Plus, with its Argyle Street shopping street, it is ideal for shopping.
For those looking for a wonderful hotel in the best area for sightseeing, then I recommend the Fraser Suites Glasgow.
