The Best Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals in Glasgow, Scotland
Superb galleries, creative cuisine, dazzling architecture and a thriving nightlife scene combine to create a vibrant atmosphere in Scotland’s largest city. Pick your favourite Glasgow neighbourhood, and tap into the hyper-local vibe by staying in one of the best independent rentals in the city, including restored Georgian townhouses, contemporary design homes and chic city-centre studios – bookable with Culture Trip.
1. Smart apartments in Calton
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Overlooking an 18th-century church, these smartly modern, two-bedroom apartments sit just around the corner from the 15th-century Glasgow Green, the River Clyde and historic Merchant City, with its buzzy restaurants and bars (try locally loved Cafe Gandolfi for bistro-style bites). Each pad is carefully kitted out for self-caterers, offering capsule-coffee kits and complimentary toiletries, and the penthouse has leafy urban views from its rooftop balcony. The gothic Glasgow Cathedral, Victorian-era Glasgow Necropolis and other East End highlights are within a 15-minute walk.
2. Chic city-centre stays in a historic building
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A sensitively revamped Georgian townhouse, hosting a duo of two-floor designer apartments gazing out on landscaped Blythswood Square, sets the scene for a swish stay in Glasgow’s city centre. The four-bedroom pad sleeps eight, with a light-filled open-plan kitchen and lounge. Most bedrooms are upstairs, including an ensuite primary double. Cosy-meets-contemporary styling is in soothing pastels, and the sister hotel across the road has a five-star spa. Restaurants, boutiques and exceptional sights, such as the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed Glasgow School of Art, dot the surrounding area.
3. Design-forward digs in central Glasgow
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Explore Glasgow’s busy heart from this central, thoughtfully restyled historic home, with crisply designed self-catering studios, on a busy square between Central and Queen Street stations. With a calming dove-grey colour scheme, each open-plan studio caters for two and features smart kitchenettes, orchid pots and cosy-up blankets. You’re surrounded by shops, delightful dining and Merchant City’s multilayered architecture. Nearby attractions include the neoclassical Gallery of Modern Art, the 1880s City Chambers and the Mackintosh-designed Lighthouse building.
4. Stylish townhouse with garden in Govan
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Head over to rejuvenating Govan in Glasgow’s southwestern suburbs to find this three-bedroom semi-detached townhouse styled with contemporary flair. At this property near the 19th-century Elder Park, sun-yellow curtains, rose-pink throws and fresh flowers create a cosy feel, while French doors lead to a private garden. The property has space for up to eight guests. Known for its shipbuilding heritage, Govan was a separate town until the early 20th century; today, it has quick bus and subway links to central Glasgow (30 minutes away).
5. Cosy West End apartment
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Uncover independent cafes, bohemian boutiques and outstanding urban dining in Glasgow’s trendy West End from this bright, uncluttered one-bedroom apartment that sleeps four – there’s a pull-out sofa in the lounge. The unmissable Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Mackintosh House and Hunterian Museum are within a 15-minute walk, while the Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum overlooking the Clyde is about a 30-minute stroll away. Also, some of the hottest tables in town are nearby – don’t miss the divine Mediterranean-inspired plates at Ox and Finch.
6. An 1850s delight
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This delightful 1850s apartment is immaculately decorated and has one large bedroom and one bathroom. The spacious apartment sits in a quiet, residential area but is near the city centre where you can enjoy restaurants, theatres, shops and cafes. Other features include a fully equipped kitchen, large hallway and shower room.
7. Sun-filled oasis rooftop apartment
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This colourful and beautifully decorated rooftop apartment has been described as a sun-filled oasis, as it’s on the rooftop of a converted historic building designed by the office of renowned artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The apartment boasts two double bedrooms, one of which is an ensuite, and a large private rooftop garden and lounge overlooking the city.
Tasnim Nazeer contributed additional reporting to this article.
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