The world's greatest gig venue? Not for us to say, but yes. With its sprung dancefloor and impecable acoustics, the Barrowland Ballroom has been lauded by musicians and gig goers for nearly 40 years. The Barrowlands has hosted top acts such as Oasis, Bob Dylan and The Smiths over the years and booking a gig at the Barras has almost become a byword for having made it for many Scottish acts.placeholder image
The world's greatest gig venue? Not for us to say, but yes. With its sprung dancefloor and impecable acoustics, the Barrowland Ballroom has been lauded by musicians and gig goers for nearly 40 years. The Barrowlands has hosted top acts such as Oasis, Bob Dylan and The Smiths over the years and booking a gig at the Barras has almost become a byword for having made it for many Scottish acts. | Glasgow Life

Glasgow East End: 9 reasons why the East End is the place to be in Glasgow in 2025

Callum McCormack
By Callum McCormack

News Features Writer

Published 14th Aug 2024, 13:59 GMT
Updated 12th May 2025, 15:46 GMT

The East End of Glasgow has an intriguing history and can lay claim to some of the city’s most notable landmarks.

The East End of Glasgow is an undeniably cool part of the city. Often rough and ready, the area has spawned some of Glasgow’s most famous markers - such as the Barrowland Ballroom and Tennent’s Lager.

Their attributes transcend just making Glasgow what it is and have become a firm part of Scottish identity.

And the east end has also earned a global reputation. In 2020, Time Out magazine named Dennistoun the eighth coolest neighbourhood in the world - cementing that reputation for being on the cutting edge of local culture.

Have you signed up for our GlasgowWorld newsletter? It’s just an email address away.

Take a look at our nine reasons why the east end of Glasgow is the place to be.

With T in the Park coming to an end in 2016, there was a very definite hole in the summer festival season. In stepped Trnsmt. The festival has gone from strength to strength and has hosted acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Liam Gallagher and Lewis Capaldi since 2017. For the rest of the year, we have the amazing Glasgow Green to enjoy.

5. TRNSMT

With T in the Park coming to an end in 2016, there was a very definite hole in the summer festival season. In stepped Trnsmt. The festival has gone from strength to strength and has hosted acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Liam Gallagher and Lewis Capaldi since 2017. For the rest of the year, we have the amazing Glasgow Green to enjoy. Photo: Supplied

Alexandra Park offers views over Ben Lomond from its highest point - a decent climb from the main park gates and two ponds. There's also a nine-hole golf course in the park, which is home to the 40-foot Saracen Fountain - gifted to the city after the 1901 International Exhibition.

6. Alexandra Park

Alexandra Park offers views over Ben Lomond from its highest point - a decent climb from the main park gates and two ponds. There's also a nine-hole golf course in the park, which is home to the 40-foot Saracen Fountain - gifted to the city after the 1901 International Exhibition. | Canva/Getty Images

Dennistoun was named as one of the World's coolest neighbourhoods by TimeOut in 2020. The neighbourhood has an interesting history including hosting Buffalo Bill's Wild West show when they performed in Glasgow for two months in 1891 and 1892. You can visit a statue marking the event on Whitehill Street and take a walk along the neighbourhood drives. You will find excellent coffee on Duke Street.

7. Dennistoun

Dennistoun was named as one of the World's coolest neighbourhoods by TimeOut in 2020. The neighbourhood has an interesting history including hosting Buffalo Bill's Wild West show when they performed in Glasgow for two months in 1891 and 1892. You can visit a statue marking the event on Whitehill Street and take a walk along the neighbourhood drives. You will find excellent coffee on Duke Street. | Dave Souza/WikiCommons Photo: Dave Souza/WikiCommons

The east end is also the home to Tennent's Lager, and if that was all the area had it would be plenty. Beer has been brewed in the east end by Tennent's in some form or another since 1556, but the most famous of those - Tennents Lager - has been brewed here since 1885. Take the tour of the brewery.

8. Tennent's

The east end is also the home to Tennent's Lager, and if that was all the area had it would be plenty. Beer has been brewed in the east end by Tennent's in some form or another since 1556, but the most famous of those - Tennents Lager - has been brewed here since 1885. Take the tour of the brewery. Photo: Google Maps

Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:GlasgowEast EndTRNSMT Festival
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice