Govanhill is one of the great neighbourhoods of Glasgow, often overlooked, the Southside area has so much to offer that you just can't find anywhere else in Glasgow.
Without a doubt it's the most diverse place in the city and possibly in Scotland - with at least 88 languages represented by 18,000 people living within one square mile of each other. What this means for those living there? Access to multi-cultural food, events, and communities - a real melting pot.
Around Victoria Road alone you can find the Glasgow office of Al Khair Foundation, an international Muslim NGO, the South East Integration Network, Glasgow Playscheme Association, South Seeds, the community newsroom of both local magazine Greater Govanhill and national investigative outlet The Ferret and the Sarwar Foundation, headed by the leader of Scottish Labour, Anas Sarwar.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Govanhill or a newcomer eager to immerse yourself in the local culture, these 20 experiences will put you on the right path to experiencing the very best of Govanhill.
1. Grabbed a gelato (not an ice cream) at Genesi’s Artisan Gelato
Forget your puny cones and 99’s - Genesi’s Artisan Gelato has got it going on. There’s something to be said about authentic Italian Gelato - it hits different on a sunny day in Queen’s Park - more than any cone from an ice cream van ever could.
2. Enjoy a jar at The Bell Jar
For fans of both pints and Sylvia Plath novels - we have the perfect pub for you. Its a popular spot in the Southside these days, and well worth the visit for a couple of jars.
3. Get groovy at Radio Buena Vida
Radio Buena Vida is a pretty unique concept, it's a studio / café where they broadcast worldwide from Victoria Road. Where else in Glasgow (or Britain for that matter) can you listen to live in-person radio while eating a roll and egg?
4. Get on your bike (for good) at bike for good
Bike for good is a charity that supports active travelling throughout Glasgow. Their Southside branch offers refurbished bikes (if you don't own a bike), cycling lessons (if you can't ride a bike), and even host bike-themed events. They also offering servicing, and allow their space to be used to fix your own bike, for free! There's never been a lower barrier to entry for getting cycling in Glasgow.