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Glasgow’s West End has been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods to live in the world by international travel and hospitality magazine Time Out.

In their annual 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world list, Time Out wrote: “Glasgow has changed. Whatever bad rep this portside city might once have had, it’s now one of the UK’s most exciting places to be – and nowhere in the city is cooler than the West End.

“With a healthy mix of students, families, and creatives, the community here is ever-evolving and ever-involved. It’s gorgeous to look at too – make sure to stop and take in the view of the gothic University of Glasgow, which towers above Kelvingrove Park.

Nestled in the popular (and eternally bustling) West End of Glasgow is Byres Road. It boasts some charming lanes that are complemented by fine restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. We recommend a visit to Ashton Lane as the day darkens as the location is lit up by fairy lights which create an ethereal atmosphere.

“On the West End’s streets, you’ll find trendy vegan coffee shops that share storefronts with decades-old second-hand bookshops – and it’s this blend that keeps the neighbourhood feeling fresh without losing its long-held local charm. It also boasts some of the city’s best eateries, such as local favourite Paesano on Great Western Road.”

Laureles in Medellin, Colombia, was number one on the list of coolest neighbourhoods, followed by Smithfield in Dublin, Ireland, Carabanchel in Madrid, Spain, Havnen in Copenhagen, Denmark and the Sheung Wan district of Hong Kong.

The West End of Glasgow was ranked 20th coolest neighbourhood in the world on the annual list, ahead of Sea Point in Cape Town, Neukölln in Berlin and Haut-Marais in Paris.

The magazine recommended these places to visit in the West End:

Starry Starry night vintage shop
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Loop & Scoop dessert takeaway on Great Western Road
Dinner at Ubiquitous Chip on Ashton Lane
A drink in Brel’s garden
Staying in the Alamo Guest House by Kelvingrove Park
Pizza from Paesano
The Botanic Gardens lit up for GlasGLOW

How the list was compiled by Time Out: “Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life.”

You can read the full list of 40 coolest neighbourhoods here.

West End is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world according Time Out magazine

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