7 things to do in Glasgow at night
Looking for things to do in Glasgow at night? You’re in luck: planning a night out around Merchant City couldn’t be easier.
Everything you need is clustered within a short stroll of 36 Bell Street, from the basement laughs at Blackfriars (home of Stuart Mitchell’s comedy nights) to live-music spots and late-night stargazing in the Planetarium.
Today, we’ll be zeroing in on the places you can realistically walk to from Bell Street. Expect a mix of dependable, local favourites with after-hours options for something a bit different.
1. Stuart Mitchell Comedy Club
Address: 36 Bell Street, Glasgow, G1 1LG
Start the night with laughs on your doorstep.
The Stuart Mitchell Comedy Club (at Blackfriars of Bell Street) is one of our favourite things to do in Glasgow at night, especially if you’re in the mood for fearless fun and some of the country’s best cabaret comedy acts.
In this intimate basement room (purpose-built for stand-up), you’ll find regular bills mixed with touring headliners and rising local talent. Expect runtimes of about 60–90 minutes and strictly 18+ entry (you’ll even see work from Stuart himself).
You’re already in the heart of Glasgow’s cultural quarter, so why not pair a show with pre- or post-gig bites from the Blackfriars bar upstairs, then spill straight back out onto Bell Street to keep the night going?
2. Bar 91
Address: 91 Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NP
As one of Glasgow’s go-to hangouts for over 27 years, Bar 91 is one of the best spots for a pre-show pint or a quick nightcap among Merchant City’s locals.
This sport-loving, dog-friendly bar has it all: authentic Scottish breakfasts (vegan and veggie options, too) and every pint you love on draught.
You’ll find Bar 91 open until midnight, Tuesday through Thursday, with late finishes at 1am on Friday and Saturday. They’re a handy stop when you’re not quite ready to call it a night.
3. The Polo Lounge
Address: 191 Ingram St, Glasgow G1 1DA
Ready for as much dancing and cheesy pop music as you can handle? A Glasgow nightlife staple just around the corner from Bell Street, The Polo Lounge is a late-night, LGBTQ+ inclusive venue spread over two floors with multiple rooms.
You’ll find the Polo Lounge, Riding Room, Polo Club and Club X, each dialling up a different party mood.
Check out what’s on: there are themed events every week, so if you want R&B on Monday and 90s bangers on Thursdays, you’ll keep everyone happy. If you’re planning a detour after the comedy, don’t forget to reserve spaces for groups.
4. Committee Room No.9
Address: 18 John St, Glasgow G1 1JQ
Ever wished you could combine the old-school character of a Glasgow pub with a sports bar? Two minutes’ walk from Bell Street is Committee Room No.9, a roomy city-centre spot where traditional pub classics are a guarantee.
Look inside, where you’ll enjoy fast bar service and big screens showing live sport (before the DJs take over at the weekend).
It’s family-friendly until the evening, then shifts gears with later openings on Fridays and Saturdays. Plus, there’s a solid menu of easy crowd-pleasers if you want something substantial before the comedy.
5. La Cheetah
Address: 73 Queen St, Glasgow G1 3BZ
If you’re eager to see some of Glasgow’s most exciting electronic artists, you’ll find them in La Cheetah.
Just a short walk from Bell Street, this cult 200-cap basement beneath Max’s Bar has ambitious events programming that will keep you coming back for more.
La Cheetah leans towards quality over celebrity, which is why you’ll experience the magic of discerning resident DJs and late finishes that attract hundreds of people every week.
When you’re looking for things to do in Glasgow at night that keep the focus firmly on music, visit La Cheetah (after the comedy, of course).
6. Gallery of Modern Art
Address: 111 Queen St, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH
Set beneath the neoclassical columns of Royal Exchange Square, you’ll find the Gallery of Modern Art (or GoMA, for short).
A ten-minute wander from Bell Street brings you to this atmospheric spot. Glasgow’s GOMA looks particularly grand at night, when the Duke of Wellington’s cone-crowned statue stands sentry.
Day to day, GoMA keeps conventional museum hours (generally 10:00–17:00, with 11:00–17:00 on Fridays and Sundays), but it does stage occasional after-hours ‘GoMA late’ events with exhibition access, music, talks and hands-on workshops.
7. Science Centre: Science Lates/Planetarium Lates
Address: Science Centre, 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA
When you’re ready to take the night in a different direction, cross the Clyde to Glasgow Science Centre for its after-hours programmes. Science Lates are adult-only themed evenings that are truly ‘out of this world’.
Themes change through the year, so you might find forensic-science mysteries one month and special screenings the next; check the listings for the latest programme.
Or, if you’re more into stargazing, Planetarium Lates run as presenter-led shows in the dome. Fly through the best of recent space discoveries and seasonal constellations in this hour-long atmospheric session.
Head to Stuart Mitchell’s Comedy Club for your next late night in Glasgow!
It’s time to lock in the laughs. Book your seats at Stuart Mitchell’s Comedy Club and build your night out in Glasgow around a brilliant, intimate show just steps away from Merchant City.
Grab tickets to special themed nights and seasonal shows (that sell fast), then sort pre- and post-show plans upstairs at Blackfriars or at any of the nearby spots in our guide.
