There’s a long-standing rivalry between Scotland’s two largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh. However, if you want nightlife and a fun experience, there’s only one winner – and it isn’t the capital! Glasgow also has a world-class arts scheme and is famed for the architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
The vibrancy of this exciting city is reflected in the wide choice of vacation rentals in Glasgow. You can stay in the Great British tradition of a bed and breakfast, or go for something a little more trendy like a townhouse or flat.
Whatever fits best with your style, there’s an Airbnb in Glasgow for you. Keep reading this article to find it – as we’ve put together the 15 best properties in Scotland’s second city. Not only that, we’ve found five awesome Airbnb Experiences in Glasgow for you, too. Let’s jump straight in!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Glasgow
The Bantaskin Street Barn
- > $$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Self-built timber barn
- > Super fast Wifi
Cosy, warm room for travelers
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Shared kitchen
- > Free parking
Award Winning Mews Property
- > $$$$$$$$$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Open plan living area
- > Award-winning modern home
NoTree TreeHouse
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Glamping experience
- > Peaceful and basic
Petit Bijou Ensuite near BBC
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Eclectic shared space
- > Lots of house plants
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Glasgow
There is a wide range of Airbnbs in Glasgow. As a city with few hostels, that’s good news to backpackers and solo travellers. For those on a budget, bed and breakfasts or private rooms in local homes are the best way to go.
However, if you’re happy to splash out just that little bit more, you can get some seriously cool flats or townhouses in Glasgow.
In the majority of Glasgow’s Airbnbs, you’ll be dealing with private owners who can point you in the direction of the city’s hidden gems. However, for larger properties, you might be looking at businesses instead.
A bed and breakfast is a great option if you’re on a budget. More upmarket than an average hostel, and with much more character and personality than an inexpensive hotel, bed and breakfasts allow you to meet local people and have a warm and wholesome experience.
Glasgow is famed for its Victorian architecture, and there are many living examples of it in the city’s townhouses. Despite being built in the 19th century, they’re some of the coolest and most modern places to stay in town… at least inside!
Probably the most common type of Airbnb, entire flats can be anything from a cosy little nest for a loved-up couple to a rooftop apartment for you and all your friends. That’s the beauty – they’re just so versatile! They also suit a huge range of budgets.
We love a good deal!
We’ve included links to Booking.com as well throughout this post — as we have found many of the same properties available on Booking and they are usually at a cheaper price! We’ve included both button options where we can to give you the choice of where you book 🙂
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Glasgow
So, now that know what to expect from Airbnbs in Glasgow, it’s time to get down to the most important part of our list. You’re about to see the best 15 Airbnbs in Glasgow, chosen by our expert travel writers. Let’s go!
The Bantaskin Street Barn | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Glasgow
If you’re seeking the absolute best Airbnb in Glasgow for your Scotland getaway, look no further than this incredible self-made barn in the Maryhill section of the city. As the ONLY traditional timber frame barn in the area, this fantastic little listing has already been featured on Grand Designs: The Streets, and for good reason! Every last detail seems to have been thought out from the bedspreads and abundant indoor plant life to the fully-equipped kitchen and EPIC mezzanine.
With space for up to four guests, grab some friends or spread out in ultimate comfort with your significant other – the wooden soak tub and log-burning stove make for an incredibly cozy experience, especially during Scottish fall and winter. The glass gable and full-height ceilings bring in plenty of light year-round, and the incredible hosts have even added a fun karaoke machine. You’ll love the fact that there’s FREE parking for up to three cars, and despite feeling like you’re out in the woods somewhere, you’re but a short ride away from the city’s best things to do.
Cosy, warm room for travelers | Best Budget Airbnb in Glasgow
If you don’t fancy a pretty 25-minute walk out to this cute private room, you can just take the train one stop for Glasgow Central Station. Though the room is a little off the beaten track in terms of location, it makes up for it with value for money. You not only get a warm and spacious bedroom, but you can also enjoy a coffee with your host in their shared kitchen – a backpackers dream!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIAward Winning Mews Property | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Glasgow
It might be a lot of money, but it’s hard to deny that this is one of the most beautiful homes in Glasgow. No wonder it won awards for its design! The open plan living area makes it perfect for a group of friends or family to stay during their trip to Glasgow. No matter how gorgeous a house is, you will want to get out and explore the city, so it’s good to know you’re in a prime location to do that, too. While this place is no doubt suitable for groups, the host requests no parties.
NoTree TreeHouse | Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers
You know how we said that Airbnb offers unique properties? This is exactly the sort of thing we’re talking about. The no tree treehouse is a glamping experience set up in a local’s garden that will help you get away from the stresses of daily life. This cute little outbuilding has a double floor mattress, and you have access to the family home’s bathroom. This is a cool way to experience the outdoors right in the city centre.
Petit Bijou Ensuite near BBC | Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads
Being a digital nomad is great. As long as you have a laptop-friendly workspace and a rapid Wi-Fi connection, you can be anywhere. So, why not pick somewhere nice? This eclectic shared space is packed with houseplants and some rather odd curious, including a double bass. It’s quite an eccentric property! If you feel like getting out of the house, you have the Hydro and Film City nearby – or a subway can take you to other parts of the city.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Glasgow
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Glasgow!
The heart of the famous West End | Best Airbnb in Glasgow for Couples
Looking for the best Airbnbs in Glasgow for your couples’ getaway? Look no further than this beautiful flat in the city’s West End. It’s a wonderful location – you’ve got the Botanic Gardens right on your doorstep. What a view to wake up to! If you fancy a night in, there is a TV and Sonos Speakers to take advantage of. Anything we’ve missed? Oh yeah, you can park your car for free!
Modern Apartment in West End | Best Airbnb in Glasgow for Families
With room for five in this cosy West End flat, it’s perfect for families of all ages. One of the key features is that fully equipped kitchen. With this, you can save on the expense of visiting a restaurant by whipping up everyone’s favourite meal. When it comes to breakfast, that’s already there and waiting for you. If you’re planning on a lazy day in the flat, chill out in the living room – or if the weather permits it, enjoy the sun on the balcony.
Double Twin Room Ensuite | Best Bed and Breakfast in Glasgow
Perfect for a couple or two friends, this bed and breakfast is one of your cheapest options for an Airbnb in Glasgow. This one isn’t just open for breakfast – there’s a bar and restaurant too, which serves traditional bar food and Scottish classics. There are six bedrooms, so take a look at the other rooms if you’re solo or in a bigger group!
Spacious House in Southside of Glasgow | Best Townhouse in Glasgow
Head out of the city centre and south of the River Clyde for the best townhouse in Glasgow. Being able to split the already very inexpensive cost with four others makes this an absolute steal too. You still get value for money though – there’s a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen, and a pool table. And you won’t need to put a pound in every time you want a game!
West End Flat with Leafy Views | Best Entire Flat in Glasgow
Not only is this the best entire flat in Glasgow, it’s also an Airbnb Plus. That means its hosts are known for attention to detail and their great reviews. And you can see that attention to detail in the design! There’s room for five guests in this Victorian-style apartment, which offers lovely views of the West End and university from its large living room windows.
Beautiful Apartment Rose Street | Best Airbnb in Glasgow for Nightlife
Glasgow has the best nightlife in Scotland by some stretch. But where do you stay if you want to enjoy its pubs and clubs? This apartment just off Rose Street is an entire place – so no need to disturb your hosts when coming in at the early hours of the morning. The important thing is that there’s a comfortable living room where you can recover from your hangover – ideally with a greasy breakfast whipped up in the kitchen!
Unique Church Conversion | Most Unique Airbnb in Glasgow
There aren’t a whole load of churches in Glasgow that are open for tourists to stay in, so book this property quickly if you like it. Despite retaining an old and well-cared for exterior, the inside is modern. With high ceilings, white wood flooring, and big comfy beds set around the fully equipped kitchen, it really is a spectacular place to stay. There’s space for 6 guests – so good for groups or families.
Explore Glasgow from a pristine houseboat | Best Airbnb Plus in Glasgow
As we said before, only the best properties get featured on Airbnb Plus. And it just so happens that this is a pretty unique property, too. Rather than an entire flat or a townhouse, this is a traditional houseboat on the Glasgow canal! This beautiful Dutch barge has a wood-burning stove, porthole windows, and a fully equipped kitchen. It would suit a small family or group of friends, as one of the rooms features twin beds.
Stunning flat in Merchant City | Best Airbnb for a Weekend in Glasgow
Merchant City is right in the heart of Glasgow, and it’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, and several breweries. It’s also got many of the city’s awesome restaurants, bars, and pubs on the doorstep. The flat has huge windows and lets in a lot of light, so there’s a comfortable living area as well as a squishy queen bed. A weekend in Glasgow is best spent at this stunning home.
Stunning Finnieston Flat | Best Airbnb in Glasgow for a Group of Friends
Last but not least is this gorgeous apartment in the Finnieston area of the city. There’s no danger that you’ll get bored, and it’s a wonderful spot to have a few drinks before heading on a night out. Enjoy a drinking game with the board games in the cupboard and the honesty bar – just make sure to pay a fair amount, of course. You’ll have to be quick if you like this place, as it gets booked up pretty quickly.
What To Pack For Glasgow
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Glasgow Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Glasgow Airbnbs
Well, there you have it. Not only have you seen the 15 best Airbnbs in Glasgow, but the most fun and engaging experiences you can do there too. We’re sure you’ve found something that will suit your travel style and budget, but let us give you one more piece of advice if you’re still struggling to decide.
Go for our overall best Airbnb in Glasgow: the Bantaskin Barn. It’s in a wonderful location, has fantastic hosts, and is beautifully designed from scratch. In short, it’s the perfect base for your Scottish adventure!
To have a safe trip as well as a fun one, be sure to take out a travel insurance policy with World Nomads. We hope you have a wonderful time!
- Check out our Backpacking Scotland guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Glasgow guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in Glasgow too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the Scotland.
