Personal Safety in Glasgow and Other Warnings and Dangers

Warnings and Dangers in Glasgow Personal Safety

Gateway to the romantic highlands, Glasgow is ancient and beautiful with many parks and lots of museums. Like any other big city, caution should be taken when visiting here. Certain spots and areas are likelier to be more dangerous so it may be best to avoid them altogether or only visit during the daylight hours.

Avoiding Certain Sections

The city has much to see so any traveler can have days of fun. It is best for a traveler to keep away from some parts of the city as they do not have attractions that are of interest for tourists. Many local recommend avoiding certain parts of the city. For example, the surrounding areas of Possil and Springburn may have gang activities. Other areas that some people consider unsafe include nearby Lambhill, the small town of Cadder and the Maryhill area. Some parts of the immediate city may also be less than safe. Locals caution visitors to be very careful about include the area around Central Station and St. Enoch Square as they where many of the city’s homeless shelters are located. Many residents suggest sticking to areas such as good areas that are in the City centre, such as Bearsden and,Milngavie. Other, safer areas include Newton Mearns, Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch where crime rates tend to be much lower.

Be Particularly Cautious at Night

While many areas during the day can be quite safe, many such areas are far less safe at night, especially for the single or female traveler. Downtown Glasgow is home to many nightclubs, making this an appealing place to visit. However, it may be best to visit nightclubs in groups with others to help avoid pickpockets and muggers. The underground trains run frequently even at night but can be dangerous after 8 p.m. so again caution should be exercised. Drugs are common during this time of the day and drug users may approach subway travelers for money on the platform. Suburban areas can also be particularly dangerous at night. If you are staying away from the city center, consider taking taxi or a car home with others when returning to your hotel room. There are organized taxi queues where you can get a taxi even during the later hours of the night. This is a safe place to get a good ride home from a licensed driver.  Glasgow is home to some historic parks. While they may appear to be welcoming even at night, such parks are typically barely lit. Stay safe and only go there during the day.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about dangers in Glasgow.