Feb 18, 2025

Book Swap Glasgow

Library in a garden

"I always pop up at Glasgow's "Book Swap" in the East End to see what's new. The concept is simple: leave one, take one. Really nice initiative!"

This little gem was added during the lockdown when the Glasgow community in the Dennistoun neighbourhood started some swap book libraries around the area. The very first one was on a bench outside Alexandra Park.

However, we all know how temperamental the weather is in Glasgow and the books needed a better and drier home. This little Book Swap Library was built as a lockdown project, it's located in the East End of the city and I always pop by to see what the latest additions to the collection are. The concept is simple: Leave one, Take one. It's free of charge and you can leave and take as many books as you wish, but bear in mind that it's a small library!

It's a really nice initiative and a great addition to the local area. If you're a local and need some budget-friendly new books make sure to pop by. If you are visiting Glasgow and you happen to finish a book at the same time, pop by, swap your old book for a new one and go enjoy it at a nearby park.

If the little library is not a good enough reason to stop by these gardens, I should also mention that there are many dogs being walked here every day!

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Onslow Square

£

free

Find your way with 142 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Glasgow guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Glasgow

Glasgow Wake Park

Wakeboarding in the canals

"Glasgow Wake Park" is the first Scottish wake park. It's in one of my favorite areas in Glasgow and a must-visit for anyone who wants to try something new

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Caterina

Carpenzano

Mar 15, 2025

Glasgow Film Theatre

Best cinema in town!

Glasgow Film Theatre is the city's original independent cinema. I like it for the quality films, its film festival and freebies on special days!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
008-ticket
Cinema

By

Gill

Davies

Mar 14, 2025

Park Lane Market

Southside pop-up market

"Park Lane Market" is situated in the Southside of Glasgow. It's the perfect spot to meet the locals & discover some cool art and support local businesses.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Caterina

Carpenzano

Mar 9, 2025

Ca' D'Oro

19th-century building

The "Ca' D'oro" is a really cool piece of 19th-century architecture. It was designed by the Glaswegian architect John Honeyman. Notice the reflections...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Caterina

Carpenzano

Mar 9, 2025

Te Seba

Delicious pasta and Prosecco

"Te Seba" in Glasgow is my favourite place for when I'm craving some delicious, fresh pasta like Nonna makes it...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Caterina

Carpenzano

Mar 9, 2025

People’s Palace

Social history

"People’s Palace and Winter Gardens" in Glasgow is one of my favorite museums and the glasshouse is a great warm oasis on a rainy or wintery day...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Ηelene

Αudureau

Mar 8, 2025

Pollok Park

Running spot in the Southside

"Pollok Park" is one of my favourite running spots in Glasgow. My favorite thing is coming on a sunny day and going Highland Cow spotting!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Caterina

Carpenzano

Mar 3, 2025

Cuningar Loop

Outdoor bouldering

"Cuningar Loop" in Glasgow is a woodland park surrounded by the River Clyde and a hotspot for bouldering enthusiasts of all levels!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Caterina

Carpenzano

Mar 3, 2025

Rickshaw & Co.

Freshest Curry in the West End

Rickshaw & Co. in Glasgow's West End offers vibrant Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, from must-try Bel Puri to award-winning fragrant curries.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Fraser

Strachan

Feb 24, 2025

University Avenue

Historic Glasgow Buildings

Stroll down University Avenue in Glasgow to admire 500 years of architecture, from the historic University Building to the modern expansions of today.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Fraser

Strachan

Feb 24, 2025

Stewart Memorial Fountain

Glasgow Spot in Nature

The Stewart Memorial Fountain in Kelvingrove Park is a peaceful spot to relax, read, or enjoy pizza from Dough Man’s Land while watching life go by.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Fraser

Strachan

Feb 24, 2025

La Bodega

Elite empanadas in Dennistoun Glasgow

La Bodega in Dennistoun serves top-notch Venezuelan coffee, tajada arepas, black bean empanadas, and pabellón arepas — perfect for a delicious meal!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Fraser

Strachan

Feb 24, 2025

Heading to Glasgow?

142 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Glasgow?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

142 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Glasgow

Get to know our other Spotters from Glasgow

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
7286
Filters