The Lighthouse Glasgow

My top city view

Ηelene from Glasgow

"I always pop in "The Lighthouse" in Glasgow when I'm in the area. I love climbing up the beautiful spiral tower staircase and enjoying the view..."

(TEMPORARY CLOSURE) When I find myself in Glasgow City Center, I always try to pop in the Lighthouse, an interesting venue situated in the well-hidden Mitchell lane, off the busy Buchanan Street, one of the most famous streets in Scotland.

The original building was the first public commission whose prominent Tower was designed in 1895 by the famous architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh (as a water tank to protect the former Glasgow Herald newspaper). The building has since been transformed into Scotland's Center of Design and Architecture, now promoting exhibitions and events.

Probably my favorite experience here is climbing around the beautiful spiral tower staircase to reach the outside view over the city. Be prepared for a lot of steps, but the 360-degree view is worth the effort! You can reach it from the 3rd floor. If you are interested in the work and life of Charlie Mackintosh, do not miss the gallery on the 3rd floor!

Entrance to the Lighthouse is free and it is a great start to a C.R Mackintosh tour of the city. And only a hundred metres away, on Sauchiehall Street, you can treat yourself at the Willow Tea Rooms. the only surviving example of Mackintosh tea room design (REOPENED IN DECEMBER 2021).

Art & culture

Coffee & tea

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Glasgow Spotter Ηelene

About me Originally from France, I left Paris to move to Glasgow in 2015 and fell in love with the country. I teach French to foreigners and have a passion for languages, film, and photography. I am currently studying for a Master’s in film curation, have organized a few film events and contribute to a Scottish art magazine. I am drawn to the outdoors, love Scotland’s wilderness and forces of nature. I fancy hillwalking and road trips to Northern territories and feel great on top of a mountain. My goal is to take as many ferries as I can to reach each of the many Scottish i...

About this spot

Mitchell Lane 11

free

Website

1412765365

Oct 11, 2025

Our Glasgow City Guide

Find your way with 147 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

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

Discover all other hidden gems in Glasgow

Five March

The perfect spot for sharing food

"Five March" in Glasgow is my favourite brunch spot - they have such an amazing food menu and their cocktails are super delicious!

Bars

Restaurants

Caterina

Carpenzano

Nov 22, 2025

Street Art

Graffiti ceramics

This ceramic street art piece made me want to keep my eyes peeled to notice every hidden work I could find in Glasgow!

Art & culture

Relaxing

Caterina

Carpenzano

Nov 19, 2025

East End View

My favourite sunset spot

This view over the East End in Glasgow is amazing on a clear day. The pictures really don't do it justice...

Relaxing

Caterina

Carpenzano

Nov 19, 2025

Queen's Park

Viewpoint

"Queen's Park" in Glasgow is a must-visit, especially on a clear day! If you're visiting in winter, don't forget to bring your sledge/skis/snowboard!

Relaxing

Caterina

Carpenzano

Nov 17, 2025

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

Relaxing

Caterina

Carpenzano

Nov 14, 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!

Art & culture

Bars

Cinema

Gill

Davies

Nov 13, 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.

Art & culture

Coffee & tea

Shopping

Snacks

Caterina

Carpenzano

Nov 8, 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...

Art & culture