Fun, competitive and full of nostalgia, arcades are always a great choice for a day or night out. And whether you're looking for some indoor family fun or a cool adults-only bar that lets you unleash your inner big kid, there are plenty of places in the city to do it.
We've rounded up the very best spots, from graffiti-covered cocktail bars with retro machines to kid-friendly amusements. So if you're looking for an arcade in Glasgow, read on to discover your new favourite.
Best Arcades Glasgow Has To Offer
NQ64
- Address: Merchant Square, 11 Bell Street, G1 1NU
- Best for: themed cocktails and Instagrammable interiors
NQ64 is known up and down the UK for its quirky approach to nights out, promising a bar full of old-school arcade games and consoles. Their Merchant City outpost is covered in neon graffiti, making for the ultimate photo backdrop, and on the entertainment front they've got everything from Dance Dance Revolution to Time Crisis 3 and Mortal Kombat.
Grab tokens to play the retro machines, or use any of the consoles for free - guaranteeing a hit of nostalgia with either. The cocktails are a real highlight of this venue, themed around classic games. We're talking Aku Aku Fruit Punch, Powerstar martinis or a Donkey Kolada.
Sip themed cocktails while you play in this neon-covered palace.
Fayre Play
- Address: 124 Portman Street, G41 1EJ
- Best for: retro fairground vibes and winning prizes
One of the best arcade bars in Glasgow, Southside destination Fayre Play is an adults-only fairground that offers a totally unique games experience. It's got all your favourites with some fun twists thrown in, such as Bulls AYE, Slam Drunk and Lucky Tosser.
Perfect for date night or a fun group outing, this colourful spot will keep you entertained for hours, with cracking prizes to be won. They've got street food like hot dogs and burgers to keep you fuelled, as well as cool cocktails - from the Toffee Appletini to a Hubba Bubble.
Fayre Play is an adults-only venue for big kids.
Level X
- Address: St Enoch Centre, 55 St Enoch Square, G1 4BW
- Best for: trying out lots of different games
One of the best indoor arcades in Glasgow city centre, Level X is a Merchant City gem. This quirky spot is decorated with colourful, neon graffiti, and they've got all the activities you could ask for. From bowling to golf and VR experiences, and a whole lot of arcade machines of course, there's something for everyone here.
Load up your card with arcade credits and let loose on their single and multiplayer games. There's even a go-karting track here, while the bar slings out killer cocktails, beers and delicious milkshakes - catering for all ages.
From bowling to VR experiences, Level X is more than just your average Glasgow arcade.
R-Cade
- Address: 146 Saltmarket, G1 5NF
- Best for: affordable gaming, food and drinks
A retro arcade in Glasgow city centre, R-Cade boasts games that span the last five decades. They've got everything from Super Mario Bros and Pac-Man right through to Halo on the Xbox, with hand-crafted cabinets that contain the consoles. You'll find pop culture artefacts lining the walls, making for a nostalgic day out.
They often host events too, from themed costume nights to gaming workshops. You can secure some truly affordable food and drink throughout the day, sourced from local Scottish suppliers. This includes toasted New Yorker sandwiches, noodles and sweet treats, with a fully vegan menu available too.
This nostalgic haunt is great for an affordable outing.
Super Bario
- Address: 1 King Street, G1 5QZ
- Best for: late-night gaming
A cool bar in the heart of the city, Super Bario is filled to the brim with retro arcade machines. They've got all the classics, from Mortal Kombat II to Ridge Racer and Pong. There are cool posters lining the walls, all fitting the vintage gaming theme, and they're open until midnight most nights.
It's not all about the entertainment though, as they've got a brilliant range of beers too. They've got a selection of locally produced brews on offer, as well as some of the finest from around the world. Plus, there's local coffee to try out if you're after something booze-free.
Sip locally brewed beers while playing old-school games at Super Bario.
Hollywood Bowl
- Address: Springfield Quay, Kinning Park, G5 8NP
- Best for: winning a variety of prizes
One of the best arcades in Glasgow for kids, Hollywood Bowl is a fun, family destination in the Southside of the city. Though they may be best known for their bowling lanes, they've also got a huge amusements section, complete with classic games for all ages.
From 10p pushers to grabbers that let you win a toy, with some fantastic prizes up for grabs across the machines. Win as many tickets as you can, which can be exchanged for all sorts. Hungry? They're also cooking up the likes of sharing nachos, mozzarella sticks and chicken wings, alongside shakes, slushies and cheap cocktails.
Play arcade games and bowling at Glasgow's Hollywood Bowl.
Funstation
- Address: Unit 24, Xsite, King's Inch Road, Braehead, PA4 8XQ
- Best for: family days out
Located in Braehead, on the outskirts of the city, Funstation offers amusements in Glasgow that are suitable for all ages. Ideal for an outing with family or friends, this place allows you to load up tokens onto a card and let loose on their wide variety of games.
We're talking basketball machines, grabbers, racing simulators and so much more. Onsite, you'll also find mini bowling, dodgems and even a laser station, providing activities to suit everyone.
Whatever age you are, there's something for you at Funstation.
For even more fun, check out these bars with entertainment in Glasgow.
