If like me, you live an hour or two away from Glasgow, and treat it as more of a day out rather than just going for the Fitba.
Here’s a guide as to what you can do before and after the games. The Pubs and areas that are good to get you in the mood and the places you can go to after the match is done.
Pre Game
As most of you know, Glasgow is a very vibrant City. The Transport links are very good with plenty of trains, buses and taxi’s to get you around. Depending on how you arrive in the city, I would suggest a few bars right in the city centre before heading towards Paradise.
St Vincent’s (142b St Vincent Street) and Malone’s (57-59 Sauchiehall Lane) Bars are a great choice. You’ll find like minded Celtic fans in both these bars with live music, competitive prices and a friendly atmosphere in both. I attended Malone’s myself yesterday and the kids were welcome also.
After that you could head to George Square which is 5/10 minutes walking distance. Again, there is usually something on for visitors. A live band event was on yesterday and in the Winter months they usually put a “Winter Wonderland” on which consists of an ice rink and lots of stuff for the family to do.
The Gallowgate area is then a further ten minutes away which gets you closer to Celtic Park and again, it will be full of Celtic fans with most of the bars belting out music and again, you’ll be made to feel very welcome. The bars in the Gallowgate are cheaper than the city centre but it’s difficult to get children into most of these bars. A Security presence is usually on most doors, especially after the games.
Post match
After the game you can do the reverse really, however, if you are feeling a wee bit hungry, the Forge is just across from the Stadium and it has a couple of places to eat if you fancy it. There’s a McDonald’s or a Pizza Hut, both I can recommend for something quick and easy.
If it’s something filling you want then there’s “The World Buffet” restaurant’s dotted around the City. There’s 3 of them. 410 Sauchiehall Street, 90 Renfield Street and 251 Paisley Rd.
If you go straight home or back to the Hotel after the match then there’s Celtic Podcasts that you could listen to. The best one out there for pre match for me is the OAO one on spreaker which always gets you in the mood. The most rounded one for interviews, music and politics is Paul Dyke’s one.
Next: Takeaways from Celtic's crazy draw with St. Johnstone
Whatever you do pre and post match in Glasgow I’m sure you’ll enjoy. The place is vibrant, friendly and there’s lots to do. Enjoy your stay, explore it and enjoy it. It may just surprise you.