We can’t pry away our gamers from the 10 best arcades in Glasgow!
Are arcades still alive and kicking? They definitely are!
I’ve spent countless hours at various arcades, enjoying classic games and even the latest VR technology, and it never gets old. One of my favorite games is the old-school Street Fighter, where I love challenging my friends to see who can land the best combo.
If you’re a nostalgic gamer like me, check out these arcades in Glasgow!
R-CADE
– Media from rcadeglasgow
Website: https://www.rcadeglasgow.com/
Address: 121 Saltmarket
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM
R-CADE is a retro gaming lounge with over 20 classic consoles from Atari, Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, and Xbox and a library of 2,000+ games. Instead of coin operated machines, it offers original home consoles set up on vintage-style TVs.
I had a great time jumping between old favourites and games I’d never tried before. For £6 an hour, it was totally worth it, especially since I could request as many games as I wanted.
Pre-booking is required, and anyone of any age can visit before 7 PM, but after that, it’s for ages 18 and above only. Moreover, the venue is cashless, accepts only card payments, and offers private bookings for parties and events.
Pro Tips:
- Need a break from gaming? R-CADE’s cafe offers handmade sandwiches, hot toasties, and a great selection of coffee, tea, and treats.
- In the cafe area, you can also explore over 250 board games, card games, and tabletop games. For a £3 fee, you can play as many as you want for as long as you like.
NQ64
– Media from nq64arcadebars
Website: https://nq64.co.uk/glasgow/
Address: 11 Bell St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
NQ64 is a neon-lit arcade bar, packed with retro arcade machines, consoles, and game-themed cocktails. All arcade machines take tokens, which cost £10 for 20 and can be purchased at the bar, while the consoles are free to play with a drink purchase.
I spent time button-mashing through Tekken 3, testing out different characters and their moves. After that, I played the Spider-Man pinball machine and watched the ball bounce through scenes from the movies.
If you are planning a night out, you can book a table for a group or even hire the full venue! Walk-ins are welcome, but a Roam & Play booking guarantees entry, some tokens, and a couple of drinks starting at £18.
Pro Tip:
NQ64 is strictly 18+, so bring a physical passport or driving license as proof of age. Digital copies or photos will not be accepted at the door.
Level X
– Media from levelxplay
Website: https://levelx.co.uk/glasgow/
Address: 55 St Enoch Sq
Phone: +44 141 484 0333
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 10 AM to 1 AM
Level X offers arcade games, bowling, crazy golf, and high-energy VR experiences. The venue is spacious and easy to navigate, with clear signs for each activity.
I tried the VR Phenomena with a friend, and it was wild running around in a virtual world, dodging obstacles and taking on challenges. We also booked a karaoke pod and spent an hour singing our hearts out with disco lights flashing around us.
Price starts at £9 for bowling and £8.50 for VR, depending on the experience. Package deals are also available, like the Strike & Putt, which includes one game of bowling and one round of golf, or the Dynamic Trio, which adds a VR session to the mix.
Pro Tips:
- Take breaks between games to avoid fatigue, especially with intense activities like VR and bowling. Staying hydrated can also help keep your energy up.
- Some games may not be suitable for younger players, so it’s best to check age recommendations before playing. Parents are responsible for ensuring their kids choose appropriate games.
Super Bario
– Media from superbarioglasgow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superbarioglasgow/
Address: 7 King St
Phone: +27
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 2 PM to 11:30 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 2 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 11 PM
Super Bario combines retro gaming with a bar! The lineup of arcade cabinets covers everything from classic fighters to pinball machines, something that makes you relive your childhood favorites or try something new.
I’ve spent some nights here bouncing between Street Fighter and SEGA Rally. I always end up nursing a pint from their ever-changing craft beer list, and I once tried their Tonic the Hedgehog cocktail.
Machines take £1 coins, so it’s worth bringing some change, though there’s a cash machine nearby if you forget. It can get busy on weekends, and since it’s a small venue, finding a seat can be tricky if you arrive late.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning a visit, try going on a weekday evening when it’s quieter so you have more time on the machines. Also, keep an eye on their social media for special events or game tournaments.
Fayre Play
– Media from fayreplay
Website: https://thefayreplay.co.uk/glasgow/
Address: 124 Portman St, Kinning Park
Phone: +27
Operating Hours:
- Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Fayre Play is an adult-only arcade with fairground-style games, making it a bit different from the usual spots. It’s a mix of nostalgia and competition, with games like Skee-Baw, Slam Dunk, and Duck Hunt.
I went with some friends, and it was fun trying to beat each other’s score. The entry fee covers two rounds of all nine games, and while it took us about an hour and a half, we took breaks for food and drinks.
Walk-ins are allowed, but weekends can be busy, so booking ahead helps. There are also package options with drinks and food, and if you’re into prizes, you can win a duck plushie by either scoring high or getting lucky at the hook-a-duck game.
Pro Tips:
- Arriving early gives you time to grab a drink and get settled before the games begin. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, your slot isn’t guaranteed, but the front desk can check for alternatives.
- Bring a card or use contactless payment, as cash isn’t accepted. If you’re splitting the bill, separate card payments are no problem.
Hollywood Bowl
– Media from hollywoodbowluk
Website: https://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/glasgow-springfield-quay
Address: Springfield Quay, Kinning Park
Phone: +44 844 826 3015
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Friday – 10 AM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 12 AM
Hollywood Bowl’s arcade is packed with games, such as air hockey, racing simulators, claw machines, and more. Many machines let you win tickets, which you can trade in for prizes like sweets and headphones.
I went all in on the 10p pushers, convinced I could time my coins just right to send a wave of tickets over the edge. After a few near-misses, I finally hit the jackpot, and the machine spit out a steady stream of tickets while I scrambled to collect them.
Beyond the arcade, Hollywood Bowl offers plenty of other ways to have fun, including bowling lanes, pool tables, and a lively bar with a big-screen for sports watching. There’s also a free Wi-Fi and a diner serving up burgers, hot dogs, and snacks.
Pro Tip:
Save up your ticket receipts across multiple visits to trade them in for even bigger prizes. The more you collect, the better your reward.
Bowlarama
– Media from bowlaramaglasgow
Website: https://www.bowlarama.co.uk/
Address: 22 Glassford St
Phone: +44 141 553 1100
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 3 AM
Bowlarama is the first late-night boutique bowling alley in Scotland, offering experiences like bowling, batting cages, AR darts, and a lively arcade. The arcade features NBA hoops, air hockey, and retro pinball machines.
I couldn’t resist a few rounds of air hockey. It started as a casual game, but soon I was fully focused, trying to block every shot and score points. I recommend it for a quick game while waiting for your lane or just to add more excitement to the night.
Bowlarama has a kid-free zone policy after 6 PM, with under 18s required to leave by 8 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on weekends. If you’re feeling hungry, the kitchen serves food daily, with service available until 9 PM on weekdays and 10 PM on weekends.
Pro Tip:
Arrive at least 10 minutes in advance to make sure you get your full game time. Late arrivals might lose their spot.
Flip Out Glasgow
– Media from flipoutuk
Website: https://www.flipout.co.uk/locations/glasgow
Address: 89a Southcroft Rd, Rutherglen
Phone: +44 141 406 1600
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Flip Out Glasgow has a mix of trampolines, laser quest, bumper cars, and more to keep things exciting. It also features an arcade section upstairs, which is a nice break between activities or a fun way to wind down after bouncing around.
I ended up spending a good chunk of time in the arcade, trying out some of the racing games and classic shooters. The machines take tokens, which you can buy on-site.
The arcade is right next to the diner, so it’s easy to grab a drink or snack in between rounds. It’s not a big arcade, but it has enough variety to keep things interesting if you’re into casual gaming.
Pro Tip:
Flip Out Glasgow offers three quieter sessions a week for autistic children at a reduced rate (£7 per hour or £50 for 10 sessions). These run on Sundays (9 to 10 AM), and Tuesdays & Thursdays (7 to 8 PM)
Funstation Braehead
– Media from funstation_uk
Website: https://www.funstationuk.com/locations/braehead
Address: Unit 24, Xsite, King’s Inch Rd, Braehead
Phone: +44 141 886 2233
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Funstation is a fun-filled destination that offers carnival games, video games, and VR experiences.
During my visit, I loved the variety of attractions available for all ages. The dodgems were a lot of fun, and I couldn’t stop playing the prize-winning games in hopes of snagging a giant teddy bear!
Upon your arrival at Funstation, head over to the counter to grab your fun card and load it with tokens, with options like £1 for 4 tokens or £25 for 140 tokens. Once loaded, simply tap your card at the game you want to play and enjoy.
Pro Tip:
Check out the catalogue of the top prizes and request delivery directly to your location. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask at the store, and they’ll do their best to accommodate you.
Electric Thrill
– Media from electricthrillek
Website: https://electricthrill.co.uk/uk/east-kilbride/
Address: 2 Glenburn Rd, East Kilbride
Phone: +44 1355 201848
Operating Hours:
- Thursday & Friday – 3 PM to 8 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Electric Thrill offers a mix of arcade games, two themed 9-hole golf courses, and a diner. You can book your golf session online, while the arcade and diner are walk-in only.
I booked a party there, and the package included 18 holes of golf, a candy floss treat for guests, and a hot meal. We played through the Gamer and Galactic courses, enjoyed the delicious buffet, and spent time in the arcade after the golf.
For a casual visit, the cost for the arcade games ranges from 10p to £3 and the machines accept card payments. Additionally, the venue has free parking and lockers on site for storing personal belongings.
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of the family of 4 discounted pass for a fun, affordable outing. For groups over 20, email their events team at [email protected] to arrange your booking.