An informally-defined area of Glasgow which forms a second centre for the city, the West End lies 2 miles (3 km) west northwest of George Square. It spreads west from Charing Cross and Garnethill, and is made up of a number of distinct and distinctive districts including Broomhill, Dowanhill, Finnieston, Hillhead, Hyndland, Kelvingrove, Kelvinhaugh, Kelvinside, Park, Partick and Woodlands. Byres Road with its restaurants and bars is at its cultural heart. Other main thoroughfares include Great Western Road and Dumbarton Road. The area is characterised by its Victorian architecture and blocks of large flats which are popular with students and young professionals. The principal campus of the University of Glasgow is located here, bisected by University Avenue.
Attractions and facilities include Glasgow Botanic Garden, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Kelvingrove Park, Oran Mor, Cottiers Theatre, the Riverside Museum and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. Behind Byres Road is the popular Ashton Lane, a cobbled backstreet noted for its bustling nightlife and licensed cinema. Glasgow Underground provides connectivity across the West End, with stops at St. George's Cross, Kelvinbridge, Hillhead, Kelvinhall and Partick.
