Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow
A majestic Victorian square in Glasgow featuring grand architecture, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the iconic Duke of Wellington statue.
Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow is a distinguished Victorian public square renowned for its grand architecture and cultural significance. At its heart stands the former Royal Exchange building, now home to the Gallery of Modern Art, surrounded by elegant 19th-century terraces and marked by the iconic Duke of Wellington statue. This vibrant square links major shopping streets and offers a blend of history, art, and urban charm in Scotland’s largest city.
A brief summary to Royal Exchange Square
- Glasgow, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Gallery of Modern Art for free contemporary and historical art exhibitions.
- Don’t miss the Duke of Wellington statue, famous for its playful traffic cone hat.
- Explore the surrounding Victorian terraces to appreciate Glasgow’s 19th-century architectural heritage.
- Morning visits on weekdays offer fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Glasgow Subway to Buchanan Street station, then walk approximately 7 minutes through pedestrian-friendly streets to reach Royal Exchange Square. Subway tickets cost around £2.50-£5.00 depending on ticket type.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve stops near Royal Exchange Square, including services from Glasgow Central Station. Travel time ranges from 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. A single bus fare costs approximately £2.00-£3.00.
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Walking
From Glasgow Central Station, a 15-minute walk along well-paved, urban streets leads to Royal Exchange Square. The route is accessible with flat terrain and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Royal Exchange Square location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Royal Exchange Square
Architectural Heritage and Urban Setting
Royal Exchange Square is a prominent public square located in the city centre of Glasgow, nestled between Buchanan Street and Queen Street. It serves as a historic gateway linking several key thoroughfares, including Ingram Street and George Square. The square is framed by imposing Victorian terraces designed by noted architects such as David Hamilton and Archibald Elliot II, whose work in the early 19th century reflects the grandeur and prosperity of Glasgow during the industrial era. The classical design elements, including Corinthian columns and pilasters, create a majestic streetscape that exemplifies Italian Renaissance Revival influences.The Former Royal Exchange Building’s Evolution
At the centre of the square stands the former Royal Exchange building, originally constructed as the mansion of tobacco lord William Cunninghame between 1778 and 1780. This mansion was later transformed by architect David Hamilton in 1829 into a mercantile exchange where merchants traded commodities such as cotton, coal, iron, and sugar. The building’s imposing double portico and cupola became symbols of Glasgow’s commercial might. Over time, the building’s function shifted from a bustling exchange to housing the city’s first telephone exchange in 1880, then serving as Stirling’s Library from 1954, and since 1996, it has been the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), a major cultural institution showcasing contemporary and historical artworks.Iconic Landmarks and Artistic Features
One of the square’s most famous features is the bronze equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, created by Carlo Marochetti and erected in 1844. The statue, perched on a tall granite plinth adorned with bronze reliefs depicting battles such as Assaye and Waterloo, has become a beloved Glasgow icon, often humorously topped with a traffic cone. The statue and the surrounding square provide a lively urban atmosphere, blending historic grandeur with local character and wit.Cultural Significance and Visitor Experience
Royal Exchange Square is a cultural hub in Glasgow, attracting art lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts alike. The Gallery of Modern Art offers free entry to diverse exhibitions, making contemporary art accessible in a setting steeped in history. The square’s elegant architecture and vibrant street life create an inviting space for socializing, events, and photography. Its central location makes it a natural meeting point and a gateway to exploring Glasgow’s rich architectural and commercial heritage.Historical Context and Economic Legacy
The square’s origins are deeply tied to Glasgow’s rise as a commercial powerhouse in the 18th and 19th centuries. The wealth generated by tobacco and sugar trades, notably linked to William Cunninghame, fueled the city’s expansion and architectural ambitions. The Royal Exchange building itself embodies this legacy, transitioning from a merchant’s mansion to a commercial exchange and later a cultural venue. The square thus encapsulates Glasgow’s evolution from mercantile hub to modern metropolis.Architectural Details and Surrounding Structures
Surrounding the square are Georgian terraces and former bank offices, including the Royal Bank of Scotland’s early Glasgow branch, which contribute to the cohesive historic streetscape. The architectural detailing—fluted Corinthian columns, giant pilasters, arched windows, and a circular tempietto—reflects the neoclassical tastes of the period and the city’s aspiration to civic grandeur. These features make Royal Exchange Square a showcase of 19th-century urban design and craftsmanship in Glasgow.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Walter Scott Monument
0.2 km
A towering Gothic tribute to Sir Walter Scott in Glasgow’s historic George Square, celebrating Scotland’s literary heritage.
Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow
0.3 km
Explore Glasgow's rich history with guided walking tours that reveal the city's hidden gems and captivating stories.
St George's Tron Church of Scotland
0.3 km
Historic Presbyterian church with iconic Baroque tower, rooted in Glasgow’s evangelical heritage and vibrant city centre life.
ToursByLocals - Glasgow
0.4 km
Discover Glasgow's rich culture and hidden gems through personalized tours with local experts at ToursByLocals.
Glasgow Police Museum
0.5 km
Explore the unique history of law enforcement at the Glasgow Police Museum, a must-see destination for history lovers and curious travelers alike.
Glasgow City Heritage Trust
0.6 km
Explore Glasgow's rich history with the Glasgow City Heritage Trust, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the city's architectural and cultural heritage.
Strath Wonderwall Mural - Land Ship
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant Strath Wonderwall Mural in Glasgow, a stunning street art piece that reflects the city's creative spirit and cultural richness.
Tolbooth Steeple
0.7 km
Glasgow’s iconic 17th-century Tolbooth Steeple stands tall as a historic clock tower and enduring symbol of the city’s rich civic past.
St Andrew's in the Square - Glasgow
0.8 km
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Glasgow at St Andrew's in the Square, a historic venue for art, community events, and weddings.
Barrowland Park
0.8 km
Experience the charm of Barrowland Park, Glasgow's vibrant oasis featuring art, play areas, and a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage.
McLennan Arch
0.8 km
A neoclassical sandstone archway marking Glasgow Green’s historic entrance, embodying the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
The Glenlee Propellers
0.9 km
Discover the Glenlee Propellers, iconic steel relics symbolizing Glasgow’s proud shipbuilding heritage and maritime history.
McLellan Galleries
0.9 km
Victorian art gallery turned creative workspace, preserving Glasgow's 19th-century cultural ambitions.
The Glasgow School of Art
1.0 km
Mackintosh's revolutionary masterpiece where Scottish baronial tradition meets modernist vision.
Glasgow 2014 Monument
1.0 km
A bold, colourful sculpture celebrating Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games, where sport, art and civic pride come together in a striking riverside landmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gallery of Modern Art
0.0 km
Scotland’s premier modern art gallery in a grand neoclassical building, offering free entry to diverse contemporary artworks and vibrant cultural programs.
Equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, Glasgow
0.0 km
A historic Glasgow landmark where imperial legacy meets playful rebellion, crowned by its famous traffic cone hat.
The Social
0.0 km
Discover The Social, Glasgow's lively bar and grill, offering delicious food, live music, and a warm, inviting atmosphere in Royal Exchange Square.
Good as Gold Street Art
0.1 km
A witty mural in Glasgow’s city center humorously capturing the soaring price of Freddo chocolates as a symbol of inflation.
Princes Square Shopping Centre
0.1 km
A stunning blend of Victorian elegance, luxury shopping, and fine dining beneath Glasgow’s iconic glass roof.
55 Argyll Arcade
0.1 km
Scotland’s oldest covered arcade, Argyll Arcade dazzles with historic charm and a premier collection of jewellers in Glasgow’s heart.
Bronze 3D Map of City Centre
0.1 km
Explore Glasgow’s city centre through a unique, tactile bronze 3D map blending art, accessibility, and urban history at Buchanan Street.
James Watt Statue
0.1 km
Discover the iconic James Watt Statue in Glasgow’s George Square, honoring the engineer who powered the Industrial Revolution with his steam engine innovation.
Buchanan St
0.2 km
Glasgow’s vibrant pedestrian shopping street blending historic charm, diverse retail, lively entertainment, and cultural landmarks.
Argyll Arcade
0.2 km
Scotland's diamond epicenter: Victorian arcade brimming with luxury jewelry, watches, and bespoke sparkle in Glasgow's heart.
Tobacco Merchant's House
0.2 km
Glasgow’s last 18th-century tobacco merchant villa, a preserved Georgian gem and vivid reminder of the city’s mercantile and colonial past.
The Lighthouse
0.2 km
Discover Glasgow’s iconic design centre with stunning Mackintosh architecture and panoramic city views from a historic spiral staircase.
Merchants House of Glasgow
0.2 km
A historic Victorian venue in Glasgow’s city centre offering elegant event spaces and a charitable mission in the heart of George Square.
George Square
0.2 km
George Square – Glasgow’s iconic civic heart, where history, architecture, and vibrant public life converge in the city centre.
All Bar One Glasgow
0.2 km
Explore the vibrant atmosphere of All Bar One Glasgow, where wine lovers unite for exceptional drinks and delicious tapas in the heart of the city.
Essential places to dine
Glaschu Restaurant & Bar
0.1 km
Elegant modern Scottish dining in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Royal Exchange Square with a stylish atmosphere and locally inspired cuisine.
Ralph & Finns
0.1 km
Elegant modern Scottish dining and creative cocktails in a historic Glasgow Merchant City setting.
The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow
0.1 km
Glamorous Glasgow brasserie with art deco charm, reliable British cooking, and cocktails in a converted bank.
La Vita
0.1 km
Authentic stone-baked Italian pizzas and classic dishes served in Glasgow’s vibrant city centre, open daily from early morning to late night.
The Citizen Glasgow
0.1 km
Historic charm meets modern Scottish cuisine in a stylish city-center restaurant with a warm, lively atmosphere.
The Anchor Line
0.1 km
Historic grill and cocktail bar in a 1906 Edwardian shipping company headquarters with nautical charm.
The Spanish Butcher Glasgow
0.1 km
Savor premium Galician beef and Spanish flavors in a chic, industrial-style steakhouse at Glasgow’s vibrant city centre.
Las Iguanas - Glasgow
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of Latin America in the heart of Glasgow with bold dishes and irresistible cocktails.
Sugo Pasta
0.2 km
Fresh, handmade regional Italian pasta in a lively, modern Glasgow setting – no bookings, just great pasta and a buzzing atmosphere.
Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos
0.2 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean tapas and inventive cocktails in Glasgow’s charming Merchant City hotspot, Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos.
Browns Glasgow
0.2 km
Historic charm meets contemporary British cuisine in the heart of Glasgow’s George Square at Browns Brasserie & Bar.
Windows Restaurant
0.2 km
Glasgow’s only rooftop restaurant offering modern European cuisine with panoramic city views atop the Carlton George Hotel.
Mediterraneo Italian Restaurant & Champagne Bar
0.3 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors and elegant champagne moments in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant city centre.
Amarone
0.3 km
Stylish Italian dining with open kitchens, vibrant flavors, and a lively atmosphere in Glasgow’s Merchant City.
Chaophraya
0.3 km
Elegant Thai dining in a grand Glasgow townhouse, known for its cocktails and dramatic interior.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fat Buddha Store
0.0 km
Glasgow's ultimate streetwear haven: premium menswear, spray paints, vinyl toys, and urban essentials across three vibrant floors since 2006.
Geek-aboo
0.1 km
Dive into Glasgow's ultimate geek haven: official merch, epic collectibles, and gaming events from your favorite franchises await at Geek-aboo.
Eurasia Crafts
0.1 km
Discover handcrafted wonders from Eurasia in a cozy Glasgow gem—unique gifts, artisan stories, and cultural treasures await on elegant Queen Street.
Osiris - Alternative Fashion Store
0.1 km
A compact, characterful alternative-fashion and curios shop on Queen Street specialising in goth, emo and eclectic accessories.
Primark
0.2 km
Vast budget fashion haven on Glasgow's Argyle Street: trendy clothes, beauty, home goods, and more in a wheelchair-accessible city-center mega-store.
Tartan Tastic Gift & Souvenirs
0.2 km
Discover authentic Scottish tartan treasures and traditional gifts in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Queen Street.
House of Fraser
0.2 km
Discover Glasgow’s historic House of Fraser on Buchanan Street, a vibrant hub for fashion, beauty, and homewares since 1849.
House Of Cashmere Glasgow
0.2 km
Discover authentic Scottish cashmere craftsmanship and timeless luxury in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant city centre.
The Shop Network
0.2 km
A diverse urban retail destination in Glasgow’s city centre offering gifts, accessories, clothing, and tech essentials all under one roof.
Wee scottish shop
0.2 km
Discover authentic Scottish gifts and handmade treats in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Buchanan Street.
The Glasgow Souvenir Outlet
0.3 km
Authentic Scottish treasures in Glasgow's vibrant core: tartans, whisky keepsakes, and artisan crafts for every traveler's suitcase.
Tartan House of Scotland
0.3 km
Authentic Scottish tartans and souvenirs in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Buchanan Street shopping district.
Taste of Scotland
0.3 km
Discover authentic Scottish gifts and rare whiskies in the heart of Glasgow at Taste of Scotland, your gateway to Scotland’s rich heritage.
The Clydeside Collective
0.3 km
Explore Glasgow’s creative heart at The Clydeside Collective, a vibrant gift shop showcasing unique handcrafted arts and crafts by local artisans.
Pride of Glasgow
0.3 km
Discover tartan treasures and whisky wonders at this spirited Argyle Street shop, where Scottish pride meets Glasgow's cheeky charm in every authentic souvenir.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Wunderbar
0.1 km
Lively Glasgow cocktail bar blending pizza, pub vibes, and live music in a vibrant city center setting.
The Spiritualist Glasgow
0.1 km
Moody, theatrical cocktail bar and small-plate restaurant in central Glasgow — inventive drinks, shareable dishes and a lively evening atmosphere.
TABAC
0.2 km
Retro Parisian cocktail bar on hidden Mitchell Lane, blending masterful mixes, street food bites, and lively vibes in Glasgow's heart.
Ross's Original Bar
0.2 km
Classic Glasgow pub with hearty food, lively karaoke nights, and a welcoming old-school atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Cairns Bar
0.2 km
Cozy Merchant City pub pouring Belhaven ales, serving pub classics, and screening live sports in Glasgow's lively heart—perfect for pints and pies anytime.
Sloans
0.2 km
Glasgow’s oldest bar and restaurant since 1797, famed for lively events, historic charm, and legendary Macaroni Cheese in a vibrant city-centre setting.
Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow
0.2 km
Explore Glasgow’s largest Irish pub maze with live music, hearty food, and spirited sports in the heart of Merchant City.
The Piper Whisky Bar
0.2 km
Glasgow's premier whisky haven with 200+ Scotches, live music nightly, and pub grub overlooking George Square – pure Scottish spirit in every sip.
Horseshoe Bar Glasgow
0.3 km
Historic Victorian pub with Britain’s longest horseshoe-shaped bar, lively karaoke, live sports, and warm Glaswegian hospitality in the city centre.
Bacchus Bar
0.3 km
Glasgow's friendliest independent bar in Merchant City, pouring wine-god vibes with live music, quizzes, and unbeatable value since over two decades.
Steps Bar
0.3 km
Discover Glasgow's Art Deco time capsule: Steps Bar's preserved 1930s elegance, walnut gantry, and jukebox vibes await in Merchant City's historic heart.
The Alchemist Glasgow
0.3 km
Experience Glasgow’s most theatrical cocktails and innovative dining in the heart of George Square’s mystical setting.
Drum & Monkey Glasgow
0.3 km
Traditional Glasgow gastropub in a historic bank building, famed for its ales, hearty pies, and welcoming city centre vibe.
BrewDog Glasgow Merchant City
0.3 km
Craft beer rebellion meets smoky barbecue in Glasgow's historic Merchant City – 25 taps, outdoor patio, and dog-friendly vibes await.
Speakeasy
0.3 km
A vibrant and welcoming gay bar in Glasgow’s Merchant City, blending relaxed pub vibes with lively nightlife and creative cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
La Cheetah Club
0.1 km
Glasgow’s intimate basement club with a powerful sound system, vibrant underground beats, and a welcoming community spirit.
Delmonicas
0.2 km
Scotland's biggest gay club: drag shows, karaoke, DJs, and non-stop inclusive party vibes in Glasgow's Merchant City heart.
Club X
0.2 km
Glasgow's underground RnB haven: where beats throb, lights flash, and the LGBTQ+ community dances till dawn in Merchant City's beating heart.
Riding Room
0.2 km
Fancy cabaret club in Glasgow's gay triangle, serving exotic kettle cocktails alongside burlesque, magic, and cheeky shows in a lively, intimate venue.
Polo Lounge
0.2 km
Glasgow's grandest gay nightclub: multi-level dance floors, cheap drinks, and non-stop energy until dawn in Merchant City's heart.
Platinum Lace Glasgow
0.3 km
Glasgow’s premier gentlemen’s club with stunning dancers, VIP luxury, and an electric nightlife atmosphere in the city centre.
AXM Glasgow
0.3 km
Scotland's biggest LGBTQ+ nightclub: two floors of pop, charts, and dance in Glasgow's heart, with cheap drinks and zero attitude.
Club Tropicana & Venga
0.3 km
Two-room retro nightclub in central Glasgow with themed ’80s/’90s nights, booth bookings and a high-energy weekend atmosphere.
Cathouse Rock Club
0.3 km
Glasgow's unrelenting rock fortress since 1990—metal riffs, live gigs, and alternative fury across three pounding rooms.
Popworld Glasgow
0.4 km
Dive into a whirlwind of 80s-00s pop anthems, retro props, and cocktail-fueled dance marathons at Glasgow's ultimate cheesy nightclub escape.
Classic Grand
0.4 km
Glasgow's ultimate electronic music haven in a reborn cinema, where thunderous beats and euphoric crowds collide until dawn.
Sub Club
0.4 km
Glasgow’s legendary underground nightclub, Sub Club, pulses with cutting-edge sound and authentic dance culture in an intimate basement setting.
Kokomo Glasgow
0.4 km
Kokomo Glasgow was a late-night nightclub and bar known for its energetic vibe and central city location on West Regent Street.
Bamboo
0.4 km
Glasgow’s energetic three-room basement nightclub offering affordable drinks and diverse music for a lively student crowd.
142B Lounge
0.4 km
Glasgow's premier spot for Afrobeats, Amapiano, and African flavors—dance, dine, and vibe in luxury VIP style until dawn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
