St Andrew's in the Square, Glasgow
An 18th-century classical church reborn as Glasgow’s vibrant Centre for Scottish Culture, where history, music, and tradition come together in the heart of the city.
St Andrew's in the Square is an 18th-century Category A-listed former church in Glasgow, now transformed into Glasgow’s Centre for Scottish Culture. Designed in the classical style and inspired by St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, it features elegant proportions, fine rococo plasterwork, and a rich history tied to the city’s Tobacco Lords and Jacobite past. Today, it hosts traditional music, song, and dance, offering a unique cultural experience in a beautifully restored historic setting near Glasgow Cross and Glasgow Green.
A brief summary to St Andrew's in the Square
- 1 St Andrew's Square, Glasgow, G1 5PP, GB
- +441415595902
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check the venue’s schedule in advance; concerts and ceilidhs offer the best chance to experience the space with live traditional music and dancing.
- Visit during opening hours to see the elegant rococo plasterwork and classical architecture; guided tours or information boards often provide deeper historical context.
- Combine your visit with a walk to nearby Glasgow Cross and Glasgow Green to explore more of the city’s historic East End in one outing.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public transport (bus)
Regular city buses serve Glasgow Cross, a short walk from St Andrew’s Square; services typically run every 10–20 minutes during the day, with journey times from the city centre of 5–15 minutes depending on traffic.
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Public transport (subway)
The nearest subway station is Buchanan Street, about a 15–20 minute walk away; the route is mostly flat and well-paved, suitable for most visitors, though the final stretch involves some older streets in the East End.
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Walking from city centre
From George Square or Buchanan Street, allow 15–25 minutes to walk to St Andrew’s Square; the route passes through Glasgow’s historic core and is straightforward on main streets, with some uneven paving near the old town.
St Andrew's in the Square location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about St Andrew's in the Square
A Grand Church of the Tobacco Lords
St Andrew's in the Square stands as one of Scotland’s finest classical churches, a monument to Glasgow’s 18th-century mercantile power. Built between 1739 and 1756, it was commissioned by the city’s wealthy Tobacco Lords as a Presbyterian place of worship and a statement of civic pride. Designed by architect Allan Dreghorn and constructed by master mason Mungo Naismith, the church draws clear inspiration from James Gibbs’ St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, with its tall steeple, symmetrical façade, and elegant proportions. Its completion marked a high point in Glasgow’s architectural development, and it quickly became the centrepiece of a fashionable residential square of terraced houses, now mostly altered or lost.Layers of History in Stone and Plaster
The church’s interior is a showcase of refined craftsmanship, particularly its impressive rococo plasterwork, which adds a sense of lightness and grandeur to the space. As the first Presbyterian church built in Glasgow after the Reformation, it played a central role in the city’s religious and social life for over two centuries. The surrounding area once housed some of Glasgow’s wealthiest merchants, but as the city expanded westward in the 19th century, the congregation dwindled and the neighbourhood declined. The building’s story includes dramatic moments such as the Jacobite army camping around the unfinished church in 1745 and, in 1785, Vincenzo Lunardi launching a hot air balloon from its churchyard, watched by huge crowds of Glaswegians.From Church to Cultural Heart
After its final religious service in 1993, St Andrew’s was acquired for just £1 by the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, which undertook a major renovation from 1998 to 2000. Victorian additions were stripped away to restore the original light and airy feel, and a deep excavation created a basement level with a café, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, and toilets. Reopened on St Andrew’s Day 2000, the building now serves as Glasgow’s Centre for Scottish Culture, dedicated to traditional Scottish music, song, and dance. This transformation has preserved its architectural integrity while giving it a vibrant new purpose as a living cultural venue.Experiencing the Centre Today
Visitors today encounter a space that is both historically resonant and creatively alive. Regular concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, and community events bring traditional Scottish culture to the fore in a setting of exceptional acoustics and atmosphere. The church’s elegant interior, with its high ceilings and fine detailing, provides a dignified backdrop for performances and gatherings. The adjacent St Andrew’s Square, though much changed, still frames the building as a focal point in the city’s historic East End, near Glasgow Cross and Glasgow Green, making it a natural stop for those exploring Glasgow’s older quarters and cultural landmarks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tolbooth Steeple
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Glasgow’s iconic 17th-century Tolbooth Steeple stands tall as a historic clock tower and enduring symbol of the city’s rich civic past.
Glasgow 2014 Monument
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A bold, colourful sculpture celebrating Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games, where sport, art and civic pride come together in a striking riverside landmark.
Glasgow City Heritage Trust
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Explore Glasgow's rich history with the Glasgow City Heritage Trust, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the city's architectural and cultural heritage.
Nelson's Monument, Glasgow
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A towering 44-meter obelisk on Glasgow Green honoring Admiral Nelson’s naval victories and Glasgow’s pioneering civic spirit.
The Glenlee Propellers
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Discover the Glenlee Propellers, iconic steel relics symbolizing Glasgow’s proud shipbuilding heritage and maritime history.
Former Templeton Carpet Factory
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A Venetian Gothic masterpiece in Glasgow’s East End, blending rich carpet-making heritage with vibrant modern community life.
Walter Scott Monument
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A towering Gothic tribute to Sir Walter Scott in Glasgow’s historic George Square, celebrating Scotland’s literary heritage.
Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow
0.8 km
Explore Glasgow's rich history with guided walking tours that reveal the city's hidden gems and captivating stories.
James Watt Statue
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Discover the James Watt Statue in George Square, Glasgow - a tribute to innovation and the Industrial Revolution's pioneer, celebrating Scotland's engineering legacy.
Good as Gold Street Art
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Explore Good as Gold Street Art in Glasgow - a vibrant open-air gallery showcasing stunning murals and street art that reflect the city's creative spirit.
La Pasionaria
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Discover La Pasionaria in Glasgow, a powerful sculpture symbolizing resilience and passion, capturing the essence of the city's rich history and culture.
Provand's Lordship
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Explore Provand's Lordship, Glasgow's oldest house, a captivating museum showcasing the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.
The Lighthouse
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Experience the blend of historic architecture and contemporary art at The Lighthouse, Glasgow's premier cultural destination.
Bronze 3D Map of City Centre
1.0 km
Explore Glasgow's heart through the captivating Bronze 3D Map of City Centre, a stunning sculpture and guide to the city's rich heritage.
Gorbals
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Discover the vibrant transformation of Gorbals, a unique housing development in Glasgow blending history, culture, and contemporary living.
Unmissable attractions to see
Barrowland Park
0.1 km
A lively urban park at the heart of Glasgow’s music scene, where culture and community come alive on Gallowgate.
McLennan Arch
0.2 km
Historic sandstone archway marking the grand entrance to Glasgow Green, a timeless symbol of Glasgow’s architectural heritage.
Tron Theatre
0.3 km
Historic church-turned-theatre at the heart of Glasgow's Merchant City, showcasing bold contemporary work and emerging Scottish talent.
Trongate
0.3 km
Explore Trongate, Glasgow’s oldest street and historic merchant hub, where commerce, culture, and heritage converge in the city’s vibrant heart.
Britannia Panopticon
0.3 km
Discover Glasgow’s Britannia Panopticon, the world’s oldest surviving music hall, where Victorian variety meets early cinema in a vibrant historic venue.
Blackfriars of Bell Street
0.4 km
Discover Glasgow's Blackfriars: A lively gastropub offering hearty meals, craft drinks, and live music in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
"SPACEMAN" Mural Trail #5
0.4 km
A vibrant, graphic novel-inspired mural bringing cosmic color and modern art flair to Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.
Barras Market
0.4 km
Explore Glasgow’s historic Barras Market, a lively weekend bazaar famed for antiques, street food, and authentic local culture every Saturday and Sunday.
Glasgow Police Museum
0.4 km
Discover Glasgow’s policing heritage through fascinating artifacts and a global uniform collection in this volunteer-run, free museum in Merchant City.
Barrowland Ballroom
0.4 km
Glasgow’s legendary live music venue with iconic neon sign, superb acoustics, and a storied history as a dance hall turned concert landmark.
Mural Trail #.09 Billy Connolly
0.4 km
Celebrate Glasgow’s beloved comedian Billy Connolly through this vibrant mural on Osborne Street, a highlight of the city’s renowned Mural Trail.
Merchant Square
0.4 km
Experience Glasgow’s Merchant City charm with vibrant dining, lively events, and a historic courtyard at Merchant Square.
Murial of a man
0.4 km
A vibrant pop art mural blending graphic novel style and Japanese influences, lighting up Glasgow’s historic Trongate with bold color and creativity.
Clutha & Victoria Bar
0.4 km
Explore Clutha & Victoria Bar in Glasgow, a lively pub offering live music, delicious pizza, and a warm Scottish atmosphere.
City Halls & Old Fruitmarket
0.5 km
Historic Glasgow music venues blending Victorian grandeur with vibrant live performances in the heart of Merchant City.
Essential places to dine
Mono
0.2 km
Glasgow’s vibrant vegan café-bar blending creative plant-based cuisine, indie music vibes, and a unique record shop atmosphere.
Boteco Do Brasil
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Brazil at Boteco Do Brasil in Glasgow – where delicious cuisine meets lively nightlife.
Mharsanta - Scottish Restaurant & Bar
0.4 km
Experience authentic Scottish cuisine and warm hospitality in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.
Cafe Gandolfi
0.4 km
A historic Glasgow bistro blending Scottish culinary tradition with artisanal craftsmanship and warm, convivial atmosphere.
The Dhabba
0.4 km
Experience authentic Northern Indian cuisine in Glasgow with vibrant flavors, a nut-free menu, and a welcoming atmosphere at The Dhabba.
Bar Soba Merchant City
0.4 km
Experience Glasgow's Asian fusion at Bar Soba Merchant City - where unique cocktails meet vibrant flavors in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Table Twenty Eight
0.4 km
Chic restaurant and cocktail bar in Glasgow’s Merchant Square, renowned for gourmet dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks.
Metropolitan Bar and Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience Glasgow's vibrant culinary scene at Metropolitan Bar & Restaurant – where gourmet pub fare meets expertly crafted cocktails.
Turkiye EFES Restaurant
0.5 km
Authentic Turkish cuisine and grilled meats served with warmth and tradition in Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City.
The Italian Kitchen
0.5 km
Authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City.
Saint Luke's & The Winged Ox
0.5 km
Discover the fusion of delicious grill cuisine and live music at Saint Luke's & The Winged Ox in Glasgow – where every meal is an experience.
Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow
0.5 km
Authentic Italian dining with fresh flavors, lively ambiance, and live music in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City.
Saints of Ingram
0.6 km
Historic Hutchesons’ Hall hosts Saints of Ingram, a stylish Glasgow venue blending classic brunch, cocktails, and live weekend entertainment.
Mediterraneo Italian Restaurant & Champagne Bar
0.6 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors and elegant champagne moments in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant city centre.
Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos
0.6 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean tapas and inventive cocktails in Glasgow’s charming Merchant City hotspot, Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Minted
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Discover rare vintage streetwear and sustainable style at Minted, Glasgow’s curated hub for iconic 90s and sportswear fashion.
Mr Ben Retro Clothing
0.2 km
A snug, long‑established vintage boutique in Kings Court with handpicked garments, textured displays and friendly, specialist service.
Social Recluse
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish apparel at Social Recluse, Glasgow’s boutique for creative and quality designs in the city center.
Never miss a gift
0.4 km
Explore Never Miss a Gift in Glasgow for unique candles and health products that capture the essence of thoughtful gifting.
Modern Love Store
0.4 km
Pastel-hued trove of global homewares, kitsch glassware, and joyful gifts in Glasgow's east end—unique finds with character await.
Pride of Glasgow
0.5 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.
The Glasgow Souvenir Outlet
0.5 km
Authentic Scottish treasures in Glasgow's vibrant core: tartans, whisky keepsakes, and artisan crafts for every traveler's suitcase.
Frida and Coco
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage treasures and creative flair at Frida and Coco, Glasgow’s beloved boutique for timeless style and costume fashion.
Shop Small at St Enoch
0.7 km
Discover unique fashion finds at Shop Small in Glasgow’s iconic St Enoch Centre, where historic charm meets modern shopping under Europe’s largest glass roof.
Primark
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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
0.7 km
Discover authentic Scottish tartan treasures and traditional gifts in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Queen Street.
Eurasia Crafts
0.7 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
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A compact, characterful alternative-fashion and curios shop on Queen Street specialising in goth, emo and eclectic accessories.
The Clydeside Collective
0.7 km
Explore Glasgow’s creative heart at The Clydeside Collective, a vibrant gift shop showcasing unique handcrafted arts and crafts by local artisans.
Geek-aboo
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Dive into Glasgow's ultimate geek haven: official merch, epic collectibles, and gaming events from your favorite franchises await at Geek-aboo.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Avant Garde Music Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
Dive into Glasgow's underground beats at Avant Garde, where live music, modern eats, and vaulted vibes create unforgettable Merchant City nights.
Maggies Rock n Rodeo
0.3 km
Experience Glasgow’s wild side with live music, line dancing, and a mechanical bull at Maggie’s Rock n Rodeo in Merchant City.
Strathduie Bar
0.4 km
Traditional Glasgow pub revived in Merchant City: darts, live music, draught beers, and cozy rooms for authentic Scottish hospitality.
Home
0.4 km
Glasgow's go-to pub for live sports, craft cocktails, and hearty sharing plates in the vibrant Merchant City – where every visit feels like home turf.
Bar 91
0.5 km
Laid-back Merchant City pub pouring craft brews, global bites, and live tunes opposite City Halls—a Glasgow essential for day-to-night vibes.
Steps Bar
0.6 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.
BrewDog Glasgow Merchant City
0.6 km
Craft beer rebellion meets smoky barbecue in Glasgow's historic Merchant City – 25 taps, outdoor patio, and dog-friendly vibes await.
Bacchus Bar
0.6 km
Glasgow's friendliest independent bar in Merchant City, pouring wine-god vibes with live music, quizzes, and unbeatable value since over two decades.
Cairns Bar
0.6 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.
Speakeasy
0.6 km
A vibrant and welcoming gay bar in Glasgow’s Merchant City, blending relaxed pub vibes with lively nightlife and creative cocktails.
The Spiritualist Glasgow
0.7 km
Moody, theatrical cocktail bar and small-plate restaurant in central Glasgow — inventive drinks, shareable dishes and a lively evening atmosphere.
Sharkeys Bar
0.7 km
Family-run Gorbals gem serving hearty pies, perfect pints, and warm welcomes in a dog-friendly local atmosphere.
The Piper Whisky Bar
0.7 km
Glasgow's premier whisky haven with 200+ Scotches, live music nightly, and pub grub overlooking George Square – pure Scottish spirit in every sip.
Sloans
0.8 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.
The Alchemist Glasgow
0.8 km
Experience Glasgow’s most theatrical cocktails and innovative dining in the heart of George Square’s mystical setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
18 Candleriggs
0.3 km
Glasgow's kitsch cabaret haven where dazzling shows, tasty grill fare, and lively vibes create unforgettable Merchant City nights.
Polo Lounge
0.6 km
Glasgow's grandest gay nightclub: multi-level dance floors, cheap drinks, and non-stop energy until dawn in Merchant City's heart.
AXM Glasgow
0.6 km
Scotland's biggest LGBTQ+ nightclub: two floors of pop, charts, and dance in Glasgow's heart, with cheap drinks and zero attitude.
Riding Room
0.6 km
Fancy cabaret club in Glasgow's gay triangle, serving exotic kettle cocktails alongside burlesque, magic, and cheeky shows in a lively, intimate venue.
Club X
0.6 km
Glasgow's underground RnB haven: where beats throb, lights flash, and the LGBTQ+ community dances till dawn in Merchant City's beating heart.
Delmonicas
0.6 km
Scotland's biggest gay club: drag shows, karaoke, DJs, and non-stop inclusive party vibes in Glasgow's Merchant City heart.
La Cheetah Club
0.8 km
Glasgow’s intimate basement club with a powerful sound system, vibrant underground beats, and a welcoming community spirit.
Sub Club
1.0 km
Glasgow’s legendary underground nightclub, Sub Club, pulses with cutting-edge sound and authentic dance culture in an intimate basement setting.
Classic Grand
1.0 km
Glasgow's ultimate electronic music haven in a reborn cinema, where thunderous beats and euphoric crowds collide until dawn.
Cathouse Rock Club
1.0 km
Glasgow's unrelenting rock fortress since 1990—metal riffs, live gigs, and alternative fury across three pounding rooms.
Platinum Lace Glasgow
1.1 km
Glasgow’s premier gentlemen’s club with stunning dancers, VIP luxury, and an electric nightlife atmosphere in the city centre.
Club Tropicana & Venga
1.1 km
Two-room retro nightclub in central Glasgow with themed ’80s/’90s nights, booth bookings and a high-energy weekend atmosphere.
Popworld Glasgow
1.2 km
Dive into a whirlwind of 80s-00s pop anthems, retro props, and cocktail-fueled dance marathons at Glasgow's ultimate cheesy nightclub escape.
Kokomo Glasgow
1.2 km
Kokomo Glasgow was a late-night nightclub and bar known for its energetic vibe and central city location on West Regent Street.
142B Lounge
1.2 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Classical Aesthetic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
