George Square: The Heart of Glasgow
Explore George Square in Glasgow, a vibrant public space rich in history, stunning architecture, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.
George Square is a vibrant public space in the heart of Glasgow, renowned for its stunning architecture, historical monuments, and lively atmosphere. A must-visit for tourists, it offers a blend of culture, history, and relaxation in a picturesque setting.
A brief summary to George Square
- Glasgow, G2 1DH, GB
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy quieter moments and great lighting for photos.
- Check the local event calendar for festivals or markets happening in the square during your visit.
- Take a guided walking tour to learn more about the history and significance of the monuments in George Square.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the green spaces, especially during sunny days.
- Take some time to explore the nearby attractions, including the Gallery of Modern Art and local shops.
Getting There
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Walking
From Gorbals, head north along Gorbals Street. Continue straight until you reach the junction with the A8 (St. Andrew's Road). Turn left onto the A8 and walk for about 10-15 minutes. You will pass by the River Clyde on your right. As you approach Glasgow city center, keep an eye out for the signs directing you to George Square. When you reach the end of the A8, take a right onto George Street. George Square will be on your left after a short walk.
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Public Transport - Bus
From Gorbals, walk to the nearest bus stop on Gorbals Street. You can take the First Glasgow bus number 7 or 7A towards the city center. The bus will take approximately 10 minutes to reach the bus stop at George Square. Make sure to have a ticket ready, which costs around £2.50 for a single journey. Once you get off, you'll find George Square right in front of you.
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Public Transport - Subway
Walk to the nearest subway station, which is Bridge Street Station. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Gorbals. Board the subway train heading towards Buchanan Street Station. The journey takes around 5 minutes. Once you arrive at Buchanan Street, exit the station and walk down Buchanan Street towards George Square. It should take you about 5-10 minutes. The subway ticket will cost approximately £2.20 for a single journey.
Discover more about George Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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
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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
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Historic Presbyterian church with iconic Baroque tower, rooted in Glasgow’s evangelical heritage and vibrant city centre life.
glasgow south side
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Mural Trail #.09 Billy Connolly
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ToursByLocals - Glasgow
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Discover Glasgow's rich culture and hidden gems through personalized tours with local experts at ToursByLocals.
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.
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.
Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew
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Historic Neo-Gothic cathedral and spiritual heart of Glasgow’s Catholic community since the early 19th century.
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.
Barrowland Park
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Experience the charm of Barrowland Park, Glasgow's vibrant oasis featuring art, play areas, and a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage.
St Andrew's in the Square - Glasgow
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Provand's Lordship
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McLennan Arch
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A neoclassical sandstone archway marking Glasgow Green’s historic entrance, embodying the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
McLellan Galleries
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Victorian art gallery turned creative workspace, preserving Glasgow's 19th-century cultural ambitions.
Unmissable attractions to see
James Watt Statue
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Discover the iconic James Watt Statue in Glasgow’s George Square, honoring the engineer who powered the Industrial Revolution with his steam engine innovation.
City Sightseeing Glasgow
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Discover Glasgow’s iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods with flexible hop-on hop-off bus tours featuring live guides and multilingual audio commentary.
Glasgow City Chambers
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Explore the historic Glasgow City Chambers, a stunning architectural masterpiece in the heart of Glasgow's vibrant George Square.
Merchants House of Glasgow
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A historic Victorian venue in Glasgow’s city centre offering elegant event spaces and a charitable mission in the heart of George Square.
Equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, Glasgow
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A historic Glasgow landmark where imperial legacy meets playful rebellion, crowned by its famous traffic cone hat.
Katie's Bar Glasgow
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Discover the heart of Glasgow's nightlife at Katie's Bar – a vibrant cocktail bar and live music venue welcoming everyone to enjoy great drinks and entertainment.
Gallery of Modern Art
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Scotland’s premier modern art gallery in a grand neoclassical building, offering free entry to diverse contemporary artworks and vibrant cultural programs.
Royal Exchange Square
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A grand neoclassical square in Glasgow blending historic commerce, iconic art, and vibrant city life at the heart of the city centre.
Buchanan St
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Glasgow’s vibrant pedestrian shopping street blending historic charm, diverse retail, lively entertainment, and cultural landmarks.
Bronze 3D Map of City Centre
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Explore Glasgow’s city centre through a unique, tactile bronze 3D map blending art, accessibility, and urban history at Buchanan Street.
The Social
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Discover The Social, Glasgow's lively bar and grill, offering delicious food, live music, and a warm, inviting atmosphere in Royal Exchange Square.
Nelson Mandela Pl
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A vibrant Glasgow square honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy and the city’s historic stand against apartheid.
Tobacco Merchant's House
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Glasgow’s last 18th-century tobacco merchant villa, a preserved Georgian gem and vivid reminder of the city’s mercantile and colonial past.
Merchant City
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Old Police Post
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Essential places to dine
Browns Glasgow
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Historic charm meets contemporary British cuisine in the heart of Glasgow’s George Square at Browns Brasserie & Bar.
La Vita
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Authentic stone-baked Italian pizzas and classic dishes served in Glasgow’s vibrant city centre, open daily from early morning to late night.
The Anchor Line
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Historic grill and cocktail bar in a 1906 Edwardian shipping company headquarters with nautical charm.
The Citizen Glasgow
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Ralph & Finns
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Windows Restaurant
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Glasgow’s only rooftop restaurant offering modern European cuisine with panoramic city views atop the Carlton George Hotel.
The Spanish Butcher Glasgow
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Glaschu Restaurant & Bar
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Mediterraneo Italian Restaurant & Champagne Bar
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Saints of Ingram
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The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow
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Chaophraya
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Amarone
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Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Shop Network
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A diverse urban retail destination in Glasgow’s city centre offering gifts, accessories, clothing, and tech essentials all under one roof.
Fat Buddha Store
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Glasgow's ultimate streetwear haven: premium menswear, spray paints, vinyl toys, and urban essentials across three vibrant floors since 2006.
Wee scottish shop
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Geek-aboo
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Tartan House of Scotland
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Authentic Scottish tartans and souvenirs in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Buchanan Street shopping district.
Eurasia Crafts
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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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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Primark
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Ilahui&Ximi Vogue Life Uk
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The Glasgow Souvenir Outlet
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MAIA GIFTS
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Glasgow Gifts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist Glasgow
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Experience Glasgow’s most theatrical cocktails and innovative dining in the heart of George Square’s mystical setting.
The Piper Whisky Bar
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Glasgow's premier whisky haven with 200+ Scotches, live music nightly, and pub grub overlooking George Square – pure Scottish spirit in every sip.
Speakeasy
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Bacchus Bar
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The Spiritualist Glasgow
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BrewDog Glasgow Merchant City
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Steps Bar
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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.
Wunderbar
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Lively Glasgow cocktail bar blending pizza, pub vibes, and live music in a vibrant city center setting.
TABAC
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Retro Parisian cocktail bar on hidden Mitchell Lane, blending masterful mixes, street food bites, and lively vibes in Glasgow's heart.
Cairns Bar
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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.
Ross's Original Bar
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Classic Glasgow pub with hearty food, lively karaoke nights, and a welcoming old-school atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Bar 91
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Laid-back Merchant City pub pouring craft brews, global bites, and live tunes opposite City Halls—a Glasgow essential for day-to-night vibes.
Horseshoe Bar Glasgow
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Historic Victorian pub with Britain’s longest horseshoe-shaped bar, lively karaoke, live sports, and warm Glaswegian hospitality in the city centre.
Drum & Monkey Glasgow
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Traditional Glasgow gastropub in a historic bank building, famed for its ales, hearty pies, and welcoming city centre vibe.
