Royal Exchange Square: Glasgow's Cultural Gem
Explore Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow, a blend of stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks, perfect for every traveler.
Royal Exchange Square is a vibrant cultural hub in Glasgow, known for its stunning architecture, lively atmosphere, and iconic landmarks. A must-visit for tourists seeking to experience the heart of the city.
A brief summary to Royal Exchange Square
- Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, GB
Local tips
- Visit during the daytime to enjoy the lively atmosphere and vibrant street performances.
- Don't miss the Duke of Wellington statue; it's a popular photo spot.
- Check the local event calendar for festivals and exhibitions taking place in the square.
- Consider visiting the nearby Gallery of Modern Art for a dose of contemporary art.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and lively scenes.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from Glasgow Central Station, exit the station onto Hope Street. Turn left and walk towards Gordon Street. Continue straight until you reach the junction with Buchanan Street. Turn right onto Buchanan Street and walk straight until you reach the end of the street. Royal Exchange Square will be on your left, easily identifiable by the statue of the Duke of Wellington.
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Walking
If you are starting from Queen Street Station, exit the station onto Queen Street. Turn left and walk towards George Square. Continue straight through George Square and exit onto Nelson Mandela Place. Continue walking straight until you reach Buchanan Street. Turn right onto Buchanan Street and proceed until you reach Royal Exchange Square, which will be on your left.
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Subway
If you are near a subway station, take the Glasgow Subway to Buchanan Street Station. Once you exit the station, head towards the Buchanan Street exit. Turn left onto Buchanan Street and walk straight until you reach Royal Exchange Square on your left. This is a short and easy walk from the station.
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Bus
You can take any bus that stops at the bus interchange near George Square. Once you arrive, walk towards the square and exit onto Nelson Mandela Place. From there, continue straight onto Buchanan Street. Royal Exchange Square will be on your left as you walk down Buchanan Street.
Discover more about Royal Exchange Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Walter Scott Monument
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Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow
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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.
ToursByLocals - Glasgow
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La Pasionaria
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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.
Strath Wonderwall Mural - Land Ship
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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.
St Andrew's in the Square - Glasgow
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Barrowland Park
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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.
The Glenlee Propellers
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Discover the Glenlee Propellers, iconic steel relics symbolizing Glasgow’s proud shipbuilding heritage and maritime history.
McLellan Galleries
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Victorian art gallery turned creative workspace, preserving Glasgow's 19th-century cultural ambitions.
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.
Provand's Lordship
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Unmissable attractions to see
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.
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.
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.
Good as Gold Street Art
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A witty mural in Glasgow’s city center humorously capturing the soaring price of Freddo chocolates as a symbol of inflation.
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.
55 Argyll Arcade
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Scotland’s oldest covered arcade, Argyll Arcade dazzles with historic charm and a premier collection of jewellers in Glasgow’s heart.
James Watt Statue
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Princes Square Shopping Centre
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A stunning blend of Victorian elegance, luxury shopping, and fine dining beneath Glasgow’s iconic glass roof.
Bronze 3D Map of City Centre
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Argyll Arcade
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Scotland's diamond epicenter: Victorian arcade brimming with luxury jewelry, watches, and bespoke sparkle in Glasgow's heart.
Buchanan St
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Glasgow’s vibrant pedestrian shopping street blending historic charm, diverse retail, lively entertainment, and cultural landmarks.
George Square
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George Square – Glasgow’s iconic civic heart, where history, architecture, and vibrant public life converge in the city centre.
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.
The Lighthouse
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Merchant City
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Essential places to dine
Glaschu Restaurant & Bar
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Elegant modern Scottish dining in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Royal Exchange Square with a stylish atmosphere and locally inspired cuisine.
The Spanish Butcher Glasgow
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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.
Ralph & Finns
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Elegant modern Scottish dining and creative cocktails in a historic Glasgow Merchant City setting.
The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow
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Glamorous Glasgow brasserie with art deco charm, reliable British cooking, and cocktails in a converted bank.
The Citizen Glasgow
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Historic charm meets modern Scottish cuisine in a stylish city-center restaurant with a warm, lively atmosphere.
The Anchor Line
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Historic grill and cocktail bar in a 1906 Edwardian shipping company headquarters with nautical charm.
Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos
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Browns Glasgow
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Historic charm meets contemporary British cuisine in the heart of Glasgow’s George Square at Browns Brasserie & Bar.
Sugo Pasta
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Fresh, handmade regional Italian pasta in a lively, modern Glasgow setting – no bookings, just great pasta and a buzzing atmosphere.
Las Iguanas - Glasgow
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Mediterraneo Italian Restaurant & Champagne Bar
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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.
Saints of Ingram
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Historic Hutchesons’ Hall hosts Saints of Ingram, a stylish Glasgow venue blending classic brunch, cocktails, and live weekend entertainment.
Amarone
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Stylish Italian dining with open kitchens, vibrant flavors, and a lively atmosphere in Glasgow’s Merchant City.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
Geek-aboo
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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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A compact, characterful alternative-fashion and curios shop on Queen Street specialising in goth, emo and eclectic accessories.
Primark
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Tartan Tastic Gift & Souvenirs
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House of Fraser
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House Of Cashmere Glasgow
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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.
The Glasgow Souvenir Outlet
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Authentic Scottish treasures in Glasgow's vibrant core: tartans, whisky keepsakes, and artisan crafts for every traveler's suitcase.
Wee scottish shop
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Pride of Glasgow
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Taste of Scotland
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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.
The Clydeside Collective
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Wunderbar
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The Spiritualist Glasgow
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Moody, theatrical cocktail bar and small-plate restaurant in central Glasgow — inventive drinks, shareable dishes and a lively evening atmosphere.
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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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.
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.
Sloans
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Glasgow’s oldest bar and restaurant since 1797, famed for lively events, historic charm, and legendary Macaroni Cheese in a vibrant city-centre setting.
Bacchus Bar
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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
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Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow
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BrewDog Glasgow Merchant City
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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.
Speakeasy
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A vibrant and welcoming gay bar in Glasgow’s Merchant City, blending relaxed pub vibes with lively nightlife and creative cocktails.
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.
