Glasgow Gander Walking Tours: Experience the Energy and Charm of Glasgow
5.0
311 Ratings
Glasgow City
Experience the energy and charm of Glasgow on a walking tour with the self-styled Glasgow Gander. Explore the city's Victorian architecture and vibrant atmosphere while learning its fascinating story.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gallery of Modern Art - Discover the hidden history of this landmark building and be introduced to Mother Glasgow, Scotland’s powerhouse, by the self-styled Glasgow Gander.
  • Duke of Wellington Statue - See the original cone-wearing commander, and discover the amusing story of this tradition of modern Glasgow at the expense of the Duke of Wellington.
  • George Square - Be guided around the symbolic heart of Glasgow, watch for the unpredictable movement of a rooftop ship, and see one of northern Europe’s finest civic buildings, Glasgow City Chambers.
  • Trades Hall of Glasgow - Encounter a often-overlooked gem of Georgian Glasgow and hear about a club where pig-like gluttony was encouraged!
  • Hutcheson’s Hall - In the shadow of one of the city centre’s most striking buildings, hear the unflinching tale of Glasgow’s growth as a commercial, then industrial city; its decline, renaissance, and the legacy, and ongoing impact, of Mother Glasgow on the world today.
  • Trongate - On this ancient thoroughfare, near the 16th century Tron Kirk Steeple, hear the remarkable story of an incredible hidden entertainment venue, in all its glory and grottiness!
  • Tolbooth Steeple - Beneath the glorious 17th century Tolbooth Steeple (where the Trongate, the Saltmarket, London Road, the Gallowgate and High Street meet), encounter the eye-popping history of Old Glasgow at its epicentre – Glasgow Cross.
  • St. Mungo at High Street - See Glasgow’s most famous son hiding in plain sight: one of the best pieces of street art you’ll ever see.
  • Provand’s Lordship - Across from the 15th century Provand’s Lordship (the city’s oldest house) take in four quite special buildings – including a small blue one which is sometimes used for inter-dimensional travel!
  • Glasgow Cathedral - Glasgow’s architectural pinnacle – our medieval, Scottish Gothic cathedral, with the dramatic backdrop of Victorian Glasgow’s ‘city of the dead’, the Necropolis, behind. (Depending on COVID restrictions on group size and mask-wearing inside the cathedral, the tour may finish outside the church.)
What's Included
  • Carbonated beverages included
Additional Information

Join me for a guided tour that perfectly mirrors the spirit and hospitable vibe of Glasgow. All tours are personally led by me, Johnny. So, if you’ve read a favourable review, that’s exactly the experience you can expect! I’ll offer you an unforgettable orientation of this extraordinary city. At the end of the journey, I’ll be pleased to send you as many pointers on Glasgow as you’d like, specially curated based on your preferences.

Stroll with the self-proclaimed Glasgow Gander across Glasgow City Centre, from Royal Exchange Square to Glasgow Cathedral. Soak in the city’s renowned Victorian architecture and immerse yourself in its lively ambience. Gain insights into Glasgow’s intriguing history under the guidance of an enthusiastic guide.

Location
16 Royal Exchange Square
Royal Exchange Square
North side of Royal Exchange Square (not George Square!) near COSTA coffeeshop -- look for the man in the Glasgow Gander jacket!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(311 Ratings)
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Susiebee58
Jun 19, 2024
Excellent Tour - First of all I want to thank Johnny our tour guide. He has a wealth of knowledge which he conveyed with passion about Glasgow. I was with my husband and a few other people. He made sure that we were all together and didn’t leave anyone behind. The tour exceeded my expectations and learnt about the history, architecture and buildings. Johnny even took us to an old music hall Britannia Panopticon which is the world’s oldest surviving music hall opened in 1857. I will have to eat humble pie : although the Wilton’s is the oldest building 1690s, it didn’t open up as a music hall until 1859. He also took us to Steps Bar with a history. The tour ended inside the Glasgow Cathedral. Johnny also told us a little bit about The Glasgow Necropolis. True to his word Johnny sent us some links and suggestions as to other things we could explore in Glasgow. A big thank you Johnny for making this tour so interesting. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Globetrotting735563
Jun 18, 2024
an excellent walking tour of Glasgow - Excellent walking tour. Stopped at a pub with exceptional history that we would have not found ourselves. Stopped at an old theatre with great history and our guide spoke of Cary Grant and Stan Laurel performing early in their career. A three hour tour that went very quickly. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanna_b
Jun 18, 2024
Exceptional Tour - First of all I want to thank Johnny our tour guide. He has a wealth of knowledge which he conveyed with passion about Glasgow. I was with my husband and a few other people. He made sure that we were all together and didn’t leave anyone behind. The tour exceeded my expectations and learnt about the history, architecture and buildings. Johnny even took us to an old music hall Britannia Panopticon which is the world’s oldest surviving music hall opened in 1857. I will have to eat humble pie : although the Wilton’s is the oldest building 1690s, it didn’t open up as a music hall until 1859. He also took us to Steps Bar with a history. The tour ended inside the Glasgow Cathedral. Johnny also told us a little bit about The Glasgow Necropolis. True to his word Johnny sent us some links and suggestions as to other things we could explore in Glasgow. A big thank you Johnny for making this tour so interesting. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Janeths4335tl
Jun 17, 2024
Fun even in the rain - We experienced so much of the city. We saw the city from a different view than had we just wandered about! He pointed out architectural features we would have missed of the beautiful city
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_p
Jun 10, 2024
Take this tour - Johnny’s love of Glasgow is infectious and his knowledge utterly thorough. Great introduction and fun!
Review provided by Viator
N5075npninad
Jun 9, 2024
Tour/Guide - Super interesting, hidden gems, great love for Glasgow - I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The guide, Johnny, has such an engaging demeanor. It's obvious in the way he communicates and his enthusiasm, how much he loves Glasgow. This is literally a 3 hour walking tour, but there were so many stops, a few that were unexpected, a few very interesting surprises! that the time flies. I am very thankful i did this tour as Johnny pointed out so many little details that are right in front of us that i would not have noticed, i would have missed out on learning about, and i would never had even known to stop and take the time to appreciate. Thank you! i wish you all the best with your future tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adriandz5348rq
Jun 9, 2024
Three hours well spent giving a taste of Glasgow. - A great informative tour hosted by Johnny. Three hours of fun providing a historical review of Glasgow with lots of trivia, from pubs to churches . Highly Recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richard_s
Jun 7, 2024
The best is just the beginning! - Johnny really welcomed us to Glasgow! His knowledge and passion for this city really showed and now we’re not sure that we have enough time to see all we want to! From the history to the architecture to hidden gems to the best pubs and restaurants, Johnny wove everything together to give us a real feel for Glasgow. We particularly enjoyed a stop at The Steps, as an example of a real Scottish pub, as well as the all the different architectural elements we can continue to see in the city on our own. We also took his advice and went up to the top of the necropolis for the best view of the city. We even took his recommendation for lunch at the Dry Gate. We will be referring to the extensive annotated list he gave us for the remainder of our time here. He did the best job a guide can do: introduce us to the city and keep us wanting to explore it!
Review provided by Viator
Elcbf
Jun 5, 2024
Make this haopen! - Johnny was warm and funny and so very enthusiastic about Glasgow that he won us all over! Excellent tour hitting history, architecture and social realities of Glasgow. A highlight of our Scotland in 9 days trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_a
Jun 19, 2024
Booked through chat, they booked wrong day - The most memorable was that i booked the tickets online and the operator book the wrong day and refused to let me use the viator money vouchers. Horrible service
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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