George Square Tours and Activities

George Square which includes a memorial, a square or plaza and a city
George Square featuring a square or plaza, a city and a statue or sculpture
George Square featuring a square or plaza and night scenes
George Square which includes a statue or sculpture, a monument and a square or plaza
George Square featuring heritage architecture, a city and a square or plaza


The people of Glasgow love their spacious central gathering place, which is full of statues and surrounded by stately buildings and restaurants.

Visit George Square, named after King George III, to stand in the heart of Glasgow. See statues and sculptures of pioneering Scotsmen, admire historic architecture and enjoy fine dining. The square is a gathering place during large celebrations, such as St. Andrew’s Day on November 30, Christmas carnivals, student fairs and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve).

This welcoming spot was once a muddy wasteland. In the late 1700s the area was transformed into private gardens bounded by Georgian townhouses. By the late 19th century it was a public square. Today, it houses the Tourist Information Centre, so it’s a good place to start your tour of Glasgow.

Admire the square’s most prominent structure, the 19th-century building of the Glasgow City Chambers to the east. Have a meal or beer in the old Bank of Scotland, an Italian Renaissance-style building that now houses a pub and restaurant.

George Square is home to a dozen statues of famous names from British culture. Among these are war memorials and statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and James Watt, the world-famous Scottish inventor. The tall central column is a homage to the writer Sir Walter Scott and underneath it stands the sculpture of poet Robert Burns, who wrote the lyrics of the song Auld Lang Syne.

Often you can enjoy live music by bagpipers and local bands on George Square. During St. Andrew’s Day and Hogmanay, you will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the celebrating locals. Check the Glasgow City Council website for upcoming events, with the Commonwealth Games being the major focus for the summer of 2014.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Rent some skates and circle the ice rink in winter. During the holiday season the square becomes a sparkling fairground. Children will enjoy the traditional rides, such as a big wheel and carousel.

Situated in the center of Glasgow, George Square is within walking distance of many of the major attractions, including The Lighthouse and Gallery of Modern Art.

Public buses stop near the square, and Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street train stations are both a short walk away.

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Best Lodging Options Near George Square

The Social Hub Glasgow

The Social Hub Glasgow

4 out of 5
15 Candleriggs, Glasgow, Scotland
The Social Hub Glasgow
Clayton Hotel Glasgow

Clayton Hotel Glasgow

4 out of 5
298 Clyde Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Clayton Hotel Glasgow
Motel One Glasgow

Motel One Glasgow

3.5 out of 5
78-82 Oswald Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Motel One Glasgow
voco Grand Central Glasgow by IHG

voco Grand Central Glasgow by IHG

4 out of 5
99 Gordon Street, Glasgow, Scotland
voco Grand Central Glasgow by IHG
Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow

Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow

4 out of 5
80 Jamaica Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow
citizenM Glasgow

citizenM Glasgow

4 out of 5
60 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, Scotland
citizenM Glasgow
Maldron Hotel Glasgow City

Maldron Hotel Glasgow City

4 out of 5
50 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

4 out of 5
375 West George Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel
YOTEL Glasgow

YOTEL Glasgow

4 out of 5
Westergate, 260 Argyle St, Glasgow, Scotland
YOTEL Glasgow
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Things to do near George Square

George Square in Glasgow offers a vibrant array of activities, including theatre performances, art exhibitions, and live music events. Visitors can explore notable music venues nearby, enhancing their cultural experience. The square itself is a hub of activity, making it an ideal starting point for those looking to immerse themselves in the local arts scene while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the city.

Shopping

In George Square, you can enjoy shopping at the St. Enoch Centre, just 483m away, boasting a vibrant mix of shops. The Buchanan Galleries and Argyll Arcade are both 322m away, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Silverburn, located 11.3km away.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant sports atmosphere at Hampden Park, a premier stadium 4.8km from George Square. Enjoy live music at Barrowland Ballroom, located 1.1km away, where entertainment thrives. For outdoor enthusiasts, Cawder Golf Club, 8.0km away, offers a scenic golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Explore the Hillside Path, an outdoor adventure located 3.2km from George Square, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature. Try your skills at the Glasgow Climbing Centre, also 3.2km away, offering thrilling climbing experiences in a vibrant sports atmosphere. For winter fun, head to Snow Factor, 8.0km away, for indoor skiing excitement.

Nightlife

At George Square, enjoy a night at the Arches Theatre, just a 644m stroll away, for a blend of culture and romance. For a cinematic experience, Cineworld Glasgow, 483m away, offers an entertaining vibe. Don’t miss the Theatre Royal for more cultural delights, also 644m distant.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near George Square

George Square in Glasgow is a vibrant hub offering a mix of modern attractions, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore the historic Glasgow Cathedral and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the square itself, making it a perfect spot for tourists seeking both entertainment and cultural enrichment. Whether you're interested in local history or simply soaking up the city's energy, George Square has something for everyone.

  • OVO Hydro: This iconic arena offers an electrifying atmosphere, hosting a variety of events from concerts to sports. With a capacity of over 14,000, it’s a must-visit for families seeking entertainment and a lively environment, located 1.6km from George Square.
  • Buchanan Street: Renowned for its vibrant shopping scene, this pedestrian-friendly street is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy street performances and explore an array of shops, all within a short 0.1.6km stroll from George Square.
  • Merchant City: Experience the charm of this historic neighbourhood, known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and art galleries. With its bustling city vibes, Merchant City is just 322m away, making it an ideal place to unwind and explore.

Best time to go to George Square

The best time to visit George Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around George Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around George Square falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for George Square

To save money during your visit to George Square, plan your trip in the off-peak months of January or October to November, when accommodation prices drop. Booking about a month in advance usually yields the best rates, and consider checking for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Mondays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are pricier. Utilize Expedia’s tools to filter accommodations by budget and eco-certification. For further savings, bundle your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal, and keep an eye out for reward points and great rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around George Square are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around George Square about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around George Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around George Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—by selecting the “Eco-certified” filter, for instance, you can discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in George Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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