George Square, Glasgow (must see)

George Square is the beating civic heart of Glasgow, a grand public space that has witnessed more than two centuries of the city’s history. Laid out in 1781 and named after King George III, the square was originally designed as a residential area, but it quickly became the centrepiece of Glasgow’s growing prosperity during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it serves as both a gathering place for locals and a starting point for visitors eager to explore the city’s architecture, history, and culture. With its wide open spaces framed by historic buildings, George Square is as much a stage for public life as it is a monument to Glasgow’s past.

At its centre, you’ll find an impressive collection of statues and monuments that tell the story of Scotland’s heroes, inventors, and poets. Figures such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and James Watt stand proudly, while a towering column dedicated to Sir Walter Scott dominates the square. These statues serve as reminders of Glasgow’s role as a hub of Enlightenment thought, engineering innovation, and political activism. The square has also long been a venue for public events—from grand celebrations to political rallies—that continue to shape the city’s identity.

Surrounding George Square are some of Glasgow’s most notable buildings. The City Chambers, completed in 1888, is a striking Victorian civic building with an ornate façade and lavish interiors that reflect the wealth and confidence of Glasgow during its industrial zenith. Hotels, banks, and historic offices ring the square, making it not only a cultural focal point but also a centre of business and public life.

For today’s visitor, George Square is both a place to pause and a hub from which to set out. Whether you’re admiring its statues, people-watching from a café terrace, or using it as a launching pad to explore Buchanan Street’s shops and the Merchant City’s restaurants, the square offers a true sense of Glasgow’s civic pride and enduring spirit.