Glasgow Gander Walking Tours: Experience the Energy and Charm of Glasgow
5.0
283 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
(283 Ratings)
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Heather_e
Apr 22, 2024
Phenomenal Walking Tour - I took a truly delightful tour led by Johnny. His love for Mother Glasgow is apparent and I think he made all of us on the tour fall a little in love with the city, as well. He shared a wealth of background as we walked the city, covering art, music, history, football, pubs, and architecture. And introduced us all to Irn Bru, as well! Thank you Johnny for a phenomenal experience.
Review provided by Viator
Daytrip566276
Apr 22, 2024
Excellent Day Walking Tour - What an amazing tour! Johnny provided a wonderful experience and brought the history of Glasgow to life. He was well informed and explained a lot of history of the city. Well worth your time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
923damarisw
Apr 20, 2024
Best walking tour I have ever been on - We had an absolutely amazing time on this tour! Johnny, the guide, did an incredible job at mixing historical, architectural, societal, and political information from way back in the Middle Ages all the way up until present day Scotland to make this a truly extraordinary experience. There were fun fact at every corner and he drew our attention to many hidden gems we otherwise would have passed without noticing. The little pub with the interior of the Queen Mary’s bar (or rather its replica from the international exhibition) and the old music hall were some of my favorite stops on the tour along with the story behind the Nelson Mandela Place in the city center. Johnny took a keen interest in where each of us were from and what we were interested in as well as providing endless insider tips on where to eat, drink, hear some music, spend a sunny or a rainy afternoon and so forth. Thank you for this wonderful tour, Johnny!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L9049pzchrisf
Apr 18, 2024
Perfect Glasgow City Centre Tour - Johnny was AMAZING in his presentation and vim and vigor about being Scottish and loving his City of Glasgow. Do this Tour as soon as you arrive as you will learn about all kinds of places in the City to go and return to. Johnny’s knowledge of Present day (Pubs, Shops, Restaurants…) and the History of the City and its Architecture was brilliant. The Company could charge 3x as much per person and it would still be a deal for the experience. Enjoy at your own risk! Cheers!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hemtraveller
Apr 14, 2024
Immerse in the secrets of the City - I would highly recommend this walking tour if you like to get a good feel of a city by walking it and if you love learning all about the hidden secrets of the town from a true local. I learned a lot about the history of Glasgow and Scotland from our guide and I felt I got much more than my money’s worth from the trip. I now understand why Glaswegians are so proud of their heritage. There was a spot of rain during the walk, but a wee bit of rain never bothered me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rolandclose7
Apr 7, 2024
Superb Glasgow Gander Walking Tour - Absolutely superb walking tour. Johnny has incredible knowledge, passion for his City and a sense of humour. All the ingredients required for a tour which Johnny delivers!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seattlemkc
Mar 25, 2024
Absolutely top notch! - Did the tour for a second time so we could bring our young adult children (19 and 22) along. We all loved it! The kids cannot stop talking about how much they enjoyed the tour and how much they learned from Johnny. As a family, we've visiting many of the restaurants and other places Johnny recommends in his post-walk email (which you have to opt into). All of the recommendations were great. This is a tour by a knowledgeable, thoughtful and engaged tour guide. Johnny is one of the best tour guides we've experienced and we have done walking tours in at least a dozen cities worldwide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debra_l
Mar 25, 2024
Grand tour of interesting buildings - Very memerable tour with lots of information and a very pleasant and knowledgable guide. The building/architectural aspect was very good as was the information on places to visit or eat An overall very good time
Review provided by Viator
Luciak106
Mar 20, 2024
Spectacular! - Our tour with Johnny was absolutely incredible! He was immensely funny, knowledgeable, and personable for the entire three hours of the tour and seemed to have inexhaustible energy and wit. It was obvious he had a special relationship with the city and a particular insight into its hidden gems (and only thanks to him we got to see the Britannia Panopticon from the inside!). He gave us an intimate, informative, and entertaining look into the past and present of Glasgow, its unique character and its inhabitants. The entire tour was engaging and left us wanting to know more about Glagow and visit again to be able to take in all the recommendations that Johnny sent us after the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grafions57
Mar 20, 2024
Fantastic Gander Walking Tour - Jonny was absolutely amazing. His knowledge was out of this world. No notes written down. Really made us feel welcome and comfortable. Also showed interest in us a a couple.He gave us a fantastic insight of Glasgow and its buildings. The other people that booked and did not show up really missed out. A definite must if you want to learn something about Glasgow. The can of Iron Bru that Jonny bought us was an added treat. Also the amount of information he sent us after the tour was incredible and I have saved this for our next trip. Once again thank you Jonny.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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