Things to see and do
Things to see and do
Merchant City and Trongate are rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, offering plenty to explore. Take in the grandeur of Glasgow City Chambers, an architectural masterpiece, or wander through the atmospheric Ramshorn Graveyard, a historic burial site with fascinating stories. Art lovers can follow the Mural Trail, discovering vibrant street art that brings the city’s walls to life. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Police Museum, showcasing Glasgow’s policing past, while Trongate 103 is a must-visit hub for contemporary arts.For a moment of tranquillity, step inside the beautiful St Andrew’s Cathedral, one of Glasgow’s finest historic churches. The Briggait, a former fish market turned creative space, hosts exhibitions and events, while the Clydeside Walkway offers scenic riverside strolls. Don’t miss La Pasionaria, a striking monument dedicated to those who fought against fascism. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply exploring, Merchant City and Trongate have something for everyone.
Glasgow City Chambers
The City Chambers or Municipal Buildings in Glasgow, Scotland, has functioned as the headquarters of Glasgow City Council since 1996, and of preceding forms of municipal government in the city since 1889. It is located on the eastern side of the city’s George Square. It is a Category A listed building.
Ramshorn Cemetery
The Ramshorn Cemetery is a cemetery in Scotland and one of Glasgow’s older burial grounds, located within the Merchant City district, and along with its accompanying church, is owned by the University of Strathclyde. It has had various names, both official and unofficial: North West Parish Kirkyard; St David’s Kirkyard; and Ramshorn and Blackfriars. The latter name tells of its link to Blackfriars Church, linking in turn to the pre-Reformation connection to the Blackfriars Monastery in Glasgow.
Mural Trail
The Glasgow Mural Trail is a public art tour displaying murals around the city, showcasing its vibrant street art culture. It spans neighbourhoods like the West End and City Centre, with works by local and international artists. The street murals are helping to rejuvenate streets and revitalise buildings and vacant sites that look a bit tired, reincarnating them as beautiful pieces of public street art. The first art work was produced in 2008 and this portfolio of completed works has expanded since.
Police Museum
The Glasgow Police Museum is the museum of Britain’s first police force, from 1800 to 1975.
The exhibits in the Glasgow Police Historical Exhibition provide a historical insight into the people, events and other factors which contributed to the founding, development and progress of Britain’s first Police force, the City of Glasgow Police from 1779 – 1975.
The International Police Exhibition in the museum illustrates the spread of policing throughout the world. More than 2,000 items of insignia, headgear and uniforms from all corners of the globe are on display.
Trongate 103
Opened in 2009, Trongate 103 brings together an eclectic bunch of Glasgow institutions under one specially-built roof on the edge of the Merchant City. Residents including Project Ability, Glasgow Print Studios, Transmission, Project Rooms, Street Level Photoworks, Sharmanka and Cafe Cossachok grew up in the area from grassroots endeavour and have been rewarded with a bespoke arts centre.
The centre is welcoming, both in terms of its bright, airy interior and its super welcoming staff. As well as the aforementioned cultural and gastronomical institutions, Trongate 103 also plays host to ever-changing gallery exhibitions, performances, educational activities, photo developing suites, print studios and community education spaces.
St Andrews Cathedral
The Glasgow Metropolitan Cathedral is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Glasgow, and was built in 1814 by James Gillespie Graham. Adjoining the Cathedral is the Italian Cloister Garden, opened in 2011, which features inscriptions from the Gospel and Italian poets set on mirrored plinths, a 200 year old olive tree from Tuscany, fountains and a stream.
Briggait
The Briggait is a beautiful Grade A listed building in Glasgow’s medieval quarter, the Merchant City. The building was originally used as Glasgow’s fish market until the late 1970s. It was then converted into a shopping centre during the 1980s – this proved to be a temporary venture. In the 21st century it was converted into artists studios which opened to the public in August 2010.
Clydeside Walkway
The Clyde Walkway is some 40miles/65 km long, running between Partick in Glasgow and New Lanark in South Lanarkshire. It was created as a joint enterprise by the Glasgow City, South Lanarkshire, and North Lanarkshire Councils. Unlike other long distance paths it is close to urban centres with easy access to public transport, but even so good walking boots and suitable clothing is recommended.
La Pasionara
Glasgow’s memorial to the International Brigade volunteers from Great Britain who fought and died in the Spanish Civil War. Arms defiantly outstretched, face raised to the sky, the figure of La Pasionaria looms large over the banks of the River Clyde in central Glasgow. La Pasionaria” (“The Passion Flower”) was the pen name of Dolores Ibárruri, a Spanish Republican politician, communist, and prominent anti-fascist propagandist during the Spanish Civil War of 1936 to 1939.