George Square is Glasgow's principal civic square, laid out in 1781 in the heart of the city and facing the grand City Chambers, the seat of Glasgow City Council. It is famous for its collection of statues honouring Scots such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and James Watt, and for the WWI war memorial (the Cenotaph), and it is the city's main stage for events like Hogmanay, the Christmas markets and St Andrew's Day. Since early 2025 the square has been undergoing a major £20.5 million redevelopment, so as of July 2026 it is only partially open and most of its statues have been removed for restoration (only the Cenotaph remains in place). Full completion is expected in summer to autumn 2026, with an official public reopening planned for September, so check the current status before visiting and combine it with a city-centre stroll and a free City Chambers tour.
Glasgow City Chambers: opened in 1888, with an opulent Italian Renaissance interior of marble staircases, mosaics and a lavish banqueting hall — free guided tours on weekdays
The Cenotaph war memorial: designed by Sir John James Burnet and unveiled in 1924, it is the only monument guaranteed to stay in place throughout the redevelopment
The Sir Walter Scott Monument: a statue atop an ~24 m Doric column at the square's centre (1837, the world's first monument to Scott) — note the statue may be absent during the works
The redesigned square: new granite paving, a raised lawn, children's sensory and play gardens and feature lighting as part of the 2026 revamp
A stage for events: Hogmanay, Christmas markets and St Andrew's Day celebrations, plus street performances year-round, and a known 'Outlander' filming location
Good to know
RulesAs of July 2026 the square is a live construction site — only partly open and with most statues removed. Check the current open areas and works status before you go (full reopening expected in September).
SafetyThe city centre is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets at crowded events such as the Christmas markets and the Hogmanay countdown. Wear bags to the front.
SeasonScotland is wet year-round and cool even in summer, so bring a waterproof and layers. Summer days are very long (light until about 10pm) while winter days are short.
MannersCity Chambers guided tours can't be pre-booked; tickets are handed out on a first-come basis at reception 30 minutes before each tour (max 25 people), so arrive early. Restaurant tips of around 10% are customary — check whether a service charge is already included.
RulesThe UK drives on the left, so look right first when crossing. Contactless card payment is standard and sockets are the three-pin Type G, so bring an adapter.
CautionBe wary of clipboard 'signature/donation' approaches and fake ticket sellers around tourist spots. For taxis, use official black cabs or a licensed app such as Uber.
Practical info
Queen Street station sits right on the north-east corner of the square, and both Glasgow Central station and Buchanan Street subway are about a 5-minute walk, making access very easy. The square itself is a free, open public space; City Chambers guided tours are free on weekdays at 10:30 and 14:30 (first-come tickets from reception). Always confirm the latest information on the redevelopment progress, tour closure dates and opening hours before visiting.
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