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The Magnificent and Mysterious History of Glasgow

72 Reviews 4.76 out of 5 stars Based on 72 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 93% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Glasgow, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

124 to 134 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover some of the top attractions in the ancient city of Glasgow such as the spectacular City Chambers, the stunning medieval Cathedral and even some lesser-known sites such as world’s oldest, surviving music hall, the Britannia Panopticon.

Marvel at the grandeur of the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and sculpture that can still be found on so many streets.
Follow in the footsteps of the merchants, traders and pioneers who transformed the city’s fortunes and reputation and the workers who enabled that transformation.

Hear about some memorable moments from Glasgow’s history, including a few scandals and darker secrets.

What's Included

  • Historical Information
  • Storytelling
  • Local knowledge

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    50 George Square
    Glasgow G2 1EH, UK

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    98 Ingram Street
    Glasgow G1 1EX, UK

    The tour ends outside the Ramshorn Church on Ingram Street, not too far from the starting point in George Square

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    City Chambers

    Probably the most spectacular building in Glasgow, the headquarters of Glasgow City Council. There is some astonishing sculpture on this building which goes a long way to explaining how Glaswegians saw themselves in the 19th century.10 minutes
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    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Glasgow War Memorial

    Glasgow's monument to the citizens who fell in the First Word War. Rich in symbolism, this monument marks a turning point in Glasgow's history
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    4 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Sir Walter Scott Statue

    The centrepiece of George Square. One of Scotland's greatest writers and a man who is many ways is responsible, for creating the modern idea of Scotland.
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    4 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Robert Burns Statue

    The first ever monument to Scotland's national poet. An early example of crowdfunding. Thousands of people paid as little as 5 pence towards the cost of this sculpture. 30.000 people turned up to the unveiling
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    3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Merchant's House

    The Merchants of Glasgow, were largely responsible for the success and prosperity of modern Glasgow. This house, in the centre of the city, gives an indication of their importance and how they saw themselves
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    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Gallery of Modern Art

    Originally a spectacular private mansion house, this building has had many different uses before becoming a gallery
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    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Duke of Wellington Statue

    One of the most-well known statues in Glasgow. The Duke was a decorated military leader and even prime Minister. His statue is famous today, because of the traffic cone, placed on the Duke's head
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    3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Paesano Pizza

    One of the most popular pizza joints in Glasgow. Once upon a time they had a very special job opportunity
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    1 minute Admission Ticket Free

    Tobacco Laird's House (pass by)

    An 18th century, Georgian townhouse in the heart of modern Glasgow. The original family that lived here had an interesting story
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    Trades Hall of Glasgow

    The Trades House represented the traders of Glasgow, the carpenters, the tanners , the dyers and so on, and looked after members who had become too old to work.
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    3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Candleriggs (pass by)

    An important street in medieval Glasgow, where the candle makers lived and worked, set apart from the old town to reduce the risk of fire. Later the site of markets and warehouses. Now an an important part of Glasgow's cultural district
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    The Corinthian Club

    Formerly a bank, a courthouse, and a county building, now one of the most high-profile clubs and wedding venues.
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    4 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Saints of Ingram

    Along with the original Merchants House and the Trades House, the Hutchenson's Hospital once described one of the three graces of Glasgow. Together, they looked after many of the citizens of Glasgow, for many years
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    3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    City Halls & Old Fruitmarket

    The Old Fruitmarket was once a bustling part of commercial Glasgow. The building still stands but has been converted to retail use. it is still possible to walk through it and imagine how it would have been years ago.
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    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Trongate

    Trongate 103 is an arts centre in the heart of Glasgow, home to amongst other attractions, the Sharmanka Kinetic Gallery.
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    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

    The world's oldest surviving music hall, where a young Stan Laurel, one half of the legendary comedt double act, first performed.
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    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Mercat Cross

    A recreation of a medieval market cross, where proclamations were made.
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    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    High Street

    The High Street was the heart of medieval Glasgow. There are several attractions along the road, including the site of the old University, the fourth oldest in Britain, two spectacular murals, relating to Glasgow's patron saint, St Mungo and some other significant buildings.
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    David Livingstone Statue

    This statue, celebrating one of Scotlan's great explorers, originally stood in George Square.
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    2 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Ramshorn Theatre

    This building opened in 1824, replacing an earlier church on the site. Many of the great and good of Glasgow were buried here. In recent years it has served as a theatre, now it is a centre for language studies, owned by the University of Strathclyde
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    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Friends Of Glasgow Royal Infirmary Museum

    The oldest hospital in Glasgow, many medical innovations were pioneered here.
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    3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Glasgow Cathedral

    The tour finishes with a look inside the oldest building in Glasgow, which dates back to the 13th century. There has been a church in those locations since the 6th century.
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    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Provand's Lordship

    Apart from the Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow, dating back to the 14th century.
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    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

    Built to look a much older building, this museum celebrates many of the different religions followed in the world today
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    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Show 23 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • This is a moderately paced walking tour.
    • We cover approximately 3.5 miles in 2.5 hours, with steady walking between stops.
    • Participants should be comfortable walking continuously for 4-5 minutes between stops

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Magnificent and Mysterious History of Glasgow?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-367297P2

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.76
    72 reviews

    Average 4.76 out of 5 stars based on 72 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    63
    4 stars
    4
    3 stars
    3
    2 stars
    1
    1 star
    1
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Historical Information
    • Storytelling
    • Local knowledge

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • The tour will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
    • This is a moderately paced walking tour.
    • We cover approximately 3.5 miles in 2.5 hours, with steady walking between stops.
    • Participants should be comfortable walking continuously for 4-5 minutes between stops
    • The tour involves a hill, some uneven pavements and regular movement between locations.
    • To maintain the flow of the storytelling, we keep the group moving at a consistent pace.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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