Merchant City Music Walking Tour of Glasgow

Glasgow , Scotland

Merchant City Music Walking Tour of Glasgow

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(94 reviews)

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About this experience

Explore Glasgow's music scene with this two hour guided walking tour of iconic venues in the Merchant City and East End.

Entertaining and informative, this tour has all the stories about the legendary performers who have stayed, played and made music in Glasgow.

The city has an unrivalled reputation for producing brilliant bands, making memorable music and putting on unforgettable shows. This tour will show you how and why.

Our guides are enthusiastic music fans and writers who are immersed in Glasgow’s cultural life.

The tour finishes at the hip and happening Mono Café Bar where customers can enjoy a 20% discount on food.

You don't need to be a music expert to enjoy the tour and even if you are, you may still learn new things. Jam-packed with anecdotes, the tour is designed to show a different side of Glasgow to both visitors and locals.

Available options

Saturday Tour

Two hour guided walking tour of the Merchant City's music scene, past and present. Tour departs Victoria Bar/The Clutha on Stockwell Street at 11am.

What's included

Includes voucher for 20% discount on food at Mono Cafe Bar.

Detailed itinerary

One of Glasgow's best loved live music pubs, this Clydeside bar is covered with murals which showcase the diversity of the city's music scene through the years.

Britain’s oldest surviving music hall, the venerable Britannia Panopticon is still a working venue. As well as hosting legendary Scottish performers such as Harry Lauder, this atmospheric, hidden gem has seen stage stars ranging from Cary Grant to Stan Laurel. At present, due to Covid, we do not have access to Britannia Panopticon although we can still tell you all its great stories.

The City Halls and Old Fruitmarket have been the location for many a memorable gig, including The Stranglers concert which led to punk rock being banned in Glasgow.

Now a leading theatre and concert venue, this building's history includes a devastating date with the notorious Hellfire Club.

The Barrowland Ballroom is much loved by Glasgow gig-goers and its history is as colourful as the bands that have played here.

Barrowland Pathway artwork highlights many of the acts which have played its namesake venue. And from The Smiths and Simple Minds to David Bowie and Bob Dylan, we have brilliant stories about many of the big names who have played here.

A beautiful, 18th century church turned live music venue, St Andrews has lively links to the biggest names in Scotland's cultural history.

We finish on King's Court where your guide will reveal our theories about why Glasgow evolved its own, unique music scene. From Postcard Records to The 13th Note and Mono Bar, this is an area rich in stories about Glasgow's past and present music scenes.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

6 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

88 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please contact us to discuss any mobility issues.

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please be at departure point 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure time

Meeting point

Meet your guide outside The Clutha Bar on Stockwell Street.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is a vibrant urban hub known for its rich architectural heritage, thriving arts scene, and friendly locals. With a mix of grand Victorian and modern buildings, the city offers a dynamic blend of culture, history, and innovation.

Top Attractions

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

One of Scotland's most popular free attractions, this museum features a diverse collection of art, artifacts, and natural history exhibits.

Museum 2-3 hours Free

Glasgow Cathedral

A stunning example of Scottish Gothic architecture, this cathedral is one of the few medieval buildings to survive in Glasgow.

Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Riverside Museum

Award-winning museum showcasing Glasgow's rich transport and industrial heritage with interactive exhibits and historic vehicles.

Museum 2-3 hours Free

Glasgow School of Art

A masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Glasgow School of Art is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

Architecture 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Buchanan Street

One of Glasgow's premier shopping destinations, Buchanan Street offers a mix of high-street brands, luxury boutiques, and department stores.

Shopping 1-2 hours Varies by store

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Contains meat and offal.

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions, originating from the town of Cullen in the northeast of Scotland.

Soup Contains fish.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef, seasoned with pepper and spices.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, honey, fresh raspberries, and toasted oats.

Dessert Vegetarian, but may contain dairy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Trossachs Kayaking on Loch Lomond Mountain biking in the Campsie Fells Climbing at the Rucksack Club Spas and wellness centers Afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms Strolling through the Botanic Gardens Relaxing in Kelvingrove Park

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities and festivals.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic, Scots
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Glasgow is generally safe for travelers, but like any city, it has its share of petty crime and safety concerns. Exercise caution in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious in crowded areas and at night
• Use licensed taxis and avoid unmarked cabs

Getting there

By air

Glasgow Airport • 10.5 km (6.5 miles) west of the city center
Glasgow Prestwick Airport • 50 km (31 miles) southwest of the city center

By train

Glasgow Central Station, Glasgow Queen Street Station

By bus

Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is easy to use and affordable, with a circular route connecting key areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

West End City Center East End Southside

Day trips

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

30 km (19 miles) northwest of Glasgow • Full day

A stunning national park offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and wildlife spotting.

Stirling

40 km (25 miles) northeast of Glasgow • Full day

A historic city offering a mix of medieval architecture, museums, and scenic views.

Edinburgh

75 km (47 miles) east of Glasgow • Full day or overnight

Scotland's capital city offers a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

The Glasgow International Comedy Festival • March The Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art • July The Celtic Connections Festival • January to February

Pro tips

Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Take advantage of the city's free museums and galleries, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum
Visit the Necropolis for a unique perspective on the city's history and a stunning view of Glasgow
Experience the city's vibrant nightlife, from traditional pubs to trendy bars and live music venues
Try local Scottish dishes, such as haggis, neeps, and tatties, and enjoy a traditional ceilidh (Scottish dance)