Private Glasgow Dark Side Walking Tour
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Do you want to discover a darker side of Glasgow? You’re in the right place! Explore Glasgow the way you want to, spend quality time with a local, and get a real taste of our beautiful city. With flexible meetings and endpoints, and a dedicated local guide, maximize your time in Glasgow on a private tour.
A city well-known for its turbulent past, Glasgow has a lot of secrets. Built by industry, shaped by its working class, and run by gangs operating out of ice cream vans. This 1.5-hour tour with a local guide will take you on a walk in the darker side of Glasgow’s history - some centuries ago, some decades, and some still happening in the city today.
From unsolved murders to tales of notorious inmates and Glasgow’s foundations as a city built on the back of slavery, this tour will bring our dark past into light as you discover a different side to this iconic city.
Available options
Private Tour: 7-15 people
Private Tour: 1-6 people
What's included
Dedicated local, private guide!
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Learn the dark past of Glasgow Cathedral
2
Discover the haunted history of The Necropolis and those laid to rest here
3
Learn about the ghosts who haunt Glasgow Royal Infirmary
4
Discover Glasgow's tenements on High Street, and the people who inhabited them
5
Learn about Glasgow's slave trade connections, and how the city has taken steps to eradicate this dark past
6
Here the dark history of the Blackfriars area will be revealed
7
Learn about Glasgow's grisly prison, The Tolbooth and the punishments suffered here
8
Learn about the Trongate's dark past
9
Finish in Glasgow Green, at the McLennan Arch for a spine-chilling finish
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.8
6 reviews
5★
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1
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meet outside the main entrance to The Cathedral
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)
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
