Over the past decade and more, Glasgow has covered its gable ends, lanes and railway arches with huge, ambitious murals, and together they have become one of the best free things to see in the city. Many sit on the council's City Centre Mural Trail, and they range from photorealistic portraits to playful cartoon-style pieces and the much-loved modern images of St Mungo, the city's patron saint, on and around High Street. You can follow them alone with a map, but a guide adds the stories: who painted them, why, and what the images say about the city. This tour, linked here through Tiqets, is a 90-minute walk with a live English-speaking guide in a group of up to twenty. It meets at the mural at 81 Mitchell Street, just off Argyle Street near Central Station, and deliberately skips the usual cathedrals and monuments to lead you through alleys and under bridges to works by both famous and local artists. It runs daily at 2pm, is wheelchair accessible and can be cancelled free up to 48 hours ahead.
How it works: be at 81 Mitchell Street, G1, by the mural a few minutes before 2pm, show your mobile ticket to the guide, who wears an orange jacket, and you are off. The walk is easy and level by Glasgow standards, mostly in the compact grid of streets around Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and the Merchant City. The operator, Walking Tours in, is based on Trongate, and the tour has strong reviews for its guides.
What to bring: Glasgow weather changes fast, especially in November, so wear a waterproof and comfortable shoes. Bring a phone with space for photos, because some murals cover the whole side of a building and look best from across the street. By 3.30pm, when the tour ends, the light is already fading in winter, which can make the lit lanes atmospheric.
Doing it yourself: if you would rather go solo, the council's mural trail map takes you to the main works at your own pace, and the St Mungo murals on High Street are on the way to Glasgow Cathedral. A good afternoon combines the guided tour with a self-guided extension up High Street to the cathedral and the Necropolis, then dinner in the Merchant City.
What to expect
The experience
A 90-minute guided walking tour in English for up to twenty people, through city-centre lanes and under bridges to large murals, with the stories of the artists behind them.
Best time
The tour runs daily at 2pm; pick a dry afternoon, and in November expect the light to fade by the end.
How long
One and a half hours, finishing around 3.30pm.
Tips
Arrive a few minutes early at 81 Mitchell Street and look for the guide's orange jacket. Wear a waterproof, and walk on up High Street afterwards for the St Mungo murals and the cathedral.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers and first-timers who want a quick, affordable introduction to modern Glasgow.
- Families
- Fine for older children who can manage a 90-minute walk; the colourful murals keep them interested.
- Couples
- A relaxed afternoon stroll that ends near the bars and restaurants of the Merchant City.
- Pair with
- Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis up High Street, and Mackintosh at the Willow for tea.
- Time needed
- Ninety minutes, or a half day with the cathedral.
Good questions
Where does the Glasgow street art tour start?+
It meets at the mural at 81 Mitchell Street, close to Central Station and Argyle Street. Look for the guide in an orange jacket.
What time does the tour run?+
It runs daily at 2pm and lasts about an hour and a half. Check available dates when you book.
Is the tour accessible?+
The listing describes it as wheelchair accessible, and the route stays on city-centre streets and lanes. Contact the operator if you have specific needs.
Can I see the murals for free?+
Yes, the murals are on public streets and the council publishes a City Centre Mural Trail map. The guided tour adds the background and the hidden spots.
What is the cancellation policy?+
You can cancel free of charge for a full refund up to 48 hours before the tour, and reschedule within the same window.
