City Chambers
City Chambers
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1888, Glasgow City Chambers dominates George Square and is currently home to Glasgow City Council. The grand marble staircase and banqueting hall are among the building's many highlights. Free guided tours are conducted at 10:30am and 2:30pm on weekdays except public holidays and special events.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: City Centre
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2,080 within 3 miles
Attractions
473 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- VNORVISan Francisco, California387 contributionsA few minutes snd remarkableRemarkable spot. The marble is the big thing and it is massively marble. The guard will make up any excuse not to let you in. But they will let you wander around. The reason the city does not want you going around is the story behind the building….. it was almost entirely built on thr dksbe trade.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 October 2023
- NickofSurreySurrey, United Kingdom1,047 contributionsImpressive exterior in any cityimposing building in George Square in the centre of Glasgow. The Square itself given over to a Christmas event.very nice lit up in different colours. A one day visit to the city and leave in the morning. A very nice city centre,good atmosphere and definitely worthy of its own city breakVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 December 2023
- Dan McLondon, United Kingdom24 contributionsGreat tour!Given this is a free tour of what is, in effect, a council building, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, it was so grand inside, it was well worth the visit. One of the others in our tour group asked to use the lift and that was easily accommodated, so don't be afraid to go on this tour if you can't easily climb the stairs; they'll make it work for you too!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 December 2023
- Beverley M68 contributionsDo not miss thisI chose to do this tour based on the amazing photos I had seen online. Even so, it exceeded expectations. Margaret, our tour guide, was both extremely knowledgeable about the building and absolutely committed to ensuring that everyone had a fantastic experience. I have some mobility issues and she went out of her way to ensure that I was accommodated and had access to a lift instead of the stairs. That said, every room on the tour (about an hour) was even more breathtaking than the last. It was an amazing experience and completely free. Not to be missed.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 12 April 2024
- Kevin GRegina, Canada5 contributionsGreat tourWe did the free tour of Glasgow City Chambers building at 10:30 am. We picked up our tickets at 10:00 opening time and then went out and toured George Square and came back before 10:30 for the tour. The building is incredible to see. The tour guide Margaret had a great deal of information about the building. Well worth it.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 May 2024
- Ros6 contributionsAmazing guided tourLast month I visited the City chambers located in the center of Glasgow together with my class and it was a truly positive experience for everyone. When we arrived in the building we were kindly welcomed by the staff who immediately introduced us to our guide. The 45 minute tour was very interesting and well argued, we were shown some very fascinating rooms and objects. My class mates and I were very enthusiastic because the palace is really lovely to visit and the staff is very friendly. I highly recommend this stop if you are in Glasgow because I'm sure you won't regret it. But remember to book your free tour on the Glasgow council website. Very pleasant experience, highly recommended.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 4 June 2024
- BLSilver82Ottawa, Canada195 contributionsGlasgow City Chambers tourLiam did an excellent job of showing us around the City Chambers as well as explaining the architecture and history of the building. It is well worth a visit but arrive early as it has limited space (25) and only goes at 10:00 and 2:30. It is also free. A great look into Glasgow's rich history as well as a very beautiful building. Even got a chance to sit in the Lord Provost's Chair.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,028 reviews
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319
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Ros
6 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Last month I visited the City chambers located in the center of Glasgow together with my class and it was a truly positive experience for everyone.
When we arrived in the building we were kindly welcomed by the staff who immediately introduced us to our guide.
The 45 minute tour was very interesting and well argued, we were shown some very fascinating rooms and objects.
My class mates and I were very enthusiastic because the palace is really lovely to visit and the staff is very friendly. I highly recommend this stop if you are in Glasgow because I'm sure you won't regret it.
But remember to book your free tour on the Glasgow council website.
Very pleasant experience, highly recommended.
When we arrived in the building we were kindly welcomed by the staff who immediately introduced us to our guide.
The 45 minute tour was very interesting and well argued, we were shown some very fascinating rooms and objects.
My class mates and I were very enthusiastic because the palace is really lovely to visit and the staff is very friendly. I highly recommend this stop if you are in Glasgow because I'm sure you won't regret it.
But remember to book your free tour on the Glasgow council website.
Very pleasant experience, highly recommended.
Written 4 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malgorzata
12,085 contributions
Nov 2019
Glasgow City Chambers is situated just off George Square, the central square in the heart of Glasgow. It houses the seat of Glasgow City Council. Stunning building when you walk inside you will be suprised at the decor. The staircase is marble and really impressive . Beautiful Victorian civic building. Built in the years 1882–1888. Staff friendly and helpful. Very beautiful interior , must visit when you are in Glasgow.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norman J
Woking, UK526 contributions
Apr 2022
Much of the City Chambers is closed to the public as a working government building but the ground floor is well worth a visit. The ornamentation screams the glory of 19th century Glasgow. Very visitor friendly and a free brochure on entry. Highly recommended.
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BLSilver82
Ottawa, Canada195 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
Liam did an excellent job of showing us around the City Chambers as well as explaining the architecture and history of the building.
It is well worth a visit but arrive early as it has limited space (25) and only goes at 10:00 and 2:30.
It is also free.
A great look into Glasgow's rich history as well as a very beautiful building.
Even got a chance to sit in the Lord Provost's Chair.
It is well worth a visit but arrive early as it has limited space (25) and only goes at 10:00 and 2:30.
It is also free.
A great look into Glasgow's rich history as well as a very beautiful building.
Even got a chance to sit in the Lord Provost's Chair.
Written 17 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coco
Brisbane, Australia9 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We went to the City Chambers as a group of retired professionals on a weekday morning. Guided by the knowledgeable ’William’ it was nearly two hours filled with interest and wonderful views of this 19th century building. The Grand Ballroom was unavailable that day but it didn’t detract from a lovely day out.. Thank you from the ‘FROGS’ of Fairlie.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claudio d
Viterbo, Italy41,919 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Large building occupying the entire eastern side of George Square. Built in neoclassical style between 1882 and 1888, it well reflects Victorian civic architecture. The tours (guided and free) take place from Monday to Friday at 10:30 and 14:30 and when we arrived (at 16:00) it was unfortunately late. We were therefore content to see the exterior, whose facade rich in statues, columns, friezes and other decorative elements is undoubtedly appreciated and represents the main Attraction of the square.
Automatically translated
Written 3 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverley M
68 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
I chose to do this tour based on the amazing photos I had seen online. Even so, it exceeded expectations. Margaret, our tour guide, was both extremely knowledgeable about the building and absolutely committed to ensuring that everyone had a fantastic experience. I have some mobility issues and she went out of her way to ensure that I was accommodated and had access to a lift instead of the stairs. That said, every room on the tour (about an hour) was even more breathtaking than the last. It was an amazing experience and completely free. Not to be missed.
Written 12 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yannick P
Plougoumelen, France240 contributions
Jun 2023
We greatly enjoyed our visit to this establishment. Although in English, the guide had a caustic humor and spoke to us perfectly about her city, with love, its history, the successive mayors, the debates in the council chamber, the history of the building, a exceptional wealth and which has served as a setting for films, notably on the Kremlin...
Superb building. Visit at 10 a.m., free. And the Topissime guide.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this establishment. Although in English, the guide had a caustic sense of humor and spoke to us perfectly about her city, with love, its history, the successive mayors, the debates in the council chamber, the history of the building, an exceptional wealth and which has served as a film set, notably to be supposed the luxurious Kremlin of Vladimir.
Superb building. Visit at 10 a.m., free. And the top of the top woman guide.
Superb building. Visit at 10 a.m., free. And the Topissime guide.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this establishment. Although in English, the guide had a caustic sense of humor and spoke to us perfectly about her city, with love, its history, the successive mayors, the debates in the council chamber, the history of the building, an exceptional wealth and which has served as a film set, notably to be supposed the luxurious Kremlin of Vladimir.
Superb building. Visit at 10 a.m., free. And the top of the top woman guide.
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth B
Craigellachie, UK105 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Even before my planned trip to Glasgow, I became aware of this fascinating building through photos taken by photographer Steve Chandler, and he told me that two tours are offered daily during the week. And this tour actually became one of the highlights of my visit to Glasgow. You learn a lot about the interesting origins of the building. The tour takes you through the impressive staircases, into various impressive halls and into the conference room. The friendly lady - tour guide - also told me about the plans to open a small cafe inside the building in the future. Given the atmosphere of the building, that would certainly be an additional highlight.
Written 25 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan Mc
London, UK24 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Given this is a free tour of what is, in effect, a council building, I wasn't sure what to expect.
However, it was so grand inside, it was well worth the visit.
One of the others in our tour group asked to use the lift and that was easily accommodated, so don't be afraid to go on this tour if you can't easily climb the stairs; they'll make it work for you too!
However, it was so grand inside, it was well worth the visit.
One of the others in our tour group asked to use the lift and that was easily accommodated, so don't be afraid to go on this tour if you can't easily climb the stairs; they'll make it work for you too!
Written 21 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi - we’re hoping to do a tour on our way from the station to our hotel in Kelvingrove. Are there lockers for bags at the City Chambers?
Written 13 January 2023
When we visited The Scottish Parliament building,there was a full size cardboard cutout of Nicholas Sturgeons.Can anyone guarantee me that this will not happen in Glasgow’s City Chambers ?
Written 26 November 2018
I Don't know Nicholas Sturgeons, I do know Nicola Sturgeon who happens to be Scotlands First Minister. As the City Chambers are Council offices i very much doubt if there's a cardboard cutout of her.
Written 17 December 2018
Hi, I would not be able to get to the tour. I wanted to know if you still recomend to visit the city chambers and if you have any tip on which parts to visit
Thanks
Written 12 March 2017
Just walk in and have a look, it's a lovely building. The private bits are always out of bounds I guess. A guide will enhance your visit, sure, but its still worth a quick visit regardless.
Written 14 March 2017
Yes. Then straight ahead to the reception desk
Written 5 February 2016
The statues on the tower are the Four Seasons, with the Apex statues being Truth, Riches and Honour. The main 'Apex' statue is Truth...commonly known as Glasgow's Statue of Liberty because of it's close resemblance to the American statue.
Hope this helps.
Written 2 January 2015
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