Hotels near George Square, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Based on its role as the core civic and cultural hub of the city, George Square is often referred to as the heart of Glasgow. Set in the center of Glasgow, it is encircled by some of the city's most prominent buildings, including the Glasgow City Chambers - the city council’s headquarters.

Its central location makes it a natural meeting spot for both locals and visitors alike and a departure point for many walking tours. It is well connected, with Queen Street Station, a major transit link, located only a short walk away.

Over the years the square has welcomed a variety of events and celebrations, transforming from a concert area to a winter wonderland, which further reinforced its cultural significance as an integral part of Glasgow's identity. Its welcoming open layout, historic statues, and constant flow of people and activities all attest to the pulse of the city.

George Square is home to a great number of statues commemorating major historic figures - both Scottish and British. Amongst the more notable ones is Sir Walter Scott, prominently positioned on a tall column in the middle of the square.

Other significant figures include Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, alongside poet Robert Burns, engineer James Watt, and military leaders such as Field Marshal Lord Clyde. Each statue immortalises a different piece of Scotland’s political, literary, scientific, or military history, collectively forming an open-air gallery that acts as a symbol of achievement and national pride.

Visitor experience is elevated by interpretive plaques that provide basic information about each individual.

George Square has a history of being an active location for assembly when it comes to political meetings, protests and demonstrations, which paired with its central location makes it a key congregation spot for civil expression. One of the more famous events in the square happened in 1919, when the "Battle of George Square" took place between strikers wanting to improve their working conditions and the police and the military.

Since then, the square has hosted countless rallies and protests around issues from workers' rights to climate change.

Regularly scheduled peaceful protests, campaign events and solidarity marches continue to take place in and around the square, solidifying George Square's role as a vehicle for democracy and expression.

George Square is a central site for Christmas markets and celebrations in Glasgow. Each winter, it transforms into a holiday destination complete with a large Christmas tree, holiday lights, food stalls, amusements, and an ice skating rink.

Vendors offer seasonal foods, gifts, crafts, and a variety of traditional Scottish specialties. This creates an overall festive atmosphere that draws families and visitors of all ages.

In addition to the Christmas markets, George Square hosts an array of events to celebrate Hogmanay (Scottish New Year), Remembrance Day, and other cultural celebrations throughout the year. Many of these seasonal events promote the identity of George Square as a melting pot of culture and tradition, that enhances the warmth and community spirit of Glasgow.

George Square is named after King George III, the British monarch who held the throne from 1760 to 1820, to signify loyalty to the crown. The square was planned in 1781 as part of Glasgow's urban expansion process and completed in the early 19th century, with it quickly becoming the civic and ceremonial centre of the city.

While Glasgow has undergone a fair amount of political and historical developments, marked by shifts in sentiment towards monarchy, George Square continues to carry its legacy for more than 200 years.

Today, it is both an enduring symbol steeped in remembrance, legacy and history as well as a place where the city's past carries over into daily life, events, and public memory to shape the modern identity of Glasgow.