Guided tour

Merchant City: Past and Present Music Tour

Guided tour

Merchant City: Past and Present Music Tour

Activity provider: Glasgow Music City Tours

From US$ 22.01 per person

Explore the legendary music venues of Merchant City and the East End on this guided walking tour. The entertaining tour is delivered by musicians and journalists with years of experience in Glasgow's music scene.

About this activity

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Duration 2 hours
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Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit the UK's oldest music hall - the Britannia Panopticon
  • Listen to tales of the Barrowland Ballroom
  • Share memories of great gigs on the Barrowland Pathway
  • Hear stories from multiple genres, from folk and punk, to pop and rock
  • Learn why Glasgow was the UK's first UNESCO City of Music
Full description
Share musical memories on this guided walking tour of the musical hot spots - past and present - in Glasgow's East End and Merchant City. Walk the oldest streets of Glasgow and avoid the usual tourist trails. The tour features tall tales, funny stories and fond recollections of great gigs. Starting at The Clutha, one of Glasgow's best loved live music pubs, the tour covers cherished venues such as the mighty Barrowland Ballroom and the venerable Britannia Panopticon – Britain’s oldest surviving music hall. During the tour, hear the story of the veteran venues which have found a new lease of life; the fertile relationship between the city’s visual arts community and its musicians; the legendary pubs frequented by folk music giants, and the newer, noisier upstarts that keep the grassroots scene growing. The tour finishes at the hip and happening Mono Café Bar where customers can enjoy a 25% 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. The Merchant City has proved to be a creative stamping ground for everyone from Stan Laurel to Billy Connolly, Simple Minds and Franz Ferdinand. Take a tour of the area and find out why.  
Includes
  • 2-hour walking tour
  • Experienced and knowledgeable guide
  • Entry into Britannia Panopticon
  • Discount on food at Mono Café Bar

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Outside The Clutha/Victoria Bar, 167 Stockwell Street, G1 4SP

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    Important information

    Know before you go

    • It is recommended that you wear comfortable, flat shoes and waterproof clothing
    • Please note, there will be stairs and inclines
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    5 /5

    based on 6 reviews

    Review summary

    • Value for money
      5/5
    • Service
      5/5
    • Organization
      5/5

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    Star rating:

    Fiona was a very personable guide, introduced herself to my wife and me! Made us completely at ease! Explanation of each stop was explained in a concise manner, invited participation from group which added to the fun!

    September 26, 2021

    Estupendo tour. Si te gusta la música, sobre todo la música más independiente, te gustará este itinerario que recorre la vibrante historia musical de Glasgow.

    September 14, 2019

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    Excellent tour

    Im from Glasgow and was not disappointed at all. Loved learning about, and visiting the music hall.

    August 11, 2019

    Product ID: 158663