11 must-see murals on Glasgow’s street art trail
If you’ve ever walked through Glasgow and felt like the city was looking back at you, you’re not imagining things. Scattered across drab gable ends and forgotten alleys are some of the most surprising, witty, and downright enormous works of art you’re likely to stumble upon outside a gallery. This is the Glasgow Mural Trail, a city-sized canvas that gives bricks and mortar a voice, and frankly, a much better dress sense.
So, lace up something comfortable, charge your phone for photos (you’ll need it), and join us on a wander that’s equal parts street art, city history, and unexpected whimsy.
1. St Mungo by Smug
High Street
We begin at one of the trail’s best-known pieces, a gigantic portrait of Glasgow’s patron saint, rendered with lifelike precision by the artist Smug. The baby bird in his hand nods to the old tale about bringing a bird back to life, because of course Glasgow’s patron saint is the sort of chap who’d rescue wildlife with supernatural flair.
Start here, High Street station is nearby and makes a handy jumping-off point.
2. St Enoch and child
Corner of High Street and George Street
Just around the corner, Smug strikes again, this time reimagining St Enoch as a modern-day mum with a baby wrapped in a blanket. It’s both heartwarming and monumental, which isn’t an easy combination to pull off on the side of a five-storey building.
3. The world’s most economical taxi
Mitchell Street
From here, swing south down High Street and cut across to Mitchell Street. You’ll find a gravity-defying scene, a taxi perched on the side of a building, apparently being painted into place by a man on a rope. It’s daft and brilliant in equal measure.
Perfect photo spot and conveniently close to a café or two.
4. Honey… I shrunk the kids
Mitchell Street
Just a few paces down, still on Mitchell Street, is another playful piece showing a giant woman lifting passers-by. It’s sort of like being in a surreal comic strip. Smug again, of course.
5. Fellow Glasgow residents
Ingram Street Car Park
Loop west toward Ingram Street and you’ll encounter this striking parade of urban wildlife, deer, foxes, a heron, calmly occupying an otherwise featureless car park wall. They’re regulars in the city, if you know where to look. This mural just gives them the stage they deserve.
6. The Clutha
Bridgegate
Now it’s south to the riverside. Just behind the Clutha Bar is a sprawling mural depicting musicians, poets and cultural icons, Billy Connolly and John Martyn included. It’s a kind of lyrical ode to Glasgow’s soul and conveniently next to a pub if your feet start making complaints.
7. Glasgow panda
Clyde Street
Follow the river east and you’ll spot a cheerful panda dangling from a scaffold. Why? Nobody knows and nobody minds. It’s painted by Klingatron, and it’s oddly uplifting.
8. Are ye dancin’?
Sauchiehall Street
Head back north via Buchanan Street and wander west toward Sauchiehall Street. On your right, just as the city centre starts to shift into student territory, is a lively dancehall scene complete with flying legs and exuberant elbows. It’s a tribute to Glasgow’s love affair with music, movement and a good Saturday night.
9. Strathclyde University wonderwall
North Portland Street
Trek slightly uphill to the university campus, where a patchwork mural celebrates learning, science and local pride. You might need to stand back to see it all properly, or just enjoy the bits as you pass. It’s meant to be walked past, after all.
10. Spaceman and deep sea diver
New Wynd / Argyle Street
Loop south once more toward Argyle Street and you’ll spot a pair of curious characters, a floating astronaut and an old-fashioned diver. You could spend hours guessing what they mean, or just appreciate the absurdity of space and sea colliding in the middle of Glasgow’s shopping district.
11. The musician
Candleriggs
End your trail on a mellow note with this striking portrait of a folk musician, guitar in hand, looking like he might break into song at any moment. You’re in the heart of the Merchant City now, ideal for a well-earned drink, bite to eat or simply a sit-down that doesn’t involve murals.
A few final thoughts
The mural trail isn’t just a pretty distraction, it’s a love letter from artists to a city that doesn’t always shout about its beauty. Some pieces are playful, some poetic, some just plain weird, but all of them remind you to look up, wander differently and enjoy the bits between the guidebook listings.
The full trail takes about two to three hours at a steady pace (or longer if you keep stopping for coffee and photos, highly recommended). Wear shoes that won’t mutiny after mile two and maybe bring a friend, because good murals are even better when you can nudge someone and say, “Did you see that?”
