Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) — Scotland's most visited contemporary art gallery, opened in 1996, housed in a 1778 neoclassical building at Royal Exchange Square. The Duke of Wellington equestrian statue with a traffic cone permanently perched on its head is hailed as "the funniest artwork in the UK" — even Banksy called it "my favourite artwork in the UK" and cited it as the reason for bringing his 2023 solo exhibition here. The collection features originals by Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Sebastião Salgado and other masters. The mirrored mosaic pediment and mirror entrance hall designed by Niki de Saint Phalle are the building's soulful decorations. Four floors of galleries, a public library and café are all completely free. A one-day in-depth tour includes a full tour of the main galleries, community curation exploration and Merchant City food discovery.
From the traffic cone atop the Duke of Wellington to the mirrored mosaic entrance hall, step into the heart of Scottish contemporary art, experiencing the collision of neoclassical colonnades and avant-garde installation art across time and space
In the morning, arrive at Royal Exchange Square and start with a photo with the Duke of Wellington statue — Arthur Wellesley mounted on his warhorse, forever sporting an orange traffic cone on his head, is Glasgow's most famous "unofficial landmark," even captivating Banksy. Look up at the triangular pediment on the building's facade — it's a mirrored glass mosaic designed by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, inspired by the legend of St Mungo, its colours shifting with the daylight. Enter the building: the ground floor main gallery was originally the grand hall of 18th-century tobacco lord William Cunninghame's mansion, with a glass dome flooding the space with natural light. Andy Warhol's silkscreens and David Hockney's paintings rotate here. Ascend the original central staircase to the first-floor trading hall, a soaring space hosting rotating large-scale contemporary special exhibitions. The second floor is home to "The People's Programme" community curation zone — refugee rights, LGBTQ+ history, mental health and other social issues are told gently and powerfully by artists. The basement Library at GoMA is free, with Scottish art reference books and a children's reading corner tucked between rows of old vault walls. In the evening, enjoy a Scottish lobster at a century-old seafood restaurant beside Royal Exchange Square.
Located on Exchange Place, right next to GoMA's Royal Exchange Square, operating since 1935, it is Glasgow's oldest continuously running restaurant. The Art Deco interior was designed by the same firm that worked on the Titanic. Lobster Thermidor is the signature dish, with a wine list featuring Burgundy and Bordeaux. Three distinct spaces: the main dining room (seafood fine dining), Café Rogano (all-day casual dining) and the Oyster Bar. Just a 1-minute walk from GoMA, it's the perfect dinner finale after an exhibition visit. Per person £30-£55.
Located at 21 Royal Exchange Square directly opposite GoMA, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the Duke of Wellington statue and traffic cone. Authentic Italian pasta, handmade pizza and tiramisu are the signatures, with carbonara and salmon penne receiving high praise. Outdoor seating catches the sun in summer and has heaters in winter, making it the best table for watching the square's crowds and snapping photos. Family-friendly atmosphere with occasional magic shows. Per person £12-£22.
Right next to Di Maggio's (32 Royal Exchange Square), specialising in modern Scottish cuisine with ingredients sourced entirely from local farms and waters. Weekend brunch menu ranges from Eggs Royale to butter-baked brisket muffins. The Market Menu offers three courses for just £30. The evening Scottish venison with seaweed butter sauce is a hidden-menu-level delight. Turn left from GoMA's main entrance and it's 30 seconds away. Per person £20-£40.
Located at 62 Miller Street, converted from a former bank building with soaring domed ceilings and marble columns preserving Victorian-era luxury. The signature feature is a creative cocktail menu running several pages long and weekend Bottomless Brunch, with a whisky collection exceeding 300 single malts. About a 5-minute walk from GoMA through the cobbled lanes of Merchant City, it's the ideal spot for a post-exhibition drink to reflect on contemporary art. Per person £15-£30.