The Tailor-Made Guide to The Street Art Murals of Glasgow
- Barry Pickard
- Oct 31
- 9 min read
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to show, through my own adventures, how you can have an incredible travel experience as an independent traveller, giving you the information to navigate the world with confidence.
Contents
Have you ever wondered where to find some of the UK's most spectacular street art murals? Let me tell you—Glasgow absolutely blew my mind, and I'm not someone who's easily impressed.
The screech of train wheels overhead mixes with the thump of bass from a nearby café as I stand before a three-storey-high astronaut floating against grey stone. The smell of fresh aerosol paint lingers near the railway arches where an artist is adding final touches to a new piece. Down the lane, a photorealistic robin gleams in the drizzle, its colours so vivid they seem to pulse against the Victorian brick. This isn't an art gallery—this is Glasgow, and the entire street art city is a canvas.
I'm Barry, and I've been designing bespoke self-guided tours since 2015, which means I've walked a lot of city streets in my time. But Glasgow's street art scene? It's genuinely something special. Over the past few years, I've returned to this city again and again, camera in hand, tracking down everything from works by famous street artists like Smug and Rogue-One to hidden gems tucked away in forgotten closes. I've photographed over 50 murals, chatted with locals about their favourites, and worn out a perfectly good pair of trainers in the process.
What you're about to read isn't some hastily Googled listicle. This is my personal trail through one of Europe's most underrated street art cities, hunting downs stunning graffiti street art paintings. Whether you're planning a dedicated art walk or just want to stumble upon incredible murals during a weekend break, you've found the right guide.
So, grab a coffee (Glasgow does excellent coffee, by the way), and let me show you why the best of street art can be found on this city's walls, and why they are worth the trip all on their own.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if experiencing the Glasgow Mural Trail appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the street art murals of Glasgow, or indeed, a general tour of this fascinating Scottish city.
The Street Art Murals of Glasgow
Glasgow Mural Trail
Wandering through the heart of Glasgow, it’s impossible to miss the explosion of colour and creativity that adorns the city’s walls. The Glasgow Mural Trail is a vibrant celebration of street art, transforming once-forgotten corners into open-air galleries that tell stories of the city’s past, present, and future.
Launched as part of a regeneration initiative, the trail features over 30 large-scale street murals created by a mix of local and international artists. From photorealistic portraits to surreal scenes and playful pop culture references, each mural adds a unique voice to Glasgow’s urban landscape. Artists like Smug, Rogue-One, and Conzo & Globel have become synonymous with the trail, their work blending technical mastery with a deep connection to this street art city’s culture.
What makes the trail truly special is its accessibility—there’s no ticket, no queue, just a self-guided journey through creativity. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Glaswegian, the murals offer fresh perspectives on familiar streets. They celebrate everything from local wildlife and historical figures to humour, heritage, and hope.
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Tailor-Made Top Tips
Photographers and mural hunters alike will appreciate the soft lighting during early morning or late afternoon. It reduces glare on painted surfaces and brings out the vivid colours and textures—especially with the photorealistic works.
Make your mural walk a full experience by stopping at nearby cafés, vintage shops, or galleries. Sauchiehall Street and Mitchell Lane are great for grabbing coffee and soaking in Glasgow’s vibe. It’s not just a trail—it’s a journey through one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
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Pointhouse Road
The Glasgow Mural Trail isn’t static either. New works appear regularly, and entire areas—like the railway arches along Pointhouse Road—have become dynamic canvases for evolving artistic expression, thanks to projects like Yardworks.
The Railway Arches Murals along Pointhouse Road in Glasgow are part of the Yardworks Project, a collaboration with SWG3, aiming to transform the bricked-up railway arches into Scotland’s largest outdoor street art gallery. This ever-evolving space, crammed with urban street art, features work by both local and international artists, and is updated annually during the Yardworks Festival.
Here’s a gallery of these outstanding murals and artists featured in this vibrant open-air gallery:
Tailor-Made Top Tip
Prior to exploring the vibrant Railway Arches Murals, book a tour at the nearby Clydeside Distillery for a whisky tasting with riverfront views—it's a perfect pairing of street art and Scottish spirit.
Custom House Legal Wall
Tucked along the River Clyde at Custom House Quay, the Custom House Legal Wall is Glasgow’s first officially sanctioned graffiti space—a bold canvas where street artists can paint freely and legally. Since its launch in July 2024, the wall has become a dynamic showcase of urban creativity, hosting everything from intricate murals to spontaneous tags. It’s not just a hotspot for artists; locals and visitors alike flock here to photograph the ever-changing artwork and soak in the raw, expressive energy of the city’s street art scene. As part of Glasgow’s wider initiative to promote legal graffiti zones, this wall reflects the city’s evolving relationship with public art—where community, culture, and creativity collide.
Tailor-Made Top Tip
The wall is along the National Cycle Rte 75, which traverses the northern shore of the Clyde River. The route is perfect for cycling or walking along on a nice day.
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Off The Beaten Path
Beyond the well-trodden paths of the Glasgow Mural Trail and Pointhouse Road, the city’s street art scene continues to flourish in unexpected corners. In Linthouse, Yardworks has transformed gable ends and commuter routes into striking canvases, with murals that celebrate local heritage, resilience, and activism—like Jay Kaes’ layered portrait infused with shipyard symbolism, or Gera1’s playful tribute to Govan’s quiet defiance. Meanwhile, in the city centre, an imposing mural of Winston from Still Game has become an instant cultural landmark, capturing the dry wit and beloved spirit of Glasgow’s iconic sitcom. These scattered gems offer a deeper, more personal glimpse into the city’s creative pulse—where humour, history, and community pride meet in bold colour and unforgettable form, making Glasgow one of the most compelling street art cities in Europe.
Tailor-Made Top Tip
The murals at Linthouse are just a 15-minute walk away from Govan Old Church, which contains a fascinating collection of early medieval carved stones - the original street art of Glasgow!
Where to Stay
Glasgow offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every travel style and budget—from stylish boutique hotels and luxury stays to budget-friendly gems and well-located chains. Whether you're here to explore the city's vibrant street art scene or dive into its rich cultural heritage, you'll find the perfect base to rest, recharge, and reflect on your mural-filled adventures.
To make your planning easier, here’s a curated selection of places to stay—each ideally located for mural hunters and city explorers alike. Affiliate links will be added to each recommendation, so feel free to click through and book your ideal Glasgow stay.
💎 High-End: Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
If you're looking to indulge, the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel offers five-star luxury in a historic building just a short walk from the Glasgow Mural Trail. With elegant rooms, a renowned spa, and impeccable service, it’s perfect for travellers who want to pair street art with sophistication.
🧳 Mid-Range: Motel One Glasgow
Stylish, central, and surprisingly affordable, Motel One Glasgow is a favourite among independent travellers. Located right next to Glasgow Central Station, it’s within easy reach of key murals like “The World’s Most Economical Taxi” and “Honey I Shrunk the Kids.” The design-forward interiors and excellent value make it a smart choice for mural chasers.
💸 Budget-Friendly: Piccolo Hotel
For budget-conscious travellers who still want charm and comfort, Piccolo Hotel offers cosy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere in a convenient location. It’s a great base for exploring the murals along Pointhouse Road and the city centre, with easy access to public transport and local cafés. Perfect for those who want to experience Glasgow’s street art city vibe without stretching their budget.
Quick Questions Answered
How can I explore the Glasgow Mural Trail? You can explore the Glasgow Mural Trail on foot using a free interactive map, which guides you through over 30 murals across the city centre. It takes about 2.5 to 4 hours depending on your pace and stops.
Who are the artists behind Glasgow's most famous murals? Smug (Sam Bates), originally from Australia, is known for his hyper-realistic portraits like “St Mungo” and “Fellow Glasgow Residents,” blending surreal detail with local character. Rogue-One (Bobby McNamara), a Glasgow native, brings cinematic flair to murals such as “The World’s Most Economical Taxi” and “Are Ye Dancin?” with a style rooted in figurative storytelling. Conzo & Globel infuse their work with bold colours and pop-culture humour, creating playful tributes to Glasgow’s quirky spirit like “Crazy Cat Lady.” Ejek rounds out the lineup with abstract, stylized pieces that push creative boundaries and add visual punch to the city’s urban canvas.
Where can I find the best street art murals in Glasgow? You’ll find the best street art murals in Glasgow along the official Glasgow Mural Trail in the city centre, especially around High Street, Mitchell Street, and Pointhouse Road.
What is street art? Street art is a form of visual expression created in public spaces, often with the intent to engage, provoke, or beautify. It includes murals, stencils, stickers, sculptures, and more, and can be legal or illicit depending on context.
What is the difference between graffiti vs street art? Graffiti often focuses on tagging names or crews and is typically illegal, whereas street art tends to be more image-based, message-driven, and sometimes commissioned or sanctioned by property owners.
What qualifies as a mural? A mural is a large-scale artwork, often designed to transform public or interior spaces with visual storytelling, cultural expression, or community identity. Murals are painted or affixed directly onto surfaces (they are not movable canvases), and are usually designed with their location in mind, integrating with the architecture or environment.
Is painting on public walls illegal in the UK? Yes, painting on public walls without permission is generally illegal in the UK and is considered criminal damage or vandalism. However, if you have the property owner's consent, it can be entirely legal.
Who owns the rights to the mural? The artist typically owns the copyright to the mural, while the property owner owns the physical wall it's painted on—unless a contract states otherwise.
Do mural artists need insurance? Yes, mural artists in the UK typically need insurance—especially public liability insurance—to protect themselves from claims related to injury, property damage, or accidents during installation or exhibition.
Conclusion
Glasgow's Mural Trail isn't just a tourist attraction—it's proof that art belongs to everyone, not just gallery visitors with expensive tickets. What started as a regeneration project has transformed this city into an open-air gallery where you can spend an entire day wandering from masterpiece to masterpiece without spending a penny. Some of the world's best street art laid out for you for free! The beauty of exploring these street art murals as an independent traveller is that you set the pace. You can rush through the highlights in a few hours or take your time, returning to favourites in different light, discovering new details you missed the first time. I've done both, and honestly? The slow approach wins every time. Glasgow's murals reward curiosity, and the city rewards those who explore beyond the obvious routes. Whether you're drawn to Smug's photorealistic portraits, the ever-changing railway arches at Pointhouse Road, or the quieter pieces tucked away in Linthouse, you'll leave with a camera full of photos and a genuine appreciation for what street art can do to a city. This is Glasgow at its most creative, most colourful, and most welcoming—and trust me, those walls have stories you won't forget.
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on global street art cities and how to visit them, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Which mural are you most excited to see, or have you already discovered a Glasgow street art gem I've missed?
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if experiencing the Glasgow Mural Trail appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the street art murals of Glasgow, or indeed, a general tour of this fascinating Scottish city.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
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