Duke of Wellington Glasgow
Conehead
One of the best-loved landmarks in Glasgow is the statue of the Duke of Wellington on his gee-gee outside the Gallery of Modern Art. He was the guy who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. He was a Tory Prime Minister - twice - and Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. And how do the good people of Glasgow recognise his achievements? They stick a traffic cone on his head.
In 2013, the Council claimed it cost them 10 grand to remove the cone 100 times a year, but I don't know what they're on about as I've never seen the statue without the cone - sometimes even the horse has one on each ear.
They said it created a 'depressing image' of the city and they wanted to raise the plinth to make it harder for people to climb up. But that idea was nipped in the bud when a social media campaign showed the extent of public support for keeping the cone.
After you have your selfie or whatever with the Duke, check out the Gallery of Modern Art. It's well worth a visit.
And if you want to know how the cone gets on his head, watch this video:
Find your way with 147 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Glasgow
Riverside Skatepark
Skating by the museum
Come to Riverside Skatepark to experience local skate culture with ramps for all levels. Great for people-watching with fun, views, and community vibes.
by
Fraser
Strachan
Hamilton Crescent
Historic Sports Club in Glasgow
Hamilton Crescent, home to the world’s first international football match, is a historic, peaceful ground where cricket, memories, and heritage live on.
by
Fraser
Strachan
Rafa's Diner
Best Tacos in town
I have only tried their veggie options but the meat options look delicious and my non-veggie friends are obsessed with their Pollo Asado and Barbacoa.
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Brewhaus
Beer gardens and dogs
"Brewhaus" in Glasgow is a West End pub (used to be a church) best known as the venue for the infamous glass over the balcony scene in Trainspotting...
by
Scott
Walker
Relics
A vintage gem in Ruthven Lane
If you are taking a walk to the West End of Glasgow, make sure to visit Ruthven Lane, where you'll find my favorite vintage treasure store "Relics"...
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Rawnchy
Quirky cake heaven
"Rawnchy" in Glasgow is heaven for raw cakes and coffee lovers! Their cakes are from another planet. Super tasty & healthy - they even have a lunch menu!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
BAKED
Pizza heaven by the slice
"BAKED" in Glasgow makes Pizza al Taglio, which means these guys know what they're doing. Their tiramisu tastes as if my granny had made it...
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Book Swap
Library in a garden
I always pop up at Glasgow's "Book Swap" in the East End to see what's new. The concept is simple: leave one, take one. Really nice initiative!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
OCHO
Cosy canal cafe
"OCHO" in Glasgow is a little cafe on a corner of an 1851 warehouse building. It's a perfect spot for brunches and lunch breaks - I love the homemade soup!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Hogganfiled Park
My favourite running spot
"Hogganfiled Park" in Glasgow is a true hidden gem, part of a larger network of 7 ancient lochs. It's the perfect place to run in nature...
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Glasgow Art Club
Artists' gallery and club
The "Glasgow Art Club" (est 1867) is a gallery, venue, restaurant, bar & studio space used by established Scottish artists. I myself am an Artist member...
by
Scott
Walker
The Lighthouse
My top city view
I always pop in "The Lighthouse" in Glasgow when I'm in the area. I love climbing up the beautiful spiral tower staircase and enjoying the view...
by
Ηelene
Αudureau
Heading to Glasgow?
147 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 147 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Glasgow
Get to know our other Spotters from Glasgow
As featured on:
