Shopping
From the cobbled lanes and vintage shops of West End to the captivating architecture of Merchant City, Glasgow offers an enticing itineray for the avid shopper, who will be further spoiled by Buchanan Street and the other lively promenades, with malls and boutiques lining up all the way.
Andrea Piacquadio/PexelsWest End
Glasgow's vibrant West End epitomizes contemporary chic with its array of vintage boutiques, hip eateries and verdant parks. Prominent shopping landmarks such as De Courcy's Arcade and Ashton Lane beckon both residents and visitors to explore its eclectic offerings, while immersing passers-by in a lively urban environment.
Laura V/UnsplashBuchanan Street
Glasgow's premier pedestrian street is dotted all the way with a wide spectrum of boutiques, from mid-range to upmarket, crowned to the north by the expansive Buchanan Galleries.
freestocks/UnsplashBarras Market
The Barras is a justly renowned vintage flea market in the East End. Beyond treasure hunting, it is also a great place to people-watch and to pick up some words of the distinctive Glasgow patter — which might even come in handy when you're bargaining for your next beloved knick-knack.
Clem Onojeghuo/UnsplashRobert Graham's Whisky Shop
In operation since 1874, there are few places as apt as Robert Graham's to find those obligatory bottles to take home as souvenirs. Browse the whisky selection from several Scottish regions, and complete your shopping by adding other liqueurs or cigars to your basket.
Jag_cz/Shutterstock.comBuchanan Galleries
A venue that largely contributes to Glasgow's fame as a shopper's paradise, Buchanan Galleries is an all-encompassing mall with over 80 stores selling fashion items, gifts, electronics and other merhandise for all budgets and styles and from chain stores to gems of boutiques. It also houses cafés and restaurants, featuring everything from premium tea selections to Korean street food.
michaeljung/Shutterstock.comDowanside Lane & Ruthven Lane
A haven for the lovers of vintage, these two neighboring lanes in West End pack a punch with boutiques specializing in antiques, vintage clothing, rarities and collectibles. There's also cobblestones, creative souls and hip restaurants to complement the experience.
Moshe Schneider/UnsplashMy Home Bakery
One always has to queue up at the door — or for seats — at My Home Bakery, a West End establishment whose compelling displays draw many a customer inside, only to uncover an even wider array of freshly made cakes, pastries, scones and sandwiches.
MR.MITR SRILACHAI/Shutterstock.comSt Enoch Shopping Centre
It doesn't get much more central when it comes to shopping centers in Glasgow: St Enoch, at the crossing of Buchanan and Argyle streets, is as good as it gets. The range of products covers everything from clothes to books to electronics, while the food court features — in addition to the regulars — some unique options like Indian and Turkish.
Pressmaster/Shutterstock.comArgyle Street
Stretching for over 3 kilometers all the way from Kelvingrove Park to Buchanan Street and beyond, the city centre's longest street is sprinkled with stores and eateries of all sorts: while the former caters mainly to followers of popular brands, foodies can indulge in laid-back cafés and international cuisine in hip and unique settings.
Brooke Cagle/UnsplashYoung's Interesting Books
Book lovers need to put this gem of a book store on their Glasgow itinerary: it holds a wonderful selection of literature, from books of local interest to rare collectibles, as well as a range of unique gifts — guaranteeing that it's worth the small detour.
John Michael Thomson/UnsplashGlickman's Confectionery
Proudly dubbed as the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow, this family-run establishment has been around since 1903. The flavors are guaranteed to evoke childhood memories in those who grew up in Scotland, and will certainly not leave a curious visitor from elsewhere indifferent. Try the old classics and new creations, made with love by the industrious owners.
Jasmine Waheed/unsplashThe Good Spirits Co.
With three locations in town, The Good Spirits Co. is best known for their tasting events, where wine, gin, whisky and tequila enthusiasts can broaden their horizons. They also operate stores with a large selection of liqueur from all over the world, as well as gifts ranging from books to shakers and jiggers.
Tsang Siu-Chung/Shutterstock.comBraehead Shopping Centre
Braehead is an exciting shopping complex just outside of Glasgow. Beyond the abundance of stores selling everything from clothes to homeware to toys, it also has dining options and some entertainment centers including a laser station and a climbing wall.
gpointstudio/Shutterstock.comSlaters
Slaters is an iconic, long-standing establishment that specializes in high-quality menswear, women's clothing and even traditional Highlander costumes. Quality service is part of the shopping experience here, including complimentary alterations.
Taylor Grote/UnsplashHouse of Fraser
House of Fraser (or Frasers for short) is a shopping centre with a variety of upmarket boutiques. Located in a compelling 19th-century building on Glasgow's bustling promenade, Frasers makes for a convenient stop on your shopping itinerary, selling everything from clothing to specialty items and also offering tax-free shopping, beauty services and more.
Daniel/CC BY 2.0/FlickrSilverburn
Located southwest of Glasgow city centre, Silverburn is a go-to if you're looking to do some substantial shopping. With over a hundred stores, cinema, play centre and a spacious food court housing a range of restaurants, this is a place where you can tick everything off the list.
blurAZ/Shutterstock.com