Shopping · Glasgow · United Kingdom
Shopping in Glasgow
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 瑞丽江的河水, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Glasgow is Scotland's main shopping city, with Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street forming a pedestrian 'Style Mile' in the centre and independent boutiques in the West End. Best souvenirs: Single malt whisky, Tunnock's treats and Mackintosh-design gifts.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Single malt whisky
Where to shop
Buchanan Street
The city's main shopping street, linking Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre, with flagship stores and Princes Square's ornate covered arcade.
Merchant City
Designer boutiques and fashion stores around Ingram Street and Wilson Street.
Byres Road and Great Western Road
Independent bookshops, vintage clothing, delis and gift shops in the West End.
Argyll Arcade
A covered Victorian arcade between Buchanan Street and Argyle Street lined with jewellers.
Markets
The Barras
The long-running East End weekend market for second-hand goods, curios and street food.
Christmas markets
Seasonal stalls in the city centre squares, usually from late November to late December.
What to buy
Single malt whisky
Whisky shops in the city centre stock Lowland, Speyside and Islay malts, and some offer tastings.
Tunnock's treats
Teacakes and caramel wafers made just outside Glasgow are cheap, light and widely available.
Mackintosh-design gifts
Jewellery, prints and homeware with Mackintosh's rose and geometric motifs, sold at the Willow and museum shops.
Tartan and woollens
Scarves, blankets and knitwear in tartan and tweed; check labels for Scottish-made products.
Irn-Bru merchandise
Mugs, T-shirts and novelty items featuring Scotland's orange soft drink.
Streets and markets worth a wander
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Street · West End
Ashton Lane
A cobbled lane just off Byres Road strung with fairy lights, pubs, restaurants and the Grosvenor cinema.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- After dark
- Food
- Couples
Market · East End
The Barras
Glasgow's long-running weekend market around Gallowgate sells second-hand goods, bric-a-brac and street food, with the neon sign of the Barrowland Ballroom above.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- History
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Scotch pie, Irn-Bru, Scotch whisky and Tunnock's teacakes and caramel wafers. Bakeries across the city and food kiosks at Hampden, Celtic Park and Ibrox on match days. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre | $$ | Buchanan Street shopping, George Square and both main railway stations |
| Merchant City | $$$ | Restored 18th-century warehouses, cocktail bars and restaurants east of George Square |
| West End | $$$ | University spires, Byres Road cafés and the cobbled bars of Ashton Lane |
| Finnieston | $$$ | Argyle Street restaurant strip between the West End and the Clyde |
| Southside | $$ | Victorian villas, Shawlands bars and Pollok Country Park |
| East End and Dennistoun | $ | The Barras, the Barrowland Ballroom and Duke Street cafés |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in GBP. Around 10% is usual in restaurants with table service; check the bill first, as some add a discretionary service charge. Tipping is not expected for drinks at the bar or in cafés with counter service.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January–March and October–November; the busiest months are the peak holidays.
- January: Celtic Connections — folk, roots and world music festival (usually mid-January to early February)
- February: Glasgow Film Festival (usually late February to early March)
- March: Glasgow International Comedy Festival (usually March)
- June: West End Festival — music, parades and events around Byres Road (usually June)
- July: TRNSMT music festival on Glasgow Green (usually July)
- November: Christmas markets and lights in George Square and St Enoch Square (usually from mid or late November)
Staying near the shops
$$ · Best for first-timers, shopping and budget
City Centre
Buchanan Street shopping, George Square and both main railway stations
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Glasgow?
Single malt whisky, Tunnock's treats, Mackintosh-design gifts and Tartan and woollens.
+Where is the best shopping in Glasgow?
Buchanan Street: The city's main shopping street, linking Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre, with flagship stores and Princes Square's ornate covered arcade.
+What are the best markets in Glasgow?
The Barras and Christmas markets.