29 Best Shopping in Glasgow, Scotland

Scotland's largest indoor market—named for the barrows, or pushcarts, formerly used by the stallholders—prides itself on selling everything "from a needle to an anchor" and is a must-see for anyone addicted to searching through piles of junk for bargains. Open on weekends only, the atmosphere is always good-natured, and you can find just about anything here, in any condition, from dusty model railroads to antique jewelry. Haggling is mandatory. You can reach the Barras by walking along Argyle Street from the St. Enoch subway station. The Barrowland Ballroom, which forms part of the market, was once where Glaswegians went to dance; today it is a venue for concerts of every kind. Across the road is one of Glasgow's oldest pubs, the Saracen's Head. Enter with caution, as ghosts are said to abound.

Essentially an artists' cooperative, the Glasgow Print Studio's facilities launched a generation of outstanding painters, printers, and designers. The work of members past and present can be seen (and bought) at the Print Studio Gallery on King Street.

A Glasgow institution, the House of Fraser stocks wares that reflect the city's material aspirations, including European designer clothing. There are also more locally produced articles, such as tweeds, tartans, glass, and ceramics. The magnificent interior is set off by a grand staircase rising to various floors and balconies.

This small independent record store is tucked away on Otago Lane. Selling a combination of secondhand and brand-new vinyl, it remains one of the only surviving music shops in the area. It also has a terrific selection of jazz, reggae, and R&B. 

The city's best shopping center is the art nouveau Princes Square, a lovely space filled with impressive shops and pleasant cafés and restaurants. A stunning glass dome was fitted over the original building, which dates back to 1841.

On the often-crowded pedestrian area of Argyle Street you'll find some of the more popular and less expensive chains like Gap, Next, and Schuh as well as Primark and H&M.

An interesting diversion off Argyle Street is the covered Argyll Arcade, the region's largest collection of jewelers under one roof. The L-shaped edifice, built in 1827, houses several locally based jewelers and a few shops specializing in antique jewelry, as well as the famed Sloans pub.

Next to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Galleries houses the John Lewis department store and more than 80 high-quality shops.

This pedestrian-only street has become increasingly upmarket, with Monsoon, Topshop, Burberry, Jaeger, Pretty Green, and All Saints as well as House of Fraser and other chain stores along its length. Always crowded with shoppers, it has also become a mecca for the growing community of buskers in Glasgow's streets, playing every kind of music.

This well-organized and well-stocked secondhand bookstore fills the gap left by the departure of other bookstores. The owners are knowledgeable and willing to search for even the most obscure volumes.

As one of the first haute couture stores in central Glasgow, Cruise can claim to have launched a new commercial era in the city. It now has two stores in the Merchant City, where its high-fashion clothes and accessories for men and women are beautifully and characteristically displayed to those who can stretch their budgets to its levels.

This funky shop is an extravaganza of music, books, and DVDs. It's a small space, but the selection is huge. The prices are a lot more reasonable than those at most other chain stores.

This shop has a superb, seemingly endless selection of fine Scottish cheeses, in addition to others from England and across Europe, as well as bread and olives.

This store is a favorite for its stylish mix of clothing, household items, electronics, and practically everything else. John Lewis claims to have "never been knowingly undersold" and prides itself on its customer service. It also has an elegant second-floor balcony café.

Selling sturdy, practical clothing and accessories at moderate prices, Marks & Spencer also offers gourmet foods and household goods. There's a second location at 172 Sauchiehall Street.

For the latest on the city's ever-thriving music scene, try this independent record store located within a café-bar called Mono, that is also an occasional music venue. The shop specializes in indie music and has a large collection of vinyl with everything from rock to jazz.

Here you'll find a large, funky selection of vintage and retro clothing for men and women.

Local to the floorboards, Nancy Smillie is a one-of-a-kind boutique that sells unique glassware, jewelry, and furnishings. It also runs a jewelry boutique at 425 Great Western Road.

The beautiful and contemporary jewelry here uses modern designs and new materials in unexpected ways. The shop has a gallery feel, and you can browse uninterrupted.

Eye-catching if not especially pleasing, this modern glass building resembles an overgrown greenhouse. It has dozens of stores, including Hamley's toy store.

Designer clothing for children is the specialty of Strawberry Fields.

You'll find good-quality gear and outerwear at Tiso Glasgow Outdoor Experience, handy if you're planning some Highlands walks or just need protection from the weather.

In an age of online sales, bookstores seem to be becoming scarcer. Waterstones remains the city's main bookshop, and it has an excellent selection throughout its four floors. There's also a good basement café.