Glasgow is a shopper’s paradise—whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, quirky vintage finds, local crafts, or traditional Scottish souvenirs, this city has it all. Over the years, I’ve explored every major shopping district, market, and hidden boutique in Glasgow, and I’m here to share my detailed shopping guide so you can make the most of your trip.
I’ll take you through four modern shopping centers, two traditional markets, and the best places to find unique souvenirs, including my personal shopping experiences, store recommendations, pricing insights, and useful shopping tips.
Modern Shopping Centers in Glasgow
1. Buchanan Galleries – The Heart of Glasgow Shopping
📍 Location: 220 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 2FF
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
💰 Best for: High-street brands, department stores, and local Scottish brands
My Shopping Experience at Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Galleries is one of my go-to shopping centers in Glasgow. It’s located right on Buchanan Street, which is often called the “Style Mile” because of the number of fashion retailers in the area.
Inside the mall, I found an excellent mix of brands, from international retailers like H&M, Levi’s, and Mango to local favorites like The Whisky Shop. One of my favorite purchases here was a cashmere scarf from Johnstons of Elgin (£85)—a perfect mix of luxury and Scottish tradition.
Pros & Cons
✔ Pros:
- Central location with easy access from the subway and train stations
- Great mix of high-street and designer brands
- Plenty of cafés and restaurants for breaks
❌ Cons:
- Can be very crowded, especially on weekends
- No luxury designer brands (for that, you’ll need to visit Princes Square)
2. Princes Square – The Luxury Shopping Experience
📍 Location: 48 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 3JN
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
💰 Best for: Luxury brands, independent designers, fine dining
Why I Love Princes Square
Princes Square is a beautifully designed shopping center, with its elegant glass ceiling, stunning architecture, and high-end boutiques. It feels more like an experience than just a mall—a place where you can spend hours shopping, enjoying a meal, or even seeing an art exhibition.
This is the place for designer shopping in Glasgow. I treated myself to a Mulberry handbag (£995) from their boutique here. If you’re into Scottish designers, be sure to check out Begg & Co. for luxurious cashmere scarves and Jonathan Saunders for unique, stylish apparel.
Pros & Cons
✔ Pros:
- Upscale shopping with a curated selection of designers
- Stunning atmosphere—great for shopping and relaxing
- Fantastic dining options, including The Restaurant Bar & Grill
❌ Cons:
- Expensive—mostly luxury brands, not great for bargain hunters
- Limited selection of high-street brands
3. St. Enoch Centre – Family-Friendly Shopping
📍 Location: 55 St Enoch Square, Glasgow G1 4BW
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
💰 Best for: Affordable shopping, families with kids, large department stores
A Convenient Shopping Spot
St. Enoch Centre is one of the most family-friendly malls in Glasgow, featuring a massive Hamleys toy store, a Disney Store, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions. It’s also great for budget shopping, with stores like Primark, TK Maxx, and Boots.
One of my best finds here was a set of high-quality leather gloves (£30) from TK Maxx—an absolute steal!
Pros & Cons
✔ Pros:
- Great for families and budget-conscious shoppers
- Huge variety of stores and food courts
- Easy access from Glasgow Central Station
❌ Cons:
- Lacks luxury brands
- Can feel crowded and chaotic, especially during sales
4. The Forge Shopping Centre – A Hidden Gem for Discounts
📍 Location: 1221 Gallowgate, Glasgow G31 4EB
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
💰 Best for: Bargain shopping, outlet stores
A Great Place for Deals
While not as famous as Buchanan Galleries or Princes Square, The Forge Shopping Centre is great for finding deals. It has plenty of discount stores, including B&M, The Range, and Peacocks, where you can buy fashion and home goods at lower prices than the city center malls.
Pros & Cons
✔ Pros:
- Best for bargain hunters
- Free parking
- Less crowded than city center malls
❌ Cons:
- Limited selection of high-end stores
- Older mall design
Traditional Markets in Glasgow
While Glasgow is well known for its modern shopping malls and high-end boutiques, it is also home to some of the most vibrant and historic markets in Scotland. If you’re looking for unique vintage finds, fresh local produce, or handmade Scottish crafts, these markets offer an authentic shopping experience.
Here are two of the best traditional markets I’ve visited in Glasgow, complete with my personal experiences, shopping tips, and favorite purchases.
1. The Barras Market – Glasgow’s Most Famous Market
📍 Location: Gallowgate, Glasgow G1 5DX
🕒 Opening Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM – 4 PM
💰 Best for: Vintage clothing, antiques, second-hand books, rare collectibles
Exploring Glasgow’s Historic Market
The Barras Market is one of Glasgow’s most iconic flea markets, with a history dating back to the early 20th century. The name “Barras” comes from the barrows (carts) that traders used to sell their goods. Today, it remains a lively and bustling market, packed with stalls selling everything from antique furniture to second-hand vinyl records and vintage fashion.
Walking through the market, I felt like I had stepped back in time. The narrow alleyways and covered stalls were filled with quirky treasures—from old Scottish whisky bottles to historic maps of Glasgow. It’s the perfect place for bargain hunters and collectors.
My Favorite Finds at The Barras Market
✅ Vintage Harris Tweed Jacket (£45): I found a beautifully tailored Harris Tweed jacket at a small clothing stall. The shopkeeper told me it was over 30 years old but still in perfect condition—a true piece of Scottish heritage.
✅ Rare Vinyl Record (£20): If you’re a music lover, The Barras is a paradise for vinyl collectors. I picked up an original pressing of a David Bowie album, something I never expected to find at a market stall.
✅ Antique Scottish Whisky Glasses (£15 per set): I stumbled upon a charming antique shop with old whisky glasses engraved with traditional Celtic patterns. These made the perfect souvenir to take home.
Shopping Tips for The Barras Market
✔ Arrive early – The best items get picked up quickly! If you’re looking for something rare, be there as soon as the market opens.
✔ Haggle with the vendors – Bargaining is part of the experience, and most sellers are happy to offer a discount if you buy multiple items.
✔ Bring cash – Some stalls accept cards, but many still prefer cash transactions.
✔ Watch out for hidden gems – Some of the best finds are in unmarked boxes or tucked-away stalls. Take your time to explore every corner!
Pros & Cons of The Barras Market
✔ Pros:
- Authentic Glasgow experience with a mix of history and culture
- Great for vintage shopping, antiques, and collectibles
- Fun, lively atmosphere with street musicians and food stalls
❌ Cons:
- Some areas feel a little run-down due to the market’s age
- Can be overwhelming for first-time visitors because of the crowds
- Not all stalls are open every weekend, so selection can vary
2. Glasgow Farmers’ Market – Fresh Local Produce & Artisanal Goods
📍 Locations: Queens Park & Mansfield Park
🕒 Opening Hours: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, 10 AM – 2 PM
💰 Best for: Fresh Scottish cheeses, organic fruits and vegetables, handmade jams, local meats
A Must-Visit for Food Lovers
If you love farm-fresh produce and artisanal goods, the Glasgow Farmers’ Market is a must-visit. There are two main locations—Queens Park and Mansfield Park—and both offer an incredible selection of Scottish meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handmade products straight from local producers.
Unlike supermarkets, everything here is sourced locally, so you’re getting fresh, high-quality ingredients while supporting Scottish farmers and small businesses.
My Favorite Finds at Glasgow Farmers’ Market
✅ Isle of Mull Cheddar (£5 per block): This is one of Scotland’s most famous artisanal cheeses, known for its strong, nutty flavor. It pairs perfectly with oatcakes and a glass of whisky.
✅ Scottish Venison Burgers (£6 for 4 patties): One stall sold homemade venison burgers, which were incredibly juicy and flavorful. I even got a free sample before buying!
✅ Handmade Raspberry & Whisky Jam (£4.50 per jar): A delightful combination of sweet and smoky flavors, this jam was made by a small family-run business. I bought two jars—one for myself and one as a gift.
Why I Love This Market
- You can meet the farmers & producers. They’re always happy to chat about where their products come from and offer samples.
- Everything is super fresh. Many of the vegetables and fruits are picked the day before.
- It’s a great way to experience Scottish food culture. You’ll find traditional products that you won’t see in supermarkets.
Shopping Tips for Glasgow Farmers’ Market
✔ Go hungry! There are plenty of food stalls offering hot Scottish delicacies, from freshly baked pastries to gourmet sandwiches.
✔ Bring reusable bags – Many vendors don’t provide plastic bags, so it’s best to carry your own.
✔ Check the schedule before you go – The market happens only twice a month, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
✔ Try before you buy – Many stalls offer free samples, so take advantage and taste different products before deciding what to purchase.
Pros & Cons of Glasgow Farmers’ Market
✔ Pros:
- Best place to buy fresh Scottish food
- Great for foodies who love artisanal products
- Opportunity to support local farmers
❌ Cons:
- Only held twice a month, so timing is crucial
- Can be pricey compared to supermarkets, but the quality is much better
Visiting The Barras Market and Glasgow Farmers’ Market was one of my favorite shopping experiences in the city. They both offer a completely different atmosphere from the modern shopping malls—The Barras is all about history and vintage treasures, while the Farmers’ Market is a paradise for food lovers.
If you’re in Glasgow for a weekend trip, I highly recommend spending your Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market for breakfast and fresh produce, then heading to The Barras Market in the afternoon for unique vintage finds.
For authentic souvenirs and local experiences, these traditional markets are the best places to shop in Glasgow!
Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Glasgow
- The Scottish Shop (Buchanan Street) – The best place for kilts, bagpipes, and cashmere scarves
- The Whisky Shop (Buchanan Galleries) – A must-visit for fine Scottish whisky
- Celtic Craft Centre (The Barras Market) – Handmade Scottish jewelry and gifts
Shopping in Glasgow Like a Local
Glasgow has something for every type of shopper—from luxury brands in Princes Square to bargain deals at The Forge. Whether you want to explore modern malls, vibrant markets, or hidden souvenir shops, this city offers an unforgettable shopping experience.
📌 Tip: Always check for seasonal sales (January & July), and if you’re a tourist from outside the UK, don’t forget to ask for VAT refunds on your purchases!
Now, get your shopping bags ready and explore the best deals Glasgow has to offer! 🛍️