17 Best Shopping in City Center, Glasgow

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.

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 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.

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

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.