Buchanan Street
Buchanan Street
4.5
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Neighbourhood: Merchant City
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4.5
5,321 reviews
Excellent
2,990
Very good
1,842
Average
424
Poor
39
Terrible
26
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,505 contributions
Mar 2020
Named after Andrew Buchanan, a wealthy tobacco Lord, Buchanan Street has gained a well-deserved reputation as THE major shopping district in Glasgow. It is generally considered to be more “upmarket” in comparison to its fellow “Golden Z” streets, Sauchiehall and Argyle – something that I think is quite apt given the history behind the name “Buchanan” within the context of this street. In short, if you’re here to do some shopping, be sure to have plenty of cash or credit cards on you!
As I wandered in and around Buchanan Street, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to a street closer to home: Robson Street in Vancouver. Like Buchanan, Robson Street is renowned for its shopping. It is also considered to be rather high end. In fact, practically all of the independent shops on Robson have gone the way of the dodo due to egregiously high rents. As such, you tend to see a lot of chain and big brand name stores – shops you tend to see everywhere, regardless of location. Indeed, that’s exactly what I thought as I ambled about Buchanan Street. While I did spy a couple of UK-based retailers, a lot of what I came across was “much of the same.” You know, stores like Apple, Nike, Diesel, Urban Outfitters, Hugo Boss, Gucci, and Lego . . . I could go on but you get the point. It’s globalization at its finest – a sort of cultural sameness and homogenized shopping. How lame.
Interestingly, since 1999, Buchanan Street has been repaved in high quality granite. The symbolism here cannot be missed. In order to survive and thrive, the shops have to be doing well because I guarantee the rents aren’t cheap (in fact, a quick Google check reveals that some rents on the street are as much as £250 per square foot!). That’s yet another interesting point of comparison with Robson Street.
I have a hard time with Buchanan Street. On the one hand, it is Glasgow’s shopping mecca; on the other hand, it kind of loses its aura for me because nothing much beyond some of the architecture stands out. The physical structures of the storefronts highlight this place and space, but the actual stores themselves – Prada for all – represent bland uniformity.
As I wandered in and around Buchanan Street, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to a street closer to home: Robson Street in Vancouver. Like Buchanan, Robson Street is renowned for its shopping. It is also considered to be rather high end. In fact, practically all of the independent shops on Robson have gone the way of the dodo due to egregiously high rents. As such, you tend to see a lot of chain and big brand name stores – shops you tend to see everywhere, regardless of location. Indeed, that’s exactly what I thought as I ambled about Buchanan Street. While I did spy a couple of UK-based retailers, a lot of what I came across was “much of the same.” You know, stores like Apple, Nike, Diesel, Urban Outfitters, Hugo Boss, Gucci, and Lego . . . I could go on but you get the point. It’s globalization at its finest – a sort of cultural sameness and homogenized shopping. How lame.
Interestingly, since 1999, Buchanan Street has been repaved in high quality granite. The symbolism here cannot be missed. In order to survive and thrive, the shops have to be doing well because I guarantee the rents aren’t cheap (in fact, a quick Google check reveals that some rents on the street are as much as £250 per square foot!). That’s yet another interesting point of comparison with Robson Street.
I have a hard time with Buchanan Street. On the one hand, it is Glasgow’s shopping mecca; on the other hand, it kind of loses its aura for me because nothing much beyond some of the architecture stands out. The physical structures of the storefronts highlight this place and space, but the actual stores themselves – Prada for all – represent bland uniformity.
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob50M
Ayrshire, UK581 contributions
Sept 2020
Glasgow's premium street running from Buchanan Galleries down to St Enoch Centre on Argyle street is normally buzzing with life, street entertainers and stalls. Sadly like a ghost town under current conditions. Real shame.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry E
Salida, CO95 contributions
Sept 2022
Buchanan street is another street of shops and walking. If you start at the "top" of Souichihall (off Goodblythe), then you can walk (and shop) all the way to Buchanan Street. The two streets together make an "L" with Buchanan being the horizontal part of the L. There is a modern indoor mall where the two streets meet. Buchanan street seemed to have more street performers on it, but as other reviewers have mentioned, it is full of shops and people. It is a nice place to take a relaxing stroll.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alibatty🦇
Dundee, UK19,312 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
This is the main pedestrianised shopping street in Glasgow, and whatever the weather it’s got a lively vibe. It’s also the most successful U.K. high street outside of London. The 19th century architecture is striking , so don’t just focus on the restaurants, shops and speciality stores here ( many which are boutique and high-end) - remember to look up at the skyline. This street’s also popular with buskers, so often you get entertained whilst shopping. Princes Square is very elegant, but I like this building beside it that houses the Nespresso Boutique.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnhouston2
Knaresborough, UK5,290 contributions
Jul 2020
Stretching from Sauchiehall Street down to St Enoch Square, Buchanan Street is the city's main pedestrian boulevard.
It is probably the city’s best shopping area and is decidedly smarter and more upmarket than the neighbouring Argyle Street, and Sauchiehall Street. There is a very good range of quality shops as well as cafes, pubs and restaurants.
It is probably the city’s best shopping area and is decidedly smarter and more upmarket than the neighbouring Argyle Street, and Sauchiehall Street. There is a very good range of quality shops as well as cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Written 6 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
northants90
Northampton, UK3,180 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
This is one of the main shopping streets in Glasgow. Very busy. Vibrant. Has a real energy. The building art in the frontage of a shopping arcade resembles a peacock and is very special.
Going to Glasgow. Go here.
Going to Glasgow. Go here.
Written 3 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TWal1
Canberra, Australia2,944 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
This street is a hive of activity from shoppers, business people to street performers. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and attractions along the street. It has a great vibe and just watching the world go by is also a pleasant pastime here. Something for everyone.
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel W
Kuching, Malaysia253 contributions
Oct 2021
Buchanan Street features your typical high street shops, with a few truly luxury retailers mixed in. You can see Swiss watches at prices that beggar belief, and the staff in all the shops were approachable. The street crowd was diverse and relaxed.
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna H
Chicago, IL1,169 contributions
Jun 2022
Pedestrian mall, with some glassic department stores, shopping arcades, smaller shops, restaurants and performance spaces. Many buildings have interesting facades, so do not forget to "look up".
There are some subway stations along the street, as well as bus stops, and the train station is nearby.
Do not forget to look at the alleyways, since some have murals.
Very good people watching.
There are some subway stations along the street, as well as bus stops, and the train station is nearby.
Do not forget to look at the alleyways, since some have murals.
Very good people watching.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Parveen
Dundee, UK9 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
I believe, if you are looking for London's busy and colourful vibe in Scotland, you will definitely find it at Buchanan street, Glasgow. So busy, so lively and so many crowds. I love the atmosphere- sounds, music, shops, crowds etc.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
there are some nice places to eat in merchant city too. You can try chaophraya, it's in buchanan street. also in buchanan galleries they have a section for sitting and eating, you can check that out too.
Written 31 October 2017
Das weiß ich leider nicht mehr
Written 2 August 2017
Around 45 min travel not quite sure of the miles could be about 27. Hope this helps
Written 13 September 2016
Looking for a nice touch additional family pub in this area, hubby is French and never been to Scotland, I've not been in 20years.
Written 14 August 2016
Go neutral...
You must try The Pot Still about 5 min walk from Buchanan Street.
Another option on Buchanan is Waxy 0' Connors
Written 14 August 2016
The best way to reach this hotel from the airport.
Written 17 March 2015
Nearest train station is Paisley train station. Which is a short taxi ride from there. Queen street train station is a short walk to Central train station around ten minutes to catch a train to Paisley. Buchanan bus station is around the same time to walk as its uphill :-( Best way would be to book a private taxi firm to pick you up at ur station of arrival. Most have set fare to Glasgow airport £16 to £20. Hope this helps
Written 17 March 2015
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