If it's shopping you are looking for, Glasgow is widely regarded as the best place in the UK to indulge yourself in this pastime outside of London. Crammed with vintage boutiques, high-street favourites, specialist and designer stores, there is easily enough to whet anyone's appetite for some retail therapy.
Glasgow's main shopping streets are formed round the 'Golden Z' that is Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street. Within these you will find all the key trendy stores including Urban Outfitters, The White Company and Karen Millen. Treat yourself to a fashion must have by visiting one of the many popular high street stores in St Enoch Centre on Argyle Street or Buchanan Galleries at the top of Buchanan Street. If you are looking for a bit of luxury Princes Square is also located on Buchanan Street and offers a range of smaller specialist boutiques and restaurants set in beautiful surroundings.
For lunch you could sample one of the many sophisticated cafes and restaurants situated within Princes Square such as The Cupping Salon (within Fifi and Ally) or Zinc. However, you could also head towards the Merchant City where there are a range of bars and restaurants with menus to fit all budgets and tastes. Babbity Bowster boasts a licensed beer garden and plays host to the award winning Schottische restaurant along with a Café bar that regularly features traditional Scottish musicians. You could also try Café Gandolfi on Albion Street which has built-up an enviable reputation for the unique provision of Scottish cuisine at affordable prices.
After lunch why not continue by exploring the hidden gems in Glasgow's Merchant City? With the chance to buy beautiful designer suits at stores such as Cruise and Emporio Armani and vintage one-off outfits from boutiques such as Mr Ben's, there is something to suit every style.
If you have worn yourself out with all that shopping why not end the day with a refreshing drink followed by a bit of art and culture? Drop into the Beer Café in Merchant Square where you can relax in the beer garden while you sample one of their impressive selections of draught and bottled beers. After regaining your energy take a walk along to Royal Exchange Square and visit the Gallery of Modern Art. It is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside London, offering a thought-provoking programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops that should not be missed!
Glasgow's nightlife is also worth experiencing with an abundance of clubs and bars situated in the city centre and also the west end.