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Buchanan Street looking downhill, shoppers on the paving between sandstone blocks under a blue sky.
Glasgow

Buchanan Street

Glasgow's main shopping street, running downhill from the Royal Concert Hall steps to Argyle Street, and named after a tobacco merchant who bought the ground in 1760.

Welcome

Buchanan Street runs downhill from the Royal Concert Hall steps to Argyle Street and carries much of the city centre's shopping between them.

It takes its name from Andrew Buchanan, a tobacco merchant who bought the ground in 1760; the first tenement went up on it in 1774, and the sandstone above the shop windows is the Victorians' work. Look up, and the street is a good deal older and better than the fascias suggest.

Two things are worth going out of your way for. The Argyll Arcade leaves the foot of the street and comes out on Argyle Street, a glass-roofed lane of jewellers driven through old tenements in 1827. And at 91 to 93, Catherine Cranston opened her lunch and tea rooms in 1897 and gave Charles Rennie Mackintosh the first work he ever did for her, stencilling the walls of three of the rooms.

Round the cornerBibimbapKorean cooking on West Nile Street: bibimbap in hot stone bowls, Korean fried chicken, stews and kimbap, with Korean beers and cocktails.1 min by roadSee itBibimbap's shopfront on West Nile Street with a parasol outside.
Before you go

The street is closed to traffic for most of its length and open at any hour.

The Royal Concert Hall and its steps are at the top, Argyle Street at the foot, and the Argyll Arcade cuts off to the left near the bottom. Buchanan Street subway station is at the north end and St Enoch at the south, so it is an easy walk down and a ride back.

Where
From the Royal Concert Hall steps at the top down to Argyle Street.
Getting there
Buchanan Street subway at the top, St Enoch at the foot, Queen Street station a minute east.
The arcade
The Argyll Arcade leaves the street near the bottom and comes out on Argyle Street.
Where it is

The centre of Glasgow, running from the Royal Concert Hall steps at the top down to Argyle Street, with Buchanan Street subway at one end and St Enoch at the other.

Close byWhat stands within a few minutes of the street.
  1. The Horseshoe's front lit at night, its name across the windows.The Horseshoe BarA Victorian bar on Drury Street, a minute off the street.Under a mile1 min by road
  2. Gallery of Modern ArtGallery of Modern ArtA tobacco lord's mansion on Royal Exchange Square, now the city's modern art gallery.Under a mile2 min by road
  3. The Duke of WellingtonThe Duke of WellingtonThe statue outside it, and the traffic cone Glasgow keeps putting back.Under a mile2 min by road
  4. A full breakfast with black pudding and fried eggs.The Anchor LineThe shipping line's old booking hall on St Vincent Place, now a restaurant.Under a mile3 min by road
  5. A long straight Merchant City street of sandstone buildings under a pale pink sky.Merchant CityThe grid of tobacco merchants' warehouses east of George Square.Under a mile4 min by road
Directions
Bibimbap's shopfront on West Nile Street with a parasol outside.RestaurantsBibimbapA step away
A golden cocktail with a lemon twist held at the bar.RestaurantsTabacA step away
Panang's dark front with lanterns in the windows.RestaurantsPanangA step away
The busy dining room with its gallery above and lamps glowing.RestaurantsChaakoo Bombay CafeA step away
A traybake and a raspberry cake on white plates.CafeThe Wild Olive Tree0.2 miles
A spread of Chinese dishes, noodles and spring rolls on a dark table.RestaurantsLychee Oriental0.2 miles
The glass entrance to Buchanan Street subway station on the paving, the station's name lettered along the top, sandstone buildings behind.AttractionsBuchanan Street Subway Station0.2 miles
Gordon St Coffee shopfront with outdoor tables and chalkboard menu on the pavementCafeGordon St Coffee0.2 miles
Stereo's doorway on Renfield Lane, a board by the steps.CafeStereo0.2 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the street, and when each is next free.

A grey sofa with cushions sits before a black and white kitchen, a framed print on the wall to the left.Moment Blythswood Street
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Glasgow
  • Under a mile from the street
Check datesCrossbasket Castle, GlasgowCrossbasket Castle
  • To stay
  • In Glasgow
  • 7 miles from the street
Check datesA grey corner sofa with cushions and a sheepskin throw sits before a shelf of books and a round mirror, a wood burning stove and log store to the right.Talli House
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Dunlop
  • 12 miles from the street
Free 30 Oct – 1 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in GlasgowAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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