other
other activities in Glasgow
Glasgow markets
If it is sophisticated top-quality designer names you seek, then visit the stylish Princes Square , or the Italian Centre - a conversion of a handsome Merchant City building. By total contrast, hundreds of traders sell their wares at the Barras Market - part flea market, part entertainment and an intrinsic part of the Glasgow shopping experience.
The Barras
In the East End , just minutes from the shopping centres and cafes is the Barras - Glasgow 's very own 'flea market'. Scotland 's largest indoor market for 80 years is formally called the Barrowland and is made up of nine distinct markets. You can find almost anything here "from an anchor to a needle". It's often raided by the police because some of the stalls sell goods of slightly dubious origin, i.e. they "fell off the back of a lorry". Still, a trip to the Barras is a fun day out, you can browse for hours through seemingly endless stalls and might even find something you want to buy.
On the last Saturday of every month, there's a special Farmers Market where you can find organic meat, fruit, vegetables, bread, cheeses, free range eggs and countless other things, but traders usually sell out around midday so make sure you're early. If you get hungry, there are a few cafes nearby or you can be adventurous and try a hot-dog or mussels from one of the vans.
Admission is free
Nearby is Paddies market , which is even more down market than the Barras. It's great fun though with treasures to be found amidst the tack.
Other ideas
In the summer season combine your stay with a trip on the Waverley, the world’s last ocean going paddle steamer, and recently lovingly restored.
Or take a day trip using the regular train service, to the new National Park at Loch Lomond, and in less than an hour feel worlds apart form the hurly burly of city life.
Or take the family for a day out to Strathclyde Country Park. Again well serviced by regular trains, helping thousands of visitors every year come to enjoy the huge range of activities available from sailing to sunbathing, birdwatching to bicycling, water ski-ing to watching the world go by. Ideally situated, with excellent road and public transport links, the Park plays host to a series of major events throughout the year, all with their own special excitement and attractions to offer the visitor.
Come and experience some great festivals, including the Celtic Connections musical and cultural festival in January, now firmly established in the Scottish national
calendar of events, or the West End Festival of music and the arts runs for two weeks in June.
Spend a day in the the famous ‘Barras’ market in the East End, the city's largest market.
Or enjoy a ‘Walkabout Tour’. Walkabout Tours are audio-based walking tours based in the very heart of Glasgow providing an unforgettable introduction to this award-winning city. You can hire a Sony Walkman, map and audio cassette from the main tourist office in George Square.
