Glasgow

Glasgow's premier pedestrian street is dotted all the way with a wide spectrum of boutiques, from mid-range to upmarket, crowned to the north by the expansive Buchanan Galleries.

The Barras is a justly renowned vintage flea market in the East End. Beyond treasure hunting, it is also a great place to people-watch and to pick up some words of the distinctive Glasgow patter — which might even come in handy when you're bargaining for your next beloved knick-knack.

In operation since 1874, there are few places as apt as Robert Graham's to find those obligatory bottles to take home as souvenirs. Browse the whisky selection from several Scottish regions, and complete your shopping by adding other liqueurs or cigars to your basket.

A venue that largely contributes to Glasgow's fame as a shopper's paradise, Buchanan Galleries is an all-encompassing mall with over 80 stores selling fashion items, gifts, electronics and other merhandise for all budgets and styles and from chain stores to gems of boutiques. It also houses cafés and restaurants, featuring everything from premium tea selections to Korean street food.

Book lovers need to put this gem of a book store on their Glasgow itinerary: it holds a wonderful selection of literature, from books of local interest to rare collectibles, as well as a range of unique gifts — guaranteeing that it's worth the small detour.

Proudly dubbed as the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow, this family-run establishment has been around since 1903. The flavours are guaranteed to evoke childhood memories in those who grew up in Scotland, and will certainly not leave a curious visitor from elsewhere indifferent. Try the old classics and new creations, made with love by the industrious owners.

With three locations in town, The Good Spirits Co. is best known for their tasting events, where wine, gin, whisky and tequila enthusiasts can broaden their horizons. They also operate stores with a large selection of liqueur from all over the world, as well as gifts ranging from books to shakers and jiggers.

Braehead is an exciting shopping complex just outside of Glasgow. Beyond the abundance of stores selling everything from clothes to homeware to toys, it also has dining options and some entertainment centres including a laser station and a climbing wall.