Buchanan Street

Buchanan Street featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people
Buchanan Street showing night scenes and street scenes
Buchanan Street showing street scenes as well as a large group of people
Buchanan Street which includes street scenes, a city and modern architecture
Buchanan Street featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements


Cutting through the heart of Glasgow, this bustling pedestrianized street is lined with sleek shopping centres, restaurants and several cultural highlights.

Buchanan Street is a common part of any trip to Glasgow as it is bookended by two major stations. Spend time on this wide, car-free street during your trip to the cosmopolitan city. Walk along the length of “Style Mile” for an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing.

At the northern end of Buchanan Street is a set of iconic steps that lead up to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Lounge with the locals who like to gather on the stairs as a focal point in the city. Not far from this meeting point is the statue of Donald Dewar, the first leader of a devolved Scottish Parliament.

Spend an evening in the concert hall, which hosts orchestras, legendary musicians and experimental performances. The modern auditorium, shaped for the best listening experience, is the Glasgow home of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, who perform here frequently.

Head south from the hall to reach the Buchanan Galleries, an expansive mall. This street is the main shopping destination in the city, with fashion boutiques and several stylish retail centers. Spend hours browsing the latest trends in Princes Square Shopping Centre, which is built around an elegant, glass-roofed atrium. The jewelry shops in Argyll Arcade are equally enticing.

Take a small detour off Buchanan Street in either direction to admire art in beautiful surroundings. Turn to the west to the Lighthouse, a center for design and architecture created by famous architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A few yards east of the street is the neoclassical Gallery of Modern Art, which combines permanent exhibits with touring exhibitions to display the best in contemporary painting, sculpture and multimedia.

After filling your shopping bags, relax in one of the cafés and restaurants facing onto the street. Choose from Indian restaurants, pizzerias, American food joints or more informal coffee shops.

Walk from Buchanan Street to Glasgow's two major train stations. Trains from Queen Street head north and east into the rest of Scotland, while Glasgow Central links the city to the west coast as well as regular routes into England.

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Things to do near Buchanan Street

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Buchanan Street, where you can indulge in theatre performances, art exhibitions, and live music. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on an architecture tour to appreciate the stunning designs that characterise this bustling hub. With its unique blend of culture and entertainment, Buchanan Street offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Shopping

Buchanan Street offers a vibrant shopping experience with the Buchanan Galleries, St. Enoch Centre, and Argyll Arcade, all located 322m away, featuring a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore further shopping options in nearby areas.

Recreation

Hampden Park is a vibrant sports stadium offering an energetic atmosphere just 3.2km from Buchanan Street, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For music lovers, O2 Academy Glasgow, located 1.1km away, provides an exciting entertainment experience. Queen's Park, a tranquil recreational area 3.2km away, invites relaxation and wellness amidst its lush greenery.

Adventure

For an adventurous outing, explore the Hillside Path, a scenic outdoor trail 3.2km from Buchanan Street. Alternatively, challenge yourself at the Glasgow Climbing Centre, also 3.2km away, where sports and adventure await. For a unique experience, visit Snow Factor, a ski indoor venue located 6.4km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Buchanan Street by catching a show at Theatre Royal, just 644m away, or enjoy a film at Cineworld Glasgow on Renfrew Street, 483m away. For more culture, don’t miss Pavilion Theatre, also 483m distant, offering family-friendly entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Buchanan Street

While visiting Buchanan Street in Glasgow, you'll find a vibrant mix of attractions including modern colleges and universities, lively squares, and entertainment facilities. These points of interest provide a great blend of cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and urban exploration, ensuring that every traveller can enjoy the unique charm of this bustling area.

  • OVO Hydro: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this world-class entertainment venue, located just 1.6km from Buchanan Street. Hosting concerts, sports events, and family shows, the OVO Hydro offers a thrilling experience for all.
  • George Square: Situated a mere 0.1.6km from Buchanan Street, this iconic piazza is the heart of Glasgow’s culture. Surrounded by stunning architecture and bustling with events, it’s a perfect spot to soak in the city’s history and ambience.
  • Merchant City: Only 483m away, this lively neighbourhood blends contemporary and historic charm. Known for its stylish eateries, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife, Merchant City is an ideal place to explore Glasgow’s urban culture.

Best time to go to Buchanan Street

The best time to visit Buchanan Street is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Buchanan Street

When visiting Buchanan Street, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January and October to November for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can help you save. Mondays are typically the cheapest nights to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. To cut costs further, utilise Expedia's filters to find eco-friendly hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for better savings. Additionally, make the most of free activities in the area to keep your budget intact.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Buchanan Street are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Buchanan Street is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Buchanan Street is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Buchanan Street is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, by selecting the Eco-certified option, you can view a list of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay on Buchanan Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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