Merchant City

Merchant City in the heart of Glasgow is an exciting area, with an unbeatable selection of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, art galleries and visitor attractions - not to mention an annual festival that is second to none.

Located in the historic Glasgow Cross district, the old Merchant City was home to the tobacco lords and their shipping warehouses. The area developed over time and by the 19th century it was a bustling hive of commercial activity, with food markets springing up around the warehouses. Decline in the 20th century led to a major redevelopment project which aimed to revitalise the area with new residential, entertainment and retail developments. The success of the venture is plain to see.

Whereas the bustling shopping district in nearby Buchanan Street caters for mainstream tastes with high-street favourites, shopping in Merchant City is a real treat and the area is home to many major luxury brands, such as Versace and Armani at the Italian Centre, Bose and Bang & Olufsen, Ralph Lauren and Agent Provocateur. Merchant Square is at the heart of Merchant City. Formerly the fruit market, it is now a covered arcade with a variety of sophisticated eating, drinking and entertainment options.

When visiting Merchant City, art is never far away, and street sculptures and art galleries are an important part of the cultural identity of this area. This interest in culture culminates in the Merchant City Festival every summer. The festival is an extravaganza of street theatre, comedy, visual art, tours, music and dance, where there is something on offer for all ages and tastes. The area is a visitor's paradise too, with Glasgow Green, the Necropolis and St Mungo's Cathedral all within walking distance.

No visit to Glasgow would be complete without a tour of Merchant City. Booking a room at the Sandyford Lodge will leave you perfectly positioned for visiting all the great visitor attractions in Scotland's liveliest city. Our 19-bedroom hotel is on Royal Crescent, ideally located between the West End and the City Centre of Glasgow and convenient to Merchant City. We offer guests all modern conveniences, from direct-dial telephone to free Wi-Fi, complimentary tea and coffee and a selection of 90 digital TV and radio stations. Our affordable prices include breakfast and guests can choose between continental fare and a traditional Scottish breakfast. A member of staff is on duty 24 hours a day for the comfort and safety of our guests.

Call the Sandyford Lodge today if you are planning a trip to Glasgow and Merchant City, either for shopping throughout the year, for the Summer Festival or for the Christmas market and traditional Hogmanay celebrations. We will be happy to take your call and advise you about available rooms. Bookings can also be made at any time of day or night using the online reservations system here in the website. Discover vibrant and eclectic Merchant City, an integral part of modern Glasgow offering a great blend of cultural and visitor activities and shopping.