Offering a more upscale alternative to adjacent shopping streets, Buchanan Street is a famous and busy thoroughfare in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland. It is part of the main shopping complex in the city yet distinguishes itself by unique and historic architecture and rich, exclusive fashion choices. It is a pedestrian zone connected to the other commercial roads of Argyle and Sauchiehall Street, which leads down towards St Enoch Square and extends through the city as a centre of energy and movement.
The retail on Buchanan Street is notably affluent and known for its variety as well as exclusivity, which makes it the sixth most expensive street in the UK for retail rent surpassed only by London prices. It is also the second busiest shopping street, famous for selling such exclusive labels as Gucci and Prada, in addition to more standard high-street brands like Office and New Look. Shoppers can find styles for a range of purposes, from sports stores to outdoor clothing to nightlife fashion and party outfits. In addition to shopping, visitors can explore the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall or the Gallery of Modern Art, both cultural centres located on Buchanan Street, or appreciate the old Victorian architecture that lines the road.
Drivers can find parking at the end of the street at the Buchanan Galleries Car Park, from which visitors have to walk through the pedestrian zone. Two main train stations are nearby, namely Queen Street Station and Glasgow Central, both within a five-minute walk offering connections throughout Scotland and the UK. The central bus station of Glasgow is Buchanan Bus Station, very near to the street and offers long distance and local services where visitors can cycle to the area and park in any of the many bike racks.
The history of Buchanan Street dates back to the 17th century and is named after a wealthy tobacco trader, Andrew Buchanan. In the 1990s, the area underwent a regeneration to become a central shopping area, where its old Victorian architecture combined with modern urban style led to it winning the “Great Street Award” in 2008.