Glasgow's top markets

There's nothing like discovering hidden gems across a city that don't require you to break the bank. Unfortunately these days, the most popular sites and attractions can all too quickly be commoditised and end up leaving as lasting an impression on people's wallets as their imaginations. If you've booked into city centre accommodation in Glasgow and you want to uncover the spirit of this grand old town and its people without heading home feeling lighter in the pocket, then a trip to some of its top markets should be the main order of business.

Here you can pick up some great and truly unique souvenirs, as well as a bargain or two. There's also a chance to sample the finest produce that Scotland has to offer. As councilor Shaukat Butt, chair of City Markets, says: "Glasgow is a great place for markets. Glaswegians relish the opportunity to buy fresh produce and goods in their local community. They really care about what they are buying and being able to speak to the people who actually produce or make them."

So where are the best markets - the ones you simply must take time to explore when you're staying in Glasgow hostels? As with any city of its stature, Glasgow is packed full of markets - ranging from community boot sales to grand parade-like bazaars that will take hours to fully explore. Here's a list of some of our favourites. We do the hard work so you don't have to. All you need to do is make some notes and plan out your itinerary then get bargain hunting.

Glasgow Barras
There really is only one place to start when you're looking at markets in Glasgow and that's the Barras, the affectionately-named trading post situated at the city's Barrowland. It has enjoyed the prominent position of being Scotland's largest market for the past century and is one of the country's most famous institutions. Sprawling across several city blocks, it boasts hundreds of stalls selling everything from electrical goods, clothing and jewellery to collector's items, trinkets and varieties of knick-knacks that can't easily be categorised. It all came from relatively modest beginnings as well, having been set up by local woman Margaret Russell in the east end of the city at the start of the last century.

Be sure to set aside a good chunk of time if you want to sniff out the best bargains, especially if you're heading along at the weekend when it can get awfully busy. Out of season, there's a chance to get even better prices, but make sure that you're prepared to really root out the best bargains.
The Barras Market, Gallowgate, Glasgow. G1 5AX. 0141 552 4601. Opening times: Every Saturday and Sunday, from 10.00am until 5.00pm.

The Savoy Centre
The famous Savoy Centre right in the heart of the city centre on Sauchiehall Street offers the advantage of being an indoor market, which can make browsing more relaxing when the weather's playing up. Boasting some 120 units spread across two levels, it houses a mix of short and long-term independent traders, selling reduced-price bargains - whether it's some local artwork you're after or that one-off piece of furniture that will add a quaint and off-kilter charm to your front room.
Savoy Shopping Centre, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. G2 3DH. 0141 333 9507. Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm.

Partick Retail Market
The retail market situated on Dumbarton Road and Hyndland Street in Partick offers a wide range of goods including fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, as well as hand-made jewellery and textiles. Located at Mansfield Park, it collects together an assortment of approximately 20 different varied retailers every Tuesday. This is a good place to go if you want to sample the best of local Scotland - from the home-made baking to the arts and crafts. Partick is one of the city's newest markets, having been established last year in response to demand among the local populace in the western part of the city for regular access to fresh produce.
Partick Retail Market, Mansfield Park, Dumbarton Road/Hyndland Street. Opening times: Tuesdays, 11am to 4pm.

Farmers' MarketAlso situated at Mansfield Park and open to visitors on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, the Glasgow Farmers' Market is one of the most popular of its kind with local residents in search of the finest local produce. Over 40 producers come together to ensure that people will be able to take something home with them no matter what they enjoy eating.

The friendly traders are also happy for you to sample much of the produce before taking the plunge and you'll also be able to listen to some traditional Scottish music during your time at the market, while there are activities such as face painting to keep the little ones amused. On the first and third Saturdays of the month, the farmers' market can be found at Queen's Park, with more than 30 storeholders setting up shop.
Glasgow Farmers' Market, Mansfield Park (2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month)/Queen's Park (1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month). 0141 287 2500. Opening times: Saturdays, 10am to 2pm. 

Traditional Christmas MarketNo market guide would be complete without a mention of the best gathering for more seasonal fare. The traditional Christmas Market at St Enoch Square is definitely one to experience, with traders from countries all over the world gathering together to offer yuletide cheer and a cheeky bargain or two. This is the perfect place to find a present for those people who simply seem to have everything.
Glasgow Christmas Market, St Enoch Square. Open from November 20th to December 23rd.

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