A hub of Civilization, Culture, Heritage, and Fun; The City of Merchant Glasgow

Merchant City is one of the vibrant and historic areas of Glasgow praise for its architectural structures, its centers of culture, and the ambience of the area. After everyone has been to all the sights and the tourist areas, this part of the city takes on a different feel and beauty and is one of the places everyone should visit even when in Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow.

Historical Significance

The name for Merchant City comes about due to the prominence of trade in Glasgow, especially during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries when there were hives of activity from rich tobacco and sugar lords as well as other merchant traders who contributed to the growth of the region. The lush Georgian and Victorian architecture that characterizes the region is because of this development with mostly tourists taking visitors back to the thriving trade eras in Glasgow. Most of the former warehouses, offices, and grand houses are well refurbished and reused which enhances the character of the area.

Architectural Highlights

Walking within the boundaries of Merchant City is awash in architectural pleasure that is hard to imagine. The most stimulating structures are the City Halls and the Old Fruitmarket which both now act as concert and event halls. The district also consists of the Tolbooth Steeple built in the 17th century which is as much a landmark of this modern Glasgow as a relic of the city’s medieval tower.

Shopping and Dining

Merchant City positioning as a centre of shopping and dining is unquestionable owing to the amenities offered in Glasgow City centre. There are high-end boutiques, designer stores as well as independent shops which offer a wide variety of clothes, accessories and home wares. The Italian Centre for exclusive shopping is done, while there are Argyle Street and Ingram Street that comprise of general and boutique shops.

Food in Merchant City is equally good. Italian, French, and modern Scottish dishes are available in plenty, and all emphasize seasonality and local produce as much as possible. The district’s busy picture of cafes, bars, and restaurants is a major attraction to food lovers and is a great place to visit.

Easy Access and Transport

Merchant City is centrally located in Glasgow allowing movement within the city with ease using public transport. Glasgow Central Station and Queen Street Station are both close to the area and a number of bus services operate around it. There are also a number of parking facilities for individual car drivers.

Arts and Culture

Merchant City has a vibrant arts scene as the district is a cultural hub. A remarkable architecture in the Royal Exchange Square is the GoMA and presents a rich collection of art works by both Scottish and other foreign artists which is a favorite place for most visitors to the City.

Merchant City is a location where various festivities are organized and conducted at different times of the year. One such festival is the Merchant City Festival which occurs every year and turns the town upside down with performances, happenings, and markets with people from every corner the world coming to the place.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Night life in Merchant City can be quite progressive since this transition to night brings with it a lot of activities within the city. The district is predominated by classy bars, cocktail places, and Scottish bars. Jazz and blues, Indie and folk, rock and roll and other amazing beats can be heard within most of the venues. In addition, the district is also home to some very well known nightclubs and other late night places like cafes, teahouses, and many others.

Why Visit Merchant City?

Whether you are a history or architecture admirer, a shopper or someone who just wishes to chill in a vivid environment, Merchant City is the right place for that – a harmonious blend of "old" and "new". There is always something new to offer in this district of Glasgow as it has a historical background and at the same time a young lively feel.

Boutique shops, art spaces, historical places and much more focus around– Merchant City has all of this, hence why exploring it is one of the most fun and different regions of Glasgow.

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