A weekend of retail therapy sounds great at the best of times. When you’re sharing it with a like-minded friend who finds the prospect of diving giddily into the fiftieth shop just as deliriously exciting as the first, you’re on to a winner.

Add to that numerous coffee stops, trying on sessions, incessant annihilation of the plastic and the odd glass of Champers with your afternoon tea thank you very much, a weekend in Glasgow takes some beating.

This is a city crammed with amazing shops, cultural treasures and more bars and restaurants than you can shake a stick at. We were there for two days and didn’t even make a dent in it, although we had a formidable try.

My friend, Joanne and I were staying at the Marks Hotel in the heart of the city’s theatreland district. Our twin room was on the seventh floor of this boutique-style hotel and offered amazing views over the city skyline through a huge floor to ceiling window.

The room was comfortable with a good-sized bathroom complete with fluffy robes and gorgeous White Company toiletries. It had all the usual stuff plus an iron and ironing board to make sure when we did hit the town, we did it in impeccable style.

So, checked in and glam to go we grabbed a taxi to Ingram Street and the Corinthian for dinner.

Built by David Hamilton in 1842 on the site of the 18th century Virginia Mansion, the Corinthian Club is one of Glasgow’s most elaborate and richly decorated buildings, both inside and out.

It originally housed the Glasgow Ship Bank and today has been painstakingly restored to its former splendour, complete with sculptures.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner in the bustling Tellers Bar and Bistro before wandering up to the club’s Bootleg to sample some of its special spirits on offer. Undeterred by its description of serving “hard liquor for real men” we ordered a couple of Glenfiddichs and NO mixer. Hey, rock and roll.

For those not as fearless, you can give the Corinthian Club Whisky Flight a spin. Four taster whiskies served on a Lazy Susan are perfect for novices but best shared with a friend. Trust me.

Next morning, following a buffet breakfast, we set off for the Style Mile, home to every fashion thrill known to man. Niche to mainstream, unique designer to flagship stores, it’s all here.

It all happens around Buchanan Street and its Square and Galleries. All the high street favourites are present and there’s also a newly-opened and very large Forever 21 with three floors of clothes, shoes, accessories and make-up. While it perhaps does cater for a teen-based market, you can pick up some great T-shirts and knitwear for reasonable prices.

The city has its fair share of major stores too and it’s well worth a visit to House of Fraser, Glasgow.

This is where this retail empire was born in 1849 and while the store has embraced each new century and shopping experience, it has equally cherished its heritage, with a stunning interior boasting sweeping staircase and decorative balconies.

You can quite easily lose yourself among the 1,000 or so brands on offer in store.

Hunger pangs had arrived so we decided to try something different instead of the usual sandwich and coffee.

Just behind Buchanan Street is the historic Argyll Arcade where you’ll find ROX, a boutique jewellers that offers the most exquisite range of diamonds, watches and designer jewellery.

What it also offers is a delicious, and slightly decadent, afternoon tea in its Moet & Chandon bar. Perched on sumptuous sofas, we enjoyed dainty sandwiches, pastel-hued French fancies, tea and a glass or two of Champagne, all served on delicate china.

Another hour or so round the shops and it was time to head back to the hotel. Glasgow is an easy city to navigate on foot but you do get to see much more if you take the Glasgow City Sightseeing Bus Tour.

Dinner that night was at the Metropolitan in Candleriggs. This is in the Merchant City area and has a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant spread over its balconies. Merchant City is also a great place to shop if you love vintage.

We arrived at the Metropolitan around 7.30-ish and the place was packed with an eclectic mix of people. Many looked as if they’d popped in following a day’s shopping, lending a casual and very lively feel to the atmosphere.

The food’s good, too – lots of delicious fish served by friendly staff who are never too busy to chat. And they don’t push you out when you’ve finished dining, which is great because there’s some entertaining people-watching to be had.

They say time flies when you’re having fun and it was certainly true about our weekend in Glasgow.

It’s a city that has lots to offer. Whether you’re there to shop, sightsee or party it really does tick all the boxes.

FACTFILE

Karen Connolly travelled to Glasgow as a guest of Virgin Trains, who offer some great advance fairs. See www.virgintrains.com for the best deals.

She stayed at The Marks Hotel, 110 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 2EN. A double room on August 17 costs from £89.25 a night. Call 0141 353 0800 or see www.markshotels.com for summer staycation packages.

For general tourism advice on Glasgow’s many attractions visit www.visitscotland.com