LIKE so much of Glasgow, the Merchant City was first moulded by wealthy trade barons. 

The tobacco lords chose the area for many of their residences and warehouses, whilst it also became the site for the city's fruit, fish and cheese markets. 

Today the barrows and stalls may be gone, but in their place is a plethora of hotspots well worth your coin. 

Briggait: The area's artistic sole  

Originally Glasgow's fish market, this stunning structure - dating back to to 1872 - has found a new plaice in the city as a cultural hub. Artists' studios, exhibition spaces and offices for creative and cultural organisations now shelter under its glass roof. 

READ MORE: Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in pictures: Seven facts you may not know

Kublai Khan's: Glasgow's only Mongolian restaurant 

If you're the sort who likes to combine dinner with a show, Kublai Khan's may be for you. Following in the footsteps of Mongolian rulers who cooked their meals on their shields over a fire, diners select their own rice, noodles and meat (everything from chicken to kangaroo) then hand it over to the chef to cook the stir-fry on a sizeable hot plate. 

Cafe Cossachok: In Soviet Glasgow, food eats you 

Next on the menu of world cuisine is this taste of the former USSR. From Russian staples such as Borscht and Golubtzi, to Gouvetch and Tzimes, their wide selection will challenge your pronunciation as much as it pleases your tastebuds. 

Boteco Brazil: Brazilian late night bar and restaurant

In Brazil 'Boteco' roughly translates as your friendly local. If you pretend really hard whilst enjoying their exotic cuisine or the Latin passion of the tunes, you may be able to fool yourself into thinking you're in South America rather than rainy Glasgow. Certainly after a Caipirinha or two...

READ MORE: Twenty-one reasons to be thankful for Glasgow

A1 Comics: A carnival of comics and collectables 

Whether you want to go go Power Rangers or Marvel at the latest comic books, this pop culture bazaar probably caters to you. Toys, trading cards and graphic novels galore, be prepared to be engrossed. 

Trans-Europe cafe: well-conducted food

Have you ever railed at the lack of train-themed eateries in the world? Then visit the Trans-Europe cafe, which combines a continental menu and public transport stylings to create something far more than a sleeper hit. Featuring seats from old Glasgow Corporation buses and a menu that reads more like a map, it's well worth a visit, and has been the setting for everything from Taggart and Lip Service, to Rebus and Jake Bugg music videos. 

The Treasure Bunker: Guns and gongs galore

For all those times you're looking to gift someone an Iron Cross, this military memorabilia emporium is for you. Offering martial collectables from Waterloo to World War II, you can pick up such items as uniforms, medals and deactivated guns. The perfect present for all occasions. 

13th Note: Music to vegan ears  

A highly-regarded vegan hotspot, the 13th Note manages that most difficult act of appealing to carnivores as well as it doubles up as bar and gig venue. Meaning  you can get something a bit healthier than the customary post-concert chips and cheese.

Monorail Music: A record of note 

Considered by some to be Scotland's finest record shop, this music stall proves it's quality not quantity that counts. Sharing a roof with popular vegan cafe bar and venue Mono, it was founded by Stephen Pastel, of The Pastels fame. 

Glasgow Recording Studio: Pure sound

Whether you're an up and coming band looking for professional facilities to record an EP, or just want to surprise your parents by laying down a family Christmas album, Glasgow Recording Studio will see you right. As well as quality recording facilities, the business also offers music lessons and caters to parties looking for a left field group activity. 

READ MORE: Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in pictures: Seven facts you may not know

Mr Ben vintage clothing shop: Because you were born in the wrong century...

Arguably the foremost of Glasgow's many vintage clothing shop, the store is of a fine vintage itself. Established in the 1990s, you can pick up everything from Victorian fashion to disco fresh flares.