15 Best Cities in Scotland To Visit in 2023

Scotland is likely one of the world’s most sought-after areas. The northernmost nation of the UK is understood for its tales of Scottish kings and queens, patriotic sense of tradition, and inventive abilities. And whereas rural areas just like the Scottish Highlands have engaging, windswept views, cities in Scotland are a few of the finest locations to embrace Scottish life – previous and current. You’ll discover museums, galleries, eating places, hikes, and historical past galore.

The Very Finest Cities and Cities in Scotland

This information will cowl one of the best cities in Scotland, with a couple of of probably the most unmissable cities sprinkled in for good measure. Scotland’s cities and cities are internationally famend, which is unimaginable contemplating that some have such small populations. Excited? You need to be. Let’s get began.

1. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the apparent beginning place when planning to go to Scotland. The capital metropolis of Scotland is probably the most well-known of all of the cities within the nation. It is stuffed with historic buildings and wealthy historical past. Edinburgh is an attractive metropolis with a photogenic metropolis middle. You’ll have to dedicate time simply to stroll the streets in Edinburgh Previous City – belief us, you’ll be determined to maximise time on the cobbled streets with Edinburgh Citadel above you.

Once you aren’t within the Previous City or visiting Edinburgh Citadel, there are many different actions in Edinburgh. Because the second largest metropolis in Scotland, it has the most effective attraction scenes and a full of life environment, added to by Edinburgh College. We advocate mountain climbing the quick stroll to Arthur’s Seat for dawn or sundown, purchasing on the Royal Mile, climbing the Scott Monument, and visiting the Sheep Heid (one among Scotland’s oldest pubs).

Edinburgh was at all times assured a spot on our record. The enduring capital metropolis will not be solely one of the crucial lovely cities in Scotland but in addition one of the crucial thrilling for varied points of interest and issues to do. Edinburgh is well accessed by worldwide guests. It is usually well-connected to London by prepare in case you are touring from England.

Learn extra of our Edinburgh guides

2. Aberdeen

Aberdeen is the third most populous metropolis (take a look at the official Aberdeen inhabitants here) and the most effective cities in Scotland. Aberdeen is understood for being a port metropolis positioned on the shores of the North Sea. The town can also be famend for producing native granite and has an industrial however cosmopolitan environment. Its historical past of granite manufacturing has given the town centre a particular look, with eye-catching silvery-grey buildings which might be beautiful to admire whereas wandering round on foot.

The most effective issues to do in Aberdeen embody visiting Duthie Park, the Gordon Highlanders Museum, St Machar’s Cathedral, and Aberdeen Artwork Gallery. The town has a mix of out of doors and indoor points of interest, with loads of museums and historic points of interest. Total, Aberdeen received a spot on this information for its sense of character and lingering industrial historical past.

3. Glasgow

Glasgow has a repute for being Scotland’s ‘different metropolis’, frequently coming second behind Edinburgh. Nonetheless, over the previous few a long time, Glasgow has actually come into its personal, and it’s now thought-about the most effective cities in Scotland. Glasgow is located inland, slightly below Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park, and ideal for nation day journeys. The town has numerous museums. It’s Scotland’s largest citiy, providing loads of leisure to sink your tooth into. Glasgow has nice inexperienced area, too, with the River Clyde operating via the town centre and parks like Glasgow Inexperienced, Richmond Park, and Pollok Nation Park.

The most effective issues to do in Glasgow are Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Artwork Gallery and Museum, Glasgow Science Centre, George Sq., and the Folks’s Palace. Whereas if you need a extra laidback expertise, you may spend an hour or two hopping between the retailers and nice eating places within the bustling metropolis centre. Glasgow has a various and fast-paced environment, touchdown it in our information.

4. Perth

Perth is a riverside metropolis located alongside the banks of the River Tay. It’s a lovely metropolis with a regal environment and distinguished historic structure. Perth is nicknamed the ‘Honest Metropolis’ of Scotland on account of its shut hyperlinks to Scottish royalty all through historical past. Earlier than Edinburgh rose to stardom, Perth was Scotland’s capital metropolis till round 1452. Many take into account it Scotland’s ‘first metropolis,’ dwelling to many traditions and historic occasions. As an illustration, the Stone of Future was housed at Scone Abbey, and lots of monarchs have been topped there within the metropolis’s youthful years. For these serious about Scottish historical past and royalty, a go to to Perth needs to be on the playing cards.

The most effective issues to do in Perth are to go to Elcho Citadel, Branklyn Backyard, Black Watch Museum, Fergusson Gallery, and Perth Museum and Artwork Gallery. In fact, to understand the town’s royal historical past to the fullest, a go to to Scone Palace can also be a should. The palace has over 1,000 years of historical past and was the designated crowning place of Scottish kings. As you could have guessed, Perth’s shut ties to Scottish royalty and royal historical past earned it a high place in our information. It’s a distinctive and interesting small metropolis to go to in Scotland.

5. Dundee

Dundee is one other metropolis on the japanese coast of Scotland and a improbable place to go to. Dundee is the fourth largest metropolis within the nation and well-known for its artistic industries, being a UNESCO Metropolis of Design and internet hosting the one V&A museum, not in London. If you would like a dynamic expertise in a Scottish metropolis with numerous artwork, design, and inventive tradition, Dundee is the one for you. Its artistic tradition makes it one of the crucial thrilling cities in Scotland and has secured it a spot in our information.

So, what’s there to do in Dundee? In brief, rather a lot. You’ll be able to go to the Discovery Level and RRS Discovery, Modern Arts Museum, Glamis Citadel, Scotland’s Jute Museum, Dundee Science Centre, and Mcmanus Artwork Gallery & Museum. Prioritize a go to to Dundee’s artwork museums, that are improbable locations to spend a moist and windy day.

6. Stirling

Stirling is likely one of the most historic cities in Scotland and a massively photogenic metropolis break. Stirling is understood for its political historical past – be that the crowning of Mary Queen of Scots or rebellions towards the English. The town is laid out with Stirling Citadel on an remoted crag above Stirling Previous City and the spire of the Nationwide Wallace Monument on Abbey Craig. Talking of William Wallace, Stirling additionally overlooks the battleground of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the place William defeated the English in 1297. Stirling is a legendary metropolis – filled with tales of fights for Scottish independence and massively related to the Scottish warrior hero William Wallace. The quantity of emotionally partaking Scottish historical past in Stirling assured it a spot on this information.

The Nationwide Wallace Monument is Stirling’s hottest attraction and hosts quite a few reveals in reminiscence of William Wallace. Essentially the most prized artifact is Wallace’s longsword, which is an enormous 1.63 meters in size. Other than the monument, one of the best issues to do in Stirling embody visiting Stirling Citadel, the Holy Impolite, Previous City Jail, and Robert the Bruce Statue. Spend no less than two days in Stirling, as this metropolis has rather a lot to unpack.

7. Inverness

Inverness is one other metropolis central to Scottish historical past. The small metropolis is likely one of the most northern Scottish cities and is only a quick drive away from Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield. These two points of interest draw most individuals to Inverness, with Loch Ness rumored to be the house of an awesome sea monster and the Culloden Battlefield, the hallowed final standpoint of the Jacobite Rebellion. A go to to Inverness is coming head to head with darkish tales and tragic historical past. It is likely one of the finest locations in Scotland to be taught concerning the historical past of the UK and youth in Scotland.

Other than visiting Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield, you may tour Urquhart Citadel. This fairytale-like citadel is positioned simply an hour’s drive north of Inverness, making it an easy day journey. Within the metropolis, there’s additionally Inverness Citadel, Inverness Cathedral, the Ness Islands, and the notorious Leakey’s Bookshop.

Learn extra about visiting Inverness

8. Fort William

Fort William is technically a city, however it’s such a major spot within the Highlands we needed to embody it. It’s a gateway to Ben Nevis, Loch Linnhe, and Scotland’s main snowboarding scene. Mountaineering lovers will adore staying in Fort William as Ben Nevis is the best peak within the UK – recognized all world wide. Whereas in winter, skiers descend on the town to benefit from the slopes. Fort William can also be simple to go to if you wish to expertise the Highlands with out renting a automobile, as it’s linked to Glasgow and Edinburgh by public transport.

Fort William is an thrilling city in Scotland and the most effective locations for out of doors adventures within the UK. Whether or not you need to go mountain climbing, snowboarding, or fishing, it’s a peaceable however adventurous vacation spot. And, whenever you aren’t protecting energetic, you may chill out within the quaint streets with loads of unbiased retailers and cafes. There’s additionally the West Highland Museum and Ben Nevis Whiskey Distillery to discover.

9. Kirkwall

Like Fort William, Kirkwall lacks the Scottish metropolis standing. Nonetheless, this city has rather a lot to supply – beginning with a singular location on the Orkney Islands, north of the Scottish mainland. Kirkwall is the most important city on the Orkney Islands and was initially a Norse settlement. These days, it has a inhabitants of round 7,000 people and is a picturesque little port ‘capital’ of the archipelago. It’s nonetheless filled with Viking historical past and character, although.

Kirkwall’s placing location and attention-grabbing historical past bagged it a spot in our information. Nonetheless, it has some sensible points of interest as properly. The most effective issues to do in Kirkwall embody visiting the St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney Museum, Highland Park Whisky Distillery, Ring of Brodgar, and Orkney Wi-fi Museum.

Kirkwall is a superb alternative if you need a lesser-visited, distinctive vacation spot in Scotland. Kirkwall is finest reached by ferry, and common ferry providers depart off the north shoreline – what higher technique to channel your internal Viking?

10. Portree

Portree has the same vibe to Kirkwall, regardless of being simpler to achieve. Portree is the most important city (and unofficial capital) on the Isle of Skye. It’s reached by crossing over a big bridge connecting the island to the mainland. It’s thought-about the gateway to all Skye has to supply – together with the magical Previous Man of Storr hike – and is characterised by its famed row of colourful homes overlooking the harbor. For a cute, slow-paced introduction to Scottish island life, Portree is an easy and delightful possibility. It’s superb for many who need to keep on the primary vacationer trails however get off the Scottish mainland.

The most effective issues to do in Portree embody visiting the enduring harbor, the Lump, and mountain climbing the Scorrybreac Path. In fact, it is best to reap the benefits of Portree’s location to discover the Isle of Skye, with points of interest just like the Fairy Swimming pools, Kilt Rock, Mealt Falls, An Corran Seashore, and Fairy Glenn inside driving distance. Portree made our record as one of the best city to make use of as a base to expertise the Isle of Skye.

11. Oban

Oban is a big city in Argyll and Bute. It’s a resort hotspot, with its inhabitants ballooning every summer time with the drastic inflow of visiting vacationers. Oban wears many caps; some consult with it as Scotland’s seafood capital, and others because the gateway to the Western Highlands or Hebridean Isles. No matter you select to affiliate Oban with, you’ll benefit from the port views and beautiful ruins on Battery Hill above the city centre.

Issues to do in Oban embody visiting McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill, going whisky tasting at Oban Distillery, stress-free on Ganavan Sands, and exploring Gylen Citadel, Dunstaffnage Citadel, and Dunollie Museum. Oban has numerous historical past and is extremely walkable. It’s lovely and compact – excellent for many who desire a Scottish city with which they will shortly develop into acquainted. Oban can also be superb for taking day journeys from close by Scottish islands should you really feel extra adventurous. The preferred are Lismore, Mull, and Iona.

Learn extra about Oban

12. Ayr

Ayr is an attractive place to go to in Scotland and is called a summer time holiday-style vacation spot, with lengthy sandy seashores and that barely tacky seaside attraction. The city is walkable and filled with enjoyable. For these serious about poetry, Ayr additionally has a declare to fame via Robert Burns, Scotland’s nationwide bard. Robert was born in Ayr, and you’ll go to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum throughout your keep.

Ayr is a ‘seaside city’ getaway. Nonetheless, it isn’t simply arcades and seashores – which is why it made it onto our record. Ayr has many points of interest, reminiscent of Burns Cottage, Alloway Auld Kirk, Rozelle Property, Belleisle Conservatory, and the Wallace Tower. It additionally has a robust sense of tradition via its literature hyperlinks to Robert Burns. For a lighthearted, enjoyable seaside getaway, Ayr has some good sightseeing to stability out the seaside days.

13. St Andrews

St Andrews sits on Scotland’s east coast, simply above Edinburgh. The city has many optimistic qualities. Nonetheless, it’s most recognized for its golf programs and unimaginable {golfing} tournaments. St Andrew’s most famed golf course is the Royal and Historical Golf Membership of St Andrews, which you’ll ebook to go to. St Andrews can also be recognized for its college, so whenever you aren’t on a golf course, you may expertise a sociable, youthful nightlife.

Additional points of interest in St Andrews embody St Andrews Museum, St Andrews Citadel, the Wardlaw Museum, and (to not stray too removed from its {golfing} id) the R&A World Golf Museum. It’s also possible to go to the Previous Course, which homes an historic 18-hole course based within the fifteenth century.

14. Dunfermline

On the lookout for extra royal historical past and perception into early Scottish life? Dunfermline acted as one other capital metropolis of Scotland, protecting the time interval between Perth and Edinburgh. The city was favored within the reign of Malcolm III and was seen as a royal stronghold. These days, you may nonetheless discover Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, albeit in ruins. It’s a improbable metropolis to flee the crowds of Edinburgh but nonetheless embrace royal historical past and notable structure. This stability of a lesser-trodden vacation spot with famend points of interest received Dunfermline a spot in our information.

You’ll be able to go to the Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, take a stroll in Pittencrief Park, or cease by the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. On the town outskirts, Townhill Nation Park can also be beautiful to stroll round on a sunny day. Dunfermline is a a lot quieter metropolis to expertise in comparison with others on our record, and you’ll simply sightsee the entire metropolis centres in a day or two.

15. Falkirk

One other vacation spot simply outdoors of Edinburgh, Falkirk is a city most famed for its colossal statue of kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. The Kelpies are two large horse heads depicting a Scottish mythological legend that drew males into water to drown. The 30-meter-high statues are made from metal and are fittingly set subsequent to water options in true protecting with Scottish legends. Falkirk is extremely related to its relationship to water. It’s proper subsequent to a sequence of canals, together with the Union and Forth, and Clyde canals. The Falkirk Wheel famously connects these two with a rotating boat carry system.

Falkirk is an excellent place to go to and expertise extra residential life in Scotland. The city is finest skilled by the canal – who is aware of, you’ll be courageous sufficient to sort out the Falkirk Wheel. You’ll be able to keep a few nights within the city centre after which ebook a few nights on a canal vacation, exploring the environment independently by boat.

Scotland FAQs

What are the 7 primary cities in Scotland?

The principle cities in Scotland are Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth, and Stirling. These cities are all vital centres of inhabitants, tradition, and business in Scotland, and every has its personal distinctive character and historical past.

What’s Scotland’s largest metropolis?

Glasgow is the most important metropolis in Scotland when it comes to inhabitants. It has a inhabitants of roughly 600,000 individuals and is positioned on the River Clyde within the nation’s west-central lowlands.

What number of cities are in Scotland UK?

There are roughly 79 cities in Scotland. Among the largest and most well-known cities in Scotland embody Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee.

Which metropolis is extra lovely in Scotland?

It’s tough to find out which metropolis in Scotland is probably the most lovely, as magnificence is subjective and totally different individuals could have totally different opinions. That being stated, there are various cities in Scotland which might be recognized for his or her pure magnificence and historic allure. Some cities which might be continuously cited as being notably lovely embody Edinburgh, with its citadel and historic Royal Mile; Inverness, positioned within the Scottish Highlands and recognized for its pure magnificence; and St Andrews, a coastal metropolis recognized for its lovely seashores and historic college.

To Conclude

Scotland is a massively standard nation within the UK, and after listening to extra about its finest cities, you now know why. Scotland’s cities and cities make up the various hearts of the nation. A metropolis break is an ideal technique to immerse your self in Scottish tradition.

Have an exquisite journey to Scotland. And when you’ve got additional time, why not mix a metropolis break with the North Coast 500 road trip?