Scotland is among the world’s most sought-after places. 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 among the finest locations to embrace Scottish life – previous and current. You’ll discover museums, galleries, eating places, hikes, and historical past galore.
The Very Greatest Cities and Cities in Scotland
This information will cowl the perfect 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 unbelievable contemplating that some have such small populations. Excited? You ought 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 filled with historic buildings and wealthy historical past. Edinburgh is a wonderful metropolis with a photogenic metropolis heart. You’ll have to dedicate time simply to stroll the streets in Edinburgh Outdated City – belief us, you’ll be determined to maximise time on the cobbled streets with Edinburgh Fortress above you.
Once you aren’t within the Outdated City or visiting Edinburgh Fortress, there are many different actions in Edinburgh. Because the second largest metropolis in Scotland, it has the most effective attraction scenes and a vigorous ambiance, added to by Edinburgh College. We advocate mountaineering the quick stroll to Arthur’s Seat for dawn or sundown, procuring on the Royal Mile, climbing the Scott Monument, and visiting the Sheep Heid (one in every of Scotland’s oldest pubs).
Edinburgh was at all times assured a spot on our checklist. The enduring capital metropolis will not be solely one of the lovely cities in Scotland but in addition one of the thrilling for numerous sights and issues to do. Edinburgh is well accessed by worldwide guests. Additionally it is well-connected to London by practice 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 right 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 be famend for producing native granite and has an industrial however cosmopolitan ambiance. 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.
One of the best 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 combination of outside and indoor sights, with loads of museums and historic sights. Total, Aberdeen gained a spot on this information for its sense of character and lingering industrial historical past.
3. Glasgow
Glasgow has a status for being Scotland’s ‘different metropolis’, recurrently coming second behind Edinburgh. Nevertheless, over the previous few many years, Glasgow has actually come into its personal, and it’s now thought of the most effective cities in Scotland. Glasgow is located inland, just below Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park, and ideal for nation day journeys. The town has a lot of museums. It’s Scotland’s largest citiy, providing loads of leisure to sink your enamel into. Glasgow has nice inexperienced area, too, with the River Clyde working by the town centre and parks like Glasgow Inexperienced, Richmond Park, and Pollok Nation Park.
One of the best 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 ambiance, 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 ambiance 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 think about it Scotland’s ‘first metropolis,’ house to many traditions and historic occasions. As an example, the Stone of Future was housed at Scone Abbey, and plenty of monarchs have been topped there within the metropolis’s youthful years. For these keen on Scottish historical past and royalty, a go to to Perth must be on the playing cards.
One of the best issues to do in Perth are to go to Elcho Fortress, Branklyn Backyard, Black Watch Museum, Fergusson Gallery, and Perth Museum and Artwork Gallery. After all, to understand the town’s royal historical past to the fullest, a go to to Scone Palace can 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 engaging small metropolis to go to in Scotland.
5. Dundee
Dundee is one other metropolis on the jap coast of Scotland and a unbelievable 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 need 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 thrilling cities in Scotland and has secured it a spot in our information.
So, what’s there to do in Dundee? In brief, lots. You may go to the Discovery Level and RRS Discovery, Modern Arts Museum, Glamis Fortress, Scotland’s Jute Museum, Dundee Science Centre, and Mcmanus Artwork Gallery & Museum. Prioritize a go to to Dundee’s artwork museums, that are unbelievable locations to spend a moist and windy day.
6. Stirling
Stirling is among 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 Fortress on an remoted crag above Stirling Outdated 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 participating 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. Probably the most prized artifact is Wallace’s longsword, which is a large 1.63 meters in size. Aside from the monument, the perfect issues to do in Stirling embody visiting Stirling Fortress, the Holy Impolite, Outdated City Jail, and Robert the Bruce Statue. Spend a minimum of two days in Stirling, as this metropolis has lots to unpack.
7. Inverness
Inverness is one other metropolis central to Scottish historical past. The small metropolis is among the most northern Scottish cities and is only a quick drive away from Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield. These two sights draw most individuals to Inverness, with Loch Ness rumored to be the house of an important sea monster and the Culloden Battlefield, the hallowed final standpoint of the Jacobite Rebellion. A go to to Inverness is coming nose to nose with darkish tales and tragic historical past. It is among the finest locations in Scotland to study in regards to the historical past of the UK and adolescence in Scotland.
Aside from visiting Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield, you possibly can tour Urquhart Fortress. 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 Fortress, 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. Climbing lovers will adore staying in Fort William as Ben Nevis is the best peak within the UK – recognized all around the globe. Whereas in winter, skiers descend on the town to benefit from the slopes. Fort William can be simple to go to if you wish to expertise the Highlands with out renting a automotive, 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 outside adventures within the UK. Whether or not you need to go mountaineering, snowboarding, or fishing, it’s a peaceable however adventurous vacation spot. And, if you aren’t protecting lively, you may calm down within the quaint streets with loads of impartial 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. Nevertheless, this city has lots to supply – beginning with a novel 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 folks and is a picturesque little port ‘capital’ of the archipelago. It’s nonetheless stuffed with Viking historical past and character, although.
Kirkwall’s placing location and fascinating historical past bagged it a spot in our information. Nevertheless, it has some sensible sights as properly. One of the best 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 an excellent alternative if you need a lesser-visited, distinctive vacation spot in Scotland. Kirkwall is finest reached by ferry, and common ferry companies depart off the north shoreline – what higher approach to channel your inside Viking?
10. Portree
Portree has an analogous vibe to Kirkwall, regardless of being simpler to succeed in. 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 of the gateway to all Skye has to supply – together with the magical Outdated 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 a simple and exquisite choice. It’s supreme for many who need to keep on the primary vacationer trails however get off the Scottish mainland.
One of the best issues to do in Portree embody visiting the enduring harbor, the Lump, and mountaineering the Scorrybreac Path. After all, you need to benefit from Portree’s location to discover the Isle of Skye, with sights just like the Fairy Swimming pools, Kilt Rock, Mealt Falls, An Corran Seashore, and Fairy Glenn inside driving distance. Portree made our checklist as the perfect 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 season with the drastic inflow of visiting vacationers. Oban wears many caps; some check 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 Fortress, Dunstaffnage Fortress, and Dunollie Museum. Oban has numerous historical past and is extremely walkable. It’s lovely and compact – good for many who need a Scottish city with which they’ll rapidly change into acquainted. Oban can be supreme for taking day journeys from close by Scottish islands when you really feel extra adventurous. The preferred are Lismore, Mull, and Iona.
Learn extra about Oban
12. Ayr
Ayr is a wonderful place to go to in Scotland and is called a summer season holiday-style vacation spot, with lengthy sandy seashores and that barely tacky seaside enchantment. The city is walkable and stuffed with enjoyable. For these keen on poetry, Ayr additionally has a declare to fame by 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. Nevertheless, it isn’t simply arcades and seashores – which is why it made it onto our checklist. Ayr has many sights, reminiscent of Burns Cottage, Alloway Auld Kirk, Rozelle Property, Belleisle Conservatory, and the Wallace Tower. It additionally has a robust sense of tradition by 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 constructive qualities. Nevertheless, it’s most recognized for its golf programs and unbelievable {golfing} tournaments. St Andrew’s most famed golf course is the Royal and Historic Golf Membership of St Andrews, which you’ll be able to ebook to go to. St Andrews can be recognized for its college, so if you aren’t on a golf course, you may expertise a sociable, youthful nightlife.
Additional sights in St Andrews embody St Andrews Museum, St Andrews Fortress, the Wardlaw Museum, and (to not stray too removed from its {golfing} identification) the R&A World Golf Museum. You can too go to the Outdated Course, which homes an historical 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 unbelievable 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 sights gained Dunfermline a spot in our information.
You may 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 be beautiful to stroll round on a sunny day. Dunfermline is a a lot quieter metropolis to expertise in comparison with others on our checklist, and you’ll simply sightsee the entire metropolis centres in a day or two.
15. Falkirk
One other vacation spot simply exterior 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 product of 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 raise 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 may 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 predominant cities in Scotland?
The principle cities in Scotland are Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth, and Stirling. These cities are all necessary centres of inhabitants, tradition, and business in Scotland, and every has its personal distinctive character and historical past.
What’s Scotland’s greatest metropolis?
Glasgow is the most important metropolis in Scotland by way of inhabitants. It has a inhabitants of roughly 600,000 folks 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. A number of 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 folks could have totally different opinions. That being mentioned, there are various cities in Scotland which might be recognized for his or her pure magnificence and historic allure. Some cities which might be often 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 fashionable 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 numerous hearts of the nation. A metropolis break is an ideal approach to immerse your self in Scottish tradition.
Have an exquisite journey to Scotland. And you probably have further time, why not mix a metropolis break with the North Coast 500 street journey?
