Scotland is just one of the globe’s most desired areas. The northern most nation of the UK is recognized for its stories of Scottish kings and also queens, patriotic feeling of society, and also innovative skills. And while country areas like the Scottish Highlands have luring, windy sights, cities in Scotland are several of the very best locations to welcome Scottish life – previous and also existing. You’ll discover galleries, galleries, dining establishments, walks, and also background galore.
The Very Best Towns and also Cities in Scotland
This overview will certainly cover the very best cities in Scotland, with a few of one of the most unmissable communities sprayed in forever step. Scotland’s cities and also communities are worldwide renowned, which is amazing thinking about that some have such little populaces. Excited? You ought to be. Let’s begin.
1. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the noticeable beginning location when intending to see Scotland. The funding city of Scotland is one of the most well-known of all the cities in the nation. It has lots of historical structures and also abundant background. Edinburgh is a stunning city with a photogenic town hall. You’ll require to devote time simply to stroll the roads in Edinburgh Old Town – depend on us, you’ll be hopeless to optimize time on the patched roads with Edinburgh Castle over you.
When you aren’t in the Old Town or seeing Edinburgh Castle, there are a lot of various other tasks in Edinburgh. As the 2nd biggest city in Scotland, it has among the very best destination scenes and also a dynamic environment, included in by Edinburgh University. We suggest treking the brief stroll to Arthur’s Seat for daybreak or sundown, buying on the Royal Mile, climbing up the Scott Monument, and also seeing the Sheep Heid (among Scotland’s earliest bars).
Edinburgh was constantly assured a position on our listing. The famous funding city is not just one of one of the most attractive cities in Scotland however likewise among one of the most amazing for different tourist attractions and also points to do. Edinburgh is quickly accessed by global site visitors. It is likewise well-connected to London by train if you are taking a trip from England.
Read even more of our Edinburgh overviews
2. Aberdeen
Aberdeen is the 3rd most populated city (check out the authorities Aberdeen populace right here) and also among the very best cities in Scotland. Aberdeen is recognized for being a port city situated on the coasts of the North Sea. The city is likewise renowned for generating neighborhood granite and also has a commercial however multicultural environment. Its background of granite manufacturing has actually provided the city centre a distinct appearance, with appealing silvery-grey structures that are spectacular to appreciate while roaming about walking.
The finest points to do in Aberdeen consist of seeing Duthie Park, the Gordon Highlanders Museum, St Machar’s Cathedral, and also Aberdeen Art Gallery. The city has a blend of outside and also interior tourist attractions, with a lot of galleries and also historic tourist attractions. Overall, Aberdeen won an area in this overview for its feeling of personality and also remaining commercial background.
3. Glasgow
Glasgow has a credibility for being Scotland’s ‘other city’, routinely coming 2nd behind Edinburgh. However, over the previous couple of years, Glasgow has actually truly entered into its very own, and also it is currently thought about among the very best cities in Scotland. Glasgow is positioned inland, simply under Loch Lomond and also The Trossachs National Park, and also ideal for nation field trip. The city has a lot of galleries. It is Scotland’s biggest citiy, using a lot of home entertainment to sink your teeth right into. Glasgow has excellent environment-friendly area, also, with the River Clyde going through the city centre and also parks like Glasgow Green, Richmond Park, and also Pollok Country Park.
The finest points to do in Glasgow are Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and also Museum, Glasgow Science Centre, George Square, and also the People’s Palace. While if you desire an even more laidback experience, you can invest a hr or 2 jumping in between the stores and also excellent dining establishments in the dynamic city centre. Glasgow has a varied and also hectic environment, touchdown it in our overview.
4. Perth
Perth is a waterfront city positioned along the financial institutions of the River Tay. It is a stunning city with a stately environment and also identified historic design. Perth is nicknamed the ‘Fair City’ of Scotland as a result of its close web links to Scottish aristocracy throughout background. Before Edinburgh increased to fame, Perth was Scotland’s funding city up until around 1452. Many consider it Scotland’s ‘first city,’ residence to lots of customs and also historic occasions. For circumstances, the Stone of Destiny was housed at Scone Abbey, and also lots of queens were crowned there in the city’s more youthful years. For those curious about Scottish background and also aristocracy, a browse through to Perth must get on the cards.
The finest points to do in Perth are to see Elcho Castle, Branklyn Garden, Black Watch Museum, Fergusson Gallery, and also Perth Museum and also Art Gallery. Of program, to value the city’s imperial background to the max, a browse through to Scone Palace is likewise a must. The royal residence has more than 1,000 years of background and also was the assigned crowning location of Scottish kings. As you might have presumed, Perth’s close connections to Scottish aristocracy and also imperial background made it a leading setting in our overview. It is a unique and also remarkable little city to see in Scotland.
5. Dundee
Dundee is one more city on the eastern coastline of Scotland and also a superb location to see. Dundee is the 4th biggest city in the nation and also widely known for its innovative markets, being a UNESCO City of Design and also organizing the only V&A gallery, not in London. If you desire a vibrant experience in a Scottish city with great deals of art, style, and also innovative society, Dundee is the one for you. Its innovative society makes it among one of the most amazing cities in Scotland and also has actually safeguarded it an area in our overview.
So, what exists to do in Dundee? In short, a great deal. You can see the Discovery Point and also RRS Discovery, Contemporary Arts Museum, Glamis Castle, Scotland’s Jute Museum, Dundee Science Centre, and also Mcmanus Art Gallery & Museum. Prioritize a browse through to Dundee’s art galleries, which are great locations to invest a damp and also gusty day.
6. Stirling
Stirling is just one of one of the most historical cities in Scotland and also a greatly photogenic city break. Stirling is recognized for its political background – be that the crowning of Mary Queen of Scots or disobediences versus the English. The city is outlined with Stirling Castle on a separated crag over Stirling Old Town and also the apex of the National Wallace Monument on Abbey Craig. Speaking of William Wallace, Stirling likewise forgets the battlefield of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William beat the English in 1297. Stirling is a famous city – loaded with tales of defend Scottish self-reliance and also greatly related to the Scottish warrior hero William Wallace. The quantity of mentally appealing Scottish background in Stirling assured it a place in this overview.
The National Wallace Monument is Stirling’s most prominent destination and also hosts countless exhibitions in memory of William Wallace. The most valued artefact is Wallace’s longsword, which is an enormous 1.63 meters in size. Apart from the monolith, the very best points to do in Stirling consist of seeing Stirling Castle, the Holy Rude, Old Town Jail, and also Robert the Bruce Statue. Spend at the very least 2 days in Stirling, as this city has a great deal to unload.
7. Inverness
Inverness is one more city main to Scottish background. The little city is just one of one of the most north Scottish cities and also is simply a brief repel from Loch Ness and also Culloden Battlefield. These 2 tourist attractions attract many people to Inverness, with Loch Ness reported to be the residence of a terrific sea beast and also the Culloden Battlefield, the solemn last point ofview of the Jacobite Uprising. A browse through to Inverness is coming in person with dark tales and also heartbreaking background. It is just one of the very best locations in Scotland to discover the background of the UK and also very early life in Scotland.
Apart from seeing Loch Ness and also Culloden Battlefield, you can visit Urquhart Castle. This fairytale-like castle lies simply a hr’s drive north of Inverness, making it a simple outing. In the city, there’s likewise Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, the Ness Islands, and also the well known Leakey’s Bookshop.
Read much more concerning seeing Inverness
8. Fort William
Fort William is practically a community, however it is such a considerable area in the Highlands we needed to include it. It is an entrance to Ben Nevis, Loch Linnhe, and also Scotland’s significant snowboarding scene. Hiking fans will certainly love remaining in Fort William as Ben Nevis is the highest possible optimal in the UK – recognized throughout the globe. While in wintertime, skiers come down on the city to take pleasure in the inclines. Fort William is likewise simple to see if you intend to experience the Highlands without renting out an auto, as it is linked to Glasgow and also Edinburgh by public transportation.
Fort William is an interesting community in Scotland and also among the very best locations for outside experiences in the UK. Whether you intend to go walking, snowboarding, or angling, it is a serene however daring vacation area. And, when you aren’t maintaining energetic, you can loosen up in the charming roads with a lot of independent stores and also coffee shops. There’s likewise the West Highland Museum and also Ben Nevis Whiskey Distillery to discover.
9. Kirkwall
Like Fort William, Kirkwall does not have the Scottish city standing. However, this community has a great deal to supply – beginning with a unique place on the Orkney Islands, north of the Scottish landmass. Kirkwall is the biggest community on the Orkney Islands and also was initially a Norse negotiation. Nowadays, it has a populace of around 7,000 individuals and also is a stunning little port ‘capital’ of the island chain. It is still filled with Viking background and also personality, however.
Kirkwall’s striking place and also intriguing background got it a place in our overview. However, it has some fantastic tourist attractions also. The finest points to do in Kirkwall consist of seeing the St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney Museum, Highland Park Whisky Distillery, Ring of Brodgar, and also Orkney Wireless Museum.
Kirkwall is a dazzling option if you desire a lesser-visited, special location in Scotland. Kirkwall is finest gotten to by ferryboat, and also normal ferryboat solutions leave off the north coast – what much better method to funnel your inner Viking?
10. Portree
Portree has a comparable ambiance to Kirkwall, regardless of being much easier to get to. Portree is the biggest community (and also informal funding) on the Isle of Skye. It is gotten to by going across over a big bridge linking the island to the landmass. It is thought about the portal to all Skye needs to supply – consisting of the enchanting Old Man of Storr trek – and also is defined by its well known row of vivid residences neglecting the harbor. For an adorable, slow-paced intro to Scottish island life, Portree is a simple and also attractive alternative. It is suitable for those that intend to remain on the major vacationer tracks however leave the Scottish landmass.
The finest points to do in Portree consist of seeing the famous harbor, the Lump, and also treking the Scorrybreac Trail. Of program, you ought to capitalize on Portree’s place to discover the Isle of Skye, with tourist attractions like the Fairy Pools, Kilt Rock, Mealt Falls, An Corran Beach, and also Fairy Glenn within driving range. Portree made our listing as the very best community to make use of as a base to experience the Isle of Skye.
11. Oban
Oban is a big community in Argyll and also Bute. It is a hotel hotspot, with its populace swelling each summertime with the radical increase of seeing travelers. Oban uses lots of caps; some describe it as Scotland’s fish and shellfish funding, and also others as the portal to the Western Highlands or Hebridean Isles. Whatever you pick to link Oban with, you’ll take pleasure in the port sights and also spectacular damages on Battery Hill over the community centre.
Things to do in Oban consist of seeing McCaig’s Tower and also Battery Hill, going whisky sampling at Oban Distillery, loosening up on Ganavan Sands, and also discovering Gylen Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle, and also Dunollie Museum. Oban has great deals of background and also is very walkable. It is attractive and also small – ideal for those that desire a Scottish community with which they can promptly come to be acquainted. Oban is likewise suitable for taking field trip from neighboring Scottish islands if you really feel much more daring. The most prominent are Lismore, Mull, and also Iona.
Read much more concerning Oban
12. Ayr
Ayr is a stunning location to see in Scotland and also is referred to as a summertime holiday-style location, with lengthy sandy coastlines which a little tacky seaside allure. The community is walkable and also filled with enjoyable. For those curious about verse, Ayr likewise has a case to popularity with Robert Burns, Scotland’s nationwide poet. Robert was birthed in Ayr, and also you can see the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum throughout your remain.
Ayr is a ‘seaside town’ escape. However, it isn’t simply galleries and also coastlines – which is why it made it onto our listing. Ayr has lots of tourist attractions, such as Burns Cottage, Alloway Auld Kirk, Rozelle Estate, Belleisle Conservatory, and also the Wallace Tower. It likewise has a solid feeling of society with its literary works web links to Robert Burns. For an easy going, enjoyable coastline escape, Ayr has some excellent sightseeing and tour to cancel the coastline days.
13. St Andrews
St Andrews remains on Scotland’s eastern coastline, simply over Edinburgh. The community has lots of favorable high qualities. However, it is most recognized for its golf links and also amazing playing golf events. St Andrew’s most well known fairway is the Royal and also Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which you can schedule to see. St Andrews is likewise recognized for its college, so when you aren’t on a fairway, you can experience a friendly, younger night life.
Further tourist attractions in St Andrews consist of St Andrews Museum, St Andrews Castle, the Wardlaw Museum, and also (not to wander off also much from its playing golf identification) the R&A World Golf Museum. You can likewise see the Old Course, which houses an old 18-hole program established in the 15th century.
14. Dunfermline
Looking for even more imperial background and also understanding right into very early Scottish life? Dunfermline functioned as one more funding city of Scotland, covering the moment duration in between Perth and also Edinburgh. The community was preferred in the regime of Malcolm III and also was viewed as an imperial fortress. Nowadays, you can still discover Dunfermline Abbey and also Palace, albeit in damages. It is a superb city to get away the groups of Edinburgh yet still welcome imperial background and also noteworthy design. This equilibrium of a lesser-trodden location with popular tourist attractions won Dunfermline a place in our overview.
You can see the Dunfermline Abbey and also Palace, walk in Pittencrief Park, or visit the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. On the city borders, Townhill Country Park is likewise spectacular to walk on a warm day. Dunfermline is a much quieter city to experience contrasted to others on our listing, and also you can quickly travel every one of the city centres in a day or 2.
15. Falkirk
Another location simply beyond Edinburgh, Falkirk is a community most well known for its enormous sculpture of kelpies and also the Falkirk Wheel. The Kelpies are 2 enormous equine heads showing a Scottish mythical tale that attracted males right into water to sink. The 30-meter-high statuaries are made from steel and also are fittingly established alongside water attributes in real maintaining with Scottish tales. Falkirk is very related to its partnership to water. It is ideal alongside a collection of canals, consisting of the Union and also Forth, and also Clyde canals. The Falkirk Wheel notoriously attaches these 2 with a revolving watercraft lift system.
Falkirk is a terrific location to see and also experience even more domestic life in Scotland. The community is finest experienced by the canal – that understands, you’ll be endure sufficient to deal with the Falkirk Wheel. You can remain a number of evenings in the community centre and afterwards publication a number of evenings on a canal vacation, discovering the environments individually by watercraft.
Scotland Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7 major cities in Scotland?
The major cities in Scotland are Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth, and also Stirling. These cities are very important centres of populace, society, and also market in Scotland, and also each has its very own special personality and also background.
What is Scotland’s greatest city?
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland in regards to populace. It has a populace of about 600,000 individuals and also lies on the River Clyde in the nation’s west-central bogs.
How lots of cities remain in Scotland UK?
There are about 79 cities in Scotland. Some of the biggest and also most widely known cities in Scotland consist of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and also Dundee.
Which city is much more attractive in Scotland?
It is tough to establish which city in Scotland is one of the most attractive, as appeal is subjective and also various individuals might have various viewpoints. That being claimed, there are lots of cities in Scotland that are recognized for their all-natural appeal and also historical beauty. Some cities that are often mentioned as being especially attractive consist of Edinburgh, with its castle and also historical Royal Mile; Inverness, situated in the Scottish Highlands and also recognized for its all-natural appeal; and also St Andrews, a seaside city recognized for its attractive coastlines and also historical college.
To Conclude
Scotland is a greatly prominent nation in the UK, and also after listening to even more concerning its finest cities, you currently recognize why. Scotland’s cities and also communities compose the lots of hearts of the nation. A city break is an ideal method to submerse on your own in Scottish society.
Have a terrific journey to Scotland. And if you have added time, why not incorporate a city brake with the North Coast 500 journey?
