Best cities to visit in Scotland
Each of Scotland’s cities has its own distinct character and merits two or three days of exploring![]()
“Spring and summer are wonderful times to visit gardens in Scotland’s cities, such as Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh,” says Keira from our Scotland rail holidays partner McKinlay Kidd.
“The cities are also lovely in the winter, as there are often Christmas markets on and lots of lights up – notably the whole of the Glasgow City Chambers building in George Square is adorned in lights and looks beautiful.”
Cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness are popular launching points for epic rail holidays along routes such as the West Highland Line, Kyle Line and Far North Line, which can continue past the end of the tracks into the Inner Hebrides and Orkney. But there’s much to be said for a few days of urban exploring before or after you head into more remote and wild corners of the country.
“The cities are also lovely in the winter, as there are often Christmas markets on and lots of lights up – notably the whole of the Glasgow City Chambers building in George Square is adorned in lights and looks beautiful.”
Cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness are popular launching points for epic rail holidays along routes such as the West Highland Line, Kyle Line and Far North Line, which can continue past the end of the tracks into the Inner Hebrides and Orkney. But there’s much to be said for a few days of urban exploring before or after you head into more remote and wild corners of the country.
Aberdeen
The weather may not always be so bright in Aberdeen, but the ‘Granite City’ boasts some of the country’s most distinctive architecture, plus beautiful coastline off which dolphins play and working harbours where fishermen unload the catch of the day.Aberdeen’s proud maritime heritage is on display around the old town of Footdee, with its clusters of old fishermen’s cottages, while the surrounding region boasts no fewer than 263 castles, many of which are well-preserved and open to visitors. Dunottar near Stonehaven, less than 20 miles from Aberdeen, is especially atmospheric, its jagged ruins clinging to the cliff edge.
Dundee
Dundee, which sits on Scotland’s North Sea coast, is one of the country’s most culturally dynamic cities. Its waterfront is undergoing a massive regeneration project, and there are several superb museums including the V&A Dundee design museum and the RRS Discovery, an expedition steamship that successfully carried Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton to the Antarctic back in 1901. At 175m above sea level, the peak of the Dundee Law, a hill in the city centre, merits a bit of exertion for the spectacular city and river views from its summit.
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital, with its magnificent castle perched imposingly above the city, has enough landmark attractions to keep any visitor busy for a week. But while Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile naturally claim most of the attention, there are plenty of ways to escape the crowds. Hike up to Arthur’s Seat for superb panoramas over the Lothians or duck down below into the Vaults to discover some of Edinburgh’s darker history. Just outside of the city centre, attractive neighbourhoods such as Leith and Dean Village tend to be far quieter.Glasgow
Remnants of Glasgow’s long shipbuilding heritage are everywhere in a city known as the friendliest in Scotland, from monuments and murals to the many exhibits in the superb Riverside Museum, and a handful of historic cranes that still stand proudly by the River Clyde. The departure point for rail journeys along the West Highland Line, Glasgow is also notable for the Necropolis cemetery, which offers views across the city, and the outstanding artworks of the Burrell Collection found in Pollok Country Park.
Orkney & Shetland self drive holiday, Scotland
Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland
From
£955 to £1045
7 days
ex flights
Scotland by railway holiday
Experience authentic Scotland independently and car-free
From
£1395 to £1525
8 days
ex flights
Wildlife holiday in the Isle of Mull, Scotland
Spot whales, otters and eagles on Isle of Mull, Scotland
From
£595 to £830
5 days
ex flights
Isle of Mull and west coast of Scotland cruise
Cruise the idyllic coast around the Scottish Island of Mull
From
£2520 to £3360
7 days
ex flights
Scotland island hopping holiday, car free
Explore three contrasting Scottish islands car-free
From
£1645 to £1745
8 days
ex flights
West Highlands guided rail tour in Scotland
Discover Scotland's Highlands & distinctive islands by train
From
£2325
7 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Scotland or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
01273 823 700
Call us until 6pm
Calling from outside the UK
Inverness
The capital city of the Highlands, Inverness is surrounded by the landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park, while famous Loch Ness lies just to the south. From here, you can connect with rail journeys along the Far North Line all the way to Thurso and Wick, launching point for the Orkney Islands, and along the Kyle Line, finishing on the west coast from where you can continue on to the Isle of Skye. History buffs will find much to enjoy in Inverness too, from the 16th-century Abertarff House to the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where the final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising was fought. The National Trust interpretation centre reveals the complexity of the conflict.
Perth
Scotland’s ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, Perth is definitely a city for castle-lovers. Scone Palace stands nearby, where kings of Scotland including Robert the Bruce and Macbeth (the real one) were crowned, and which has played host to Bonnie Prince Charlie as well as Queen Victoria. You can also visit the ruins of Loch Leven Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. This compact city is also known as one of Scotland’s foodie destinations – producing everything from fruity country wines to award-winning truffles and flavoursome sea salt from down the road in Fife. A wander through the Café Quarter will satisfy any appetite.Stirling
Located between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and said to knit together the Highlands and Lowlands, Stirling’s skyline is dominated by the vast Stirling Castle, besieged on numerous occasions through the ages, and by the 67m-high Wallace Monument, which contains many relics said to have belonged to ‘Braveheart’ himself, including his long sword. The 246 steps take you to the top observation platform for views across Stirlingshire. Also of note in Stirling is the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, an interactive visitor centre that places you in the heart of Robert the Bruce’s famous victory over the army of King Edward II of England in 1314, as well as explaining the events that led up to it, and how it changed the course of Scottish history.More Scotland articles
The best time to go to Scotland is, for many people, when wildlife come out to play.
Our Scotland travel guide reveals a land full of wildlife, and mountainous and marine magnificence.
From cities to highlands and islands, find out where to go in Scotland for walking, wildlife and whiskey.
Scotland rail holidays explore the lochs, highlands, islands and wild moorlands that drivers mostly miss.
Wildlife watching in Scotland? Pack your waterproofs, your binoculars and your sun cream too.
Scotland small ship cruising holidays roam the country’s most spectacular nautical nirvanas.
Craving independence? You can go your own way on Scotland self drive holidays.
Scotland kayaking holidays explore beautiful coast, islands and sea lochs.
From thrilling wildlife safaris and small ship cruises to winter trekking.
Travelling in Scotland with kids is always lively, with an incredible range of activities to keep everyone happy.
Forget Braveheart – the Highlands are wild at heart; our guide shows you what not to miss.
Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays explore two of the most northerly outposts in Britain.
The best things to see and do in Inverness for a taste of the city’s heritage and culture.
There's plenty to do in Edinburgh - we explain how to avoid the crowds.
We’ve put together some of our favourite things to see and do in the welcoming city of Glasgow.
One of the most useful bits of Scotland travel advice we can offer you is to look beyond the tourist trail.
We’ve assembled 11 useful tips for Americans visiting Scotland to help you enjoy your stay.
Scotland has many fine qualities but one of the finest is the freedom to roam.
