[ad_1]
Scotland is without doubt one of 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 artistic abilities. And whereas rural areas just like the Scottish Highlands have attractive, windswept views, cities in Scotland are among the greatest 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 most effective cities in Scotland, with a couple of of essentially 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 essentially the most well-known of all of the cities within the nation. It is stuffed with historic buildings and wealthy historical past. Edinburgh is a phenomenal metropolis with a photogenic metropolis heart. You’ll must 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.
If 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 energetic ambiance, added to by Edinburgh College. We advocate mountain climbing the brief stroll to Arthur’s Seat for dawn or sundown, buying on the Royal Mile, climbing the Scott Monument, and visiting the Sheep Heid (one in all Scotland’s oldest pubs).
Edinburgh was all the time assured a spot on our record. The enduring capital metropolis will not be solely one of the vital stunning cities in Scotland but in addition one of the vital thrilling for numerous sights and issues to do. Edinburgh is well accessed by worldwide guests. Additionally it is well-connected to London by practice if you’re touring from England.
Learn extra of our Edinburgh guides
2. Aberdeen
Aberdeen is the third most populous metropolis (try the official Aberdeen inhabitants right here) and the most effective cities in Scotland. Aberdeen is understood for being a port metropolis situated 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 town centre a particular look, with eye-catching silvery-grey buildings which might be gorgeous to admire whereas wandering round on foot.
One of the best issues to do in Aberdeen embrace visiting Duthie Park, the Gordon Highlanders Museum, St Machar’s Cathedral, and Aberdeen Artwork Gallery. The town has a combination of out of doors and indoor sights, with loads of museums and historic sights. General, 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. Nonetheless, over the previous few many years, 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 working by 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 Individuals’s Palace. Whereas if you’d like a extra laidback expertise, you may spend an hour or two hopping between the outlets 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 stunning metropolis with a regal ambiance and distinguished historic structure. Perth is nicknamed the ‘Truthful Metropolis’ of Scotland as a consequence 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 contemplate 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 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 Citadel, Branklyn Backyard, Black Watch Museum, Fergusson Gallery, and Perth Museum and Artwork Gallery. After all, to understand 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 will have guessed, Perth’s shut ties to Scottish royalty and royal historical past earned it a prime 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 jap 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 need a dynamic expertise in a Scottish metropolis with numerous artwork, design, and artistic tradition, Dundee is the one for you. Its artistic tradition makes it one of the vital thrilling cities in Scotland and has secured it a spot in our information.
So, what’s there to do in Dundee? In brief, loads. 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 without doubt 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 in opposition to 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 – full of 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 displays in reminiscence of William Wallace. Essentially the most prized artifact is Wallace’s longsword, which is an enormous 1.63 meters in size. Aside from the monument, the most effective issues to do in Stirling embrace visiting Stirling Citadel, the Holy Impolite, Previous City Jail, and Robert the Bruce Statue. Spend at the least two days in Stirling, as this metropolis has loads to unpack.
7. Inverness
Inverness is one other metropolis central to Scottish historical past. The small metropolis is without doubt one of the most northern Scottish cities and is only a brief 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 incredible 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 without doubt one of the greatest locations in Scotland to be taught in regards to the historical past of the UK and formative years in Scotland.
Aside from visiting Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield, you may tour Urquhart Citadel. This fairytale-like fort is situated simply an hour’s drive north of Inverness, making it a simple 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 big spot within the Highlands we needed to embrace it. It’s a gateway to Ben Nevis, Loch Linnhe, and Scotland’s main snowboarding scene. Mountain climbing lovers will adore staying in Fort William as Ben Nevis is the very best peak within the UK – identified all all over the world. Whereas in winter, skiers descend on 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 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, while you aren’t holding lively, you may chill out within the quaint streets with loads of impartial outlets 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 loads 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 filled with Viking historical past and character, although.
Kirkwall’s putting location and attention-grabbing historical past bagged it a spot in our information. Nonetheless, it has some good sights as properly. One of the best issues to do in Kirkwall embrace visiting the St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney Museum, Highland Park Whisky Distillery, Ring of Brodgar, and Orkney Wi-fi Museum.
Kirkwall is an excellent selection if you’d like a lesser-visited, distinctive vacation spot in Scotland. Kirkwall is greatest reached by ferry, and common ferry providers depart off the north shoreline – what higher technique to channel your interior Viking?
10. Portree
Portree has the same 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-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 very best for individuals who need to keep on the primary vacationer trails however get off the Scottish mainland.
One of the best issues to do in Portree embrace visiting the enduring harbor, the Lump, and mountain climbing the Scorrybreac Path. After all, it’s best to reap the benefits of 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 record as the most effective 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 confer 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 gorgeous ruins on Battery Hill above the city centre.
Issues to do in Oban embrace visiting McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill, going whisky tasting at Oban Distillery, enjoyable on Ganavan Sands, and exploring Gylen Citadel, Dunstaffnage Citadel, and Dunollie Museum. Oban has numerous historical past and is very walkable. It’s stunning and compact – good for individuals who desire a Scottish city with which they’ll rapidly change into acquainted. Oban can be very best for taking day journeys from close by Scottish islands if you happen to really feel extra adventurous. The preferred are Lismore, Mull, and Iona.
Learn extra about Oban
12. Ayr
Ayr is a phenomenal 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 keen on poetry, Ayr additionally has a declare to fame by Robert Burns, Scotland’s nationwide bard. Robert was born in Ayr, and you may 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 sights, equivalent to 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 seashore getaway, Ayr has some good sightseeing to stability out the seashore days.
13. St Andrews
St Andrews sits on Scotland’s east coast, simply above Edinburgh. The city has many constructive qualities. Nonetheless, it’s most identified for its golf programs and unimaginable {golfing} tournaments. St Andrew’s most famed golf course is the Royal and Historic Golf Membership of St Andrews, which you’ll guide to go to. St Andrews can be identified for its college, so while you aren’t on a golf course, you may expertise a sociable, youthful nightlife.
Additional sights in St Andrews embrace 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, overlaying 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 sights gained 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 town outskirts, Townhill Nation Park can be gorgeous 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 may 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 huge 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 holding with Scottish legends. Falkirk is very 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 a superb place to go to and expertise extra residential life in Scotland. The city is greatest skilled by the canal – who is aware of, you’ll be courageous sufficient to deal with the Falkirk Wheel. You’ll be able to keep a few nights within the city centre after which guide a few nights on a canal vacation, exploring the environment independently by boat.
Scotland FAQs
What are the 7 major cities in Scotland?
The primary 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 largest metropolis?
Glasgow is the most important metropolis in Scotland when it comes to inhabitants. It has a inhabitants of roughly 600,000 folks and is situated 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 embrace Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee.
Which metropolis is extra stunning in Scotland?
It’s tough to find out which metropolis in Scotland is essentially the most stunning, as magnificence is subjective and totally different folks might have totally different opinions. That being stated, there are a lot of cities in Scotland which might be identified for his or her pure magnificence and historic allure. Some cities which might be regularly cited as being notably stunning embrace Edinburgh, with its fort and historic Royal Mile; Inverness, situated within the Scottish Highlands and identified for its pure magnificence; and St Andrews, a coastal metropolis identified for its stunning seashores and historic college.
To Conclude
Scotland is a massively fashionable nation within the UK, and after listening to extra about its greatest 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 a beautiful journey to Scotland. And when you’ve got additional time, why not mix a metropolis break with the North Coast 500 highway journey?
Plan Your Subsequent Journey to Scotland With These Sources
[ad_2]
