Home scotland The 10 Most Visited Cities in Scotland That You Shouldn’t Miss

The 10 Most Visited Cities in Scotland That You Shouldn’t Miss

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Scotland
Scotland

Scotland has a lot to offer those looking for a special family vacation or perhaps a romantic retreat for two. Check out our list of the top Scottish cities to ensure you get the most out of your vacation plans there.

1. Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a ton of things to do, whether you’re here for a weekend or a week. While Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s capital city, is best known for its magnificent medieval castle and routinely ranks among the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, there are many more fascinating areas of this lovely city to discover.

Edinburgh
Edinburgh

This lengthy, cobblestone roadway known as the Royal Mile connects the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is flanked by a variety of lovely ancient townhouses and historic structures, including churches and museums. Also, it’s a fantastic location for serious souvenir buying or a pit stop at a top-notch eatery or café.

2. Glasgow

Glasgow has developed into one of the top tourist destinations in the nation since it was transformed from an industrial city to the heart of Scotland’s culture. On the former industrial area along the River Clyde, which has been renovated and rehabilitated over the past few decades, some of this transition has taken place.

Glasgow
Glasgow

Walking around the region is a delight. Along the route, stop at popular sites like the Riverside Museum, which has a lot of transportation-related exhibits, and the Glasgow Science Centre, which has a striking titanium exterior; see if you can see how it resembles a ship’s hull.

3. Aberdeen

Similar to Glasgow, Aberdeen is surrounded by parks and gardens and is referred to locally as “The Flower of Scotland.” The David Welch Winter Gardens, one of the largest indoor gardens in the UK, is located in Duthie Park, making it by far the most well-known. Here, exhibits of tropical plants and exotic flowers can be seen year-round in a number of sizable greenhouses.

Aberdeen
Aberdeen

If you go in the spring or summer, be sure to give yourself enough time to explore Duthie’s outdoor features, which include ponds and flowerbeds. If you linger until dusk, you might even witness a performance of the attraction’s well-liked Opera in the Park season.

4. Dundee

Dundee can be reached easily by day from Edinburgh and is renowned for its breathtaking river crossings. The Tay Rail Bridge, built in 1887 and still an amazing and frequently photographed engineering accomplishment, stretches as far as the eye can see across the Firth of Tay from Dundee to the settlement of Wormit.

Dundee
Dundee

The two miles of steel that make up the construction are considered one of the best rail journeys in the world, and the views are just breathtaking. Two viewing platforms provide spectacular vistas of Dundee if you are unable to cross by rail.

You can reach the city’s waterfront after a short stroll from the bridge. Top Dundee attractions like Discovery Point, a maritime museum, many historic ships, and a family-friendly science museum can now be found in this section of the old port, thanks to a significant renovation.

5. Inverness

Your trip to Scotland should include a highlight of exploring the Scottish Highlands. Inverness, a stunning city in the Highlands, is the ideal location to serve as your base.

Inverness
Inverness

Some of the most unforgettable views you’ll see in a country that, frankly, is full of amazing vistas are just a short drive away from here, including such classic Scottish beauties as Lake Ness and Urquhart Castle. Bring your hiking boots as well, as there are several trails that wind through the glens and mountains of this wonderfully gorgeous area.

It’s also true that Inverness has its charms. There are several places to visit, including the cathedral and portions of Inverness Castle, that is accessible to the general public.

6. Perth

The little city of Perth offers a welcome glimpse of a less hectic Scotland. It is only a short distance from Dundee and is reachable by rail from Edinburgh, giving visitors the option to cross the renowned Forth Rail Bridge.

perth-scotland
perth-scotland

Go to the River Tay to get things going. Even though you may have caught a glimpse of the breathtakingly lovely landscapes from the train, you’ll want to walk back across the river with a camera (or smartphone) in hand to record them for posterity. The Old Town can be seen in its best light from the park-like setting of Moncrieffe Island.

7. Stirling

Stirling is a magnificent university city with a long and rich history, particularly in relation to Scotland’s quest for independence through the years. Stirling, where Scottish monarch Robert the Bruce expelled the English in 1314, is only 50 minutes’ drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Stirling
Stirling

At the Bannockburn History Center, the remarkable victory known as the Battle of Bannockburn is remembered. The history of the conflict is presented in excellent displays and exhibits, which also highlight William Wallace’s victory in the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

8. Ayr

The Scottish city of Ayr, located on the west coast, is most famous for being the birthplace of poet Robert Burns. Here, there are tributes to Scotland’s most well-known poet everywhere.

Ayr
Ayr

Follow the Burns’ Heritage Trail to Alloway on the outskirts of Ayr to ensure you don’t miss any of the top landmarks associated with this illustrious Scotsman. A fantastic museum devoted to Burns’ life and times may be found here, along with the cottage where he was born.

With Dwight Eisenhower, Americans have another hero who will always be associated with Ayr. The renowned general spent time in Culzean Castle, which is south of the city, after the conflict.

9. Fort Willard

The lively beach town of Fort William is located at the southern end of the Caledonian Canal and serves as a fantastic jumping-off point for trips into the pristine Northwest Highlands and Ben Nevis.

Fort-Willard
Fort-Willard

Following the First Jacobite Rising, Fort William itself, which served as the inspiration for the town’s name, was constructed in 1654. The West Highland Museum, one of the town’s attractions, is well-known for its huge collections of historical paintings, weapons, furniture, and Highland-style attire.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, seen in several Harry Potter films, is a fantastic day trip from Fort William. The Jacobite steam train offers excursions over the bridge that are regarded as some of the most breathtaking rail journeys in the entire world.

10. Dunfermline

Famous as the first capital of Scotland, Dunfermline later prospered from coal mining and the production of damask linen. Malcolm Canmore’s Tower in Pittencrieff Gardens, whose foundation walls originate from the 11th century, is a nice place to start a tour of the town. It’s also worthwhile to see the historic Benedictine abbey in the city, built in the 12th century.

Dunfermline
Dunfermline

The tiny cottage on Moodie Street, where Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835, is now home to the popular Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. One of the richest manufacturers in history as well as one of the greatest philanthropists of his time, this poor weaver’s son is profiled in a comprehensive collection of photographs and papers.

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