Scotland has it all, especially with all the towns and best cities in Scotland to visit. You see, Scotland is a proper diverse country, with some incredible islands to explore, alongside the most epic hikes within places like the Scottish Highlands.
Though, in truth, Scotland is so much more than its stunning nature. Yes, it’s incredible but so are its towns and best cities in Scotland, too. For instance, cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are pretty incredible to explore in their own right. Plus, there’s a heap of other larger towns and best cities in Scotland that are dotted across the country, too.
Honestly, I totally fell in love with Scotland after living there for six epic years! It’s so stunning. Best of all, over that time, I had ample opportunities to explore the diversity of Scotland and all the incredible places to visit.
With that in mind, I wanted to share some of the towns and best cities in Scotland to visit on your next trip. It really is a stunning country and there’s so much to do in Scotland.
1.) St Andrews
I just had to include my old university town! I love St. Andrews.
This little town is literally a stone’s throw from the North Sea houses the world’s most famous golf course and is where I spent many years.
The town is cut off from most of Scotland (in that it doesn’t even have its own train station) but this just adds to the charm. It’s also got lots of students here so you’re guaranteed a good night in town when you visit.
Afterwards, take a tour of the rest of Fife and stop off at places like Crail and Anstruther, too.
Read more: Best things to do in St Andrews
2.) Edinburgh
This stunning capital city is a perfect place to spend a long weekend exploring the multitude of historic sights, Royal Mile and furious hopes to bump into J.K. Rowling. Honestly, there’s so much to see and do in Edinburgh.
Once here, make sure to see the views from Arthur’s Seat, explore the Old and New Town and pop out for an evening in Grassmarket. There’s also a heap of epic pubs and bars to visit, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Edinburgh
3.) Falkirk
Take a wander around Falkirk to see one of Scotland’s most impressive works of art, the Kelpies. These stunning horse heads have been commissioned as a meeting point for 16 communities that surround them.
Take a wander around and even try one of Scotland’s deep-fried Mars bars for a little sugar high. It’s an acquired taste!
Read more: Best foods to try in Scotland
4.) Perth
If you’ve got some time, spend an afternoon exploring the historic charm of Perth.
There’s a surprisingly huge amount of sights to see here and ways to keep the traveller in you very happy when you’re in Perth.
For starters, take a trip to Scone Palace and Elcho Castle to explore some of Scotland’s royal heritage and historic opulence – you might even find your own Prince or Princess Charming. Or, at the very least an ogre with a Scottish accent.
Perth is really easy to visit from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Hop on a train and within just over an hour you’ll be there!
Read more: Best things to do in Perth
5.) Dundee
Make sure to pop over to Dundee that’s probably one of the best cities in Scotland to visit that’s up and coming. Once here, make sure to explore the V&A Dundee and explore the newly built waterfront, too.
Plus, you’ve got spots like RSS Discovery, HMS Unicorn and the views from The Law to see. You’ll easily find heaps of things to do in Dundee for a day trip.
Afterwards, take a 25-minute drive to Carnoustie, too.
It’s home to Scotland’s second most famous golf courses. Plus, if you’re heading up the coast, don’t forget to visit Glamis Castle, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Dundee
6.) Fort William
Prince William has never invited me to see his fort (boo!) but thankfully no one needs an invite to explore this quaint little town (yay!).
Okay, jokes aside, Fort William is a gateway to the great outdoors of Scotland and a perfect point to explore the Highlands.
With its stunning scenery and picturesque mountains (which have no doubt inspired many a poet and crooner), this is perhaps one of the very best places to get lost in nature. It is one of the towns and best cities in Scotland to visit when in the Highlands.
Read more: Best itinerary to explore the Highlands
7.) Anstruther
Anstruther is home to one of the best things in all of the UK; the best fish and chip shop!
Like seriously, they win loads of awards, so If you pop in to try the fish and chips, do bring me back some too. I love it.
This tiny fishing village perched in the Kingdom of Fife, about an hour northeast of Edinburgh.
You can also take a boat from here to the Isle of May to see those cute (and seemingly elusive) puffins. IT’s easily one of the smaller towns to visit in Scotland.
Read more: Best things to do in Fife
8.) Pitlochry
Famous for its castle and salmon, Pitlochry is definitely one place to enjoy the finer things in life. It’s also close enough to Perth and the Cairngorms for you to make this a 3-in-1 trip.
When you visit, do head straight for Blair Castle or Atholl Palace and set up home for as long as you can. Also, make sure to spend some time exploring the nearby lochs, too. They’re stunning.
9.) Glasgow
Edinburgh’s arch-rival, Glasgow has so many things to do!
Best of all, it’s totally different to Edinburgh. This all means that you’ll have totally different experiences in each city; that’s great for us.
Once here, take a wander around the Burrell Collection, Pollok House and even discover the now world-famous Santa Dash that happens every year. It really is one of the biggest and best cities in Scotland to visit.
Read more: Best things to do in Glasgow
10.) Portnahaven
This tiny little fishing village is situated on the Isle of Islay.
Take a wander around one of Scotland’s unspoilt villages and enjoy a true throwback to a place that time forgot. It might be pretty small and might not match up to the best cities in Scotland to visit, but it’s certainly got a charm of its own.
Read more: Best itinerary to explore the Highlands
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