Scotland has eight cities. Are all of them incredible? Absolutely. Are we going to discuss all of them? Sorry, no!
What we will do is pick the top 3 and convince you to go (yes, the classics like Edinburgh are in there). The thing with Scottish cities is each of them is completely different. It’s not like going from Liverpool to Manchester to Birmingham and feeling the same vibe. It’s more like going from LA to outback Texas. So, depending on what you like and what you’d like to see, the cities you might pick will be different from the next person’s.
And if you’re coming to Scotland, we’d like to think you’d consider seeing more than one city! In our completely unbiased opinion, that’s best done with one of our luxury motorhome hire options.
Did we digress? Yes. Read on for the top 3 cities in Scotland.
Edinburgh
In our honest opinion, we wouldn’t have put Edinburgh as our number one, but it is the tourist number one, so here we are. Being the capital of Scotland, it’s natural that most people want to come here.
The Royal Mile? Absolutely gorgeous. Although this is the epicentre of tourism, there is no way to skip it during your stay in Edinburgh. The essence of history can be felt in every step, from mediaeval alleyways full of street performers.
Then there’s Edinburgh Castle. The history of this stunning castle goes back a thousand years, with incredible views from the top. Not to forget the staircases you have to burn your calves to climb. Regardless, it’s all guaranteed to be worth it.
Or you could go to climb Arthur’s Seat. Take proper footwear with you because this is a proper hill. If you want to explore the remarkable Scottish culture, head to the National Museum of Scotland. It is absolutely free, enormous, and has everything from dinosaurs to Dolly the Sheep.
The city undergoes a major transformation as night sets in. The Old Town is filled with historic pubs and underground vaults, which makes it feel like ghosts are lurking around every corner, and if you believe the ghost tours, it most certainly does.
There’s so much more we could talk about, but this post isn’t only about Edinburgh.
Perth and Stirling
Perth and Stirling don’t get the hype it deserves.
If you love history or enjoy castles that look straight out of a movie, then Stirling is definitely for you. At Stirling Castle, you get the full experience. It sits on a crag from which you can see for miles. It used to be the residence of Scottish kings and queens, and you can sense their regal energy while walking through its vast halls. Further down, you can find the Wallace Monument, a column erected in honour of Scotland’s very own braveheart, William Wallace.
Despite the storied energy of events in Stirling the city has undergone, it doesn’t only serve as a history lesson. The city has cosy cafes built for a calm vibe, old-school pubs, and a relaxed feeling around town to make it comfortable to visit.
Stirling and Perth are a package deal, and Perth is known as the underdog. Once Scotland’s capital, the city has now switched to a peaceful one next to a river, boasting its serenity. It’s known as the Gateway to the Highlands thanks to the stunning landscapes surrounding the city.
The River Tay runs through it, adding to its picturesque charm. Take a walk by the riverside, visit the Black Watch Castle and Museum to enjoy some Scottish history with your coffee break, or visit Scone Palace, which used to host the coronations of the kings of Scotland.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Yes, it’s got that “oil city” reputation, but there’s way more to it than that.
Firstly, it’s absolutely stunning. They don’t call it the ‘Granite City’ for nothing—its grand, grey buildings shimmer in the right light, making it feel like a city carved out of rock.
Now, the coast. The beaches in Aberdeen are arguably some of the best-kept secrets in Scotland. Yes, you read that correctly. You’ve got Balmedie Beach with golden sands that stretch for miles, located just a few miles north of the city. Or, there’s Footdee, or Fittie as it is known locally, is a quaint little fishing town within the city with postcard-worthy colourful houses.
Aberdeen is also home to some of the most famous whisky distilleries and castles in Scotland. A thirty-minute drive brings you to places such as Dunnottar Castle. Close by is the most famous distillery, the Royal Lochnagar Distillery.
Voila! Three incredible cities in Scotland, each with their distinct features and personalities. And if you are smart, you won’t just pick one! What city are you most excited to visit?