Your city trip to Scotland
From Edinburgh Castle to Glasgow’s vibrant arts scene — explore Scotland’s cities your way.
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Explore the most beautiful cities in Scotland
On city breaks in Scotland, you can draw on a wealth of fascinating museums, medieval cathedrals and mysterious castles. Whether you want to enrich your city break in Scotland with bar hopping or a trip into the countryside, the country definitely offers plenty of choice.
Marvin Luczynski
Travel expert for Scotland
Updated on 07/02/2025
| City | Region | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | Glasgow City | 635.13 |
| Edinburgh | City of Edinburgh | 526.47 |
| Glenrothes | Fife | 374.73 |
| Motherwell | North Lanarkshire | 341.4 |
| Hamilton | South Lanarkshire | 322.63 |
| Inverness | Highland | 238.06 |
| Aberdeen | Aberdeen City | 227.43 |
| Livingston | West Lothian | 185.58 |
| Paisley | Renfrewshire | 179.94 |
| Falkirk | Falkirk | 160.7 |
| Perth | Perth and Kinross | 153.81 |
| Dundee | Dundee City | 147.72 |
Where are the most beautiful towns in Scotland?
1. Glasgow
Glasgow is a beautiful city known for its striking Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture. It boasts a rich cultural scene, with highlights like the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and a wide array of other museums. As one of Scotland’s leading cultural centers, Glasgow offers visitors a vibrant mix of history, art, and innovation.
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland’s hilly capital, is crowned by the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Explore fascinating museums like the National Museum of Scotland, and soak up the lively atmosphere in the city’s many bars and pubs. For breathtaking views, hike up to Arthur’s Seat, the iconic hill overlooking the city.
3. Aberdeen
The port city of Aberdeen is also known as the "Granite City" thanks to its many granite buildings. One impressive example is the 19th century Marischal College. Another outstanding monument is St. Machar's Cathedral. Duthie Park offers some relaxation in the countryside.
4. Inverness
The charm of the Scottish Highlands awaits you in Inverness. Inverness Castle is centrally located here, and Inverness Cathedral is also magnificent. Inverness is also a good starting point for excursions to the famous Loch Ness or Culloden Moor.
5. Paisley
Paisley lies in the middle of a beautiful hilly landscape. The historic center has Scotland's largest collection of historically protected buildings outside Edinburgh, including the 850-year-old Paisley Abbey. The Paisley Museum tells the story of Paisley's role in the textile industry.
6th Dundee
Dundee is a modern, creative coastal city. The V&A design museum fits in perfectly with its flair. For the historical side of Dundee, visit the Old Steeple church tower or the Victorian McManus mansion, which houses a museum.
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Melrose, Scottish Borders
Next to the three characteristic peaks of the Eildon Hills lies the picturesque town of Melrose. The town's main attraction is the ruins of the medieval Melrose Abbey, where several Scottish kings and noblemen are buried.
The abbey is also famous for its stone-carved decor. The Trimontium Museum is dedicated to the Roman era. Near Melrose you will also find Abbotsford, the manor house of Sir Walter Scott.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Portree is the only town on the wonderful Isle of Skye. The atmosphere here is wonderfully idyllic, with cottages dotted around the harbor. Use Portree as a base for boat trips, horseback rides or excursions to all corners of the island.
Portree is also a regular venue for cultural events, such as the annual Highland Games in summer. A popular viewpoint is The Lump.
Millport, Great Cumbrae
Millport is a charming little town on the island of Great Cumbrae. Its main attraction is the smallest church in Europe, the Cathedral of the Isles, built in the mid-19th century.
It is also home to The Wedge, the narrowest house in the world. In the Gothic Garrison House you will find the Museum of Cumbrae, where you can marvel at ancient archaeological finds. There are several beaches and an 18-hole golf course.
Scotland Guide: Travel tips & info
For a city break through Scotland's fascinating cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, we recommend at least a week. This gives you enough time to experience and enjoy the historical treasures, vibrant culture and unique atmosphere of these places at your leisure.
In Scotland, the best way to travel between cities is by train or car. The train network is well developed, especially between larger cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. For more remote locations, the flexibility of a car is recommended. Bus services are also an option, especially for shorter distances.
Weatherproof clothing is a must for a city trip to Scotland. Pack a sturdy raincoat and a warm sweater, as the weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are ideal for exploring the cities and picturesque landscapes. Don't forget your passport.
In Scotland's cities you will discover a world full of history, culture and breathtaking architecture. Visit historic castles, enjoy the lively music scene and sample traditional Scottish specialties. Golf lovers will find some of the world's best golf courses here. In addition, the surrounding landscapes offer perfect conditions for impressive hikes.
In general, Scotland's cities are considered safe for travelers. However, as in any large city, you should take the usual precautions, especially at night and in less busy areas. The Scottish hospitality and helpfulness of the locals also contribute to a pleasant and safe travel experience.
Edinburgh and Aberdeen are among the most expensive cities in Scotland. Edinburgh, the capital, impresses with its historical beauty and cultural diversity, which is reflected in the higher cost of living. Aberdeen, known for its oil industry, also has a higher price level, especially for real estate and services.
