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
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.
