Whether visitors are looking for a last-minute weekend escape over the summer or planning their perfect autumn holiday, with world-famous festivals, award-winning museums, new attractions, ways to get active and plenty of culinary delights, Scotland’s eight cities should be on everyone’s travel list right now.
Edinburgh
There is no place like Edinburgh in August when every nook and cranny in the Scottish Capital turns into a stage for the world’s best comedians, artists, actors, musicians, filmmakers and writers, bringing together no less than six top cultural festivals under the umbrella of Edinburgh Festival City.
And the festival fun is not over once the seasons change and the nights are drawing in. October awaits with another exciting edition of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (13 October to 29 October 2023), offering visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy extraordinary tales, music and characters by bringing together a host of Scottish and international storytellers.
More reasons to visit Edinburgh this autumn…
National Galleries of Scotland Opening Extension – 30 September 2023
The transformative project to deliver an inspiring new space for Scotland’s renowned collection of Scottish art is finally nearing completion. Ten new galleries will provide a bright, spacious and accessible new home to works from pioneering Scottish artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys. The new spaces will have improved facilities and enhanced ways to discover and connect with historic Scottish art including via audio guides and trails.
Port of Leith Distillery Opening – 11 October 2023
This autumn, whisky lovers can be amongst the first to tour Edinburgh’s brand-new vertical distillery, overlooking the harbour of Leith. Over the course of 90 minutes, visitors will hear the story of the company’s unlikely inception, enjoy the views from the world’s tallest distillery, fill their own miniature bottle of new make spirit and taste their way through the production process.
Edinburgh Cocktail Week (6 to 15 October 2023) – Edinburgh Cocktail Week is back for 10 days in October, including their flagship Cocktail Village at Festival Square. Wristbands are now on sale and entitle the wearer to £5 Signature Cocktails at 100 of the city’s best bars as well as free entry to the Cocktail Village with over 20 pop-up bars, a music stage, tasty street food trucks, DJ sets and entertainment.
Where to sleep:
Roomzzz Edinburgh is the capital’s new aparthotel located in the heart of St James Quarter. Guests can choose from 74 striking apartments, with a terrace and balconies to appreciate breath-taking views of the city’s historical landscape.
Where to eat:
tipo is the newest venture from the group behind Aizle and Noto in Edinburgh. It celebrates dining to share, a mixture of small and large plates, featuring in house made pasta, cured meats and cheeses as well as their own signature soft serve. Utilising the best of local and artisan Scottish produce throughout their menus, small domaine artisanal family-owned wineries and classic cocktails done right.
Glasgow
A city for an art-lover, Glasgow’s rich cultural scene is a delight for all the curious and creative minds. The newly refurbished Burrell Collection has been awarded the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023 title, the world’s largest museum prize. A prestigious recognition for a unique art collection, visitors will be able to enjoy highlights of the collection, join free themed tours or take part in sketching sessions.
Until 28 August, the elusive Banksy puts his stencils on display at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) for the Cut and Run exhibition – a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get a glimpse of the iconic street artist’s creative process. The exhibition is best combined with a wander around the city to admire the diverse range of street art along the Mural Trail, amazing splashes of colour; all within easy walking distance from the city centre.
The city will also be buzzing in August with the first edition of the UCI World Cycling Championships. From 3 to 13 August, Glasgow was the host city for 13 cycling competitions for the first time held as part of one big event. Bringing together the best cyclists in the world-from Olympic champions to Tour de France winners and national champions- all competing for a Rainbow Jersey. Glasgow is a bike friendly city all-year round and can be easily discovered on one of the hire bikes provided by Nextbike at a more leisurely pace.
Where to sleep:
The brand new Virgin Hotels Glasgow, with views over the river Clyde, mixes innovative design, hospitality and entertainment. With a range of double and twin rooms, as well as suites, all offering space that has been designed for an enhanced hotel experience, making for a truly luxurious stay. Guests can bring their furry companions; the hotel is dog friendly.
Where to eat:
Explore the modernity of Scottish cuisine at Glaschu,(pronounced Glas-a-hoo), which is the Gaelic for Glasgow, and means “dear green place”. Putting Scottish produce at the core of its menus, while embracing the international influences of the city, a meal at Glaschu will delight foodies looking for a flavourful dining experience.
Aberdeen
For visitors looking to blend a city trip with a seaside escape, Aberdeen is a destination of choice.
Until 17 September, the Aberdeen Art Gallery is hosting two Quentin Blake exhibitions under one roof, the opportunity to revisit the work of the UK’s most loved illustrator and explore his illustrations and sketches for poems and verses, alongside iconic book covers.
Street-art lovers are also invited to wander the streets of Aberdeen and keep their eyes peeled for the 13 new murals added to the Nuart trail, all on the theme of rewilding. New murals include the work of British artist Jamie Reid (best known for his Sex Pistols album covers) and international artists such as Brooklyn-based Swoon, or Escif from Spain. New this year are a couple of murals from Eloise Gillow, based in Barcelona, giving a loading bay windows into green and lush gardens, embracing this year’s theme.
Visitors can explore further by taking a stroll on Aberdeen beach, stop for an ice-cream or coffee and enjoy a stunning view over the North Sea – with a chance of dolphin-spotting. A walk along the promenade leads to Footdee (or Fittie as the locals call it), an adorable grouping of houses in an old fishing village.
For a city break later in the year, visitors can take a wander around Old Aberdeen’s cobbled roads and admire the red ivy on the New King’s Building from Aberdeen University and enjoy even more autumnal colours by taking a walk through the Donmouth Nature Reserve or Seaton Park.
Where to sleep?
Conveniently located in the city centre, close to many attractions, Residence Inn – Marriott Aberdeen offers a range of self-catering studios and suites, perfect for autonomous travellers looking for the added convenience of a fully-kitted kitchen and a grocery delivery service, comfortable beds, complimentary WiFi and on-site gym. Furry friends are welcome too.
Where to eat?
Enjoy the freshest Scottish seafood in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere at The Silver Darling, with stunning views overlooking Aberdeen Harbour. With menus offering the finest produce from the sea, but also from the land, there is something to match everyone’s taste. For lighter bites, the restaurant also offers a mid-afternoon menu, Monday to Friday, from 2pm to 5pm.
Dundee
This September, Scotland’s UNESCO City of Design, Dundee, is celebrating the five-year anniversary of the opening of the V&A Dundee – Scotland’s first design museum and the flagship of the city’s exciting waterfront development. Visitors this autumn can still catch the museum’s groundbreaking Tartan exhibition which shines a light on the global story of a unique pattern (on until Sunday, 14January 2024). Side by side with the V&A, the RSS Discovery tells the story of the iconic ship ‘Discovery’ from her beginnings in Dundee, her amazing Antarctic expedition with Captain Scott and her voyages and uses thereafter. The new Discovery Dome offers a 360° panoramic view over the city and the River Tay.
For some of the wildest tales from Dundee’s history, visitors can book themselves on a walking tour with DD Tours. And to take in the waterfront from yet another perspective with a chance of spotting the local bottlenose dolphins, Saltdog Marine take adventure seekers out on their fast ribs. Starting point for the tours is Broughty Ferry, a relaxing seaside suburb which boasts a sandy beach and a great choice of pubs and restaurants.
Where to sleep:
Taypark House offers boutique country house charm in the city. Guests can expect comfy, quirky accommodation with a touch of history and feel like the lord and lady of the manor for the night. With a choice of spacious rooms, delightful period features, and a friendly team, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
Where to eat:
Gallery 48 fuses the finest tapas, a handpicked selection of celebrated Spanish wines and an array of contemporary gins with exhibitions by local and international creatives.
Inverness
There is no better way to explore the capital of the Highlands and enjoy its lush green spaces than on two wheels. Inverness Bike Tours offer guided cycles that will take visitors to some of the most scenic areas of the city of Inverness. Highlights include a ride along the River Ness into the Ness Islands, a short visit to the Inverness Botanic Gardens, a stop at the world famous Caledonian Canal as well as a chance to see the local dolphins in the Moray Firth.
Rising from the banks of the River Ness, Uile-bheist brewery & distillery, newly opened in 2023 and curates the finest artisan whisky and beer in the heart of Inverness. Its name (Scottish Gaelic for ‘monster’), whisky and beers all take inspiration from the myriad local tales of monsters, myths and legends passed down through the generations. A number of tours are on offer here, including an Accessibility tour.
Visitors who venture out to legendary Loch Ness just a short drive outside of the city will be wowed by the newly refurbished Loch Ness Centre which brings the myths of the loch to life with a unique 1-hour immersive experience and offers Deepscan cruises, allowing curious minds to search the depths of the loch using world-class sonar equipment on board.
Where to sleep:
The AC Hotel Inverness, the city’s newest hotel, is perfectly located on the banks of the River Ness and welcomes guests with thoughtfully designed guest rooms, a gym and a lounge where handcrafted cocktails can be enjoyed. The restaurant completes the offer with tapas-style bites and local flavours.
Where to eat:
Black Isle Bar in the centre of Inverness is ideal for casual dining after a long day of exploring. Guests can choose from 26 taps pouring the latest Black Isle brews and a wide selection of craft beers (over 100) from all over the world. And the wood-fired pizzas are made using the freshest ingredients sourced wherever possible from their market garden and farm.
Perth
In the heart of Perthshire, Perth is ideal for a relaxed city-break filled with outdoor activities for all and tasty food with a side of culture. Until November 2023, The Black Watch Museum is host to the 6-meter-high scrap metal sculpture “The Hauntings” commissioned for the World War One centenary in 2014. Visitors can take part in free tours to learn more about the inspiration, design, and the themes of the impressive sculpture.
Perth becomes vibrant with colours in the autumn and a walk up Kinnoul Hill is the perfect way to take in all the golden hues in the woodland park. For another perspective of the city, beginners and experienced paddlers alike can find their way on the River Tay with a kayak city tour from Willowgate Activity Centre, offering a unique opportunity to spot wildlife in the city, such as herons and beavers.
For a tasty exploration of the city, visitors can join one of the Perth Food Tours, learning more about the city and sampling a few of Perth’s specialties in selected venues.
Where to sleep?
Overlooking South Inch Park, the Parklands Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel offering 15 individually styled rooms in an elegant Georgian home, built in 1840. Today, guests can enjoy a relaxing stay – close to the train and bus stations – offering restaurant, bar, private dining, lounge, function space, terrace and beer garden overlooking the park.
Where to eat?
The Bothy provides the quintessential Scottish experience in the city. This well-established culinary institution celebrates seasonal Scottish produce. In the Bothy Bar, guests can enjoy a curated list of drinks including Scottish whisky, gins and local spirits.
Dunfermline
Dunfermline is Scotland’s newest city, having been awarded the status just over a year ago. At the same time, it is known for being at the heart of Scotland’s history and home to one of the finest medieval townscapes in the country. Amongst the must-see attractions for history buffs are Dunfermline Abbey Church, ancient burial site of Scottish monarchs, the A-listed Abbot House – fondly known as the ‘pink hoose’ – as well as the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum.
Visitors should also allow plenty of time for a stroll in Pittencrieff Park or ‘The Glen’ as it’s more commonly known as by local people. Famous for its resident peacocks, the 76-acre park is of huge historical and cultural significance and a lovely place to enjoy the autumn colours. Thrill-seekers should head to Knockhill Racing Circuit for a day of unforgettable driving experiences.
Where to sleep:
Forrester Park Resort is situated in Cairneyhill by Dunfermline, set amongst 350 acres of beautiful parkland. The boutique hotel boasts two outstanding restaurants, a fantastic golf course and a number of luxury bedrooms, some of them with huge roll top baths.
Where to eat:
The Ship Inn is nestled in the historical village of Limekilns just outside of Dunfermline and is said to be the ‘watering hole’ featured in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel ‘Kidnapped’. The family run business prides itself in providing a warm relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy the views of the River Forth, the three bridges and beyond, while sampling fresh locally produced comfort food and Real Ales.
Stirling
Stirling will be buzzing with excitement this summer as the city hosted one of the major events of the UCI Cycling World Championships : the road individual time trials from August 9 to 11. In Individual Time Trial, cyclists go one-by-one at regular intervals, racing against the clock… with aerodynamics at the core of everything, visitors should expect to see futuristic bikes, helmets and skinsuits.
For the less competitive cyclists who just want to leisurely explore the city, Stirling has great cycling routes and Nextbikes for hire. The small scale of the city and beautiful surrounding scenery make it both appealing and accessible to all levels of abilities on two wheels.
History buffs will not want to miss a visit to Stirling Castle and nearby National Wallace Monument. Stirling Smith Museum and Gallery takes visitors back in time with its Scottish history collections, fine art and archaeology – and the world’s oldest football.
Crime fiction enthusiasts will also be pleased to see Bloody Scotland come back again this September. The international crime writing festival brings together new and established crime writers, with Scottish attendees including Sir Ian Rankin and ValMcDermid.
Where to sleep:
Minutes away from the city centre, Victoria Square welcomes guests in the Georgian and Victorian grandeur of Kings Park. The rooms have been individually designed, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the Victorian period, while meeting all modern luxury requirements. The Orangery Restaurant welcomes residents and non-residents for lunch, dinner and provides the perfect setting for an afternoon tea.
Where to eat:
The multi-awarded Brea restaurant in Stirling will provide guests with the best of the Scottish larder, with fresh produce from local suppliers, in a modern and cosy atmosphere.
A visit to Vera Artisan Bakery and Kitchen on King Street will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. For breakfast or brunch, the café offers an extensive menu, also including French toast and pancakes… a great way to start a day of exploring the city!
