Scotland, a land of rugged highlands, tranquil lochs, and vibrant cities, offers travellers a rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland is home to diverse landscapes and fascinating urban centres, each with its own unique charm. From bustling metropolitan cities to quieter, picturesque towns, Scotland cities are perfect destinations for those looking to explore rich heritage, modern attractions, and scenic wonders.
This guide will walk you through the best cities in Scotland and help you plan your journey through the heart of this stunning country.
List of Cities in Scotland for Travellers
Here’s a curated list of top cities in Scotland that should be on your travel itinerary:
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City Name
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Region
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Area (km²)
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Population
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Cost of Living (Without Rent)
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Key Attractions
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Highlights
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Edinburgh
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Lothian
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264
|
540,000
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$1,000 (single) / $3,500 (family)
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Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat
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Historic Festivals – Famous for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival held every August.
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Glasgow
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Greater Glasgow
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175.5
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612,000
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$950 (single) / $3,200 (family)
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Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral
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Vibrant Music Scene – Known for its lively music culture, Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music with dozens of live music venues.
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Aberdeen
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Grampian
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186.7
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198,000
|
$890 (single) / $3,000 (family)
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Aberdeen Harbour, Aberdeen Art Gallery
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“Granite City” – Famous for its grey stone buildings, the city has a unique, striking architectural style.
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Dundee
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Tayside
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60.1
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148,000
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$920 (single) / $3,100 (family)
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V&A Dundee, Discovery Point, Dundee Law
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Technology & Innovation – Home to tech and gaming industries, including the birthplace of the “Lemmings” video game.
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Inverness
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Highland
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37.7
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65,000
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$850 (single) / $2,800 (family)
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Loch Ness, Inverness Castle, Culloden Battlefield
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Gateway to the Highlands – A picturesque city on the banks of the River Ness, known as the hub for exploring the Scottish Highlands.
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Stirling
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Central Scotland
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36.2
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37,000
|
$860 (single) / $2,950 (family)
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Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument
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Historic Significance – The site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, a pivotal event in Scottish history, led by William Wallace.
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Perth
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Central Scotland
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23.1
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47,000
|
$880 (single) / $3,000 (family)
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Scone Palace, Perth Museum
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“Gateway to the Highlands” – Known for its scenic beauty, the city sits at the entrance to the Highlands and is a key historical spot.
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Arbroath
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Angus
|
20.5
|
24,000
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$830 (single) / $2,700 (family)
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Arbroath Abbey, Arbroath Harbour
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Famous for the "Declaration of Arbroath" – A significant historical document asserting Scotland's independence in 1320.
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St. Andrews
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Fife
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17.6
|
18,000
|
$950 (single) / $3,100 (family)
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St Andrews Cathedral, Old Course (Golf)
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Golf Capital – Home to the oldest and most famous golf course in the world, St. Andrews is often called the "Home of Golf."
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Dumfries
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Dumfries and Galloway
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22.5
|
32,000
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$870 (single) / $2,950 (family)
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Robert Burns Centre, Dumfries Museum
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Literary Legacy – The birthplace of poet Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, celebrated every January 25th during Burns Night.
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Ayr
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South Ayrshire
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23.8
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46,000
|
$890 (single) / $3,000 (family)
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Ayr Beach, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
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Coastal Charm – Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and as the birthplace of Robert Burns.
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Elgin
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Moray
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14.5
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25,000
|
$850 (single) / $2,800 (family)
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Elgin Cathedral, Moray Golf Club
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Gateway to the Whisky Trail – Elgin is the heart of Scotland's whisky industry and the starting point for the famous Malt Whisky Trail.
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Kirkwall
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Orkney Islands
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11.5
|
9,000
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$800 (single) / $2,600 (family)
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St. Magnus Cathedral, Orkney Museum
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Historic Island – Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands and is home to ancient ruins and Viking history.
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Falkirk
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Central Scotland
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19.1
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35,000
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$870 (single) / $2,950 (family)
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Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies
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Engineering Marvel – Known for the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift, and the impressive sculptures of the Kelpies.
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Kilmarnock
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East Ayrshire
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23.2
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46,000
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$860 (single) / $2,900 (family)
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Dick Institute, Kay Park
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Industrial Heritage – Known for its textile manufacturing history, Kilmarnock offers insight into Scotland’s industrial past.
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Note: The population and cost of living data are based on general estimates and can vary over time. The key attractions listed are just a few examples, and each city has much more to offer.
Interesting Facts About the Top Cities in Scotland
Known as the cultural capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is famous for its festivals, including the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The city's Old and New Towns are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the iconic Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline.
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and a hub for arts, music, and culture. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife, the art collections at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and its rich industrial heritage.
Often referred to as the "Granite City" due to its grey stone buildings, Aberdeen has a thriving port, and its maritime history is celebrated at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.
Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city and is home to the V&A Dundee, Scotland's first design museum. The city is also known for its technology and gaming industries, particularly the development of the video game "Lemmings”.
The capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is the gateway to Loch Ness and offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside. The city is rich in Celtic history and is famous for its annual Highland Games.
Known for the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace famously defeated the English, Stirling is home to Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.
Once known as the "Gateway to the Highlands”, Perth is an attractive city on the River Tay. It is famous for its scenic parks, the Scone Palace, and its connection to the history of Scottish Kings.
Conclusion
Scotland cities are a wonderful blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re walking through the medieval streets of Edinburgh, soaking in the cultural buzz of Glasgow, or exploring the natural beauty of Inverness and Aberdeen, Scotland offers a diverse range of experiences.
When travelling through these cities in Scotland, ensure you’re protected by international travel insurance. It provides peace of mind and financially safeguards you against unexpected disruptions or medical emergencies, making your journey through Scotland cities more enjoyable and worry-free. So, pack your bags, explore the beauty of Scotland, and embark on a memorable adventure.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.