Thousands of tourists and visitors from all over the world flock to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, every year. While it’s a must-see for any visitor to the country, Scotland also has other magnificent cities just waiting to be discovered.
Stirling
The city of Stirling is known as the “Gateway to the Highlands” thanks to its location between the Lowlands and the Highlands. Although it is one of the smaller cities in Scotland, Stirling is steeped in history as the site of many previous battles during the Wars of Independence. The famous Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Stirling Bridge are possibly the most popular tourist destinations for these historical reasons. However, if sightseeing isn’t your thing, it’s definitely not hard to find shopping opportunities in the city. The large Thistles shopping center includes a host of well-known retailers and brands, while the cobblestone streets in the upper part of town are home to traditional arts and crafts as well as tourist shops.
dundee
Dundee is probably not on most tourists’ “to do” lists. Relatively unknown to visitors, it is located in the central lowlands and is the fourth largest city in Scotland. Dundee city center is said to be a shopper’s paradise, with many Scots traveling from Edinburgh or Aberdeen to shop at the department stores and retailers. The city also has a lot to offer families with children. The Cairnie Fruit Farm, located just outside of town, offers go-carts, a playground, and the opportunity for you and your family to pick your own fruit for the day.
glasgow
Glasgow is home to numerous museums, many of which are free to enter, for example the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery. The collections here range from natural history to armor and, as the museum has been designed with children in mind, it offers the ideal place for a family day out. The performing and visual arts have also always played an important role in the development of Glasgow. Its Modern Art Gallery and Contemporary Art Center have fueled this development and have now made it a high-profile venue for many global events. It hosts many musical and literary events, including the Jazz Festival and Celtic Connections. And for music fans who attend these events, finding a hotel in Glasgow couldn’t be easier. The city has a multitude of low-cost, luxury, basic hotels and B&Bs to choose from.
