Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Scotland (Plus, Itineraries)

Embarking on a Look-See trip is a crucial step when considering a move to Scotland. It allows you to experience the country's diverse landscapes, engage with its rich culture, and explore potential places to live. This firsthand experience can help you make informed decisions about where to settle and what to expect from life in Scotland.

Recommended Itineraries

For a 10-day trip, consider starting in Edinburgh, then visit Glasgow, Stirling, and end in Inverness. For a 20-day trip, include Aberdeen, Dundee, St Andrews, and explore the Highlands and Islands, including towns like Fort William, Oban, and Isle of Skye.

Edinburgh

Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is a vibrant city with a population of around 500,000. It's known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and a high quality of life. The city offers a wide range of cultural activities, a strong job market, and a diverse food scene. The is higher than the national average, but it's still lower than many other European capitals.

Travel Tip: Visit Edinburgh Castle for a historical exploration and enjoy a meal at The Witchery by the Castle, a renowned dining spot.

Glasgow

Glasgow, with a population of about 600,000, is Scotland's largest city. Known for its friendly residents, lively music scene, and impressive Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, Glasgow offers a lower cost of living compared to Edinburgh. It's also a hub for digital nomads, with numerous co-working spaces and a thriving start-up scene.

Travel Tip: Explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and enjoy a meal at The Gannet, known for its contemporary Scottish cuisine.

Stirling

Stirling is a small city with a big history, situated between Edinburgh and Glasgow. With a population of around 37,000, it offers a more affordable cost of living. Stirling is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of city life and outdoor activities, with Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park nearby.

Travel Tip: Visit Stirling Castle and enjoy a meal at The Birds and Bees, a popular gastropub.

Inverness

Inverness, with a population of around 47,000, is the gateway to the Highlands. It offers a relaxed pace of life, beautiful scenery, and a lower cost of living compared to larger cities. Inverness is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to activities like hiking, skiing, and watersports.

Travel Tip: Explore Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, and dine at The Mustard Seed, known for its locally sourced ingredients.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen, known as the Granite City, has a population of around 200,000. It offers a strong job market, particularly in the energy sector, and a lower cost of living compared to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Aberdeen is also close to stunning coastal scenery and the Cairngorms National Park.

Travel Tip: Visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and enjoy a meal at Moonfish Café, known for its seafood.

Highlands and Islands

The Highlands and Islands offer a unique lifestyle, with stunning landscapes and a strong sense of community. Towns like Fort William, Oban, and Portree on the Isle of Skye are popular choices. The cost of living can be lower, but job opportunities may also be more limited.

Travel Tip: Visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle and enjoy a meal at The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye, renowned for its exceptional cuisine.

Dundee and St Andrews

Dundee, with a population of around 149,000, is a coastal city known for its vibrant cultural scene and lower cost of living. Nearby St Andrews, with a population of around 17,000, is a historic town famous for its university and golf courses. Both offer a high quality of life and easy access to beaches and countryside.

Travel Tip: Visit the V&A Dundee design museum and enjoy a meal at The Adamson in St Andrews, known for its modern British cuisine.