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  1. Home
  2. Places to go
  3. Perth

View over Perth

Perth

Perth is Scotland’s Fair City, where royal heritage, vibrant culture and riverside charm meet the spectacular landscapes of Perthshire.

Perth at a glance

  • Arts & culture:

    Perth Art Gallery, Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art

  • History & heritage:

    Perth Museum with the Stone of Destiny, Scone Palace, St John's Kirk

  • Nature & outdoors:

    River Tay, Kinnoull Hill, surrounding Perthshire landscapes

Map of Scotland

What to expect in Perth

Discover a city where history, nature and adventure are all within easy reach. Stroll along the River Tay, uncover centuries-old stories, enjoy vibrant cafés and culture, or take a break in the stunning Perthshire countryside. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway, a taste of Scottish heritage or an adventure in the great outdoors, Perth has everything you need for a memorable escape. 

Perth

Branklyn Garden

Kinnoull Hill

Installations along the River Tay Public Art Trail, Perth

Stone - Perth Museum's Café

© Julie Howden/Culture Perth and Kinross

Highlights in Perth

Scotland’s story, brought to life

Perth has been at the heart of Scotland’s story for centuries and nowhere brings that history together quite like Perth Museum. At the heart of the museum is the Stone of Destiny, the ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy that was used in the inauguration of Scottish kings at Scone. Today, visitors can experience the Stone in a dedicated immersive display, alongside collections and stories spanning 10,000 years of Scottish and world history. The museum opened in 2024 following a major redevelopment and has quickly become one of Perth’s defining attractions.

Discover Scotland’s story at Perth Museum

The front entrance of the new Perth Museum (formerly Perth City Hall)

Perth Museum - The Home of the Stone of Destiny

© Greg Holmes

From city streets to the great outdoors

Perth’s biggest attraction might be how quickly the city gives way to nature. Follow the River Tay through the city, wander through the North and South Inches or climb Kinnoull Hill for sweeping views over Perth and the surrounding countryside. Beyond the city, Perthshire’s forests, lochs, rivers and mountains provide endless opportunities for walking, cycling and outdoor adventure. The River Tay is woven into everyday life in Perth, while the surrounding Perthshire landscape offers a spectacular change of pace just minutes from the city centre.

Spend a day at Kinnoull Hill

Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park

A city of arts and culture

Explore exhibitions at Perth Art Gallery, catch a performance at Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, or browse the independent shops, cafés and restaurants around the city centre. From galleries and museums to live performances and local events, there’s something to enjoy whatever the weather. For something different, explore the stories, architecture and hidden details that reveal Perth’s personality one street at a time.

Explore Perth’s arts and culture

Perth Art Gallery - Modern Scots Gallery

© Sally Jubb Photography

More things to do in Perth

Explore Perth like a local, with thrilling attractions, days out and ideas that will take you to all the historic nooks and crannies of the city.

Find more things to do in Perth

What's on in and around Perth

Perth’s cultural calendar continues throughout the year, with theatre, music, exhibitions, markets, festivals and events celebrating the city and the wider Perthshire region.

Solas Festival

A midsummer music and arts festival in the heart of Perth and Kinross.

Perth Festival of the Arts

Enjoy 10 arts-packed days across the city's cultural and historic venues, bringing live music, opera, drama, comedy, visual arts and literature.

Events in Perth

From farmers' markets to ceilidhs, concerts and exhibitions, find out what's on in Perth.

See Perth through a new lens

Discover Perth through the eyes of locals and visitors and follow their recommendations to inspire your own trip.

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A UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art

Perth is a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art, making it a great place to discover creativity, culture and heritage around every corner.

Discover Perth

Trip ideas in Perth

Venture out on a history tour with a twist, enjoy the culinary delights waiting in and around the city, admire the creative side of Perth or go for a longer journey to discover even more highlights in the east of Scotland.

History and Horror Tours

With centuries of stories hidden behind its streets and closes, Perth is a fascinating city to explore after dark.

Perth’s Creative & Cultural Scene

Explore Perth Art Gallery, browse independent studios, and follow the River Tay Public Art Trail before venturing further afield.

7 Days in the east of Scotland

Journey along Scotland’s spectacular east coast, home to dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, magnificent castles and intriguing attractions.

Plan your trip

Getting to Perth

Train

Perth has excellent rail connections, with direct train services to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. You can also take the Caledonian Sleeper from London.

From Edinburgh: around 1 hour 35 minutes

From Glasgow: around 1 hour 10 minutes

From Dundee: around 25 minutes

From Aberdeen: around 2 hours

From London: 8 hours 30 minutes

Explore Scotland by train

Bus and coach

Providers like Citylink, Ember and Stagecoach operate coach and bus services from several major cities in Scotland.

From Edinburgh: around 50 minutes

From Glasgow: around 1 hour

From Dundee: around 40 minutes

From Aberdeen: around 2 hours

Travel across Scotland by bus

Driving

Located just off the M90 and the A9, Perth has excellent road connections and can easily be reached by car.

From Edinburgh: around 1 hour 5 minutes

From Glasgow: around 1 hour 15 minutes

From Dundee: 35 minutes

From Aberdeen: around 1 hour 55 minutes

Find out more about driving in Scotland

Accessibility

Perth is a welcoming destination with accessible attractions, public spaces and transport connections. Perth Museum provides detailed accessibility information, including step-free access via its South St John’s Place entrance. The museum’s permanent galleries and Stone of Destiny Experience are designed to welcome a wide range of visitors. The city centre is compact, making many attractions accessible on foot, while public transport provides connections to the surrounding area.

Find tips for an accessible break in Perth with Euan's Guide

Explore nearby

Journey outwith the city and discover more of what Scotland has to offer - explore the magic of The Scottish Highlands, wander through the towering trees of Perthshire, or visit the quaint town of Pitlochry.

The Scottish Highlands

Green valleys, vibrant culture, towering mountains, historic castles and peaceful lochs: the Highlands is the Scotland of your imagination.

Perthshire

Explore Perthshire, where ancient history, thrilling outdoor adventures and charming towns come together for an unforgettable escape.

Pitlochry

Explore scenic trails and discover the beauty of Pitlochry, where adventure and breathtaking scenery await around every corner.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Perth?

March to May is one of the best times to visit Perth, as the city's parks and gardens burst into colour and the surrounding countryside begins to come back to life after winter. However, Perth offers something to enjoy throughout the year.

Spring (March–May): Admire colourful spring blooms at Branklyn Garden and enjoy riverside walks along the River Tay.

Summer (June–August): Get active on the River Tay with kayaking, paddleboarding and scenic cycling routes, all within easy reach of the city.

Autumn (September–November): Take in spectacular views from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park as the surrounding landscape turns shades of gold and red.

Winter (December–February): Visit Perth Museum to see the iconic Stone of Destiny, then warm up with a hot drink at one of the city's cosy cafés.

Why is Perth known as the Fair City?

Perth has long been known as Scotland’s Fair City, a nickname popularised by Sir Walter Scott’s 1828 novel The Fair Maid of Perth. The name reflects the city’s historic character and setting beside the River Tay, as well as its long association with Scotland’s royal and political history. Today, the Fair City combines this heritage with a lively cultural scene, independent businesses and easy access to the surrounding Perthshire countryside.

What food & drink can I have in Perth?

From traditional Scottish dishes and fresh local produce to contemporary dining, independent cafés and welcoming pubs, Perth has plenty for food lovers. Look out for locally sourced ingredients, Scottish salmon, seasonal produce, traditional baking and an excellent choice of restaurants in and around the city centre. For a different way to discover the local food scene, join a food walking tour around Perth and sample local delicacies and Scottish food and drink while learning more about the city.

How long should I stay in Perth?

Perth works well as both a day trip and a longer break. You can experience the city’s main attractions in a day, including Perth Museum, St John’s Kirk, the city centre and the River Tay. However, we’d recommend staying for at least a long weekend to give yourself time to explore Scone Palace, Kinnoull Hill and some of the wider Perthshire countryside. For a longer Scottish adventure, Perth makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region, including Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and the wider River Tay valley.

Where can I stay in Perth?

Whether you're looking for a stylish city hotel, a charming boutique guesthouse, a cosy B&B, a self-catering apartment or a peaceful countryside retreat, Perth offers accommodation to suit every stay. Base yourself in the heart of the city to enjoy easy access to museums, shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, or escape to the surrounding Perthshire countryside for a relaxing break amid beautiful scenery.

Find accommodation in Perth

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