Oban

Travel Guide
Oban featuring a coastal town
This waterfront town offers a range of typical Scottish delights, including a famous distillery, evocative castle ruins and dramatic, wild landscapes.

The crescent-shaped port of Oban is one of the most picturesque destinations in northern Scotland. Explore the old buildings lining the hills of this Highland town and observe the boats coming and going from the bustling harbour.

Scan the buildings of Oban and look for McCaig's Tower, the striking monument shaped like a coliseum. Climb the hill to reach the tower and rest in its walled garden, where you can peer out through its arches for views of the ocean and the island of Kerrera.

Directly beneath the tower is Oban Distillery, immediately identifiable by its red chimney. Tour the building to see the age-old whisky-making processes and sip a sample of finely crafted single malt. The town grew around the distillery, which was built in 1794.

Learn more about Oban’s history at the Oban War and Peace Museum, located in an old newspaper headquarters. The town also features two cathedrals, including the unique St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, an unfinished structure that combines stonework with metal girders.

Take a trip to two castles located near the town. Dunollie Castle, a ruin from the Iron Age, contains a museum displaying clan artifacts gathered from the local area. Dunstaffnage Castle, about a 10-minute drive north of Oban, is an imposing medieval fortress with an adjoining chapel.

Oban is sometimes referred to as the “Seafood Capital of Scotland.” Sample the day's catch in one of the many celebrated restaurants in town.

Glasgow Airport, which has frequent flights to the rest of the U.K. and to international destinations, is about 90 miles (145 kilometres) away from Oban. Trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow operate regularly from Oban's station, which is located next to the ferry terminal.

Oban has an attractive coastal setting, which makes it a particularly popular summer destination. Visit in spring or fall for a quieter experience or arrange your trip for May to attend the Highland and Islands Music and Dance Festival.

Claredon Hotel
Claredon Hotel
3 out of 5
1 Shore Road, Oban, Scotland
The price is RM299 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM299
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Oban. Enjoy daily housekeeping, a flat-screen TV, and a bathtub or shower. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.8/10 (350 reviews)
"Second time ive stayed here and wont be the last, its not the fanciest place in the world but its clean, welcoming, friendly, central to everywhere. What more do I need? I will be back soon"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Claredon Hotel
Perle Oban Hotel & Spa
Perle Oban Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Station Square, Oban, Scotland
The price is RM921 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
RM921
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Oban. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (861 reviews)
Stay, you won’t regret a thing!
"Fantastic hotel and really great staff. Check in really quick and the room was really clean, spacious and a nice modern design but in keeping with the grandeur of the hotels heritage. Great lobby, bar and restaurant. Food was exceptional at breakfast! Couldn’t fault a thing. Thank you"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Perle Oban Hotel & Spa
The Great Western Hotel
The Great Western Hotel
3 out of 5
Corran Esplanade, Oban, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM344 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
RM344
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Oban. Enjoy breakfast, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (682 reviews)
Lovely hotel
"Lovely hotel, great value for money. Had a wonderful room with new bathroom, really comfy bed, posh coffee maker. And the views are the best you'll get in Oban"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The Great Western Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Ranald Apartments
The Ranald Apartments
4 out of 5
41 Stevenson Street, Oban, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Oban. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions RSPB Visitor Centre and McCaig's Tower ...
8/10 Very Good! (35 reviews)
"Excellent location spotlessly clean spacious appartment"

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2024

The Ranald Apartments
Bay View Esplanade Apartment Overlooking Harbour
Bay View Esplanade Apartment Overlooking Harbour
3 out of 5
Oban
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Oban. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a balcony. Popular attractions St. John's Cathedral and Oban Distillery are located nearby. ...
Bay View Esplanade Apartment Overlooking Harbour
The Coorie Inviting 1-bed Apartment in Oban
The Coorie Inviting 1-bed Apartment in Oban
3 out of 5
Oban
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Oban. Enjoy free WiFi, an LCD TV, and digital TV. Popular attractions RSPB Visitor Centre and Oban Distillery are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"This is a lovely property. Really well furnished and comfortable. A real find! Very friendly contact from the owner prior to our stay. We loved it and would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 28 May 2023

The Coorie Inviting 1-bed Apartment in Oban
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Oban

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
92
" "5 - Excellent 46.93877551020408%
4 - Good
79
" "4 - Good 40.30612244897959%
3 - Okay
20
" "3 - Okay 10.204081632653061%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.530612244897959%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 1.0204081632653061%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Jan 2020

Great place to visit, lovely places to visit, really nice places to eat and prices were really reasonable. Will definitely be back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Jan 2020

Lovely place

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
25 Dec 2019

A good put stop before the ferry. All the amenities you’d need. A decent sized town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Nov 2019

Nice town to stroll around, variety of shops. Plenty places to eat.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Nov 2019

Been there - probably wouldn’t go back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Nov 2019

Great jumping off location for Mull & beyond