Perth was the capital of Scotland until the mid-15th century, and remains one of the country’s most important commercial and cultural centers. Nicknamed “the fair city,” this attractive town is home to several fine museums as well as a famous castle. Explore the surrounding countryside, which is ideal for hiking and walking.
Go for a walk along Tay Street, where some of the city’s grandest historic buildings are set along the River Tay. Browse interesting boutiques and galleries or visit one of the pretty parkland areas, known as the North Inch and South Inch, which border the city center.
See one of the town’s most well-known attractions, St John's Kirk. This 12th-century church is the infamous site where John Knox preached a sermon in the 16th century, which helped to incite the Reformation, leading to a wave of destruction of religious sites.
Learn about Scotland’s oldest Highland regiment at the Black Watch Regimental Museum. This stirring museum chronicles the story of this much-loved regiment from its formation in the 18th century through to the present day. Inspect the personal effects of some Black Watch men, along with historic photographs, paintings and weaponry.
The Perth Art Gallery and Museum’s vast and varied collection truly offers something for visitors with all kinds of different interests. Set in a 19th-century building modeled after Rome’s Pantheon, the museum includes exhibits dedicated to art, archeology and nature, as well as global and local history. Don’t miss the large collection of archival photos, which include 19th-century images of Perth.
Find iconic Scone Palace just north of Perth. Once the site of Scottish king coronations, the palace features stunning rooms and galleries filled with historic furniture and beautiful objets d’art. Walk through the Long Gallery, which is touted as the longest room in any Scottish home and see the dining room where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert ate during their visit to the palace in 1842.
Perth is located 44 miles (71 kilometers) north of Edinburgh. Take the bus or train from Edinburgh. Perth’s city center is easily explored on foot. No visit to Scotland would be complete without a visit to its former capital.
