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We’ve long been entranced by Scotland’s charm – from historic cities to lush rolling hills to the carved coastline. It wasn’t until our third visit, however, that we discovered East Coast Scotland, a woefully underrated part of the country.
Home to lesser-known cities, like Dundee and Aberdeen, the East Coast of Scotland is often overlooked. These locations don’t necessarily cater to tourists.
There are no mythical creatures residing in lochs and the landscape is not as dramatic as the Highlands. Still, after spending an entire summer on Scotland’s East Coast, we’re convinced fellow travelers should consider it for their vacation!
Why Visit the Scotland East Coast
When we decided to visit the East Coast of Scotland, we were intentionally getting off the beaten path. The previous summer, we had navigated our way to some of the most famous Scotland destinations. While they are astounding, we were eager for new experiences.
We spent more than 2 months exploring East Scotland. We completed miles of coastal trails, stepped inside ancient castles, strolled through picturesque towns and visited world-class museums. By the end of our summer Scotland trip, we felt like we’d been let in on a secret.
Less Crowded
One of the top reasons to plan a trip to the East Coast of Scotland is to escape the crowds. Millions of tourists visit Scotland each year, most of which descend onto just a handful of places. Even in a country with more sheep than people, these spaces can get very congested.
The East Coast, however, remains blissfully void of the masses. During our stay, we rarely encountered tour groups and often found ourselves the sole trekkers on coastal walks.
Better Weather
Scotland weather is notoriously wet; there is no ‘dry season’. Travelers visiting any part of Scotland should be prepared for cloudy, misty and rainy conditions.
That said, East Coast Scotland weather tends to have a bit more sunshine and less precipitation. In fact, Dundee is considered to be one of the driest places in the entire United Kingdom. The cool, dry climate is ideal for outdoor adventures and city wandering.
Captivating Castles
Scotland castles are legendary – and some of the most palatial properties are located on or near the east coast. Aberdeenshire alone is home to more than 250 castles, earning the region the moniker, Castle Country.
With many of these estates open for tours, travelers could design an entire trip around visiting castles in East Coast Scotland. It’s best to have a car, but several can be reached by public transit.
Rich Culture
Our expectations for museums on the East Coast was rather low…and completely unfounded. From the world-class V&A Dundee Design Museum to the cluttered (and absolutely endearing) harborside museum in Stonehaven, we were enthralled by the cultural institutions we visited. As an added bonus, many of these venues are free of charge.
Places To Visit and Things To Do: East Coast Scotland
We compiled this list of the best Scotland East Coast places to visit based on our personal experiences. For each destination, we offer our honest tips and essential travel advice. Later in the article, we share a map of the East Coast of Scotland with our suggested destinations.
#1 Edinburgh and East Lothian
Although the majority of the East Scotland is somewhat of a hidden gem, Edinburgh is the exception. The capital is the top place to see on the East Coast of Scotland and the most visited city in the country.
Edinburgh abounds with striking architecture, fascinating history and an exceptional culinary scene. The best things to do are visiting Edinburgh Castle, walking the Royal Mile and climbing Arthur’s Seat. We round up the premier attractions in our guide to Edinburgh in 3 Days.
Although packed with fellow tourists (especially during the summer festival season), there are plenty of opportunities to find solace.
Leith – an industrial-turned-trendy suburb – is less touristic than the city center. Hikers are likely to encounter more cows than people in the Pentland Hills. And Portobello Beach offers a long stretch of sandy shoreline where visitors can certainly find some space.
That said, traveling along the coastline of East Lothian County reveals even more gems. Dunbar, which exudes a small-town appeal, is our favorite coastal village east of Edinburgh…and it’s just a short train ride away.
#2 East Neuk of Fife
The Fife Peninsula in Eastern Scotland sits north of Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth. The south facing coast is known as East Neuk – and it is home to some of the best coastal towns in Scotland. From west to east, the prime places to visit are Elie, St. Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail.
Each of the quaint seaside towns are steeped in history and exude breathtaking charm. These five fishing villages are located within a 10-mile span, making it easy to get from one to the next. Visitors can drive, take a bus or walk the Fife Coastal Path.
We spent an entire day walking the coastline from Elie to Crail – and believe it is the ideal way to discover East Neuk. Castle remains, Medieval churches, tidal pools and lighthouses mark the way.
The most rustic section, from Anstruther to Crail, is highlighted by the Caiplie Caves, a fascinating sandstone rock formation that has been eroded by wind and waves.
Note that the Fife Coastal Trail encompass the entire peninsula – all the way from Kincardine to Newburgh. Find more info about the route on Walking Highlands.
#3 St Andrews
St Andrews, also located on Fife, is known the world over as the birthplace of golf. Many disciples of the game make a pilgrimage to St Andrews to play the storied Old Course – one of the most famous golf links in the world.
However, there are numerous things to do in St Andrews that have nothing to do with the sport. In our opinion, St Andrews is achingly beautiful.
Boasting a withering waterfront castle, a cathedral in ruins and an idyllic university (where Will and Kate attended school), the town is beguiling.
Add in the picture-perfect cobblestone lanes and sandy East Coast Scotland beaches, it’s easy to be seduced into staying in St Andrews for a longer vacation. We share more details about what to see and do in our article, The Best of St Andrews.
#4 Perth
Although not on the coast, Perth still ranks as one of the top places to visit in East Scotland. At first glance, the town might not look like much, but it is drenched in history – from tales of Scotland’s great kings to the start of the Scottish Reformation.
The city’s claim to fame is the iconic Stone of Destiny, which is housed in the free Perth Museum. The ancient rock has been a key feature of royal coronations for centuries.
The church next door – St. John’s Kirk – is a Scotland landmark where John Knox gave his 1559 sermon, spurring a political and religious upheaval. On the outskirts of Perth is the renowned Scone Palace. Once home to kings, the property welcomes visitors to view their private chambers and stroll the sprawling estate.
Perth is also a wonderland of lush nature. Blooming gardens line the riverside and hiking trails crawl up Kinnoull Hill to scenic viewpoints overlooking the tranquil surroundings. Read our guide to Things To Do in Perth for more tips on what to see.
From Perth, it’s possible to make a day trip to nearby Pitlochry and the Blair Castle and Gardens. The Blair Atholl Watermill is an excellent place for lunch and Wasted Degrees Brewery is a highlight for craft beer enthusiasts!
#5 Dundee
The fourth largest city in Scotland – Dundee proudly traces its roots to the industries of Jute, Jam and Journalism. The city was booming during the Victorian era, but visiting today has very little to do with the past.
Instead, Dundee’s top attraction is the contemporary V&A Museum. Visiting it is one of the best things to do on the East Coast of Scotland. The building itself is a modern marvel and the exhibits inside are dedicated to Scottish designs.
The V&A in Dundee is not the only cultural institution in the city. The McManus Art and History Museum, Dundee Contemporary Art Museum, Verdant Works Jute Mill and the RSS Discovery Point Museum are other fabulous places to visit.
Furthermore, Dundee is ideally situated to nearby points of interest. Broughty Ferry is a delightful waterfront suburb. Additional Castles – like Glamis and Stirling – are also easy to reach from Dundee.
The Fife and North East coastal villages are just a bus or train ride away, too. Plan your trip with our Guide to Dundee, Scotland.
#6 Arbroath
Easy to overlook – but not to be missed – Arbroath is a spectacular coastal town in Angus County. The city has a surprising number of diverse attractions, making it one of the top places to see on the East Coast of Scotland.
Our trip to Arbroath was inspired by the dazzling sea-facing cliffs and the four-mile trail along the top of the elevated plateau.
The Arbroath Coastal Path takes in the phenomenal coastline, featuring impressive rock formations, hidden coves and naturally carved caves. The trek ended up being one of our favorite coastal walks of the trip.
The town’s top attraction, however, is the Medieval Arbroath Abbey, which dates to the year 1178. At one time, it served as the most affluent abbey in Scotland – but it’s most revered for being the place where the 1320 Declaration of Scottish Independence was written.
Arbroath also has it’s own culinary specialty: Smokies. Arbroath Smokies are hot-smoked haddock that are cooked using a centuries-old method. The smoked fish filets are sold from specialty stores and in restaurants around town.
#7 Dunnottar Castle and Stonehaven
Touted as one of the premier places to visit on the Scotland East Coast, Dunnottar Castle stands on a rocky bluff overlooking the North Sea. Its strategic location was paramount during the Jacobite Risings of the 18th century, but its striking beauty is so quintessentially Scottish, it’s sure to leave you swooning.
The castle is situated just 2 miles south of Stonehaven, a relaxing seaside retreat. In addition to the lovely waterfront promenade, the town has a handful of attractions that can easily entertain visitors for a day. Learn more in our Stonehaven, Scotland Guide.
#8 Aberdeen
It took us awhile to warm up to Aberdeen, the largest city on the Scotland North East Coast. With a history in the granite trade – and later the oil and gas industry – Aberdeen at first glance can be a bit drab and gritty. However, it holds a few surprises that we’re glad we didn’t miss out on.
The most amazing part of Aberdeen (and Aberdeenshire) is the gorgeous coastline. Seldom-visited shoreline trails lead trekkers to sensational sea views. From the Aberdeen shoreline, we frequently spotted dolphins, seals and even puffins!
Old Aberdeen, on the north side of the city, is a delightful place to spend an afternoon. Comprised of an age-old university campus, a grand cathedral and an exquisite green space, the enclave feels a world away from modern Aberdeen.
That said, Aberdeen City Center is not without merits. In addition to the fantastic granite architecture, the city hosts numerous free museums, fascinating street art murals and fun bars and restaurants. We share more in our article, Best Things To Do in Aberdeen.
#9 North Coast of Aberdeenshire
The North East Coast of Scotland extends along the Moray Firth from Inverness to Fraserburgh, before veering south. The entire shoreline is dotted with inviting villages, historic sites, rock formations, enduring castles and culinary treasures.
Although the area can be reached by bus, it’s better to explore by car. Since we didn’t have one, the furthest north we made it was Peterhead.
We considered joining this tour from Aberdeen, but were not able to work it into our schedule. Although we have yet to truly discover this region of East Scotland, it would be remiss to exclude it from our list.
More things to do in North East Scotland (which can be done by car or tour) include visiting Balmoral Castle, sampling whisky in Speyside and exploring Cairngorms National Park (which we did on this tour from Inverness).
East Coast Scotland Map
Use this Google Map for an online version of our map of Places To Visit East Coast Scotland below.
Planning a Trip to Scotland’s East Coast
Ready to start planning your Scotland East Coast trip? We have a few tips about logistics to help make your vacation as enjoyable as possible.
How To Get There
Determining the ideal way to get to the East Coast of Scotland will depend on your point of origin. International travelers will likely arrive at Edinburgh Airport (although flying into Glasgow will also work).
The regional airports in Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness might be useful for those are already in the UK. Find the best routes and prices on Skyscanner – and read our tips for Finding Flights for Cheap.
How To Get Around
Travelers have many options for getting around the East Coast – from driving a car to riding public transit – and even walking!
Drive in East Scotland
Many may contend that the only way to get around the East Coast is by car. There is no question that having a car allows for the most freedom and fastest connections.
Before renting a car for a Scotland East Coast driving vacation, travelers should be familiar with driving on the left (opposite of the United States). Additionally, while country roads are not usually congested, they are often narrow and not always well marked.
East Scotland Trains and Buses
Taking trains is a great way to get to and from major destinations. Frequent services connect bigger cities – like Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen. Regional trains can also be used to reach Stonehaven and Arbroath.
The Fife Peninsula, however, has limited train routes. Both East Neuk and St Andrews are only connected by buses. There is a Fife train station at Leuchars, which is about five miles from St Andrews. From there, Bus #99 goes to St Andrews (where travelers can connect to East Neuk).
Most long-distance East Coast buses are run by Stagecoach. Single tickets are a bit expensive, but they offer an array of money-saving day passes.
Scotland East Coast Walks
We absolutely love walking in Scotland – and it can be a fun way to get around during your vacation! Some great coastal hikes can be completed as one-way walks. Utilizing buses for getting to/from the start/end point is ideal for these treks.
Longer trails – like the Fife Coastal Path – are multiple day treks that are completed in stages. Hikers walk from town to town while enjoying the epic scenery and then stay in a cozy village.
Planning a Scotland East Coast Itinerary
Travelers could easily spend an entire week discovering the best places to visit in East Coast Scotland. We are sharing two sample outlines for you to consider.
7 Days in Scotland East Coast by Car
Those renting a car can plan a Scotland East Coast road trip that quickly moves north with stops in a different city each day.
- Day 1: Edinburgh
- Day 2: East Neuk and St Andrews
- Day 3: Perth (and Pitlochry)
- Day 4: Dundee
- Day 5: Arbroath and Stonehaven
- Day 6: Aberdeen
- Day 7: Balmoral and North Coast
One Week in East Coast Scotland by Bus and Train
Travelers relying on public transit (like we were) might be more inclined to use bigger cities as a base and take day trips to the smaller towns.
- Day 1: Edinburgh
- Day 2-4: Dundee plus Day Trips to Fife, Perth or Arbroath
- Day 5-7: Aberdeen with Day Trip to Stonehaven and Tour to Balmoral or North Coast
Where To Stay
During our trip, we booked Airbnb apartments in both Aberdeen and Dundee. For our longer stays, we loved having a kitchen and more space.
That said, for shorter trips, we believe it’s better to stay in a hotel or guesthouse. There are an array of East Coast Scotland hotels and B&Bs that will fit a range of budgets. Travelers visiting in the summer months should book accommodation early, as the prime places get snapped up in a hurry!
We use Booking.com to find hotel accommodations when we travel. Before you start your search, be sure to read our tips on Finding Deals on Hotels.
What To Bring to Scotland
Ready to start packing? Great! We have some advice on items you will want to bring on your trip. So grab our FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get you to Scotland!
Good Shoes: Whether hitting the trails, touring old castles or wandering down cobblestone streets, you will want to wear a good pair of travel shoes while you do it.
Weather Gear: Although the East Coast tends to be less rainy, it’s still Scotland. Pack a good raincoat and travel umbrella – and in the summertime, even bring some sunscreen!
Travel Camera: The eastern coast of Scotland is beautiful! Capture amazing photos with a real camera. We use a Canon Rebel; it’s a great DSLR camera for budget travelers.
Binoculars: The Scotland coast is a fantastic place for spotting wildlife. Get a better view with a pair of binoculars.
Day Pack: There is a lot to see in Scotland’s eastern coast, which likely means long days of sightseeing. Be sure to pack a durable day bag for your trip.
Travel Insurance: No matter how well you plan your trip, things can go wrong…and trip insurance might help. Check rates and coverage with World Nomads.
Organize Your Scotland Trip
As you begin making plans and reservations, staying organized is essential! Keep track of all the details with our Printable Travel Planner.
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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