Located on the banks of the River Tay, visitors to the city of Perth can experience it all, whether they choose the great outdoors or enjoy the thriving atmosphere in this city. You won’t believe the sheer number of things to do in Perth, Scotland!
Perth is located in the centre of the Perth and Kinross area of the country and is one of Scotland’s seven cities. Many tourists love Perth and the surrounding area because of its beautiful hills, garden attractions, and gorgeous mountain ranges.
But the city’s scenery is not its only draw — Perth is a world-class cultural destination that features some of the most fascinating historical events and places in all of Scotland. It was the first capital of Scotland before Edinburgh became the nation’s lead city in 1437, and where William Wallace’s body was displayed after his death. Intrigued because these are only a taste of the history that this Fair city offers visitors.
20 Things To Do in Perth
When Perth won the Diamond Jubilee contest to be named the seventh Scottish city, many tourists wanted to see what the city held. Ever since Perth has drawn hundreds of thousands of annual visitors to the city to see its attractions and accommodations.
Explore countless options for tourists looking for things to do in Perth. The city welcomes its visitors with open arms, and most weekends here, you will stumble across live music, outdoor attractions, and enthralling events all happening over Perth.
Kinnoull Hill
If you are searching for a city viewpoint, look no further than Kinnoull Hill. The views atop this hill are nothing short of majestic, and you can practically see all of Perth and the surrounding country landscapes for miles!
Notable sights from the top of the summit include the winding River Tay, the many farmlands of the region, and the east side of the sprawling city centre of Port. The walking route that takes you up is splendid and makes for an incredible way to start your day.
This hiking hotspot is also abundant with wildlife along the trail’s length. You can spot red squirrels, owls, and other wildlife. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, make sure to include this gorgeous walking trail while in this region of Scotland.
Perth Racecourse
Racehorses thundering down the verdant course, the adoring crowd’s cheers slowly rising, and the anticipation of the bookmakers is palpable when you attend a race at the Perth Racecourse.
This thrilling site is one of the top things to do in Perth year-round and an excellent place to spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere of this high-intensity sport on the east side of the city.
The best time to attend the Perth Racecourse is in June, when the warm sunlight offers a balmy experience that you won’t be able to have anywhere else. Check out their website to ensure you’re visiting on a day that has races!
River Tay
If viewing the river from a distance isn’t enough, why not indulge in some of the great water activities that the River Tay has to offer? This unique waterway curves from the west of Scotland towards the east and ends at Dundee, making it Scotland’s longest river.
The River Tay is the perfect addition to any trip to Perth and offers numerous adrenaline-pumping activities like white water rafting, kayaking, and bodyboarding! A quick browse through its website will reveal a whole flurry of activities along the Tay River.
And if you want the best views of the River Tay, then look no further than the North Inch Park within Perth city centre.
George Street
This hip spot in Perth is the perfect destination for those looking to find unique gifts, vintage stores, and independent retailers. What makes this high street centre of Perth unique is the quirky, diverse, and wondrous stores and shops you see as you walk down it.
George Street has a little something for all kinds of buyers, whether you’re interested in decadent farmers’ markets or want to soak up the locals’ culture and fashion.
After you shop til’ you drop, you can grab a pick-me-up at one of the best coffee spots in the city, Provender Brown, a foodie favourite. After spending an hour or two exploring this part of the city, you’ll not be disappointed.
The Meikleour Beech Hedge
Hidden in plain sight in Perth is one of its most fascinating and jaw-dropping attractions, the Meikleour Beech Hedge. This hedge is one of the most peculiar landmarks that put Perth on the map for being the highest hedge in the world!
Don’t believe us? Check out the Guinness Book website! The Meikleour Beech Hedge, which Perth planted in 1745, is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest and longest hedge in the world. The hedge displays a gorgeous autumn array of reds and oranges that beg to have their picture taken in September.
Be sure to drive past the massive 30-metre-high and 530-metre-long hedge while visiting Perth; you won’t regret it.
Scone Palace
Located in the east of Perth, Scone Palace is an important place of sovereignty for the kings and queens in Scotland. This fact is all the more apparent when you see the imposing grandeur of Scone Palace.
Robert the Bruce was crowned the King of Scots in 1306, and for nearly 100 years onwards, Scone Palace has been the crowning place of Scottish kings. It also once housed the Stone of Destiny, sometimes named the Stone of Scone.
Experience this royalty for yourself in the five-star accommodation provided by one of the finest attractions in Scotland. Why not treat yourself to a night at the Palace and be at the receiving end of the most opulent services and meals that have entertained the kings and queens of Scotland and Europe?
You can also wander the grounds around the Palace, enjoying the perfectly manicured trees and bushes as you gain an excellent perspective of the regal landscapes!
Perth Museum and Art Gallery
One of the top things on our list for any city break is a visit to a decent museum and art gallery, and the one in Perth is undoubtedly an excellent choice!
West of the River Tay, the Perth Museum and Art Gallery have exhibitions full of rich local artefacts and Perth’s fascinating history. The Museum holds Miss Ballantyne’s salmon, the heaviest rod-caught salmon, and even more of the most interesting relics in Britain.
Explore the historical landmarks of the city of Perth and dive into the local history for further information on the unbelievable exhibits that these museums hold. Once you’ve had your fill of history, head over to the Perth Art Gallery within the museum and enjoy artistic works that cover over 100 years of influential Scottish artists.
The New Perth Museum will open in the spring of 2024! This new museum will display Perth and Kinross’s recognised collections, including the Stone of Destiny – one of the UK’s most significant historical objects.
Black Watch Castle and Museum
There aren’t many regiments in British history more famous than the Black Watch. A visit to Perth allows you to explore this beautifully constructed Castle, complete with gardens and a museum within its walls dedicated to this incredible regiment.
Black Watch Castle and Museum pay tribute to the critical moments of history this regiment assisted in, from watching the highlands during the French Wars, the First and Second World Wars, and the most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
You won’t be disappointed as the curated exhibits and galleries bring their history to life right before your eyes. Their website is also worth visiting if you want to keep up to date about any events happening.
Scottish Crannog Centre
Take a look back at Scotland’s story at a time when prehistoric humans made tools and hunted food. This heritage attraction offers a hands-on look at one of the most interesting points in Scottish history, with workshops that allow you to craft wooden tools and grind food.
The highlight of the Scottish Crannog Centre is, without a doubt, the collection of fascinating objects and artefacts. From ancient tools, stones, artworks, and more, this centre of national significance has thousands of regular visitors from all over the world. It’s a great time for children and adults alike, so be sure to add it to your to-do list.
Fergusson Gallery
A prominent figure in the Scottish Colourist group, J D Fergusson had close ancestral ties with Perth. The Fergusson Gallery pays homage to John Duncan and his wife Margaret with displays of sketchbooks, photographs and paintings by both artists.
As you look through the gallery of Perth’s most famous 20th-century artists, you can’t help but be immersed in the incredible lives this couple led, from sculptures and dancing to brilliant artwork. As far as art galleries go,
The building is instantly recognisable as one of Perth’s top landmarks when you see its unique architecture. You can find the Fergusson Gallery by the west banks of the River Tay, in the heart of Perth city centre.
Perth Concert Hall
Driving through the quaint Perthshire countryside, it is easy to forget that Perth is a pretty big town (by Scottish standards anyway). The Perth Concert Hall holds live music, comedy and dance events.
Perth theatre is unlike any other, and it’s easy to fall in love with outstanding performances by notable London artists, Scottish locals, and international plays. Perth has undeniably talented artists and performers who can’t wait to entertain you at the Perth Concert Hall.
Set aside an evening to experience the best UK performances on the west side of the city of Perth by booking a show as soon as you can! Don’t be afraid to browse the events and performances on their website to pick something you’ll love.
Branklyn Garden
The Branklyn Gardens is a plant lover’s dream east of the River Tay, teeming with exquisite flower gardens at all times of the year. If you visit in June, you can appreciate the purple Japanese maples, while in September, you can’t miss the sugary scent of the Katsura tree.
Visiting these gardens on the east side of the city and admiring the rhododendrons, alpines, and peat-garden plants whenever you have an opportunity to visit Perth is highly recommended. These 2-acre gardens are among the top things to do in Perth during your visit.
If you want to see other magnificent natural attractions in the Perth region, make sure to check out the Black Spout Waterfall near Pitlochry Town Centre.
Huntingtown Tower Castle
West of Perth, with an unusual architectural design, Huntingtown Tower Castle was the base camp for Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley, from where they would stave off rebellion. These landmarks are one of the more dramatic periods of Edinburgh & Scotland’s history.
This Castle has tower houses very close together and a delicately painted ceiling from the 1540s. The tower encourages visitors to seek out the secret hiding spots within its walls and to uncover where the Castle once held the Ruthven treasures.
The Huntingtown Tower Castle doesn’t look like any typical one you might find in West Scotland, which makes the extraordinary building and its history unique. This towering structure in Perth is worth spending an hour or two getting to know better.
Greyfriar’s Burial Ground
Just south of Perth’s city centre lies Greyfriar’s Burial Ground which contains one of the best collections of headstones in all of Scotland.
The burial ground dates back to 1580, making the oldest gravestones found here from the same time as Mary, Queen of Scots! The burial ground also contains some of the most brilliant sculptures and artistry to adorn headstones. You’ll be hopping from one to another in disbelief.
It’s well worth the trip to visit the Greyfriar Burial Ground while you’re in the town of Perth. Just take someone with you if graveyards give you the creeps!
Elcho Castle
Elcho Castle is one of Scotland’s best-preserved 16th-century castle and tower houses. Built around 1560, this outstanding architectural marvel fully immerses you in reliving the comforts of the lord and lady who once lived here.
You can step inside the Castle and explore its corridors and rooms, admiring the sheer luxury that the nobility of Central Scotland called their home so long ago.
The Castle provides visitors with an unparalleled experience to investigate one of the well-preserved keeps of the modern era — an opportunity that most people can’t say no to.
Quarrymill Woodland Park
Walking through Quarrymill Woodland Park is like walking through a fascinating setting filled with mills, quarries, and ancient forests.
The country landmarks you can experience on each park’s trail walks are endless for you to discover, with birds and rare flora being the highlight of this excursion.
Make sure to visit this excellent park location when you first arrive in the city of Perth so you can see the rest of the expansive attractions peeking through the park’s woodlands.
Rodney Gardens
Found in the Kinnoull Hill portion of Perth, Rodney Gardens is an absolute oasis of peace that you can enjoy while visiting the outstanding Kinnoull Hill on the east side of Perth!
The Gardens hold a vast array of flowers for you to enjoy, making sitting on a bench in Rodney Gardens one of the most peaceful and tranquil things you can do while in Perth.
Rodney Garden is also one of the best landmarks to have a picnic in, so remember to bring your blanket next time you’re visiting!
Kirk of St. John the Baptist
Said to have been dedicated to St. John the Baptist by King David I in 1126, this church in Perth offers travellers the opportunity to marvel at a structure that dates back many hundreds of years.
The central tower point has been a beacon in Perth for worshippers for as long as the town can remember. Take a trip down to this long-standing church and savour some of the oldest architecture you can find in the country.
You have the chance to admire and take pictures of this fantastic building while visiting Perth.
Moncreiffe Hill
This outstanding woodland ridge can be found on the southern side of Perth and provides visitors with an excellent chance to see much of the city and surrounding woods of the Perth and Kinross region.
The trails found in Moncreiffe Hill are entirely shaded by towering trees, so it’s the perfect destination to visit on a blazing hot day in Perth. Once you reach the top, Moncreiffe Hill provides excellent views of the city of Perth, the River Tay, and the ancient fort hills that dot the landscape.
Moncreiffe Hill is the perfect hiking path to bring your children and family along, with a serene atmosphere throughout the trail that soothes the soul.
St. Ninian’s Cathedral
This gorgeous cathedral brings many worshippers from all over the Perth, Dunkeld, Stirling, and Dunblane regions, and it’s easy to see why! The cathedral is beautiful, with elegant high ceilings and a pleasing design.
As you explore Perth, a visit to St. Ninian’s is the perfect chance to experience this incredibly designed building that draws you in with every step you take inside it.
More Things to do in Perthshire, Kinross & Angus
- Things to do in Aberfeldy
- Things to do in Blairgowrie
- Things to do in Crieff
- Things to do in Dundee
- Things to do in Dunkeld
- Things to do in Kenmore
- Things to do in Kinloch Rannoch
- Things to do in Kinross
- Things to do in Montrose
- Things to do in Pitlochry
- Things to do in Stanley
