Areas

Stirling has three parts worth knowing: the Old Town on the hill, the city centre at its foot, and Bridge of Allan just to the north.

The Old Town. The historic heart of the city is a maze of steep, cobbled streets and narrow wynds that climb to the castle esplanade. This is the best-preserved collection of medieval and Renaissance buildings in Stirling, including the imposing Church of the Holy Rude, the Tolbooth, and the ruin of Mar's Wark.

City centre. Lying at the foot of the Old Town, the city centre is the modern commercial hub. The streets here are lined with handsome Victorian buildings, home to a mix of high-street brands within the Thistles shopping centre and a variety of local shops, pubs, and restaurants. It's the busy, practical counterpart to the historic quarter on the hill.

Bridge of Allan. Just to the north of the city lies Bridge of Allan, an elegant and leafy town with the feel of an affluent suburb. It rose to prominence as a Victorian spa resort, a heritage reflected in its grand stone villas and tranquil parks. Today it’s known for its independent delis, boutiques, restaurants and cafés.