Air
There isn’t an airport in Stirling, so you will arrive at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports which are 30 and 36 miles away respectively.  The quickest way to get from Edinburgh airport is to get a bus to Haymarket and then the train direct from Haymarket to Stirling.  The total journey time is just over an hour.  From Glasgow Airport you can get the bus to Glasgow, West George St and then the train from Queen Street station into Stirling.  The total journey time is less than one hour.

Train
The main train station is only a five minute walk from the town centre and the main cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are only around 50 minutes away.  For a full list of times and routes check out www.trainline.co.uk

Bus
The main bus station is again in the centre of town, located in the Thistle Marches shopping centre.  You can get direct buses to the main cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, check www.travelinescotland.com/ for more details.

Walking is the best way to get around as Stirling is a really compact city with almost all of the attractions, restaurants and entertainment located in the city centre.  For the out of town attractions there is a local bus service that runs from the Bus Station to Bannockburn, Bridge of Allan and the University.

You can also go on a city sightseeing bus if you wish, it costs £7 and you can hop on and off at 14 stops including the city centre Bannockburn and the National Wallace Monument.

Stirling is a town full of history and the main attractions have reflect this, below are a selection of the main things not to miss.

Stirling Castle
Sits overlooking Stirling it is one of Scotland’s best preserved castles, you can explore the Great Hall and Gatehouse or lean more about the Stewart Monarchy from the castle exhibition.

Wallace Monument
Like the castle it towers over Stirling, the monument is a tribute to one of Scotland’s most famous heroes, William Wallace (Braveheart).  You can climb to the top of the monument through the narrow staircase for a fantastic view of the town.  You also get to see William Wallace’s sword and enjoy an audio tour.

Bannockburn
The scene of Scotland’s most famous battle fought by Robert the Bruce in 1314 against King Edward of England’s much more numerous and heavily armed army.  Scotland won its independence from England after the victory here and it remains a landmark in Scottish history.  You can get detailed information from the Bannockburn heritage centre, entry is £5.

Stirling Old Town Jail
An interesting look at life behind bars in this old 19th centuary jail, you can take an audio tour and there is also a rooftop viewpoint which offers an excellent view of stirling. Admission is £5.

Budget/Backpackers
There are a couple of good backpacking options, the most central is the Willy Wallace Hostel at Murray Place only a couple of minutes walk form trains and buses.  A bed here starts at £12 a night.  There is also the 4 star Stirling Youth Hostel which is next to the old jail.  There are en-suite rooms from only £15 per person.

Intermediate
A well priced central hotel can be found at the Express By Holiday Inn Stirling, rooms here start at £79.  If you want something slightly cheaper try the King Robert Hotel where rooms start at £59.

Luxury
The best upper class accommodation available in Stirling is the four star Queens Hotel which offers 10 individually designed boutique style bedrooms.  It is close to all the attractions and prices here start at £100 per night for an executive room.

Budget
The Old Bridge Inn – Here you will find some low cost good quality homemade food in a pub setting.  A 3 course meals starts at under £10.

Traditional
Herman's Restaurant – Some good Scottish food in a relaxed and comfortable environment.  It is located in old town close to the castle and the price for a 3 course meal starts at £18.
The No 55 Grill – here you will find fresh local produce and fine dining at this award winning establishment, part of the Royal Hotel. It is around £25 for a 3 course meal.

Unique
Stirling Castle Café – On a sunny day nothing beats the view offered from this café which is situated on top of the castle.  It’s the perfect place for a light snack and a cup of tea.

The high street offer a moderate selection of shops, although you choice is limited, but you will find plenty of souvenir shops and some kilt makers.

The main indoor shopping area in Stirling is the Thistles Shopping Centre, it is in the heart of the city next to the bus station. Here you will find most of the main brands such as Next, Boots and Marks & Spencer. 

Pubs

Nicky-Tams, 29 Bakers Street - a bar with a friendly atmosphere, mostly visited by students of the university. Wednesdays 9pm is jam night, Saturday 5pm local musicians are featured.

Number 2 Baker St – A friendly bar with a good atmosphere, there is some traditional Scottish music on a wed night and there is some good real ale to sample.

Clubs
There are three nightclubs in Stirling, the two within the city centre are,

Fubar – Open Thursday to Sunday, there are several themed nights from student night on a Thursday to the 70’s themed boogie express on Saturdays.

Enigma Night Club,  Thursday night is student night and there are midweek promotions such as drinks from £1.  Friday and Saturday are the main nights, admission is cheaper before 12.