Things to do in Perth
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Kerachers
This classic seafood restaurant keeps things simple, combining fresh seafood with ingredients that add hints of flavour to complement but not overpower the dishes − a recipe for success!
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Scone Palace
'So thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.' This line from Macbeth indicates the importance of this place (pronounced 'skoon'), 2 miles north of Perth. The palace itself was built in 1580 on a site intrinsic to Scottish history. Here in 838, Kenneth MacAlpin became the first king of a united Scotland and brought the Stone of Destiny, on which Scottish kings were ceremonially invested, to Moot Hill. In 1296 Edward I of England carted the talisman off to Westminster Abbey, where it remained for 700 years before being returned to Scotland.
These days, however, Scone doesn't really conjure up ye olden days of bearded warrior-kings swe…
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Black Watch Museum
Housed in a mansion on the edge of North Inch, this museum honours what was once Scotland’s foremost regiment. Formed in 1725 to combat rural banditry, the Black Watch fought in numerous campaigns, re-created here with paintings, memorabilia and anecdotes. Little attempt at perspective is evident: there’s justifiable pride in the regiment’s role in the gruelling trench warfare of WWI, where it suffered nearly 30,000 casualties, but no sheepishness about less glorious colonial engagements, such as against the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzies’ of Sudan. In 2006 the Black Watch was subsumed into the new Royal Regiment of Scotland
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Breizh
This warmly decorated bistro – the place could define the word – is a treat. Dishes are served with real panache, and the salads, featuring all sorts of delicious ingredients, are a feast of colour, texture and subtle flavours. The blackboard meat and fish specials offer great value and a real taste of northwest France: breakfasts, galettes (Breton buckwheat crêpes), tasty wines... If you like quality food served in an unpretentious way, you'll love it here.
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JD Fergusson Gallery
Beautifully set in the round waterworks building, this gallery exhibits much of the work of the Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson in a most impressive display. Fergusson spent time in Paris, and the influence of artists like Matisse on his work is evident; his voluptuous female portraits against a tropical-looking Riviera background are memorable, as is the story of his lifelong relationship with noted Scottish dancer Margaret Morris.
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St John's Kirk
Daunting St John's Kirk, founded in 1126, is surrounded by cobbled streets and is still the centrepiece of the town. In 1559 John Knox preached a powerful sermon here that helped begin the Reformation, inciting a frenzied destruction of Scone abbey and other religious sites. Perth used to be known as St John's Town after this church; the football team here is still called St Johnstone.
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Deans@Let’s Eat
Noted for its excellent service, this award-winning bistro is the best place in town for splashing out on a special meal. Outstanding cuisine comes in the form of creative dishes on a short menu listed by main ingredient: halibut, lamb and beef reliably feature, but the manner of their cooking will change. Enjoy an aperitif on the comfy couches before indulging your palate.
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Perth Museum
The city's main museum is worth wandering through for the elegant neoclassical interior alone. There's a varied shower of exhibits, ranging from portraits of dour lairds to interesting local social history. A geological room provides more entertainment for the young, while there are often excellent temporary exhibitions.
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Paco’s
Something of an institution, Paco’s keeps Perthers coming back over and over, perhaps because it would take dozens of visits to even try half of the menu. There’s something for everyone: steaks, seafood, pizza, pasta and Mexican, all served in generous portions. The fountain-tinkled terrace is the place for a sunny day.
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63 Tay Street
Classy and warmly welcoming, this understated restaurant is Perth’s best, featuring a lightly decorated dining area, excellent service and quality food. In a culinary Auld Alliance, French influence is applied to the best of Scottish produce to produce memorable game, seafood, beef and vegetarian plates.
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Bothy
The Bothy is a comfy leather couch and wooden wine rack affair with a certain intimacy – it attracts couples and older diners. For lunch, sandwiches like baked mozzarella and grilled aubergine with olive and natural yogurt feature. Tuck into braised beef olives with white pudding for dinner.
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Twa Tams
Perth’s best pub has a strange outdoor space with windows peering out onto the street, an ornate entrance gate and large, cosy interior. There are regular events, including live music every Friday and Saturday night; it has a sound reputation for attracting talented young bands.
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Brennans
This pub is small in size but big on personality – there’s live music on weekends and a happy buzz every night. It’s a bit of a warren inside, with a low ceiling, but it’s very friendly and there are good ales on tap.
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Glassrooms
Occupying part of the foyer of the ambitious, inspiring Perth Concert Hall, this open-plan cafe offers an eclectic range of daytime dishes. Expect several healthy and vegetarian choices as well as sandwiches and breakfasts.
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Duncan’s in Perth
The cool, clean interior here is ambient and relaxed, and the food is pretty good too. Produce is sourced from around the country – how can you not be drawn to seared wood pigeon?
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Half a’ Tanner
A warm, popular and hospitable place, on fine days the crowd spills into the courtyard.
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