Oban cast its spell on me slowly, almost imperceptibly. As the gateway to the far-flung Hebridean islands, it is both a destination and a starting point, a Victorian resort set in a majestic horseshoe-shaped bay, and the largest port in northwest Scotland.
The aroma of sea salt mingles with freshly-cooked seafood along its breezy promenade. On the horizon, a fringe of islands stretches toward the mist-capped mountains of Mull. Oban inspired Mendelssohn to write his Hebrides Overture and was one of the locations where Turner set up his canvas.
I spent four nights here as a solo traveller, exploring the town and taking a day trip to the Isle of Mull. It’s the perfect long weekend base, a brilliant stop on a wider Scotland itinerary, and an absolute treat if you love seafood or whisky.
Here are the best things to do in Oban, along with my recommendations for where to eat, where to stay and how to get there.
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Things to Do in Oban
1. Visit McCaig’s Tower – Scotland’s Colosseum
Dominating Oban’s skyline is its most famous tourist attraction, a slightly bizarre, unfinished replica of Rome’s Colosseum known as McCaig’s Tower.
I love the story behind it. John Stuart McCaig, a philanthropist, commissioned this as a memorial to his family. He intended that its construction would employ local stonemasons during lean economic times.
But his little piece of Italy in Scotland was never finished. A planned 95-foot central tower was never started, and only the exterior walls were completed before McCaig died. The instruction in his will for bronze statues of his family to fill the windows was ignored.
Today, McCaig’s Tower — or McCaig’s Folly, as locals call it — is a walled garden with panoramic views over the Sound of Kerrera and the islands near Oban Bay.
Follow the signs from George Street for a ten-minute climb. Strong calf muscles are mandatory. Entry is free
2. Refine your whisky palate at the Oban Distillery
Oban is a town that was built around a distillery. How cool is that?
Established in 1794, Oban Distillery is one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland and produces over a million bottles of Oban single malt whisky each year. If you can’t tell your 14-year-old single malt from your blended whisky, take the excellent one-hour Oban Distillery tour, which costs £24 (2026 price).
I was educated and entertained in equal measure, and sampled two expressions of their delicious single-malt whisky, and got to keep the tasting glass.
3. Stroll the promenade to Dunollie Castle
One of the great pleasures of Oban is its broad promenade walk, heading north along the waterfront with the bay and islands spread out before you. Along the way, look out for St. Columba’s Cathedral, built between 1932 and 1959, and stop at the Oban War Memorial before reaching Dunollie Castle.
Home to Clan MacDougall — who once ruled most of Argyll and the Isles — these ruins date from the 15th century. An exhibition at the adjoining 1745 House Museum tells the family’s history.
It’s an easy, flat one-mile walk from Oban harbour to the castle (PA34 5TT).
By night, the illuminated McCaig’s Tower casts a dramatic glow over the whole scene. Any time of day, locals and visitors sit on the waterfront benches with fish and chips or ice cream in hand.
4. Walk up to Pulpit Hill
McCaig’s Tower is not the only viewpoint in town. Follow the signposted walking trail to Pulpit Hill from the town centre for fine views over Oban and its harbour, with McCaig’s Tower visible in the background.
5. Take the ferry to the Isle of Kerrera
Continue on the Pulpit Hill walking trail and you’ll reach the Kerrera Ferry. The Isle of Kerrera is perfect for escaping the summer crowds — hike its trails, explore the clifftop ruins of Gylen Castle or spend a few hours on Slatrach Bay, the island’s best sandy beach.
The Kerrera ferry runs year-round, though services are less frequent in winter. It’s a mere 5-minute journey.
6. Take a day trip to Mull
Taking the ferry to the island of Mull is one of the best things to do in Oban. This is a day trip where the journey is almost as good as the destination, with close-up views of Lismore lighthouse and Ben More (Ben Mor).
Mull is the ultimate Hebridean island fantasy fulfilment.
Catch the bus from the ferry terminal at Craignure to Tobermory, easily one of the most attractive harbour towns in Scotland, if not the UK. Photograph the row of candy-coloured houses, reflected in the still water of the bay, against the backdrop of a cliff.
Take the cliffside walk to the lighthouse for sensational views across the bay. And if you’re in the mood for more whisky tasting, visit Tobermory Distillery.
7. Take a boat trip to Staffa, Iona and Mull (or Treshnish)
To see three islands in one day, join a boat trip from Iona, operated by Staffa Tours.
Uninhabited Staffa, 33 miles west of Oban, is one of Scotland’s most romantic spots, known for its basalt columns and dramatic caverns, including the famous Fingal’s Cave.
Barely a mile off the southwest tip of Mull, the sacred isle of Iona has been a destination for Christian pilgrims for centuries.
And the Treshnish Isles are a wildlife lover’s dream, particularly for seabirds, puffins and seals.
8. Go on a sea safari
Oban is a brilliant base for wildlife spotting by boat. Depending on the season, you might encounter whales, porpoises, seals, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles.
Look out for boards advertising trips around the harbour, or pop into the tourist information office for recommendations.
9. Try sea kayaking
The waters around Oban are perfect for sea kayaking, even if you are a complete beginner. Sea Kayak Oban offers day trips and two and five-day courses.
Most of their trips launch from the beach in Oban, 50m from their base on Argyll Street. Check their website for further information and prices.
10. Visit the Oban War and Peace Museum
To get under the skin of the town’s history, visit the Oban War and Peace Museum, housed in the old Oban Times building next to the Art Deco Regent Hotel. It’s a small but engaging collection with a strong local focus and one unexpected exhibit: a piece of the Berlin Wall.
This is a good one to keep in your back pocket for a rainy day in Oban.
Visiting the Oban War & Peace Museum: Old Oban Times Building, Corran Esplanade. Open daily March to November, 10 am–4 pm (closes 2 pm on Fridays). Free entry, donations welcome
11. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Oban Chocolate Company
For a first-class cocoa hit, stop by the Oban Chocolate Company. All the chocolates are handmade in their small Oban factory, and they have a café too. I picked up a few treats to take home, which went down very well.
12. Eat the best seafood in Scotland
Oban is widely known as the seafood capital of Scotland, and it earns the title. Alongside several excellent fish and chip shops, you’ll find quality seafood restaurants and stalls right along the harbour. See my eating recommendations below.
Where to Eat in Oban
MacGillivray’s Seafood – Operating out of a van parked by the harbour, MacGillivray’s serves melt-in-the-mouth fresh seafood and fish.
Order at the counter, sit at one of the wooden benches and they’ll call you when your order is ready. I feasted on a pile of langoustines with chips and salad. They don’t have an alcohol licence but do serve soft drinks.
Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant – For great service, harbour views and an early-evening bargain menu, head to the Waterfront Fishouse next to the CalMac ferry terminal.
They offer a lunchtime and early-bird two-course set menu. Their mussels were the sweetest and freshest I have ever had, and the entrée of rainbow trout served on pesto risotto was sublime.
Julie’s Coffee House – Opposite the Oban Distillery, this is the place for white chocolate and raspberry scones and other gloriously calorie-busting goodies.
Where to Stay in Oban
Oban has no shortage of accommodation, but places book up fast in peak summer — plan ahead.
Mid-range: Premier Inn — If I’d known Oban had a Premier Inn, I’d have booked it straight away. For me, the chain strikes the right balance between price and comfort, and the breakfasts are hard to beat. Conveniently located next to the train station >> Check rates & book
Splurge: Glenburnie House — On Oban’s seafront with a huge number of excellent reviews and some rooms with sea views. >> Check rates & book
Budget: Oban Youth Hostel — Budget beds are hard to find in Oban. This seafront hostel is a solid option with laundry, kitchen and lounge facilities. >> Check rates & book
When I visited, I ended up at the Royal Hotel, a Victorian hotel that is very much faded grandeur, but with friendly staff and a generous free buffet breakfast.>> Check rates & book
How to Get to Oban
By train: The West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street is one of the world’s great train journeys and is reason enough to visit Oban in itself. The route passes the Clyde Estuary, skirts Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, then follows Loch Awe and Loch Etive into Oban. At Crianlarich, the line splits. The northern branch heads to Fort William and Mallaig, where the Jacobite steam train (aka the Harry Potter Train) runs in summer.
The journey takes just over three hours. Book in advance for the cheapest fares and always reserve a seat.
For the ultimate rail experience, consider the Caledonian Sleeper from London.
By car: From Glasgow, the quickest route takes about 2.5 hours, though longer, more scenic routes are available.
Planning more time in Scotland? I’ve got guides to 3 days in Inverness and day trips from Edinburgh by train. Or if the islands have got under your skin, my Tobermory guide is a good place to start.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.
I lived in oban for 6 years, i am from sweden, i worked at a place, called McTavishes kitchen and i love oban, scottland and the SCOTTISH PEOPLE, i am 75 years old now but i hope to go there one more time before i’m planted, long live scottland.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you are able to return. I’m going back to Scotland next month. Not Oban this time but I’m sure I’ll return. It’s a beautiful country.
Going for a week in July,
Lucky you! Enjoy your time there :)
You appear to have a typo saying “Loch London” rather than Loch Lomond.
OOPS! Thanks for letting me know :)
I live in Oban and can assure you that isn’t Ben More (sic). There are a few hills called Ben Mor ( which means big hill in Gaelic) on Mull and in Crianlarich to name but 2. But not in Oban.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to comment. That’s most helpful and I have amended the offending sentence. There are multiple references to Ben More on Mull which I have retained, albeit with (Ben Mor) added for completeness. Can’t beat local knowledge!