Paul’s guidebook
City/town information
Welcome to Oban and the west coast of Scotland. Oban is a town steeped in history, the gateway to the west coast islands with lots of scenic walks/cycle routes and a launchpad for exploring the highlands.
Oban has two beaches you can walk to - Ganavan and 'wee' Ganavan. There is also a beach at Benderloch called Tralee beach which can be accessed by car or bus or you could cycle there along the main roads. This gives you a chance to relax under the Scottish sun and cool off in the waters surrounding Oban. A trip to Tralee beach also can't be done without visiting the pink or getting a fish supper (fish and chips) from Tralee chippy!
Through the ferry port you can visit islands like Mull, Tiree or Iona to name a few. There also options to go on fishing tours or to some smaller islands like Kerarra where there is a nice restaurant at the waypoint.
Oban offers a host of restaurants, pubs and bars which you can visit during your stay to experience Scottish cuisine and our spin on foods from around the world. If you would like to try some of Scotland's best exports there is also a distillery.
You could also visit nearby towns such as Fort William, Inverary and Cambpeltown - this is done easily by car but some bus services are also available.
Have a look through the rest of the guidebook will give some personal recommendations of places to visit while you are here.
124 locals recommend
Oban
Welcome to Oban and the west coast of Scotland. Oban is a town steeped in history, the gateway to the west coast islands with lots of scenic walks/cycle routes and a launchpad for exploring the highlands.
Oban has two beaches you can walk to - Ganavan and 'wee' Ganavan. There is also a beach at Benderloch called Tralee beach which can be accessed by car or bus or you could cycle there along the main roads. This gives you a chance to relax under the Scottish sun and cool off in the waters surrounding Oban. A trip to Tralee beach also can't be done without visiting the pink or getting a fish supper (fish and chips) from Tralee chippy!
Through the ferry port you can visit islands like Mull, Tiree or Iona to name a few. There also options to go on fishing tours or to some smaller islands like Kerarra where there is a nice restaurant at the waypoint.
Oban offers a host of restaurants, pubs and bars which you can visit during your stay to experience Scottish cuisine and our spin on foods from around the world. If you would like to try some of Scotland's best exports there is also a distillery.
You could also visit nearby towns such as Fort William, Inverary and Cambpeltown - this is done easily by car but some bus services are also available.
Have a look through the rest of the guidebook will give some personal recommendations of places to visit while you are here.
Neighbourhoods
Oban is a very safe place to visit with friendly people who are always happy to help. During the summer the town becomes very busy so be prepared for big crowds down at the front. The street the apartment is on is a quiet street at night with some traffic noise during the day.
124 locals recommend
Oban
Oban is a very safe place to visit with friendly people who are always happy to help. During the summer the town becomes very busy so be prepared for big crowds down at the front. The street the apartment is on is a quiet street at night with some traffic noise during the day.
Food scene
The Perle hotel offers two great places to visit Baab restaurant and Lulu's cocktail bar.
Baab is a personal favourite of mine. This Greek and Eastern Mediterranean restaurant offers a great Meze experience with lots of excellent dishes to share and some Scottish twists - the lamb is worth a try.
Lulu's is a great cocktail bar with lots of cocktails, whiskys, beers and wines to try. This is perfect for a more upmarket experience with cocktails around £8 each. It also offers afternoon tea experiences which you can arrange with the hotel reception.
Booking for Baab and for afternoon teas is Lulu's is recommended especially during the seasonal months (April to October).
There number is 01631 700301.
Perle Oban Hotel
Station RoadThe Perle hotel offers two great places to visit Baab restaurant and Lulu's cocktail bar.
Baab is a personal favourite of mine. This Greek and Eastern Mediterranean restaurant offers a great Meze experience with lots of excellent dishes to share and some Scottish twists - the lamb is worth a try.
Lulu's is a great cocktail bar with lots of cocktails, whiskys, beers and wines to try. This is perfect for a more upmarket experience with cocktails around £8 each. It also offers afternoon tea experiences which you can arrange with the hotel reception.
Booking for Baab and for afternoon teas is Lulu's is recommended especially during the seasonal months (April to October).
There number is 01631 700301.
This cafe is a two minute walk from the apartment and offers breakfasts, lunches, pasteries, cakes and coffee.
Roxy's is a local favourite and does the best cooked breakfast I have had in Oban. Their cakes are also excellent and the burgers come from the local butchers and worth a recommendation too.
Booking is advisable during the summer months but they will do their best to seat you if you walk in. They also have some outdoor seating too.
12 locals recommend
Roxy's Coffee & Tea House
7 Argyll SquareThis cafe is a two minute walk from the apartment and offers breakfasts, lunches, pasteries, cakes and coffee.
Roxy's is a local favourite and does the best cooked breakfast I have had in Oban. Their cakes are also excellent and the burgers come from the local butchers and worth a recommendation too.
Booking is advisable during the summer months but they will do their best to seat you if you walk in. They also have some outdoor seating too.
Bossards is another great coffee shop to visit for something to eat and drink or for some takeaway food, cakes or coffee.
Again, located a two minute walk from the apartment this a local's favourite.
16 locals recommend
Bossards
2 Combie StBossards is another great coffee shop to visit for something to eat and drink or for some takeaway food, cakes or coffee.
Again, located a two minute walk from the apartment this a local's favourite.
Etive offers a great experience of fine dining. They run a 'Land & Sea' tasting menu (meat and seafood) or a 'Land' menu (vegetarian).
David runs the front of house and his knowledge on wines, champagnes and whiskys is second to none. The food has received rave reviews, having received two AA rosettes and were listed in the Michelin guide for 2022.
Etive is the most expensive of my recommendations with the tasting menu coming in at £85per person and they can also pair wines for an additional fee should you wish to enjoy it even more.
The restaurants website has more information - etiverestaurant.co.uk - and booking is required for a meal there. They are open Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm onwards.
18 locals recommend
Etive restaurant
43 Stevenson StEtive offers a great experience of fine dining. They run a 'Land & Sea' tasting menu (meat and seafood) or a 'Land' menu (vegetarian).
David runs the front of house and his knowledge on wines, champagnes and whiskys is second to none. The food has received rave reviews, having received two AA rosettes and were listed in the Michelin guide for 2022.
Etive is the most expensive of my recommendations with the tasting menu coming in at £85per person and they can also pair wines for an additional fee should you wish to enjoy it even more.
The restaurants website has more information - etiverestaurant.co.uk - and booking is required for a meal there. They are open Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm onwards.
This is my personal choice for the best fish and chips in Oban. This will either be met with agreement or complete objection...
They are the closest chip shop to the apartment but this isn't why I think it is the best!
For fairness the other two chip shops at called Oban Fish and Chips or Norries.
You can let me know what your favourite was!
11 locals recommend
George Street Fish Restaurant & Chip Shop
13-15 George StThis is my personal choice for the best fish and chips in Oban. This will either be met with agreement or complete objection...
They are the closest chip shop to the apartment but this isn't why I think it is the best!
For fairness the other two chip shops at called Oban Fish and Chips or Norries.
You can let me know what your favourite was!
The Oban Chocolate company make lots of tasty treats for you to buy for loved ones back home or, more importantly, for yourself to try.
They do some takeaway drinks including milkshakes, hot and cold drinks alongside their tasty chocolate. It has a small area for outside seating right on the waterfront.
50 locals recommend
Oban Chocolate Company
34 Corran EsplanadeThe Oban Chocolate company make lots of tasty treats for you to buy for loved ones back home or, more importantly, for yourself to try.
They do some takeaway drinks including milkshakes, hot and cold drinks alongside their tasty chocolate. It has a small area for outside seating right on the waterfront.
If you are looking for a sit down curry then the Taj is worth a visit. It is close to a couple of pubs including Markie Dans and offers after dinner options.
7 locals recommend
Taj Mahal
146 George StIf you are looking for a sit down curry then the Taj is worth a visit. It is close to a couple of pubs including Markie Dans and offers after dinner options.
Coast restaurant offers a nice restaurant for a meal for families, couples or groups. They run a set menu during the day as well if you want to keep things a bit cheaper but their al a carte menu is also available.
They are mainly seafood but also offers other meat and vegetarian dishes too.
Booking in the summer is recommended and their number is 01631 569900
50 locals recommend
Coast Restaurant
104 George StCoast restaurant offers a nice restaurant for a meal for families, couples or groups. They run a set menu during the day as well if you want to keep things a bit cheaper but their al a carte menu is also available.
They are mainly seafood but also offers other meat and vegetarian dishes too.
Booking in the summer is recommended and their number is 01631 569900
This is the place most people talk up the most for seafood. Their produce is landed at the dock from the boats coming in and it is the freshest in town.
A great place to sit by the sea and watch the ferries go out and in with some of the best seafood in the town.
44 locals recommend
Oban Seafood Hut.. (Green Shack)
This is the place most people talk up the most for seafood. Their produce is landed at the dock from the boats coming in and it is the freshest in town.
A great place to sit by the sea and watch the ferries go out and in with some of the best seafood in the town.
Pubs
This is one of my favourite pubs to go to. It is a short 4 minute walk away from the flat. It has been in Oban since 1899 and has been great spot to visit.
They have the usual offering of beer, wines and spirits but also have an extensive lot of whisky for you to try.
The Lorne also does excellent food and is my top recommendation for pub food in Oban with usual pub fayre and some good seafood dishes with locally caught fish.
Definitely worth booking during the summer months and there is a pub quiz on a Wednesday.
Their number is 01631 570020
18 locals recommend
Lorne Bar
Stevenson StreetThis is one of my favourite pubs to go to. It is a short 4 minute walk away from the flat. It has been in Oban since 1899 and has been great spot to visit.
They have the usual offering of beer, wines and spirits but also have an extensive lot of whisky for you to try.
The Lorne also does excellent food and is my top recommendation for pub food in Oban with usual pub fayre and some good seafood dishes with locally caught fish.
Definitely worth booking during the summer months and there is a pub quiz on a Wednesday.
Their number is 01631 570020
This is another good local pub to visit and a 4 minute walk away from the apartment.
This pub is a good place to visit if you would like to chat with locals and experience one of Oban's iconic spots.
They have everything you would expect when visiting a cosy pub.
7 locals recommend
Aulay's Bar
8 Aird's CresThis is another good local pub to visit and a 4 minute walk away from the apartment.
This pub is a good place to visit if you would like to chat with locals and experience one of Oban's iconic spots.
They have everything you would expect when visiting a cosy pub.
The view offers a good place for all groups to stop by for a drink or for a night out for couples, solo travellers and groups.
The View has, as the name suggests, quite the view over Oban bay with views of Kererra and Mull from their balcony but better be fast as it fills up fast!
21 locals recommend
The View
34 George StThe view offers a good place for all groups to stop by for a drink or for a night out for couples, solo travellers and groups.
The View has, as the name suggests, quite the view over Oban bay with views of Kererra and Mull from their balcony but better be fast as it fills up fast!
Markie Dans is another top pub to visit. This place caters for everyone from solo travellers to families. It also a great place to grab a table on a sunny day to watch the ferries head out and back into Oban.
They run food throughout the day and have a good selection of drinks available. Again, be prepared to wait for a table on a sunny day or phone to book avoid disappointment.
This is a place I recommend you visit but if you were just looking for a pub for a spot of lunch then you should go to the Lorne.
Markie Dan's number is 01631 564448.
25 locals recommend
Markie Dans
1 Corran EsplanadeMarkie Dans is another top pub to visit. This place caters for everyone from solo travellers to families. It also a great place to grab a table on a sunny day to watch the ferries head out and back into Oban.
They run food throughout the day and have a good selection of drinks available. Again, be prepared to wait for a table on a sunny day or phone to book avoid disappointment.
This is a place I recommend you visit but if you were just looking for a pub for a spot of lunch then you should go to the Lorne.
Markie Dan's number is 01631 564448.
Sightseeing
Tralee beach is in nearby Benderloch and offers a wonderful day out to chill out and enjoy some Scottish sunshine during the summer.
There are several places to park for free while you visit the beach and these are signposted.
There is a walk of around 10 minutes over dirt paths to reach it and this should be taken into account if your party has any mobility issues.
Tralee Beach
Tralee beach is in nearby Benderloch and offers a wonderful day out to chill out and enjoy some Scottish sunshine during the summer.
There are several places to park for free while you visit the beach and these are signposted.
There is a walk of around 10 minutes over dirt paths to reach it and this should be taken into account if your party has any mobility issues.
McCaig's tower was commissioned by an individual to keep working men in the town after a drop in employment.
The apartment is close by and with an uphill walk you can reach this iconic site and look out over the town of Oban with panoramic views of the town, the sea and the surrounding islands. This is well signposted and easy to find but mobility issues should be considered if visiting the tower.
89 locals recommend
McCaig's Tower
Duncraggan RoadMcCaig's tower was commissioned by an individual to keep working men in the town after a drop in employment.
The apartment is close by and with an uphill walk you can reach this iconic site and look out over the town of Oban with panoramic views of the town, the sea and the surrounding islands. This is well signposted and easy to find but mobility issues should be considered if visiting the tower.
Pulpit Hill, just like McCaig's tower offers another nice walk with a great view at the top to reward your efforts.
This one can be a bit easier to get lost on your way but there are some signposts along the way.
From the viewpoint you will be able to see out into the Atlantic with views of the ferries, Mull, Kererra and Maiden islands.
8 locals recommend
Pulpit Hill
Pulpit HillPulpit Hill, just like McCaig's tower offers another nice walk with a great view at the top to reward your efforts.
This one can be a bit easier to get lost on your way but there are some signposts along the way.
From the viewpoint you will be able to see out into the Atlantic with views of the ferries, Mull, Kererra and Maiden islands.
Ganavan Sands is the beach closest to the apartment (except for 'wee Ganavan' which is on the way to Ganavan itself).
It is a large beach and popular with locals and tourists alike. it is about a 50 minute from the flat which involves walking along the road as you get closer to the beach. You can also cycle there and it is only 8 minutes away by car with a car park there at the beach or on street at 'wee' Ganavan.
36 locals recommend
Ganavan Sands
Ganavan Sands is the beach closest to the apartment (except for 'wee Ganavan' which is on the way to Ganavan itself).
It is a large beach and popular with locals and tourists alike. it is about a 50 minute from the flat which involves walking along the road as you get closer to the beach. You can also cycle there and it is only 8 minutes away by car with a car park there at the beach or on street at 'wee' Ganavan.
Out of Town but worth it
The Old Inn is a great place to visit if you love steak. This restaurant is in Appin which is a 30 minute drive away. The steaks here are amazing and it has the added benefit of a view of castle Stalker across the water.
Plenty of great places to eat in Oban but definitely worth a visit if you can travel and love steak.
38 locals recommend
The Old Inn
2 A828The Old Inn is a great place to visit if you love steak. This restaurant is in Appin which is a 30 minute drive away. The steaks here are amazing and it has the added benefit of a view of castle Stalker across the water.
Plenty of great places to eat in Oban but definitely worth a visit if you can travel and love steak.