Undoubtedly the best views of Stirling can be seen from the 67-metre-high tower of the National Wallace Monument.
Built in the 19th century as a memorial to Scottish hero William Wallace, this impressive structure is now one of Scotland's most celebrated landmarks, receiving more than 100,000 visitors each year. Located on the outskirts of the city, it's only a short drive away from the centre of Stirling and is well-served by local buses.
For a wonderful perspective on Stirling's Old Town, the Observation Tower at the Old Town Jail is a must-visit.
The David Stirling memorial in Dunblane is slightly further afield, but worth the detour due to its commanding views across the surrounding countryside.
Stirling Old Bridge, a medieval masonry arch bridge in the city centre which connects one bank of the River Forth with the other, was once one of the most important crossing points in Scotland. These days, it's a great place to pause and look up and down the river to enjoy views of Stirling and its immediate surroundings. There are also great views of the old bridge structure from the new bridge close by.
For those who venture further afield, the views over Loch Katrine from Ben A'an are absolutely spectacular. This is a relatively easy walk up one of the closest hills to the city of Stirling (at just under 1 hour's drive), and one of the most popular in the Trossachs.