The historic core of Stirling — castle, old town and the main shopping streets — is small and easily covered on foot. The walk from the railway station up to the castle is about 15 minutes and steep in places, but rewarded with the best of the city's medieval buildings along the way.
Bus. First Bus and McGills run frequent local services from the city centre to the Wallace Monument, the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, the University and Bridge of Allan. Day tickets are good value if you plan to visit two or more outlying sites.
Taxi. Plentiful at the railway station and the main rank on Goosecroft Road. Useful for the Wallace Monument climb if you'd rather not walk up from the visitor centre.
By bike. The riverside path along the Forth and the National Cycle Network Route 76 run through Stirling and provide flat, traffic-free links to Bridge of Allan, Bannockburn and the university campus. Bike hire is available at the visitor centre at the foot of the castle.
By car. Driving in the old town is restricted and parking on the hill is difficult; use the lower car parks and walk up.