places to visit from scotland

The 14 best places to visit in Scotland

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Pack your camping gear (and your rainproofs) and head to some of the best places to visit in Scotland © Robert Coppinger / Shutterstock

Some of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Think dramatic peaks, lonely glens, lochs, tartan and haggis!

From spectacular Skye and historic Edinburgh to the rolling rivers of Speyside, Scotland’s big sights are as glorious as you’d imagine. But scratch the surface of this proud nation and you’ll find a varied and engrossing place, dotted with prehistoric villages, wild clubs, rich seafood and ruined abbeys.

So, where to start? Once you've decided on the best time for your visit , you need to decide on the best places to go while you're there. Here is our pick of the best destinations in Scotland to get you started.

1. Edinburgh

Best place for year-round entertainment

Scotland's capital may be famous for its festivals, but there's much more to the city than that. Edinburgh is a place of many moods: visit in spring to see the Old Town silhouetted against a blue sky and a yellow haze of daffodils, or on a chill winter’s day for fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones, and a warm glow beckoning from the windows of local pubs. With a world-class modern art gallery , top museums , spooky historic sites and a majestic 12th-century castle , there's plenty to keep you entertained whatever the season.

Local tip: Start your visit to Edinburgh with a climb up Arthur's Seat , an extinct volcano for panoramic views over the city.

2. West Highland Way

Best place for long-distance hiking

The best way to really get inside Scotland's landscapes is to walk them. Here, peaks tower over lochs and sea cliffs gaze over the wind-whipped sea, but there are short woodland trails and charming strolls through valleys dusted with purple heather, too. Top of the wish list for many hikers is the 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William , a weeklong walk through some of the country's finest scenery, finishing in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis.

If you don’t have the time or energy for a long-distance trek, it's possible to do just a day's hike along part of the trail. For example, you could walk the section from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, returning to your starting point using the Loch Lomond waterbus . Whichever section you take on, pack waterproofs and midge repellent. Rail lovers should note that sleeper trains run south from Fort William all the way to London, making for an easy exit after a walk.

Detour:  The 1,345m (4,413ft) summit of Ben Nevis is within reach of anyone who's reasonably fit: treat the peak with respect and your reward (weather permitting) will be magnificent views that can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.

3. North Coast 500

Best place for a scenic road trip

Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands , but the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. This is the best place in Scotland to explore by car (you can also cycle it), with some of the finest roadside scenery in Europe.

The North Coast 500 starts and ends in the likable city of Inverness , and loops past the lochs, sand dunes and golf courses of the east coast before taking in the remote cliffs and beaches of Cape Wrath, the rugged peaks of Assynt and Torridon’s desolate beauty. These sights, and the nooks of warm Highland hospitality found in the region's classic rural pubs and old crofting villages, make this an unforgettable weeklong tour.

4. Isle of Skye

Best place for photographers

In a country famous for stunning scenery, the Isle of Skye takes the top prize. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, there's a photo opportunity awaiting you at almost every turn.

Skye is also one of the best places in Scotland to see golden eagles, and you’ll find convivial pubs and top seafood restaurants if you can tear your eyes from the natural world. Of course, all this tourist appeal makes Skye one of Scotland's most popular destinations. The crowds tend to stick to Portree , Dunvegan and Trotternish – it’s almost always possible to find peace and quiet in the island’s further-flung corners.

Planning tip:  Come prepared for changeable weather – when it’s fine, it’s very fine indeed, but all too often it isn’t.

5. Loch Lomond

Best place for a lakeside hike

Despite being less than an hour's drive from the bustle and sprawl of Glasgow, the bonnie braes (banks) of Loch Lomond – immortalized in the words of one of Scotland's best-known songs – comprise one of the most scenic parts of the country.

At the heart of Scotland's first national park , the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods before narrowing in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains.

Detour: The summit of Ben Lomond (974m/3,031ft) is a popular climb – follow the well-maintained path for a 7-mile round-trip on the popular Tourist Route (allow around 5 hours).

Best place for live music and pub culture

Scotland's biggest city may lack Edinburgh's stunning setting, but it more than makes up for it with a barrelful of things to do and a warmth and energy that leaves every visitor impressed. Edgy and contemporary, it's a great spot to browse art galleries and museums , and to discover the works of local design hero Charles Rennie Mackintosh .

Glasgow’s infectious vitality is best sampled via its lively pubs and clubs, which host one of the world's great live music scenes.

Local tip:  Check out upcoming (mostly alt-rock) acts at the Barrowland  (crowned the UK's best music venue by Time Out magazine in 2023), a legendary former ballroom, or try the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice N Sleazy , a classic indie dive.

7. Stirling

Best place for castle fans

With an impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag – the plug of an extinct volcano – Stirling ’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of Stirling Castle . This fortress has seen serious action – it was bombarded by the Warwolf, a giant 14th-century English siege engine, and was besieged during the 1745 Jacobite rising, as well as sending troops to the battle of Bannockburn (the decisive battle celebrated at the end of Braveheart ), just a few miles south.

Today, views that stretch to the Highlands, glorious tapestries and juicy history make this Scotland’s best castle – and a great family attraction.

Planning tip:  It's best to visit in the afternoon; many tourists come on day trips, so you may have the castle almost to yourself by 4pm.

8. St Andrews

Best place for golfers

Scotland invented the game of golf, and the city of  St Andrews is still revered as its spiritual home by hackers and champions alike. Links courses are the classic experience here – bumpy coastal affairs where the rough is heather and machair (coastal grass) and the main enemy is the wind, which can make a disaster of a promising round in an instant.

St Andrews, the historic Fife university town, is golf's headquarters , and an irresistible destination for anyone who loves the sport. And if you're not so keen, well, the city has impressive medieval ruins , stately university buildings , idyllic white sands and excellent guesthouses and restaurants .

9. Skara Brae

Best place for lovers of ancient history

When visiting ancient sites, it can sometimes be difficult to bridge the gulf of years or build a connection with the people that built them, but Scotland’s superb prehistoric remains have an immediate impact. Few places offer a better glimpse of everyday Stone Age life than Skara Brae in Orkney  with its carefully constructed fireplaces, beds, cupboards and water cisterns.

This Neolithic village – which, at 5,000 years is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza – lay buried in coastal sand dunes for centuries. Even today, it can feel as though the inhabitants have just slipped out to go fishing and could return at any moment.

10. Glen Coe

Best place for clan history

Scotland's most famous glen combines two essential qualities of the Highlands: dramatic scenery and a deep sense of history. The peace and beauty of this valley today belies the fact that Glen Coe was the scene of a ruthless 17th-century massacre, when the local MacDonalds were murdered by soldiers of the Campbell clan.

Some of the glen's finest walks – to the Lost Valley, for example – follow the routes taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom perished in the snow.

Planning tip:  Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history.

11. Perthshire

Best place to enjoy nature's bounty

In Perthshire , the heart of Scotland, picturesque towns bloom with flowers, distilleries emit tempting malty odors and sheep graze in impossibly green meadows. There's a feeling of the bounty of nature that no other place in Scotland can replicate.

Blue-gray lochs shimmer, reflecting the changing moods of the weather; centuries-old trees tower amid riverside forests; majestic glens scythe their way into remote wildernesses; and salmon leap upriver to the place of their birth.

12. Shetland Islands

Best place for birdwatching

Close enough to Norway to make Scottish nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s most northerly outpost. The stirringly bleak setting – recognized as a precious UNESCO geopark – still feels uniquely Scottish though, with deep, naked glens flanked by steep hills, twinkling, sky-blue lochs and, of course, wandering sheep on the little-trafficked roads. It's the birdlife, however, that really draws visitors here.

From their first arrival in late spring to the raucous feeding frenzies of high summer, the vast colonies of gannets, guillemots, skua, puffins and kittiwakes at Hermaness , Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle provide some of Britain's most impressive birdwatching experiences.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas (and the Northern Lights).

13. Speyside

Best place for whisky tasting

Scotland's national drink is whisky – from the Gaelic uisge beatha , meaning “water of life” – and this fiery spirit has been distilled here for more than 500 years. More than 50 distilleries are in operation in Speyside, Scotland's most famous whisky area, famed for fruity, lightly spicy flavors (head over to Islay for peatier varieties).

Ask at the Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. If you just have time for one, the Balvenie Distillery is a good bet as it still uses a traditional malting floor – the smell is glorious!

Planning tip:  Dufftown lies at the heart of the region and is host to the biannual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

14. The Scotland Borders

Best place for a country ramble

Many visitors to Scotland race up to Edinburgh and then hightail it to the Highlands, missing the Scottish Borders entirely . That's their loss. Once fought over by war chiefs and cattle thieves, the Borders region is rich in history and packed with good cycling and hiking routes.

There are grand country houses, too – Traquair House brews Jacobite Ale and has a concealed room that once hid Catholic priests – and a series of gorgeous ruined abbeys – Gothic Melrose Abbey is the best – plus birds and sea cliffs at St Abb’s Head. More active types can fish for salmon or thunder down the mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

This article was first published May 2021 and updated November 2023

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The 10 most beautiful places in Scotland

From dolphin sightings off rugged coasts to glimpses of medieval and modern cities, these are the most dazzling destinations in Scotland

Growing up in Scotland , incredible beauty was so close at hand that I almost took it for granted. It was only when I hit my teens and twenties and started travelling that I began to truly understand why so many tourists – around three million a year – flock to my homeland from all over the world and are endlessly enraptured. It’s pretty uncommon, it turns out, to find a country where you can wake up in an ancient capital city, walk rugged coastline and admire historic engineering wonders, plunge into a misty Highland glen or climb a snow-flecked mountain all in the space of about 24 hours. Capped with a whisky, of course.

Scotland’s finest attractions both natural and manmade are not only abundant and extraordinary but amazingly accessible. At less than 31,000 square miles, Scotland is smaller than most American states and you can drive coast to coast in less than a day. And yet it packs in so much, from sweeping lochs and peatlands to sleepy fishing villages, cities steeped in culture, mountains stacked on mountains and castles enough to give you castle fatigue. Finding beauty in Scotland isn’t a case of where to look, so much as where to start. Here’s my pick of the most beautiful places in Scotland. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏩The best Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands 🎭The best things to do in Glasgow 🌲The best road trips in the UK 🏞️The most breathtaking hikes in the UK 🌤️The best places to visit in the UK

Malcolm Jack is a writer from Scotland. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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The most beautiful places in Scotland

1.  Edinburgh Old Town

Best for: Getting to the heart of Scottish urban history

Scotland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe , but for centuries people have clustered themselves so tightly into the medieval heart of Edinburgh that they literally built things on top of one another. Hugging a sloping slab of craggy volcanic rock, Edinburgh’s Old Town is a magical mystery tour through Scottish urban history, stretching from Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile down to Holyrood Palace at its foot. Among its warren of cobbled streets and narrow closes, wynds and terraces, you’ll discover traces of a subterranean city beneath a city, sudden sweeping views of the Auld Reekie skyline, and some classic hidden pubs . 

📍 Need more reasons to go to Edinburgh? Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Edinburgh Fringe . 

2.  Fingal’s Cave

Best for: Marvelling at the raw power of nature

‘The mighty surge that ebbs and swells,’ runs a line of a poem by Sir Walter Scott inspired by an 1810 visit to Fingal’s Cave on the Inner Hebridean island of Staffa, and the roar of the sea amplified by the cathedral-like enclosure. The 60-million-year-old geological wonder has inspired centuries of poetry, music, writing, painting and filmmaking. Accessible on foot over broken pillars of rock, or by boat when conditions a bit freakier, Fingal’s Cave is an assault on the senses. Deep darkness is hit by shards of light from the sea,  kaleidoscopic colours surround you and  sound reverberates around the walls and ceiling. Nature’s symphony, you could say, happens here, when air is sucked in and blasted out of the cave by the wind and the waves, creating rumbles and booms. Yes, it’s as poetic as it sounds. 

3.  Crail Harbour

Best for: Grabbing some fresh crab

Among a string of sleepy old fishing villages and towns along the coast of Fife’s East Neuk, Crail has to be the prettiest. Thanks not least to its picture-postcard perfect harbour – a crescent of time-and-tide washed sandstone set beneath steep cliffs, sheltering a small fleet of boats and weathered fishing creels stacked along the piers. Gorgeous old stepped-gabled cottages jut out of the hillside above at severe angles. While the harbour is nowhere near as active as it was in its late 19 th century Herring boom heyday, a handful of fishing vessels still operate, landing live lobster and crab which you can buy fresh off the boat from an iconic old harbourside shack, Reilly Shellfish . 

4.  The Cairnwell Pass

Best for: Taking the high road

Stretching from Glen Shee, Perthshire past the mountain ski resort of the same name to the enchanting Victorian village of Braemar, Aberdeenshire, The Cairnwell Pass is the highest main road in the UK and the southern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. The drive up – which can also be walked or cycled if you’re feeling fit enough – is literally breathtaking; the land suddenly sweeps sharply upward, and before you know it, you’re hundreds of metres above sea level gazing back down at the glen below. The sudden feeling of transition is profound and overwhelming – a true moment of arrival to the Scottish Highlands. Coming back down at speed makes your ears pop. Truly invigorating stuff. 

5.  V&A Dundee

Best for: A glimpse of modern Scotland

The first design museum in Scotland and the first Victoria and Albert museum outside of London has brought fascinating exhibitions on everything from video games to tartan to the City of Discovery. But you don’t even need to enter Japanese architect Kengo Kuma’s dramatic jagged building, inspired by the cliff edges of eastern Scotland, to experience its impact. Juxtaposed with the famous Dundee-built arctic explorer steamship RRS Discovery moored on the Tay next door, the V&A has helped re-shape and revitalise the entire city’s entire waterfront and provides an inspiring glimpse of a Scotland that seizes its future as well as celebrates its past. Sip a summertime beer by the sea at the pop-up outdoor café and you could be anywhere from Copenhagen to New York .

6.  The Small Isles

Best for: Dolphin spotting

Almost as famous as its Highlands are Scotland islands, many of the most beautiful of which are to be found off the west coast among the Hebridean Archipelago. While the larger islands of Harris and Lewis, Skye and Mull might attract the most tourists, the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides – Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum – offer up something different. Our favourite? The most populous small Isle, Eigg. H ome to only around 100 people, Eigg is a fascinating experiment in community ownership and sustainable living, and it’s got a stunning beach in the Singing Sands. Rum is a National Nature Reserve, while Canna (with a population only 15) has spectacular cliffs and archaeological sites. If you’re lucky, you can spot seals, dolphins and even whales onboard the ferry there. 

7.  Loch Katrine

Best for: A legendary cruise

It might be dwarfed by the far larger Loch Ness and nearby Loch Lomond, but for an unforgettable experience on and around one of Scotland’s countless famous bodies of inland water, the legendary Loch Katrine in the Trossachs can’t be beaten. This is a mystical, atmospheric spot, completely removed from the outside world and surrounded by huge mountains. So beautiful, in fact, it inspired  Sir Walter Scott’s poem ‘The Lady of the Lake’ and Gioachino Rossini’s opera ‘ La donna del lago’ . 

Oh, and because badboy hero of Scots folklore Rob Roy MacGregor was born on the loch’s northern shore, it’s served as Glasgow’s reservoir for over 150 years. There’s still functioning Victorian waterworks to admire, and you can you can hop on a cruise ship adjacent to the  SS Sir Walter Scott steamboat (yes, there’s a bar on board). Or simply walk or cycle a paved path along the northern shore.

8.  Dunnottar Castle

Best for: The crown jewel of Scottish castles

Big ones, small ones, ruined ones, living ones – Scotland has castles to suit every requirement. More than 1,500 in total, spanning over a thousand years in age. Of course, the most beautiful is a matter of taste, but Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire near Stonehaven has to be up there. Built in the 15 th and 16 th centuries, the ruins gaze out at the North Sea from a 160-foot rocky outcrop ringed by cliffs, once the stronghold for one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Earls Marischal, until they lost their titles in the failed 1715 Jacobite rebellion. The Scottish crown jewels were famously hidden here from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17 th century, and exploring Dunnottar’s remains with panoramic sea views is a seriously romantic experience.

9.  Ben Nevis

Best for: The highest of Highland highs

If you’re going to climb a Scottish mountain, might as well make it the biggest of the lot, right? And at 4,411 feet, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in Britain, and is always to be taken seriously – check the weather forecast well in advance before setting out, pack sensibly and wear strong footwear. But know that you don’t have to be a highly seasoned mountaineer to bag this Munro (as Scotland’s 282 mountains over 3,000 feet are known). It’s a relatively straightforward climb if you’re quite fit. Budget for about six to nine hours in all and set off nice and early to give yourself plenty of good daylight at the rocky summit. On a clear day, you’ll get 360° panoramic vistas stretching as far as Northern Ireland. In other words, it’s worth it. 

10.  The Flow Country

Best for: Splendid isolation

You can travel for miles across the barren far north of Scotland in Caithness and Sutherland and scarcely see another living soul or a trace of human habitation. The feeling of isolation is awe-inspiring, like a private audience with vast mountains and plains. A nd yet, the Flow Country as it’s known – the most extensive bog in the world, stretching over 1,500 square miles – will play a crucial role in the future of mankind. The soggy peatlands, formed of the remains of plants, store enormous quantities of carbon for thousands of years. Keeping them alive and healthy is essential in the fight against global warming. A decades-long quest for UNESCO World Heritage status and protection is hoped to be completed in 2024.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Scotland

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Think of Scotland, and you'll likely conjure up images of tartan-kilted Highlanders, skirling bagpipes, the Loch Ness Monster, lonely castles, golf, magnificent scenery, and shaggy Highland cattle. All of these are part of the mystique of this unique country, but also (apart from Nessie), a very real preview of what tourists can expect to see here.

You can explore Scotland by boat, on foot along its trails, on scenic train rides, or touring by car, and each experience will lead to unforgettable memories. History is everywhere as your sightseeing adventures take you to the impressive castles and fabled battlefields where clans fought, see you trace the footsteps of legendary kings and queens, or follow literary trails blazed by Robbie Burns and Sir Walter Scott .

Another of Scotland's great attractions is its solitude, with its remote stretches of heather-covered moors, secluded beaches , and wild, romantic mountains with their deep glens and lochs.

Whatever time of year you visit and wherever you choose to go, whether Scotland's vibrant cities , historic towns, or remote moors and islands, you'll find they are all filled with memorable things to see and do.

Plan your trip to some of the best places to visit in the UK with our list of the top attractions in Scotland.

1. Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile

2. loch lomond, 3. cruising loch ness and the caledonian canal, 4. the royal yacht britannia, edinburgh, 5. isle of skye and the inner hebrides, 6. stirling castle, 7. kelvingrove art gallery and museum, glasgow, 8. golf at st. andrews, 9. fort william & ben nevis, 10. riverside museum and tall ship, glasgow, 11. the scottish highlands, 12. isle of arran, 13. visit the site of the battle of culloden, 14. robbie burns country: the burns heritage trail, ayr, 15. the kelpies and the falkirk wheel, best time to visit scotland, more must-see destinations in scotland.

The stone towers and walls of Edinburgh Castle have dominated the Edinburgh skyline since the 13th century. Perched atop black basalt rock, it offers magnificent views of the city and a trip through Scotland's tumultuous history.

Highlights of Edinburgh Castle are the spectacular Crown Jewels, the famous Stone of Destiny (the Stone of Scone), and St. Margaret's Chapel, built in 1130 and the oldest building in Edinburgh. You'll enter the castle over a drawbridge across an old moat from the broad Esplanade , where the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held every August. Bronze statues of legendary heroes William Wallace and Robert the Bruce seem to keep watch over the castle gates.

Below, a stroll along the Royal Mile remains one of the top free things to do in Edinburgh . Stretching down the steep escarpment, the Royal Mile leads to the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, another of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks. Be sure to allow some time in your Edinburgh itinerary to visit neighboring Holyrood Park, undoubtedly one of the city's top parks and green spaces to explore.

Lined by brick townhouses and historic landmarks, the Royal Mile is another highlight of a visit. Filled with small shops, kilt makers, tearooms, museums, and cafés, between its tall buildings, some reaching more than 10 stories on the downhill side, are narrow little alleys waiting to be explored. Called "winds," they weave between tiny hidden closes and are no end of fun.

Be sure to also include the National Museum of Scotland in your Edinburgh itinerary, too. One of Scotland's top attractions, this fun, free museum includes everything from medieval artifacts to displays relating to art and science.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh
• Top-Rated Day Trips from Edinburgh

Idyllic Loch Lomond, just a short drive northwest of Glasgow, is Britain's largest lake. According to Scots author Walter Scott, it's also "The Queen of Scottish Lakes." With an abundance of trout, salmon, and whitefish as a lure for anglers; water sports adventures; and plenty of open space for hikers, this beautiful corner of Scotland is also a favorite day trip from the city .

Boat trips and cruises are popular things to do in Loch Lomond, as are lakeside rambles and longer treks up majestic Ben Lomond (3,192 feet). From here you'll enjoy spectacular views across the Trossachs National Park .

The latest attraction to be added here is Loch Lomond Shores , home to a great shopping mall selling local crafts, a farmers market, restaurants, and bike and boat rentals. A major draw here is the Loch Lomond SEA LIFE Aquarium . In addition to its displays of native marine life, this family-friendly attraction houses Scotland's biggest shark tank. Weather permitting, be sure to pay a visit to the rooftop.

Loch Lomond is a good first stop on a tour from Glasgow along the Western Highland Way through the Argyll countryside to Fort William . Savor the romance of a Scottish country estate at Cameron House at the south end of the loch, where you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities that include its lakeshore golf course.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do around Loch Lomond

Think of Loch Ness and you'll probably picture the mythical monster that, according to legend, has made this 23-mile-long loch home for countless centuries. The largest body of water in Scotland's Great Glen , Loch Ness is part of a waterway connecting the east and west coasts of Scotland.

It and three other lochs are joined together by the Caledonian Canal, which you can cruise on short excursions from, or on a six-hour voyage from one end to the other. These fun canal cruises from Dochgarroch take you through the canal locks that adjust the varying water levels.

The canal and each of the lochs is surrounded by some of the most beautiful Highland scenery, but no part is more scenic than Loch Ness itself, with the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle on its hillside above the water. The center of many ancient myths, the 12th-century castle fell victim to a fire some 500 years later.

The best views of the castle are from the water, and you can arrive by boat or drift past on a Loch Ness cruise. Fueling the Nessie legend with exhibits and accounts of sightings, Loch Ness Exhibition at Drumnadrochit Hotel also has interesting information on the geological formation of Loch Ness and the surrounding area. The castle, the canal, and Loch Ness are easily accessible from Inverness .

While getting to Loch Ness from Edinburgh or Glasgow can take a few hours, it's certainly worth the effort, especially if you plan on making a fun Scottish weekend break of it.

• Read More: Visiting Loch Ness: Top Attractions & Tours

For more than 40 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia was a floating royal residence, traveling more than 1,000,000 miles around the world. Glimpse the life of the royal family, their guests, and the crew as you explore Britannia's five main decks with an audio tour, visiting the Bridge, State Apartments and Royal Bedrooms, Crew's Quarters, and Engine Room.

You can also see the Rolls-Royce Phantom V that used to travel onboard, and stop for afternoon tea and cakes in the Royal Deck Tea Room. Newly added to the attraction in 2019 is the Fingal Hotel , offering luxury accommodations set in a former lighthouse tender berthed next to the royal yacht.

Address: Ocean Drive, Edinburgh

The largest of Scotland's inner isles, Skye is especially popular with birders, ramblers, and nature lovers. Its wild, romantic mountain scenery is marked by green valleys, caves, lonely glens, some of Scotland's best sandy beaches , and rushing waterfalls. It's a quite remarkable variety of beautiful scenery for an island that's just 50 miles long and never more than 15 miles wide.

The island also has the remains of primeval oak forests, as well as an abundance of wildlife that includes otters, seals, and at least 200 species of birds. Getting to Skye is easy, as it's connected to the mainland via a bridge. For added fun, you can also get here by ferry.

The other islands in the Inner Hebrides include, among others, Islay, Jura, Mull, Raasay, Staffa, and Iona. Getting to Iona is a bit more complicated, requiring two ferry rides but is tremendously rewarding. This is considered Scotland's "Cradle of Christianity" as it was here that St. Columba arrived from Ireland in the 6th century to spread the gospel.

A 12th-century church, atmospheric ruins of an abbey, and a carved stone memorial from the 10th century are among its attractions. It's also home to Scotland's oldest Christian cemetery , with graves of more than 60 Scottish kings, including Macbeth.

Make sure you allocate a little time to explore Portree, too. One of the prettiest small towns in Scotland , Portree's charming natural harbor is the place to buy some fresh seafood or simply watch the world go by. Better still, from here you can join a fun fishing trip to catch some fish of your own.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on the Isle of Skye

The palace of James V and childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots , Stirling Castle is one of the best-preserved Renaissance buildings in the UK. It's also an excellent day trip destination from Edinburgh , just an hour to the east, or from Glasgow , 45 minutes to the south.

While some earlier structures still stand, the castle's grand halls and rooms are carefully restored and furnished to their 1500s appearance, even to painstaking reproductions of its tapestries. Costumed interpreters interact with visitors to bring the castle and its history to life, and History Hunter programs on weekends are designed for young explorers.

Situated between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Stirling is famous for the Battle of Bannockburn , which saw Robert the Bruce defeat the English invaders in 1314, as well as the Battle of Stirling Bridge , a victory for Scottish independence secured by the legendary William Wallace. The splendid Bannockburn Heritage Centre offers excellent displays and exhibits regarding this important era.

Between Stirling and Bridge of Allan stands the majestic Wallace Monument , a spectacular 246-step tower with incredible views of the area. You'll also see a number of artifacts said to have belonged to the great Wallace himself.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Stirling

Since a fire devastated much of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh at the Glasgow School of Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has become the primary destination for admirers of the Glasgow Style, a distinctive part of the Arts & Crafts movement and Art Nouveau styles of the early 20th century.

Created and opened shortly before the fire, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style Gallery includes several entire Mackintosh rooms, as well as works by other prominent artists of the movement.

Along with other notable treasures-a Van Gogh portrait, Bronze Age tools and jewelry from Arran and Kintyre, a 1944 Mark 21 Spitfire is also on display. You'll also want to see the magnificent 1901 organ used for daily free concerts -one of the museum's most popular exhibits is Salvador Dali's Christ of St. John of the Cross .

Visiting off-season? Glasgow's also one of the top places to visit in Scotland in winter , with its many museums and cultural attractions hosting special seasonal events and programs. Some of the city's parks and public spaces take on new life as skating rinks and Christmas markets, too.

Address: Argyle Street, Glasgow

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Glasgow

The Scots lay claim to many inventions, including the bicycle, postage stamps, telephones, and steam engines. But perhaps their most enduring invention is the game of golf. One of the lifetime dreams of dedicated golfers is to play the much-revered The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews .

Just 12 miles southeast of Dundee , it was founded in 1750 and recognized internationally as golf's ruling body. Today, St. Andrews regularly hosts the famous British Open at one of its many 18-hole courses, the most famous of which is the par-72 Old Course running alongside the rugged coast.

Although tee times are often reserved six months in advance, some are kept available by lottery two days in advance for those who don't have reservations. Worth visiting are the majestic old Clubhouse and the British Golf Museum , which documents the history of the "home of golf" from the Middle Ages to the present day.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in St. Andrews

The best place to explore Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain, is from the picturesque town of Fort William.

Situated at the southeastern end of the Caledonian Canal, this coastal town can trace its roots back to the original fort built here in the 17th century. Although since long gone, the history of the fort can be explored in the West Highland Museum , along with sizable collections of paintings, Highland costumes, and weaponry.

A must-do is hop aboard The Jacobite steam train . Made famous by the Harry Potter movie franchise, the train follows the West Highland Line over the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Then, there's Ben Nevis. Easy to discern from Fort William on a clear day, it's an impressive sight, and one that draws many a-hiker, both amateur and hardcore alike. Despite its elevation, the ascent can be achieved in around 2.5 hours. And it's well worth it for the spectacular views, extending as far as 150 miles across the Scottish Highlands and as far as Ireland .

• Read More: Attractions & Things to Do in Fort William

One of Scotland's most visited attractions, the free Riverside Museum in Glasgow gathers together the history of transportation by land and water in an eye-catching new venue. During the course of a visit, you'll see trams, locomotives, buses, horse-drawn carriages, and vintage cars, along with ships and other models.

A highlight is the authentic reconstruction of 1938 Glasgow streets , with shops you can enter, and platforms leading up to all the locomotives on display. In all, more than 20 interactive displays and 90 large touch screens add images, recollections, and films that bring added meaning to the collections.

Outside on the River Clyde, you can board the S. S. Glenlee , a tall ship built in 1896 . It has the distinction of being the only Clyde-built ship still sailing in Britain.

Address: 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow

The Scottish Highlands have a mystique born of rugged, untamed landscapes and a long history, at once violent yet romantic. Sparsely inhabited, these mountains and rocky shores are loved equally by hikers and bikers and by those who enjoy fishing, golf, sea kayaking, white-water rafting, gorge walking, and other outdoor adventures in Britain's largest area of outstanding natural beauty.

Sprinkled through it are lovely little villages and towns with lodging and eating places. Stop in the tiny coastal village of Dornoch to see its cathedral and castle ruins, and in John o'Groats, overlooking the Pentland Firth, where a much-photographed sign proclaims it the northernmost point of Britain . From here, you're 874 miles from the country's southernmost point at Land's End in Cornwall.

If you've rented a car and have plenty of time on your hands, you can explore the Scottish Highlands via a fun new tourist route, the North Coast 500 . While you could do it faster, we'd advise you spend at least five days to a week to see everything there is to see along this spectacular driving route.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Inverness & the Scottish Highlands

The lovely Isle of Arran is called "Scotland in Miniature" for good reason. This picture-perfect island off the country's west coast mirrors the landscapes of the entire country in an area of scarcely 166 square miles.

Here, you can find rolling moors, rugged mountains, sandy beaches, fishing harbors, castles, and golf courses, all less than an hour's ferry ride from Glasgow. While you could see some of the best bits of Arran as a day trip, you'd do better to allow a day or two's sightseeing to make sure you get the most from your visit.

Best of all, there's no need for a car because buses run regularly around the island, connecting its main attractions. Although its highlights—including Brodick Castle and Goat Fell Mountain (2,866 feet)—can be visited in a day, including the ferry ride, you could easily spend a few days exploring this little sampler of Scotland. And you really, really should.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran

Few tourist attractions in Scotland yank the heartstrings in quite the same way as the Culloden Battlefield and Visitors Centre . It was here in April 1746 that Scotland's last attempt at attaining its independence from England by force was quashed in what came to be known as the Battle of Culloden, although many consider it a massacre.

The state-of-the-art visitor's center is where you should begin your visit. In addition to its excellent displays offering perspective along with first-hand accounts of this fateful day in Scottish history, there's a superb immersive film that outlines the key events as they unfolded. There's also a rooftop viewing platform overlooking the battlefield itself.

Be sure to spend some time wandering these grounds themselves. Highlights include a number of Scottish clan gravestones; a Memorial Cairn; as well as the Cumberland Stone, which marks the place from which the English commanded the battlefield. There are also a few surviving buildings, including the Old Leanach Cottage.

While the site is easy enough to get to from Inverness—it's less than 15 minutes east by car—those who prefer letting someone else do the heavy lifting may wish to combine the attraction as part of an organized tour.

One of the best, especially for fans of the hit TV show, is Diana Gabledon's Outlander Experience Tour. In addition to Culloden, these fun Scottish tours take in other major attractions including Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Address: Culloden Moor, Inverness

No visit to Scotland is complete without visiting at least one or two sites associated with the country's most famous son: poet Robbie Burns. A great way to experience a little of Burns' life and times—as well as see some of the most beautiful parts of the country—is along the Burns Heritage Trail.

Start at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, on the outskirts of Ayr. Here you'll find the perfectly preserved thatched house where the poet was born and spent much of his childhood.

Other Burns-related landmarks to visit include a monument and gardens created to commemorate his life and time in Ayr, a collection of his most important writing, and the 16th-century Auld Kirk where his father is buried.

From Ayr this circular tour heads south to Dumfries . Here, you can see the excellent Robert Burns House where the celebrated poet spent the last four years of his life and where he died in 1796, aged just 36. Now a museum displaying Burns-related memorabilia, this attraction portrays a vivid portrait of his life, and his final resting place is just a short distance away in St. Michael's Churchyard.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Ayr

An easy 25-minute drive south of Stirling, you'll find yourself staring at two of the most incredible artworks in the UK: the Kelpies. Standing over 100 ft high, these two water horse statues are the centerpiece of a massive public park in Falkirk called The Helix . Built in 2013, the park and its twin kelpies are must-photograph landmarks for those who enjoy a good selfie.

Be sure to also visit the Falkirk Wheel. Just 15 minutes' drive west of the kelpies, this impressive 115-foot structure was built to connect the Clyde, Forth, and Union canals. As much fun as it is to watch it in action from the ground, hop aboard one of the regular one-hour boat rides that will take you up and down this remarkable feat of engineering.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Falkirk

No matter when you visit Scotland, prepare to get wet. It rains a LOT here! The upside of all this moisture can be found in the lush and vibrant hills, bright green grasses, and beautiful spring blossoms.

If you're hoping to enjoy more comfortable temperatures and a little break in all that precipitation, the best time of year to visit Scotland is during the s pring (late March through June) or Autumn (September through November) . April is the driest month, so keep that in mind if you're hoping to explore without having to change shoes and socks.

Visiting during this time ensures you won't shiver as much as you would during frigid December and January. It also helps you avoid the busier (and much pricier) high season (a.k.a. June, July, and August), with its tour buses crowding the most charming small towns and inns that are packed to capacity.

You'll miss the jam-packed summer festivals like the Edinburgh International Festival , the Edinburgh Fringe Festival , and the Highland Games . And you won't be able to watch the whales migrate, but you will be mesmerized by Scotland's natural beauty bursting onto the scene in the form of buds, blossoms, and fall foliage. Plus, you'll be able to experience it all in a quieter, more tranquil setting.

Another bonus: attractions that close mid-October have reopened by late-March, and those that enforced reduced hours during the colder, darker months are back up and running at full throttle.

If you're worried about hitting cooler temperatures by avoiding summer travel, keep in mind that July and August only reach highs of 66 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's not like you're going to be sweating it out on a beach.

Scotland's Cities: As you tour around Scotland, you'll inevitably find places you'll want to spend more time, digging deeper into the country's fascinating culture and seeing more of its top attractions. For example, you could easily spend an entire vacation exploring the sites in Edinburgh without seeing everything. In Glasgow , enjoying the city's many art treasures and its vibrant cultural and entertainment scene could also take a few days.

Rural Scotland: Both lovely Loch Lomond and fabled Loch Ness have more things to do around their shores, and the Scottish Highlands are filled with places to pursue outdoor sports. There's more than golf around St. Andrews , and you can island-hop through the Hebrides by ferry and bus.

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How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation

From fairy-tale castles to charming small towns, the Scottish countryside is every bit as spectacular as you've heard.

Best Times to Go to Scotland

Best things to do in scotland.

• Getting to the Scottish Highlands

Where to Stay in Scotland

With its stately castles , glass-like lochs, and voluptuous glens, Scotland has always been a showstopper. The country's magic extends from its quaint small towns to the snow-capped peaks of its romantic, rugged Highlands to its dynamic modern cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It's home to some of the best national parks in the U.K. and more than 900 offshore islands with extraordinary wildlife like regal red stags, majestic golden eagles, humpback whales, and massive salmon (not to mention the fabled inhabitant of Loch Ness, too).

The raw, poetic beauty of this ancient land — formerly known as Caledonia — is difficult to overstate. If you're hoping to head to the U.K.'s ravishing northern nation, read on for our guide to planning the perfect Scotland vacation.

The bad news is that, like the rest of the U.K., Scotland's weather is far from reliable, even at the height of summer. But as long as you're prepared to accept that and pack a raincoat for the odd shower or two, then you'll be fine from May to September. The smart money is on visiting in June and the first two weeks of July, when Scotland basks in seemingly endless summer evenings (the sun doesn't set until 11 p.m. in some parts of the Highlands) and the British school holidays have not yet begun, so prices remain low.

For winter travelers, Scotland has the U.K.'s best ski resort at Cairngorm Mountain , while the capital, Edinburgh, hosts one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties, Hogmanay .

If you like the great outdoors, you'll love Scotland. It's an ideal place for hiking, biking, and generally embracing the wildly beautiful landscape. You can summit magnificent Ben Nevis in a day (the tallest mountain in the U.K., at 4,413 feet), take a ferry out to explore the Hebrides archipelago and its stunning white-sand beaches, tour scores of castles, including the Queen's favorite holiday home, Balmoral (open to the public every April through July), and dive into a quirky food scene encompassing dishes like haggis (an offal and oatmeal combo, which tastes significantly better than it sounds), deep-fried mars bars, and juicy scallops, langoustines, and mussels.

Scotland is also a mecca for both golfers ( St. Andrews Old Course is the headline act) and whisky lovers , with some of the world's best distilleries available to tour, including Johnnie Walker on Edinburgh's lively Princes Street, Glenlivet near pretty Ballindalloch, and the legendary Macallan on a sprawling country estate in nearby Aberlour.

If you enjoy driving, you'll find some of the U.K.'s emptiest, most dramatic roads here, too, (as driven by James Bond in "Skyfall"), including the latest official addition, the North Coast 500 , an action-packed 500-mile route (516 to be exact) featuring mind-boggling coastal scenery, jaw-dropping beaches, rolling hillside, quaint fishing villages, and multiple hidden gems.

And if you prefer your challenges on foot, check out the magnificent West Highland Way , the country's best-loved long-distance walking route. Snaking its way from Milngavie to Fort William, it covers some of Scotland's finest scenery over 96 miles and is normally completed from south to north.

Meanwhile, history buffs will also be agog on any visit to Scotland, thanks to its 3,000-plus castles ( Castle Sween in Argyll is the oldest, dating back to the 1100s), as well as plenty to check out in the winding wynds (narrow lanes) and twisted staircases of Edinburgh's enchanting Old Town. ( Edinburgh Castle , towering over the city, is arguably the grandest in the country, too.)

If you can, make time to visit Perth, the former Scottish capital where kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny and infamous Glen Coe, a beautiful valley full of waterfalls and deer, also known for the brutal clan massacre of 1692 (which inspired the Red Wedding in George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones ).

Where are the Scottish Highlands — and what is the best way to get there?

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

The clue is in its name: the Highlands are the mountainous upper half of Scotland, covering 10,000 square miles of picturesque scenery. The region's lively capital is Inverness , which sits centrally and is a superb base from which to explore, while other highlights include mysterious, misty Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park , and idyllic Isle of Skye , which has been connected to the mainland via a road bridge since 1995.

The easiest way to reach the Highlands is to fly into Inverness Airport from London or elsewhere in the U.K., or rent a car and drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. However, the way to arrive in style is on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston, a chugging time machine where you can fall asleep to the sounds of black cabs and bustle of the British capital and wake up among the red deer and magical glens of the Highlands. Regularly nominated as one of the world's best train journeys , the scenery gets truly spectacular after Fort William, as the route skirts a dramatic chain of lochs before descending into lush glens and crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. For the ultimate Hogwarts experience, steam locomotives work this route during the summer months, so check in advance for these special departures.

The major cities have an abundance of hotels for every budget, headlined by Glasgow's Kimpton Blythswood Square , a boutique property in the former headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, and The Dunstane Houses in Edinburgh, a pair of beautifully renovated 19th-century townhouses.

Scotland arguably does traditional country house hotels and rustic lodges better than anywhere else in the world, with Fife Arms in Braemar and Gleneagles in Perthshire being particular treats (the latter, nicknamed the "Glorious Playground" boasts three championship golf courses, its own dedicated train station, and the only restaurant in the country with two Michelin stars).

Scotland is, of course, peppered with castles, and many have been converted into hotels and B&Bs in recent years, with some of the better fortified accommodation options including Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, and Stonefield Castle Hotel on Loch Fyne.

Wherever you stay, you'll get a warm welcome — not to mention a hot bowl of Scottish porridge or a plate of bacon, eggs, and haggis to start the day in a spectacularly scenic country.

The 25 Best Things to do in Scotland (From a Local!)

From soaring mountain peaks to glorious glens and beautiful lochs, Scotland is a country that’s bursting with spectacular scenery and fantastic places to visit. Scotland is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and you can spend weeks at a time hiking long-distance trails, bagging Munros, and camping out in the wilderness. 

You can delve into the folklore on the Isle of Skye, go birdwatching on St Kilda, or spot wildlife in the Shetlands. There are monsters to be searched for at Loch Ness, the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom (Ben Nevis) is waiting to be climbed, and the Isle of Lewis and Harris is the perfect destination for beachgoers. 

In the Orkney Islands, you’ll find ancient stone circles and Neolithic settlements, while museums and galleries are on every street in Edinburgh and Glasgow . And across Scotland, there are medieval castles and country estates waiting to be explored. 

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Scotland for you. Stick to these fun and unique Scotland bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this beautiful part of the world!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 25 Best Things to do in Scotland

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The 25 Best Things to do in Scotland

1. climb ben nevis – scotland’s highest mountain.

Rising to an altitude of 1,345 meters, Ben Nevis has the lofty distinction of being the highest mountain in Scotland. But it’s more than this because Ben Nevis, which sits in the midst of the Scottish Highlands, is the tallest mountain to be found anywhere in the United Kingdom! 

Ben Nevis is part of the Grampian Mountains, and it’s located close to the town of Fort William, which is generally considered to be Scotland’s adventure capital. Ben Nevis can be climbed in one day, but you do need to be physically fit and have some experience hiking up mountains if you decide to tackle the summit on your own. 

Starting at the Visitors Centre at the base of the mountain, most travelers will take the Mountain Track, which is the easiest route to the top. We say easy, but it’s still going to take you at least 6 hours to get there and back again!

Now, 1,345 meters might not seem that tall either, especially if you’re from or have visited other more mountainous parts of the world. While you won’t get altitude sickness climbing Ben Nevis, you do still need to be prepared for the weather to turn. 

The Scottish Highlands have notoriously poor weather conditions, and even in the summer, you need to be ready to navigate through thick fog and deal with torrential rain, wind, or even snow. With a bit of planning and a little training, though, Ben Nevis can be conquered, making this one of the best things to do in Scotland! 

2. Road trip the North Coast 500

One of the coolest things to do in Scotland is the North Coast 500, or NC500, a spectacular self-driving route that takes you through Northern Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. The NC500 is 516 miles long (hence the name!), and it was designed to link up the best outdoor, cultural, and historical attractions to the north of Inverness.

You can rent a car – or better yet, a campervan – and take it slow as you road trip the NC500. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even cycle the route. Your road trip begins (and ends) in Inverness, and you can start by heading west to meet the coast at Applecross. 

From Applecross, you’ll head north. Sort of. The road here starts to get bendy as you weave your way along the rocky western shores, driving around long peninsulas and crossing dramatic bridges that span the lochs and estuaries. 

When you make it to the north coast, you can stop off at John O’groats, the most northerly point in mainland Britain. From there, it’s back south, following the eastern shore as you weave your way down to finish the road trip in Inverness. 

This is one of the best Scottish activities, and you’ll be awed by the sheer beauty of the Highlands and the coastal scenery. Although the weather is best in the summer, it can get spectacularly busy, too. If you can, we recommend trying to tackle the NC500 outside of peak holidays. We also recommend camping out to escape the crowds. 

3. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig

Have you ever seen the Harry Potter movies? If the answer is “yes,” you’ll have seen the Hogwarts Express as it steams its way through dramatic mountain scenery. That’s not CGI because it was the historic Jacobite Steam Train that stood in for the Hogwarts Express in many of the external shots. 

The Jacobite runs on the West Highland Line, a 42-mile railway track that connects Fort William to Mallaig. The journey takes around 2 hours to complete. During the trip, you’ll be enjoying the comforts of a vintage railway carriage (you can order cream teas on board!) as the steam train whistles and chugs its way across the Highlands to the most westerly train station in Britain.

Along the way, you’ll have unreal views of the Scottish Highlands as you leave Fort William in a cloud of smoke before rushing headlong over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You’ll see mountains, lakes, and rivers before alighting the train next to the banks of the deepest loch in Europe. 

You can hang around in Mallaig – which sits perfectly on the western coast of Scotland – or head off to explore the islands of the Hebrides. Alternately, you can jump back on board in the afternoon and head back to Fort William if you’re in a hurry. The Jacobite Steam Train runs twice a day in both directions from April through the end of October. 

4. Walk along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

Edinburgh is Scotland’s lofty capital city, and it’s a capital that’s packed with regal history and royal charm. A trip to Edinburgh is a must when you visit Scotland, especially if it’s your first time in the country, and a walk along Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile should be at the top of your Scotland bucket list!

This is the most iconic street in Scotland, and it runs for one “Scottish Mile” (which is longer than your average mile!) from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle . Along the way, you can stop off at some of the capital’s most historic attractions, starting with the British monarchy’s official Scottish residence at Holyrood. 

After gazing at stately halls and lavish regalia, continue along the Royal Mile, passing the Scottish Parliament and important locations such as Canongate. You can stop off at the National Museum of Edinburgh or take a break for a refreshing pint of beer in one of the many pubs along the route. 

Edinburgh Castle sits at the top of a craggy, volcanic rock at the far end of the Royal Mile. As you near the castle’s imposing medieval gates, you might find bagpipers playing tunes for the tourists. 

Stroll through the gates, and you’ll find yourself inside the walls of Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll be surrounded by centuries of Scottish history. The castle dates back to at least the 11th century AD, but the volcanic rock that it sits upon has been a fortress for millennia. You can walk the castle’s walls, enjoy glorious views over the city from the towers, and learn about the local history in the castle’s museums. 

5. Delve into the National Museum of Scotland

You can’t escape the history when you visit Scotland, so dig in and learn more about the nation’s rich heritage with a visit to the National Museum of Scotland !

This is the nation’s number one museum, and it’s devoted to uncovering, exploring, and displaying Scotland’s past, present, and future for all to see. You’ll find the museum in Edinburgh, set back a few streets from the Royal Mile, and what better setting could there be than the capital for a national museum?

Be prepared for a deep dive because the National Museum of Scotland offers a wealth of displays and exhibitions delving back as far as the county’s prehistoric era. You’ll move swiftly through history as you learn about the Scots who shaped Scotland and how Scotland helped shape the world. 

Save a few hours for this museum when you are in Edinburgh because you’re going to need all the time in the world to see everything that’s on display. There are exhibits on fashion, transport, medicine, conflict, politics, and so much more, making this one of the best places to visit in Scotland!

6. Hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat (Edinburgh’s extinct volcano)

If you’re exploring Edinburgh, then the hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat is one of the most unique things to do in Scotland. Arthur’s Seat is the best viewpoint in the city, but it’s more than this because Arthur’s Seat is also an ancient, extinct volcano. 

This unusual natural feature is a symbol of the Scottish capital. It rises high above the Parliament building and Holyrood Palace, standing guard over Scotland’s institutions and people. The volcano is located at the end of the Royal Mile, and despite being a wild and natural place to explore, it’s so very close to the city. 

You can start your hike at Holyrood Palace before walking through Holyrood Park and then following the trail to the top of Arthur’s Seat. The top of the extinct volcano is some 250 meters above sea level, but the hike is fairly gentle and should take no more than 30 minutes each way. If you’re down for some exercise, though, you can join the many trail-running locals who use Arthur’s Seat for training!

From the top, you’ll have spectacular views across to the Firth of Forth in one direction and down to Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh in the other.

7. Follow the ‘Castle Trail’ in Aberdeenshire

Visit Aberdeenshire, and you’ll find that the county has more castles than anywhere else in Scotland, with a grand total of 260 fortifications, ruins, and country estates dotted across the region. 

That’s more castles than you could ever hope to see in one trip to Scotland, but you can enjoy a whistle-stop tour of the best when you follow the “Castle Trail.” This 300-mile road trip route starts in Stonehaven, on Aberdeen’s coast, where you’ll visit the famous Dunnottar Castle before heading inland to explore stately homes.

You’ll continue across Aberdeenshire, visiting three or four castles per day and enjoying the scenery as you explore both coastline and countryside. You can end the tour in Aberdeen, one of Scotland’s most underrated cities, where you can visit museums, galleries, and distilleries before heading off on your next adventure. 

8. Follow in the footsteps of royalty at Stirling Castle

If you only have time to visit one castle when you’re in Scotland, then make it Stirling Castle . This is one of the country’s most important strongholds, and you’ll be awed by the sight of tall towers and medieval walls standing tall on top of the craggy hilltop. 

Stirling Castle is located next to a vital crossing of the River Forth, and it’s thought to date back to at least the 12th century, if not earlier. The castle remained strategically important for many centuries, and the vast majority of defensive structures that remain today were added in the 15th and 16th centuries.

This was the scene of bloody battles and sieges between the Scots and the English throughout history. So it makes sense that the castle came to symbolize the idea of Scottish independence. Many of Scotland’s kings and queens were even crowned here, including Mary, Queen of Scots. 

9. Delve into the depths of Glasgow’s many, many museums

Glasgow is often overshadowed by its neighbor, the Scottish capital Edinburgh. But you should know that there’s just as much history and culture to be found in Glasgow as there is in Edinburgh! 

Glasgow is a literal treasure trove of museums, and whether it’s history, art, or science that excites you, you’ll find it here in the city. We recommend that you start at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum , a grand Victorian-era museum that’s home to dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, World War II fighter planes, and archaeological finds gathered from across the world. 

Next, visit the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens , a unique museum and botanic garden that tells the story of the people of Glasgow. The Riverside Museum is home to tall ships and transport exhibitions, while Glasgow Science Centre needs little introduction. 

Once you’ve exhausted all of the top museums, you can move on to the more niche favorites, including the Hunterian Museum , the Hunterian Art Gallery , the Scottish Football Museum , and even the Glasgow Police Museum . If you love museums, then it’s safe to say you’ve landed in the right city!

10. Adventure around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

If you’re staying in Glasgow, then you don’t need to travel far to escape the city and lose yourself in Scotland’s beautiful and vibrant natural scenery. Just north of the suburbs, you can find Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park , which is less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow city center. 

This is where the Scottish Highlands begin, and you’ll find a large freshwater loch (Loch Lomond) that forms the basis for the national park. Loch Lomond is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the UK, and you’ll have ample opportunity to explore the loch and get out and enjoy some watersports. 

If you’re up for some hill walking or mountaineering, you’ve come to the right place because you can find many of Scotland’s tallest Munros in the national park. One of the most popular mountains to climb is Ben Lomond, which sits at an altitude of 974 meters. It’s a great warmup if you’re planning to tackle Ben Nevis later on in your trip to Scotland. 

11. Hike the West Highland Way

If you’re looking to travel slowly, and experience the great outdoors, one of the best Scotland activities is hiking the West Highland Way. There are many long-distance hiking routes in Scotland, but this is the classic walking trail. It’s the oldest long-distance route in Scotland, and we know that hikers are going to love it!

The West Highland Way is 96 miles long, and it starts just north of Glasgow and ends in Fort William. The official starting point is Milngavie, which is a Glaswegian suburb, but you’ll soon find yourself immersed in nature just a few miles into the trail. 

From Milngavie, the West Highland Way takes you north, running parallel to Scotland’s West Coast as you head toward Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. You’ll walk through beautiful glens and valleys, alongside locks and rivers, and through quaint highland towns and villages as you edge ever closer to the endpoint at Fort William. 

When you reach Fort William, you can try to summit Ben Nevis. But only if you’ve still got any energy left in you after a multi-day hike through the mountains! 

The West Highland Way is well marked along its entire length, but it’s always a good idea to have a map just in case you want to take a detour. There are lots of campsites and bed and breakfasts along the way, and in Scotland, it’s also legal to wild camp when you’re out on the trail. 

12. Explore Glencoe’s beauty and history

The Scottish Highlands is a place of both heartbreak and beauty, and you can learn all about the region’s tumultuous history and explore its natural beauty with a visit to Glencoe.

You’ll find the village of Glencoe sitting on the banks of Loch Leven and the River Coe, and it’s a charming base for a Highland excursion. The village itself has several hotels and bed and breakfasts catering to tourists, as well as a folk museum and plenty of opportunities for kayaking or canoeing on the loch. 

The real reason to visit the village, though, isn’t for the loch, but for the glen. A glen is a type of narrow valley, and the village of Glencoe sits at the end of this valley. Glencoe was made for hiking, and you can spend days walking along the valley, hiking the loch-side trails, and delving deeper into the Highlands. 

But there’s a darker side to Glencoe, which you’ll unearth if you hike along the valley to the Glencoe Visitors Centre . Here you’ll learn how Glencoe was the site of an infamous massacre. In 1692, government troops massacred the local highland clans on this very spot after a failed uprising. 

This marked the beginning of the end for the Highland clan system, and the massacre was followed by mass clearances that changed the demographic makeup of the region forever. It was a turning point in Scottish history, and you can find out more about the historical and political consequences of the event during your stay in Glencoe. 

13. Search Loch Ness for its fabled monster

We’ve all heard the legendary rumors of the Loch Ness Monster. This fabled beast is said to inhabit the cold waters of Loch Ness, and tales of its exploits have abounded for centuries. While the rumors are just that (rumors!), don’t let that distract you from embracing this mythical, beautiful, and scenic Scottish destination.

The myth itself is entrenched in the wild nature of Loch Ness. This is one of Scotland’s largest lochs, and it’s located in the far north of the Highlands, just below Inverness. Loch Ness is the second-deepest freshwater loch in Scotland, and the waters are notoriously dark with extremely poor visibility – a condition that only adds fuel to the monster fire. 

Visit Loch Ness, and you can join a monster searching tour of the loch if you so desire, where tourists are even encouraged to throw in bait to attract the monster to the surface. If that’s not your thing, then don’t worry because you can also enjoy a more peaceful cruise of the loch without having to keep your eyes out for Nessie.

There are several villages spaced around the loch, which is around 22 miles long. You can visit Urquhart Castle , a 13th-century fortress that crumbles dramatically next to the loch, or you can learn more about the area by popping into the Loch Ness Visitors Centre in the village of Drumnadrochit. 

Loch Ness is the perfect place to escape to the outdoors, and you’ll find an impressive array of hiking trails, biking trails, and outdoor opportunities such as kayaking, sailing, and boating to enjoy during your stay. 

14. Explore the ruins of the Antonine Wall

Have you heard of Hadrian’s Wall? Well, the famous Roman wall, built by Emperor Hadrian to mark the border between the Roman Empire and the rest of Britain, is many miles to the south of Scotland, in England.

But have you heard of the Antonine Wall? This is the lesser-known Roman fortification that is found in Scotland, running from east to west across the Scottish Highlands, just north of both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Antonine Wall was built around 142 AD by another Roman emperor, and it marked the most northerly expansion of the Roman Empire (yes, much further north than Hadrian’s Wall!).

Much of the Antonine Wall was built of wood, though, not stone like Hadrian’s Wall, so very little survived. Modern archaeological excavation has provided us with an insight into the Roman world as it was in Scotland, and you can explore many of the excavated remains on a journey along the Antonine Wall. 

Visit Glasgow, and you can start by delving into the artifacts that are held at the Hunterian Museum . The wall begins on the River Clyde, by Old Kilpatrick, then runs east until it hits the River Forth close to Edinburgh. There are impressive remains of an old bathhouse to see at Bearsden. Plus, the remains of the largest fort are found at Castlecary, while the ditches and ramparts at Rough Castle are said to be the best spot along the whole Antonine Wall. 

15. Explore Dundee’s maritime history

You’ll find Dundee on the banks of the River Tay, just where the river meets the North Sea. While Dundee hasn’t always been a popular place to visit, the city has had a recent facelift and now boasts a beautifully regenerated waterfront alongside some exciting museums.

We recommend arriving by train, so you can cross the magnificent Tay Bridge on your way over the river and into Dundee. You’ll love the city’s quirky architecture, which mixes modern design with Dundee’s traditional, industrial heritage. Dundee is also home to a branch of the V&A ( Victoria & Albert Museum ), which showcases more of the city’s contribution to both industry and design. 

The highlight of any trip to Dundee, though, is a visit to the RRS Discovery . The ship was built in Dundee before making its famous voyage to Antarctica in 1923. It’s now returned home and is berthed along the waterfront. You can learn all about the ship, its crew, and the discoveries they made at the museum. 

16. Go skiing in Scotland

If you’re visiting in the winter, skiing is one of the coolest things to do in Scotland. We’ll be the first to admit, though, that Scotland might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of winter sports. That’s just fine because while everyone else heads off to the Alps or the Pyrenees, you can make the most of the Scottish ski slopes in all their wintery glory! 

Scotland’s ski season is short but sweet, and you have several key destinations to choose from. One of the best is Cairngorm Mountain . This is one of the highest mountains in Scotland, and it rises to just over 1,000 meters in height. 

The ski area is within Cairngorms National Park, making this an exceptionally beautiful place to ski. Plus, you’ll love how there’s a mixture of downhill runs and cross-country routes for you to tackle.

Another Scottish favorite is the Glencoe Mountain Resort , which is supremely located in the Glencoe area, right in the shadow of Ben Nevis. This is where you’ll find Scotland’s tallest mountains and Munros, and in winter, they make for some excellent skiing! 

17. Sip Scotch in Scotland

Scotland’s most famous export is its whisky, and rest assured, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample a wee dram or two of the hard stuff during your travels!

If you’re in Edinburgh, then you should always start with a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience , where you’ll not only be taken on a journey through the production process and history of whisky, but you’ll have the chance to see the world’s largest collection of whisky in all its glory (followed by many tastings, of course!).

Across Scotland, there are many whisky distilleries offering tours and tastings. Plus, with six distinct whisky-producing regions, alongside over 100 individual producers, you’re going to be hardpressed to visit them all!

A few of the best whisky distilleries in Scotland include Glengoyne , which is just outside of Glasgow, Highland Park Distillery , which is all the way up in the Orkney Islands, and the world-famous Glenlivet , which is found in Cairngorms National Park. 

If that’s not enough whisky for one trip, then we recommend heading over to the Hebridean island of Islay, where you’ll find the highest concentration of distillers, including the likes of Laphroaig , Bowmore , and Lagavulin . 

18. Uncover folklore on the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the most unique places to visit in Scotland, and you’ll soon fall in love with the island’s breathtaking natural beauty and fairytale-esque folklore. 

This is Scotland’s second-largest island, and it’s connected to the island of Eilean Bàn by the dramatic Skye Bridge. Eilean Bàn is then connected to the mainland by another bridge, ensuring that any journey to Skye is going to be an epic one!

There’s a lot to do on the Isle of Skye, but most of the activities revolve around the island’s great outdoors. First, hike the trail to Fairy Pools, where you can wild swim in a natural pool that’s steeped in local legend and lore. 

The hike to the Old Man of Storr, a dramatic, rocky outcrop, is just as enthralling, while the tough Quiraing Loop will take your breath away both physically and imaginatively. There are stone circles, medieval castles, and whisky distilleries to uncover on land, there’s dramatic coastal scenery to explore by boat, and there’s wildlife to be encountered around every turn on the Isle of Skye! 

19. Marvel at the white sand beaches on the Isle of Lewis and Harris

Scotland isn’t the first country that comes to mind when you think of white sand beaches, but visit the Isle of Lewis and Harris, and your perception of Scotland as a beach holiday destination will change forever. 

The Isle of Lewis and Harris is located in the Outer Hebrides, off the west coast of mainland Scotland. The island is home to a few small communities, plenty of ruins and nature, and arguably the best beaches in Scotland. 

The most well-known beach on the island is Luskentyre, which in the summer, with its turquoise water and bright white sand, would look more at home in Australia than it does in Scotland. Other beautiful beaches include Borve, Horgabost, and Seilebost, all of which offer white sands and beautiful natural surroundings.

20. Go birdwatching in St Kilda

Many destinations in Scotland can be considered “remote,” but few places can match St Kilda for its distance and lack of population. St Kilda is a small archipelago that’s located in the north sea, and no one has lived here since the last community left in the 1930s. 

For nature lovers, St Kilda’s isolation and lack of people is perfect because it has become a birdwatching paradise. St Kilda is the UK’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s home to at least 1 million seabirds, including an enormous population of puffins. 

The St Kilda archipelago contains the most outermost of the islands in the Outer Hebrides, and this is one of the most distant places in the United Kingdom. It’s managed by the National Trust for Scotland, and in the summer, you can visit on a boat tour from the Isle of Lewis Harris or from the Isle of Skye. 

It’s a 2.5-hour journey to St Kilda from the Isle of Lewis and Harris, and when you arrive, you’ll be greeted by dramatic, rugged, and rocky scenery. You can hike across the main island of St Kilda, cruise around the smaller islands and islets, and visit the abandoned remains of the last human settlements. And, of course, you’ll see thousands and thousands of birds!

21. Unearth Scotland’s Norse history in the Orkney Islands

You’ll find the Orkney Islands sitting just off the most northerly tip of Scotland. This might be one of the most distant places in the United Kingdom, but the Orkney Islands are also one of the most historic. 

On these rugged and windswept isles on the northern edge of Britain, you can unearth an ancient history stretching back 5,000 years. The Orkney Islands are home to one of the densest concentrations of archaeological sites in Europe, including Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement that is thought to date back to at least 3000 BC. 

There are Neolithic tombs to visit, ancient stone circles dot the landscapes, and Viking ruins from a more modern era are begging to be explored. But the Orkney Islands aren’t just for history buffs because the archipelago is also home to an impressive array of birdlife and marine life, making this a fantastic place for nature lovers, too!

22. Go wildlife spotting in the Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands are the most northerly point in the United Kingdom, and you’ll need to take a ferry or a flight from the mainland to reach this remote archipelago. The Shetland Islands are just about as rugged and windswept as it gets in Scotland, but you might just find yourself falling in love with the unique culture, scenery, and wildlife that’s found here. 

The Shetland Islands have a distinct Norse history that’s very different from the rest of Scotland. There’s still a local dialect descended from Old Norse, there are Viking-inspired festivals throughout the year, and there are Norse archaeological sites all over the islands. 

The distance of the Shetlands from the mainland has cultivated this unique culture, and distance has also allowed the islands to become a haven for wildlife. The Shetland Islands teem with birdlife, while across the landscapes, you’ll spot Shetland ponies, Shetland sheep, and Shetland sheepdogs. 

There are dolphins, seals, otters, and porpoises to be spotted along the coast, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a few puffins!

23. Sample all the local Scottish delicacies

Scotland is a unique destination for foodies, and you’ll come to love (or hate) some of the country’s quirkier delicacies during your trip. 

There are several Scottish classics you have to try during your vacation, including the infamous haggis and neeps. Haggis is prepared from all the “worst” parts of a sheep, including the stomach, and it’s served up with a side of turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties). 

Then you’ve got your deep-fried Mars bars and your Irn-Bru (a Scottish carbonated soft drink), as well as the fish and chips and kebabs. But there’s also much more to Scottish cuisine than deep-fried fast food and haggis. Delve a little deeper, and you’ll find that there’s a vibrant, multicultural dining scene in the cities and in the Highlands.

In Glasgow, try the city’s best tikka masala dishes at the Indian restaurants. In Edinburgh, you can find Michelin-starred restaurants serving up fusion food, while at Highland hotels, sustainably sourced Scottish salmon, local game, and homegrown vegetables are always on the menu.  

24. Spend the night in a Scottish castle

One of the best things to do in Scotland is to spend the night in an authentic Scottish castle . Scotland’s tumultuous history ensures that the landscapes are dotted with historic castles, many of them dating back to the medieval era. 

Many of them have also been repurposed into beautiful boutique hotels. These incredible properties are guaranteed to capture the imagination through their character and history.

There are castle hotels to be found in the remote Western Isles, including Glengorm Castle on the Isle of Mull. There are wonderful castles, like Inverlochy Castle or Glengarry Castle , which overlook the waters of Scotland’s lochs, and there are many more castles dotted through the Highlands.

Uncover tales of warring kings and queens, and enjoy a luxurious stay and excellent dining in Scotland’s best castle hotels !

Check Prices on Booking.com

25. Celebrate Hogmanay in Scotland

Hogmanay is Scotland’s New Year celebration (Hogmanay means New Year in the Scots language), and it’s one of the best times to be in the country. The celebration typically takes place on December 31. However, the more raucous Scots often extend this well into the New Year, with celebrations sometimes continuing until January 2, if not beyond!

Be prepared not just for beer and whisky drinking and renditions of Auld Lang Syne to welcome in the New Year, but for a cultural feast of Scottish history and heritage, too. Hogmanay celebrations are varied across the country, with each region having its own distinct customs, but many of those customs are drawn from old Gaelic and Norse traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

Across Scotland, the tradition of “first-footing,” or being the first person to enter a friend or family member’s household in the New Year, is one of the most popular events. In Stonehaven, large fireballs are swung in a procession through the streets, while in certain places, replica Viking longships are burned in a huge pyre. 

In Glasgow and Edinburgh, the celebrations have become multicultural, without losing sight of their traditions, while you’ll also find that in the cities, there are late-night parties and events taking place in pubs and venues that carry on well into the New Year!

There you have it! The 25 best things to do in Scotland. What’s your favorite thing to do in Scotland?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have you ever seen the Harry Potter movies? If the answer is “yes,” you’ll have seen the Hogwarts Express as it steams its way through dramatic mountain scenery. That’s not CGI because it was the historic Jacobite Steam Train that stood in for the Hogwarts Express in many of the external shots. The Jacobite runs on the West Highland Line, a 42-mile railway track that connects Fort William to Mallaig. The journey takes around 2 hours to complete.

If you’re exploring Edinburgh, then the hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat is one of the most unique things to do in Scotland. Arthur’s Seat is the best viewpoint in the city, but it’s more than this because Arthur’s Seat is also an ancient, extinct volcano. This unusual natural feature is a symbol of the Scottish capital. It rises high above the Parliament building and Holyrood Palace, standing guard over Scotland’s institutions and people.

If you only have time to visit one castle when you’re in Scotland, then make it Stirling Castle. This is one of the country’s most important strongholds, and you’ll be awed by the sight of tall towers and medieval walls standing tall on top of the craggy hilltop. Stirling Castle is located next to a vital crossing of the River Forth, and it’s thought to date back to at least the 12th century, if not earlier.

The Isle of Skye is one of the most unique places to visit in Scotland, and you’ll soon fall in love with the island’s breathtaking natural beauty and fairytale-esque folklore. This is Scotland’s second-largest island, and it’s connected to the island of Eilean Bàn by the dramatic Skye Bridge. Eilean Bàn is then connected to the mainland by another bridge, ensuring that any journey to Skye is going to be an epic one!

Scotland is a unique destination for foodies, and you’ll come to love (or hate) some of the country’s quirkier delicacies during your trip. There are several Scottish classics you have to try during your vacation, including the infamous haggis and neeps. Haggis is prepared from all the “worst” parts of a sheep, including the stomach, and it’s served up with a side of turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties). Then you’ve got your deep-fried Mars bars and your Irn-Bru (a Scottish carbonated soft drink), as well as the fish and chips and kebabs.

About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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20 best places to visit in scotland [2024 travel guide].

Scotland is packed with beautiful places to visit.

You could honestly spend months and months exploring everything this wonderful country has to offer.

Which is exactly what we have done!

We have returned for five extensive trips since we converted our camper back in 2020.

And have spent more than 9 months combined, living and traveling through this absolutely breathtaking country.

Below I want to help you save time planning your own trip to Scotland, by taking you through what we believe to be the absolute best places to visit there this year.

ALL based on where we have personally visited.

Let's get straight into it ...

Travellerspoint

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

Scotland is the sort of place that offers something all year round, but different seasons have their perks. 

For example, if you visit in summer, you’ll have a higher chance of great sunshine, but you’ll be surrounded by midges.

If you don’t know what midges are, they’re the most annoying little mite/fly ever.

We first encountered them at the famous Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, and have feared them ever since!

We get them in Ireland in the summer too and they love blood, so they lovvvee to bite, and honestly, despite attempts at creams and sprays, they still bite! 

Scotland travel stats show that summer is, of course, the busiest season to visit. So it’ll be busy at most of the attractions, despite the highest chance of warm weather.

We have visited a few times in the autumn months (September to November) and I can honestly say it was perfect. 

Some days you will get lucky with the weather and on our first Autumn visit, we only experienced around a week's worth of rain in the six weeks we were there. 

It was cold but bearable, and I absolutely love being surrounded by autumn colours.

Plus there are two more benefits of visiting in Autumn: no midges AND a lot fewer tourists!

Getting around Scotland: What’s the best option?

• Drive : We 100% recommend driving around Scotland if you get the chance. It was easy for us because we toured Scotland in our self-converted campervan, but it’s super easy to rent a campervan / motorhome in Scotland . There are also plenty of car rentals available if campers aren't your kind of thing. When you drive you gain the ability to explore much more, discover unknown places and even experience wild camping in Scotland .
• ‍ Train : Scotland has a pretty decent train network and you can make it all the major sights in Scotland via train, plus the views on the trains are going to be spectacular. So if you don’t have a driving license, or simply don’t want to drive, then this is a good option. 

20 Best Places to Visit in Scotland 

1. glen coe (my favourite place in scotland).

If you asked me where my favourite place to visit in all of Scotland is….I would say, Glen Coe .

The whole area of Glen Coe constantly had my face in shock due to the beauty that I was witnessing.

I swear it felt like I was transported to another country .

It’s just a stream of dramatic mountains, lakes, rugged beauty and more. It was honestly such a magical place to visit and if you only have time to visit one place make it Glen Coe, it’s truly one of the most magical places in Scotland. 

Things to do in Glen Coe 

• Visit the Famous James Bond picture point (Co-ordinates here) 
• Check out the Glencoe mountain resort (if it’s in season, then ski or snowboard!) 
• Check out Rannoch Moor viewpoint 

2. Fort William

Fort William is probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Scotland.

It’s one of the first big towns in the Scottish Highlands and a popular tourist destination thanks to being home to the UK’s tallest mountain: Ben Nevis.

It’s also home to a ski centre so is a popular place for families to visit! 

We really liked Fort William and if the season was right we would have attempted to climb Ben Nevis, but even if you’re not there for the mountain itself, there are still lots of beautiful walks and views in this area to experience. 

Fort William is also the starting point for one of the world's most famous train rides: The Jacobite .

Harry Potter fans will recognise it as the Hogwarts Express, and this train ride will take you through the beautiful countryside, crossing some iconic Harry Potter filming locations such as the Dumbledore's Grave and the Glenfinnan Viaduct!

Things to do in Fort William 

• Climb Ben Nevis 
• Visit the Ben Nevis Ski Centre (go up the cable car to the mountain restaurant!) 
• Ride the Jacobite steam train 

Where to stay in Fort William

There are lots of great hotels in Fort William, but the Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club has a heated indoor pool, perfect after hiking Ben Nevis!

For more ideas, check out my guide on the best Airbnbs Fort William has to offer.

3. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs national park

Loch Lomond has so much to offer every type of traveller visiting Scotland.

We loved spending time in this park, and when we visited in October, the season had finished for camping permits so we were able to wild camp in some beautiful spots! 

Loch Lomond is packed with amazing views, wonderful waterfalls, gorgeous hikes and abandoned castles.

There is something for everyone.

We loved the Three Lochs Forest drive located within the Trossachs National Park.

It was amazing and we got to wild camp in an amazing spot with no one else around! 

The Ben Lomond peak is the highest in the area, so it’s worth a hike! Bradley did this and found it really enjoyable! 

This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Scotland for families! 

Things to do in Loch Lomond 

• Climb Ben Lomond
• Take a boat cruise across Loch Lomond 
• Take the Three Lochs Forest Drive

Where to stay in Loch Lomond

Balloch is a great central town to stay in and the Queen on the Loch offers stylish rooms. For more inspiration, check out our guide on the best places to stay in Loch Lomond .

4. Cairngorms National park

We visited the Cairngorms National Park in December so some of the mountains were beginning to showcase snow, which was super exciting.

This is the largest national park in the UK so it’s another popular place to visit in Scotland and it’s no surprise why.

It’s absolutely beautiful and there’s so much happening at the Cairngorms National Park!

From skiing or meeting local reindeers, you’ll not go bored and you’ll be surrounded by beauty the entire time. 

There are lots of cute towns in this area too, but Aviemore is a good hot spot to visit stock up on snacks, petrol, and rent ski gear, or hiking gear if you need it! 

But my all-time favourite place to visit within the Cairngorms National Park area is the quaint town of Braemar. 

This is everything I wanted from a Scottish town, it’s adorable and oozes charm.

Go to the coffee shop called “The Wee Bothy” for amazing coffee, shortbread and lovely staff! 

I could live there! 

Braemar is also home to Braemar Castle which is super cool!

Visit at night time when it’s lit up for a unique experience. 

Things to do in Cairngorms National Park 

• Visit the Cairngorm Mountain for skiing (or get the funicular to the top for epic views!)-- It's due to reopen in late 2022, which means it's been closed for like 4 years. It was closed when we visited too, but the locals working there said the views are great!)
• Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre (this area has the highest proportion of reindeer in Scotland) 
• Check out the Queen's Scottish residence at Balmoral Castle

5. Isle of Skye

We’ve only visited one island off Scotland so far, and that’s the Isle of Skye, but it lived up to our expectations and more!

The Isle of Skye is connected via the “Skye Bridge”, so it’s super convenient to get too. 

This island feels totally different from other parts of Scotland and is truly rugged and ready!

We spent almost a week on the Isle of Skye visiting all the hot spots including the Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Glen and so much more.

We even got to stay on a private island with its very own lighthouse, which was one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited and one of the most romantic places stay in Scotland (especially if you’re celebrating something!)

Read more in our Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage review .

Simply put, the Isle of Skye should be top of your Scotland itinerary! 

When you visit via the Skye bridge, you should definitely make a stop at the Eilean Donan Castle- it’s seriously cool and was free to walk around when we went.

Things to do on the Isle of Skye

• Stay on your own private island 
• Hike the Old Man of Storr 
• Discover Kilt Falls and dinosaur prints

Read More: 3 Day Isle of Skye itinerary

Where to stay on the Isle Of Skye

Check out my in-depth guide on the best places to stay on Skye .

6. The North Coast 

If you’ve decided to road trip the iconic NC500 , which is Scotland’s answer to route 66, then you’ll find yourself passing the North Coast of Scotland! 

We loved the North Coast because again, it offers something unique to other parts of Scotland.

There are lots of great towns along the way, and we can recommend a stop at BettyHill for cute coffee shops and friendly locals. 

When you visit the North Coast you’ll have to stop at John O Groats since it’s the furthest point on mainland UK.

Visit the colourful houses, grab a coffee and then go searching for dolphins, sharks and seals! (We saw seals) 

Things to do on the North Coast of Scotland 

• Visit Smoo Cave (a free, but REALLY cool cave - one of the more unique attractions in Scotland!)
• Visit Duncansby head and stacks (be prepared for wind!)
• Visit the John O Groats beer distillery 

Read More: The Best Road Trips in Scotland

We’ve visited Glasgow twice now, and it will always make my list of the best places to visit in Scotland!

I may struggle with the accent, but the people, the sights, the atmosphere is all worth it. 

Glasgow is an awesome place to have a city break.

The university grounds are beautiful in Autumn, the Kelvin grove Art Gallery & Museum is amazing and there are so many great pubs and bars for buzzing nightlife. 

Things to do in Glasgow

• Check out the Riverside Museum 
• Relax at St George's Square 
• Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum 

Where to stay in Glasgow

There are so many amazing hotels in Glasgow, you can search for them all right here .

8. Galloways (SW Coastal route)

If you want to visit an area of Scotland that’s not overly touristy, then a road trip to the South West Coast should be top of your list.

The Scottish tourism board actually created a road trip called the Southwest Coastal 300 , which you can probably guess is a 300-mile road trip of the south west Coast!

Bradley and I did it and we loved this area of Scotland.

The hub of the area is the Galloways National Park (where you can actually go searching for stars at night), but this area of Scotland is breathtaking but didn’t feel overly busy to me.

There are so many castles and tea rooms here- I LOVED it!

I’d say this is one of the more unique places to visit in Scotland in comparison to everywhere else we visited. 

Things to do on the Southwest Coastal route

• Visit the Galloway Lighthouse (It’s the most south-westerly point in Scotland and you can see 3 other countries from here!) 
• Visit the beautiful Culzean Castle (one of my favourite castles in Scotland)
• Visit Caerlaverock Castle (awh-mazing!)

Where to stay near Galloways National Park

Check out my guide on the best hotels on the west coast of Scotland .

9. Inverness 

Inverness is probably my favourite city in Scotland (that I’ve been too so far). 

I love that it’s a city, but it’s small.

It’s basically the capital of the Scottish Highlands but it’s charming and quaint .

You could easily see all the best sights in Inverness in a day if you’re short for time, but what’s nice about this city is that you can just wander around and explore without the worry of getting lost. 

I also love that Inverness isn’t overpriced, so if you’re looking for one of the more cheap places to visit in Scotland, then Inverness won’t break the bank!

Things to do in Inverness 

• Check out Inverness Castle at sunset 
• Visit the largest second-hand bookstore in Scotland (really cool attraction in Inverness!) 
• Shop at the Victorian Market 

Where to stay in Inverness

There are some great hotel deals in Inverness that you can book right here .

10. Loch Ness

You can’t go to Scotland and NOT go in search of Nessie!

Before we visited Scotland this was definitely one of my bucket list places to visit.

Just because I’ve heard so much about it.

I really wanted to do a Loch Ness cruise and learn more about the myth of Nessie , but we visited during Covid times and they weren’t running due to low visitors! 

But it’s still a cool place to visit in Scotland and we even got to wild camp right on the Loch Ness lake, which was pretty cool.

Since this is only a short drive from Inverness, it’s often a popular day trip for visitors. 

Things to do in Loch Ness

• Take a loch cruise and search for Nessie ( Book your tour right here! )
• Check out Urquhart Castle
• Walk around the loch (there are various small walking trails) 

Where to stay in Loch Ness

Lots of great Airbnbs available, and this Luxury Croft overlooks Loch Ness on it's own private deck, amazing! Book it here .

11. Stirling 

Stirling is a really cool city in Scotland since it’s sort of created around this awesome castle.

It’s a charming city full of character, and I’m pretty sure I counted like 16 coffee shops on my visit.

We wandered the old town, grabbed some lunch and just took in the sights.

We also did a walk just outside the city centre and got epic views from Sterling from above.

I think this is a beautiful place to visit in Scotland if you’re looking for a romantic city break! 

Things to do in Stirling

• Visit Stirling Castle (it’s not cheap though!)
• Wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town
• Visit the National Wallace Monument 

Where to stay in Stirling

Stirling has a wide range of hotels available that you can book here.

Bradley and I sort of stumbled across Oban because we needed to get a replacement on our van tyre, but it was definitely worth the drive.

Known as the seafood capital of Scotland, this town is a tourist hot spot in the summer months.

It’s small but mighty! 

We wandered around the town, checking out the shops and views of Ballimore and the Isle of Mull.

We also checked out the McCaig's Tower which was really unique and felt like I’d been transported to Rome! 

Things to do in Oban 

• Catch an awesome view at the McCaig's Tower
• Eat seafood at one of the seat front restaurants
• Visit the Oban Distillery 

You may also like: Best dog friendly hotels in Scotland

Where to stay in Oban

Since it's a popular tourist town, there are lots of hotels to choose from.

‍ Check them out here.

13. Glenfinnan 

Glenfinnan is 100% one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Not only can you go to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and catch a view of the Harry Potter train coming across the tracks, but there are so many beautiful walks and sights in this area.

Just across the road from the Viaduct, you’ve got the Glenfinnan Monument with simply amazing views across Loch Shiel and if you drive a little further down the area you’ll come to Loch Eilt which was used a lot in the Harry Potter movies. 

Things to do in Glenfinnan

• Catch a view of the Jacobite Express crossing the viaduct 
• Visit the Glenfinnan Station Museum 
• Taking a cruise on Loch Shiel 

Where to stay in Glenfinnan

Cabin Camas Tana is the ultimate place to stay in Glenfinnan; pure Scottish vibes!

‍ Book it here.

14. Mallaig 

Mallaig is a port town in the Scottish Highlands that is significant due to the workings of the town.

You can either drive there or visit as part of a ride on the Jacobite Express , but it’s worth visiting this small area.

It's a one way in, one way out sort of road, but you can get ferries to other islands in Scotland from here, including the Isle of Skye.

This small town is now home to tourism, but once was thriving fishing, working village.

Now you can visit one of the coffee shops, grab a bite to eat, take a walk around the harbour and pick up some souvenirs! 

Things to do in Mallaig

• Visit the Mallaigh Visitor centre 
• Take a walk around the Pier 
• Grab some fish & chips 

Where to stay in Mallaig

Glenwood glamping pods are a great choice!

Book your stay here.

15. Applecross 

Applecross is one of the towns made famous by the NC500 , but what’s really unique about this pace is that it’s literally in the middle of nowhere.

You drive across an epic mountain pass and eventually, you’ll come to the very small town of Applecross.

It’s raw, it’s beautiful and randomly, it’s home to a hotel, Michelin guide restaurant and lots of deer.

This is one of the best places to visit in Scotland by car and you can’t get there via public transport. 

Things to do in Applecross

• Drive the epic mountain pass known as Bealach na Bà
• Dine at the Applecross inn
• Take one of the many walking trails on offer 

Where to stay in Applecross

The Applecross Inn of course! Book your stay here.

If that's sold out, Fearnmore House not far from Applecross. Book this Airbnb here.

16. Edinburgh

Last but not least on our Scotland travel guide is to visit the capital city of Edinburgh.

We visited over my birthday and it was fantastic.

Edinburgh was everything I'd hoped it would be and more.

Cute cobblestone streets, a ridiculous amount of cute coffee shops, amazing vibes and much more.

I'd say it's one of the best places to visit in Scotland and makes for a perfect Scottish city break. Better yet, you can always hire a car in Edinburgh and then head out to explore the surrounding area.

Things to do in Edinburgh

• Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle
• Shop at the historical Victoria Street
• Check out the National Museum of Scotland

Where to stay in Edinburgh

It's a capital city so there is lots of choice for accommodation. Including some lovely hotels with pools !

17. Falkirk

Wedged between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Falkirk was an unexpected place to visit, but left a lasting impression!

This is a really cool place to visit in Scotland and is home to some super unique sights. 

Firstly, you’ve got the Falkirk Wheel, which is truly random as it’s the ONLY rotating boat lift in the world. 

This is run by the Scottish Canals and a visit here will allow you to not only take a boat cruise but there is so much to see and do on-site, including, crazy golf, waterpark for kids, segway safari, canoeing, and so much more! 

It’s a perfect place to visit in Scotland if you’ve got children, but both Brad and I enjoyed it as adults! 

Falkirk is also home to “The Kelpies” which are truly epic.

They are 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures depicting kelpies and based on legend.

They are a sight to behold and you should 100% visit at nightfall when they light up. It was a fantastic sight to see, very unusual and one of my favourite things to do in Scotland!

Also, if you’re visiting a campervan or motorhome, you can stay at the Helix Carpark (which is where the Kelpies are” for £5 a night which is perfect if you want to see them lit up in the evening! 

Things to do in Falkirk 

• Ride the Falkirk Wheel 
• Admire the Kelpies at night 
• Check out the Torwood Blue Pool

Where to stay in Falkirk 

If you’re not wild camping, then there are a range of hotels in Falkirk to suit you, and you can even rent out boats on the Scottish canals! 

18. Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a coastal city in Scotland located on the east coast.

It’s a typical port city and offers ample opportunities for shopping.

But when visiting here, I suggest you head to the beach, park up, take a stroll along the promenade, and perhaps grab a bite to eat at one of the many on-beach restaurants and cafes.

Then, you should visit Codona's amusement park, which again is perfect for kids, or just big kids like Brad and I. 

We had a wander and played some crazy golf, but there’s also really cool go-kart racing, roller coasters, general amusement games, and much more! 

Things to do in Aberdeen 

• Go on a shopping spree
• Have fun at Codona’s amusement park
• Take a day trip to Craigievar Castle (the pink castle of Scotland!)

Where to stay in Aberdeen 

Being a very popular coastal city, there's lots of choice for accommodation that you can check out here.

19. St Andrews 

Golf enthusiasts will want to visit St Andrews for the fact that it’s home to one of the world’s most famous and oldest golf courses!

‍ That’s partly why Bradley wanted to visit, and we managed to visit on a day where the sun was shining, so we strolled alongside the golf courses and the beautiful beach. 

But, even if you’re not interested in golf, St Andrews should still be on your list of places to visit in Scotland because it’s a super cute and beautiful town!

Lots of sweet shops, cafes, and much more.

We situated ourselves in the British Golf Museums restaurants because they offered amazing views of the beach and golf courses and a range of great food- so we can recommend there! 

Things to do in St Andrews 

• Walk beside the golf courses of St Andrews 
• Stroll along the beach and if you’re brave, try surfing 
• Check out St Andrews cathedral and St Andrews Castle 

Where to stay in St Andrews 

Find all the best accommodation in St Andrews right here.

20. Portknockie

This is a cute little village on the Northeast coast of Scotland and if you’re driving the North East 250 Scotland road trip , then you’ll come across it.

I signify this as a point of interest because it’s got a couple of good sites around it.

Firstly, you’ll have to visit Bow Fiddle Rock which is truly an amazing natural rock formation, and worth visiting, and secondly, there is also Findlater Castle not far down the road. 

Things to do in Portknockie (The North East of Scotland) 

• Grab fish and chips in the village town 
• Take photos of the epic Bow Fiddle Rock 
• Check out the remains of Findlater Castle 

Where to stay in the North East of Scotland

There are lots of places to choose from when it comes to hotels in the North East of Scotland, and Portknockie is home to selection too.

Over to you

‍ So there you have it, my guide to the best places to visit in Scotland.

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful or inspirational in planning your next Scottish adventure.

Which one are you most excited to visit?

Drop me a comment below.

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

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One Week in Scotland

One Week in Scotland: The Perfect Itinerary

This seven-day Scotland touring itinerary has something for everyone, whether you're an urban connoisseur or a wilderness fan. Historic castles, legendary outlaws, and mythical sea monsters all vie for your attention. So does the seafood, fished from cold North Sea waters, as well as the water of life—more commonly known as Scotch whisky. Any short visit to Scotland is bound to leave you hungry for more.

This driving itinerary is organized day by day rather than hour by hour. It's meant to give you a good overview while providing enough freedom to allow you to pick and choose without losing the plot. As long as you end up in the suggested destination at the end of each day, you should have plenty of time to discover what makes Scotland special and especially loved by visitors.

Day 1: Edinburgh

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Morning: Start your day in Edinburgh early, with a hearty Scottish breakfast at your hotel. Edinburgh is a very hilly city and you want to stoke up on carbs for all the walking. Don't pass up the oatmeal that's usually included in a Scottish breakfast. The pinch of salt they add makes it very special.

Then head for the bottom of The Royal Mile ; starting at The Palace of Holyrood House, this street climbs through Old Town and ends at Edinburgh Castle. Though most people walk down the Royal Mile, we think it works better in the opposite direction when you still have lots of energy.

The Palace of Holyrood House , the Monarch's official residence when she is in Scotland, is only partially open to the public. The self-guided audio tour will take you an hour or less.

Across the street, you'll find the Scottish Parliament. Controversial (it cost more than $506 million after an original proposal of $12 million) and architecturally interesting, you can see the key areas in about 15 minutes.

Afternoon: The Inn on the Mile is a handy place to stop for lunch, and is about three-quarters of the way up the Royal Mile .

When you're done eating, climb up to Edinburgh Castle for the spectacular views at the top. Unless you are fascinated by military history, skip the museums and exhibits; instead, walk down through Princes Street Gardens to the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound.

Evening: Sample any one of more than 300 brands of scotch whisky at the Bow Bar on West Bow in the Old Town. Then head for an early supper at Edinburgh's famous Italian deli, Valvona & Crolla , or a casual pizza at the popular La Favorita. If jet lag is starting to set in, order online and they'll deliver to your hotel room.

Day 2: Scotts View, Abbotsford, and Traquair

 Michelle Kelley Photography/Getty Images

Morning: Head out of the city and south into the Borders, a county punctuated by the meandering River Tweed and rich in history and literary connections. On your way, take a few minutes to stop at Scott's View . A favorite of novelist, playwright, and poet Sir Walter Scott, this spot gives you stunning views of the Eildon Hills , three distinctive volcanic plugs, and the Tweed Valley. There's a small parking area with an orientation table a historic marker.

Afterwards, pay a visit to Melrose Abbey . Built in the 12 th century, the abbey is believed to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart . There is a memorial stone marking the spot.

Make your way to Abbotsford House next. Sir Walter Scott almost bankrupted himself building this remarkable faux-medieval fantasy palace surrounded by beautiful gardens on the Tweed. After his death in 1832, the house immediately became a place of literary pilgrimage. It has been open to the public since 1833. Stop for lunch at Abbotsford before moving on to Traquair.

Afternoon: Traquair House is the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland and has been in the same family for 900 years. It is a fascinating place, connected to stories of political intrigue, Jacobites, secret Catholics, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Mary Queen of Scots. You can even sample a bevy from Traquair's own brewery. The house and grounds can be visited daily between April and the end of October, and weekends only in November.

Evening: Return to Edinburgh and enjoy some fine dining in Leith, the city's waterfront district. Try The Kitchin or Restaurant Martin Wishart , both owned by celebrity chefs and spangled with Michelin stars. Book either online before you leave home.

Day 3: The Forth Bridges, Falkirk Wheel and Stirling Castle

Morning: It's just a 15-mile drive from Edinburgh to the Forth Bridges . When the first one opened at Queensferry in 1890, it was the world's biggest man-made steel structure and a marvel of Victorian engineering. About nine miles from Edinburgh, the historic railroad bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, joined by two other remarkable bridges. When the Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964, it was the largest long-span suspension bridge outside the U.S. The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017 and is the longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge in the world. There's a terrific viewpoint to see all three at Hawes Pier in Queensferry.

The Falkirk Wheel is the world's only rotating boat lift. It raises and lowers boats and their passengers—to a height of 115 feet—between the Forth&Clyde and Union Canals. Book ahead on the website and you can take a 50-minute ride on it. Have some lunch at the visitor center before moving on.

Afternoon: Plan on spending the whole afternoon at and around Stirling Castle , about 13 miles away. Sitting on top of an impressive volcanic rock and protected on one side by dramatic cliffs, the castle has long remained a symbol of Scottish independence with its strong connections to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots. It was first mentioned in 1110 when King Alexander built a chapel there, but in all likelihood it is much older. There are a range of guided and self-guided audio tours you can take to see the royal palace's great halls and kitchens, chapel, and regimental museum. From the castle walls, you can see Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace's 13 th -century victory over the English.

Just below the castle is Stirling Old Town . It is a virtually intact Medieval town and you should plan on spending some daylight hours walking around it.

Evening: Have dinner and spend the night in Stirling. There's a good selection of hotels and plenty of casual bistros, cafés, and pubs.

Day 4: The Cairngorms, Urquhart Castle, and Loch Ness

Morning: Fill up on fuel and water before leaving Stirling; you'll be passing through some of the emptiest areas and highest plateaus of Cairngorm National Park . First stop: Balmoral , the Queen's private vacation home. Built by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, the Scottish Baronial estate is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and mountain views. You can only visit a small part of the house, but there is usually an interesting exhibition to see. The house is closed to the public when the Queen and the royals are in residence, from August through October. Tickets need to be booked in advance.

Note: If you're in the area when the Queen is in residence, visit Blair Castle on the Blair Atholl estate or Braemar Castle instead.

Afternoon: Heading north on a curving route from Balmoral, you'll enter an area that has recently been dubbed the SnowRoads . It includes the highest public road in Britain and the highest public road mountain pass. The scenery, though lonely and empty, is also spectacular. In the northwest corner of the Cairngorms is Speyside, one of Scotland's most important whisky-making areas. Stop in the little market town of Tomintoul to pick up a bottle or two for later.

Now's your chance to look for the Loch Ness Monster. Urquhart Castle offers a high vantage point over Loch Ness. Even though it's a ruin, the location makes this one of the best castles in Scotland.

Evening: End your day by driving to Invermoriston Falls, a spectacular series of rapids and waterfalls crossed via a historic, pedestrian-only 19 th -century bridge . The Glenmoriston Arms Hotel, across the parking lot for the falls, has decent food, traditional music, and comfortable beds.

Day 5: Eilean Donan and Glencoe

Morning: Leave Invermoriston for Eilean Donan Castle , probably the most quintessential image of an early medieval Scottish fortress. The drive there is unforgettable; you'll pass forbidding dark lochs through valleys of brooding mountains.

Originally built as a fortress to defend the mainland from the Vikings, Eilean Donan was destroyed in the  Jacobite rebellion of 1719 . It was rebuilt between 1911 and 1932 from surviving ground plans of earlier buildings. The castle occupies an island at the confluence of three great sea lochs, but you can reach it on foot via a stone bridge. Eilean Donan's re-enactors make this a fun visit.

Afterwards, drive over to Fort William , often called the gateway to the Highlands. The town—located underneath the shadow of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis—is a handy place to stop for lunch. There are plenty of quick food outlets and fish and chip shops, but if you're feeling adventurous, hop on a gondola for a mountain lunch at the Snowgoose Restaurant .

Afternoon: Glencoe is one of the most important landscapes in Britain and no visit to the Western Highlands would be complete without. Be sure to check out the  eco-friendly visitor center . Here you can start a short nature and wildlife walk on the edge of the glen, find out more about the epic adventure trails, and immerse yourself in the sad history of betrayal and murder that still haunts this valley.

Evening: In the nearby village of  Ballachulish , you'll find a range of accommodation, from hotels and guest houses to campsites. There are places to eat within a short distance of the visitor center as well.

Day 6: A Scenic Drive and a Loch Lomond Cruise

 Dennis Barnes/Getty Images

Morning: Take the short, scenic drive through Glencoe to the green, romantic hills of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park . It's an easy, quiet road, but take your time and stop whenever you see a place to pull over; the scenery is spectacular and the geology that formed it astonishing.

When you reach Loch Lomond, continue down its west bank to Tarbet or all the way to Balloch on the southern shore. Tarbet is a quiet village near a narrow part of the loch, with good tourist services and access to some fabulous cycling. Balloch is the main commercial tourism center for Loch Lomond. What you do for the rest of the day depends on how active you like to be.

Active Afternoon Itinerary: If you want to see as much as possible, head over to Tarbet and park in the public parking area near Tarbet Pier. After you explore the village, hire a bike from Cruise Loch Lomond . You can take the bike with you on the Waterbus to Inversnaid; from here, ride the four miles along the north shore of Loch Arklet to Stronachlachar.

At Stronachlachar Pier, board the Steamship Sir Walter Scott for a round trip cruise on Loch Katrine. When it's over, cycle back to Inversnaid and return to Tarbet Pier on the water taxi. Then make your way to Balloch for the night.

Relaxed Afternoon Itinerary: Want to take it much slower? Instead of going to Tarbet, drive to Balloch and climb aboard the " PS Maid of the Loch ," the last paddle steamer built in Britain. Afterwards, grab some souvenirs at Loch Lomond Shores, a nearby shopping center.

Take the Waterbus from Balloch Pier to Luss, a conservation village on the west bank of Loch Lomond. Most of the cottages in in this flower-bedecked village date from the 18 th and early 19 th centuries. There are several marked circuits ranging from an easy, 15-minute walk around the village to an hour-long Heritage trail.

Walk to the end of Luss Pier for good views of Ben Lomond. From Luss, you can take a short Waterbus trip to Inchcailloch, a secluded island just offshore with several good paths. Return to Luss, and from there, back to Balloch for the evening.

Day 7: Glasgow

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Morning: It's a mere 20 miles from Balloch to Glasgow, Scotland's liveliest city. When you reach the city, tour the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum . It's a huge late Victorian storehouse, featuring everything from Scottish and European paintings to dinosaur skeletons and stuffed animals. Don't miss Salvador Dali's remarkable "Christ of Saint John of the Cross," one of the museum's great treasures.

When you're done exploring the museum, check out Kelvinbridge. This part of Glasgow's already trendy "west end" (so hip the name is never capitalized) was recently voted one of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world. Shop for vintage and retro fashions, and buy a takeaway picnic at Roots, Fruits and Flowers —Glasgow's local answer to Whole Foods.

Afternoon: Climb the hill of Kelvingrove park—one of Glasgow's gorgeous green spaces—and enjoy your picnic there. Then check out the City Center Mural Trail . Made up of 25 murals, this trail of outrageous street art is all within an easy stroll of the city center.

Have your mind blown by an afternoon show at Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre . A permanent exhibition by a Russian emigré artist, this indescribable production combines kinetic sculpture, automata, music, and lighting effects.

Evening: Make your last meal in Scotland a good one. Dine in Finneston, the hub of Glasgow's somewhat macho foodie scene. Try The Finnieston , known for its top seafood and gin bar. Or chow down on amazing dry-aged beef and game at Porter & Rye.

Glasgow's nightlife is famous. For comedy, take your chances at The Stand . See new and emerging bands at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut or downstairs at Òran Mór, a multi-arts venue that also hosts comedy and theatre.

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17 Best Places to Visit in Scotland

At first glance, the Scottish landscape is harsh: foreboding fortresses atop hills and cliffs, the desolate moors… But spend some time here and you’ll quickly realize Scotland has its own unique beauty: breathtaking highlands, craggy coastlines, and blue lakes and rivers just made for fishing.

Among the otherworldly peaks, the deep valleys, and the sprawling lochs are ancient castles, Neolithic ruins, and the footprints of Vikings. Between them all are adventures that come in droves, some on foot and some with your foot on the gas pedal.

Map of Scotland

Among the best places to visit in Scotland are major cities such Edinburgh and Glasgow which still evoke that Scottish charm. They tell tales of the years gone, of struggle and the joys that come as the underdog. Ferries take you to surrounding islands where rugged coastlines look like works of art. So too do the charming towns filled with welcoming smiles and cozy pubs.

17. Isle of Arran

Catch a short ferry from Ardrossan, near Glasgow, to discover one of Scotland’s best islands . The Isle of Arran encompasses much of what makes Scotland such a magical destination. You’ll find eye-catching coastlines, lush open fields, craggy peaks, and towns that immediately feel like home.

The best way to see the island’s coast is to walk along the Coastal Way. It’s an epic multi-day trek, but travelers can also enjoy a bite-sized piece. On the journey, you’ll wander through fishing villages, over cliffs, and down to caves. Then there are several ancient sites and wide open beaches.

Without having to raise a sweat, driving around the island is relatively pain-free. You’ll get from end to end fairly quickly, leaving ample time to experience the best spots. These include the Brodick and Lochranza castles. The former is in the town of Brodick, a charming enclave with pubs and cafes that serve up the beloved treat called tablet.

16. Ben Nevis

Every 12 months, over 100,000 hikers make their way to Ben Nevis. As they approach the trailhead, they take their last steps before beginning their climb to the top of the UK’s tallest mountain.

In the summer months, the climb up Ben Nevis is achievable for many travelers. But once that snow falls it can turn into a treacherous, high alpine climb that requires mountaineering experience.

Alas, there’s more to this area than just climbing to the peak. Alongside Ben Nevis are Càrn Mòr Dearg and Aonach Beag, which complete the Three Peaks. Those not interested in a climb can instead settle for the amazing, rocky, and wild path that takes you through Steall Gorge on your way to the 120m Steall Ban waterfall.

15. Shetland Islands

Straddling the North Atlantic and the North Sea, the Shetland Islands are a wild archipelago embellished with dramatic scenery. There are around 100 islands all up, with the vast majority uninhabited. That leaves a classic rugged Scottish landscape to explore.

As you’d expect, not every isle is the same. Some have marvelous white sand beaches, such as Yell, Unst, and the South Mainland. Others feel tremendously wild, with soaring cliffs that suggest no man or woman is welcome here.

The Vikings didn’t seem to mind, however. The Shetland Islands have some spectacular archaeological sites that take you back to the Middle Ages and even the Neolithic era. Lerwick, the Shetland’s major town, harbors much of this past while being the kind of maritime town that quickly steals your heart.

14. Aberdeen

The granite nature of Aberdeen becomes immediately obvious as you wander down her old streets. Often grey and gothic, these grandiose public buildings are a poignant reminder of Aberdeen’s past as the granite capital of the world. Some of the best examples are Music Hall and Marischal College. The latter being a striking gothic revival construction with towering spires.

Along these very streets, you’ll take in the aromas floating out of some of Scotland’s best eateries. For genuine Scottish cuisine, it’s hard to pass up Aberdeen. Its mix of rich farmlands and coastline provides a mouthwatering mix of Angus beef and seafood.

Now well-fed, take in the lively museum scene that includes the Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery. But don’t depart before checking out the Balmoral Castle, the old hangout for the British Royal Family.

13. Outer Hebrides

If it wasn’t for the icy wintry winds that whip through the Outer Hebrides, we’d forgive you for thinking you were far away from Scotland. Eye-catching emerald waters lap the ivory beaches here, much like they do in the Caribbean.

Off the northwest coast of Scotland, the Outer Hebrides are roughly a dozen islands all close together. Inhabited in Mesolithic times, there are some remarkable archaeological sites here, including the Calanais Standing Stones. These are similar to the younger, more famous Stonehenge.

Medieval churches and clan roadhouses are remnants of a former era. But the Outer Hebrides is a place that holds tight to its Gaelic roots. The language rings through the local tunes, craftwork, and jewelry.

Getting here is an adventure, with several ferries, or a prop plane needed. But the journey is worth it to discover an unexpected beauty and ample Gaelic culture.

12. Cairngorms National Park

Scotland’s largest national park, Cairngorms National Park, encompasses all that is great about the Highlands. Yes, as a national park, you can expect pristine, untouched wilderness. It ticks that box. But it wouldn’t be the Highlands without a touch of history and the former footprints of ancient clans.

Lochs and rivers combine to be the lifeblood of the park, enriching the dense, old-growth forest that surrounds them. Some of Scotland’s biggest mountains, including Ben Bacdui and Braeriach rise up out of the valley. With miles of trails throughout, it’s an easy, yet adventurous, park to explore.

But you won’t always have to walk. In fact, one of the best experiences here is the 145km road that snakes through landscapes shaped by glaciers, across valleys, and over peaks. It’s the highest public road in Scotland.

11. Fort William

Deep in the Scottish Highlands, Fort William provides the sort of access to this region that few towns could only dream of. The location allows Fort William to be a fantastic base for outdoor adventures. Something that should pique the interest of active travelers.

Embellished with lush windswept fields and sporadic ridgelines, Fort Williams is always fun to come home to. Cute cafes dot the cobbled streets that are encased by old townhouses. Between them lie the warmth of the town pub, historic hotels, and restaurants. Its location on Loch Linnhe also lends a hand to some later afternoon boat rides.

After waking up refreshed, you’ll have a full slate of adventures ahead of you. The big one, of course, is Ben Nevis. As the tallest peak in the United Kingdom, it forms the central part of the Three Peaks. It’s a challenge that brings folks from all over and is a peak travelers with decent fitness can attain.

10. St Andrews

The motherland of golf, St Andrews, has a history in sport, culture, and education. Set in the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews stands along the edge of the North Sea. Its coastline rises out of the bristling waters, providing some of the country’s best coastline.

Golf fan or not, it’s easy to appreciate the sport’s legendary connection to St Andrews. Play here dates back to the 16th century and there remain seven courses in town. The most famous is the Old Course, known to be the first of its kind in the world.

Non-golf fans can still explore the historic course. It’s all the more reason to see the Swilcan Bridge, which is an incredible 700 years old. You’ll find even more amazing history throughout St Andrews, from its celebrated university to the cathedral. The latter lying in ruins with what’s left approaching its 900th birthday.

9. Inverness

As the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is the perfect base from which to explore. But while you’ll spend plenty of time outside of the city, there’s ample reason to spend a few days close by.

It wouldn’t be a Scottish city without a bit of history and you’ll find plenty here. You could easily spend a day wandering the Old Town. Many buildings date back to the 1700s. The Old High Church, Inverness Cathedral, and the lively Victorian Market will capture your imagination. To dive further into the past, visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

The nearby Eden Court is laden with great galleries and theater venues. You won’t have a shortage of distilleries either, including Speyside, home to Glenfiddich. Afterwards, balance the whiskey with some local cuisine. Inverness is a great place to experience the classic Scottish fry-up.

8. Orkney Islands

Epic Scottish coastlines, 5000-year-old historic sites, and old-time whiskeys can be found on the Orkney Islands. Just off the tip of Scotland, this collection of 70 isles quickly captures your attention. Most are uninhabited, worn away by the restless wind. Those that evoke a mystical charm and a connection to the Stone Age.

The journey here isn’t quick. But it’s instantly rewarded by a smattering of islands that are quiet and mostly untouched by the tourist path. On the main island, you’ll find dozens of paths that lead to ancient Neolithic sites that have come under the umbrella of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most prominent is the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle from around 2,500 BC.

Away from those sites, you have a stunning coastline to explore. Thankfully, a 16km path carries you along the western coast, teetering on the edge as you go. Travelers can also complete the world’s shortest flight by flying 2 minutes from Westray to Papa Westray.

7. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

The largest of the Scottish lochs , Loch Lomond is a stunning blue lake surrounded by dense forests. This greenery is only interrupted by equally charming towns, such as Balloch, Drymen, and Arrochar.

After taking a morning break at either of the three towns, continue to the water’s edge, where another world begins. Loch Lomond is a part of the Trossachs National Park that boasts some of Scotland’s best, untouched scenery. Such is the size of the park most Scottish folks live within an hour’s drive.

The breathtaking scenery combines with great access to provide a must-do experience for travelers. Start off with a swim in the famous loch, or stay a bit drier on a kayak or scenic cruise. Afterward, hike along a section of the West Highland Way or wander through the oaky paths of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

6. Stirling

It may be small, but Stirling has a history that punches above its weight. Once the home of Renaissance kings and queens, Stirling has maintained that illustrious status. It’s done so through the preservation of its charming streets and eye-catching architecture.

In central Scotland, Stirling is littered with prominent landmarks. Here, the Stirling Castle from the 1100s stands ever proudly atop the craggy hill looking down on its loyal community. Once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, the tales of Scottish rebellion ring throughout its hallowed halls.

Add on some time spent at the Chapel Royal, The Royal Palace, and the Great Hall to decipher centuries of clan and British conflict. Then complete the journey with a visit to the National Wallace Monument, which stands on the victorious grounds of the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

As you venture further out, you’ll cross paths with charming old villages before eventually reaching the beautiful Trossachs National Park.

Befitting its name, which translates to “dear green place”, Glasgow boasts dozens of public parks and gardens. They are spread throughout the city, connecting you with the other highlights, such as Glasgow’s epic music scene and a love for museums.

Some of the best parks provide lively views of Glasgow, or maybe even a close-up glance of highland cattle. As it is Pollok Country Park. In between is a city with plenty of character. It mixes poignant history, with a touch of working-class ethic and subculture.

A UNESCO City of Music, travelers will never be short of a live event to enjoy. This love for creativity and expression has fed into the city’s breadth of galleries and museums. Highlights include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Riverside Museum.

You can also add an equally vibrant dining scene into the mix. Modern creations mix in with old Scottish cuisine to provide a cuisine that matches Glasgow’s personality.

4. Glencoe Valley

The dramatic scenery of Glencoe showcases some of the best landscapes that the Highlands has to offer. History, tales of triumph and defeat lie in every blade of grass that dances with the cold Scottish wind. The resounding beauty that seeps into your core is a stark contrast to the 17th-century massacres that occurred right here.

The spectacular Highlands scenery poses a powerful presence. There’s such a deep green to every rolling hill that soars into the low-hanging clouds. Rods course through them like a hot knife, leading you to feel small among the buttressed peaks.

Depart your vehicle and embark on the Lost Valley walk, a 4-kilometer out-and-back trek that puts you in the footsteps of ancient clans people from the era’s past. For something equally scenic but more relaxing, head to Glencoe Lochan, a sprawling lake at the base of the towering Pap of Glencoe Peak. Finish off by the fire at Clachaig Inn and watch the clouds slowly swallow the valley.

3. Isle of Skye

Like Glencoe Valley, the Isle of Skye is a conglomerate of some of Scotland’s most captivating landscapes. Rugged, moss-covered peaks rise out of ancient valleys fed by icy, tumbling waterfalls. In the early hours mists rise, revealing a new day, while at night the stars sparkle with aplomb.

You don’t have to go search for any of this when on the Isle of Skye. It’s all around you as you make your way between traditional fishing villages. Where you’ll cross paths with Highland cows and search for archaeological sites.

The Isle of Skye is the second-largest Scottish island. Its rich history runs deep from clan warfare and historic rebellions that changed the course of national history. Castles lie in wait, small towns dot the coastline like breadcrumbs and the windswept beaches are great for families.

Top of off by bagging an epic viewpoint of the Old Man of Storr, one of the world’s more unique rock formations.

2. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh , reflects the changing seasons. In the spring, the rise of daffodils coat the parks and fields in a blaze of yellow. Summer soaks the city in blue skies and the old sandstone buildings glimmer in the low-hanging sun. Come the winter, fog wafts above the Royal Mile and candle-like light of cozy pubs provides residents with a welcome escape.

Edinburgh is a magical place to visit. One that has kept its remarkable aura amid these changing times. The cobbled inner-city streets disperse into narrow laneways called winds. Follow these to take a trip back to the 1700s and beyond to the Middle Ages.

Highlights of the capital include the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Grassmarket sqaure, and masterful Edinburgh Castle. From the castle you’ll bask in some of Edinburgh’s best views.

If you’re traveling in summer, you can expect a full slate of events and festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

See also: Where to Stay in Edinburgh

1. Loch Ness

Scotland is the land of lochs, and none is more famous than Loch Ness. It’s here that the legend of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, was born. Could it be you who finally spots the beast after so many years?

Behind Loch Lomond, Loch Ness is the largest inland body of water in Scotland. The water runs for miles while being completely enveloped by lush, green rolling hills. As majestic as the loch is, it’s the gems along the banks that flesh out the experience.

Spanning from Fort Augustus to Inverness, a drive along the western shores is impeccably scenic. About halfway along, you’ll arrive at Urquhart Castle, one of the most memorable in Scotland. With the Loch Ness as a stunning backdrop, you can wander this 13th-century castle, and discover rooms and the towers from which you have the best spot to see Nessie.

If you want to get really close, Loch Ness has several points from which you can take a (very) refreshing dip.

Scotland Travel Video

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Reader interactions.

December 23, 2020 at 2:38 pm

I spent the academic year 1996-1997 in Aberdeen at the university. It was love at first sight. Besutiful scenery, wonderful seafront, grey buildings glittering after rain, charming old town… Sometimes at nights I return and re-live some of the magic.

January 9, 2020 at 10:45 pm

Beautifully crafted with spectacular views of Scotland. The pictures are beautiful too. Thanks for inspiring me to visit Scotland.

July 13, 2019 at 7:24 pm

I had the pleasure of visiting Scotland from England in 1956 when I was just 15 years old with my parents and we stayed in Dalkeith but visited Edinburgh and furthest north we went was a Brechin ; It was in the summertime and was one of the hottest summers at the time I can remember. I now live in Australia and would love to revisit this beautiful country.

July 13, 2019 at 3:42 am

Ice lived in scotland all my life. Inverness is NOT the gateway to the Highlands, it’s actually Perth, which is about 100 miles south of Inverness. Scotlands highest mountains are all between Perth and Inverness, not after Inverness.

January 9, 2019 at 2:30 pm

I like Glencoe. Was lucky enough to spend a week in a caravan at Black Corries car park. This leads to the Lairig Gartain and stunning views of Glen Etive. There is also the Aonach Egich ridge walk. Kinlochleven shelters behind. Visitors can feel the history of the McDonald’s and the Campbell’s. The most famous film depicting their epics struggle, being Braveheart.

March 6, 2017 at 10:02 am

Hello, I live in Scotland since 12 years, and I think you may add Pitlochry, Dundee, Gairloch and some beaches in North of the country like Oldshomore one.

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21 Best Places to Visit in Scotland

Home » Blog » Europe » Scotland » 21 Best Places to Visit in Scotland

We’ve put together this guide of the best places to visit in Scotland so you can plan the perfect itinerary. From the medieval castles to cosmopolitan cities, this list covers all interests to make your Scottish holiday a trip to remember.

With rolling hills, quaint villages, hidden waterfalls, and rugged coastline, there are so many incredible places to visit in Scotland that will make you fall in love. 

And the really wonderful thing about Scotland is that most places are very close together, meaning you can see a lot of the country in one visit and you won’t have to drive very far.

We’ve rounded up some of the very best places in Scotland to put on your itinerary and bring you one step closer to planning the perfect trip.

For each place, we’re going to share the best things to do and where to stay, so grab a mug of coffee (or a glass of Scotch) and get your pen and paper ready to create a plan!

Scotland Travel Guide

We’ve also included some helpful resources for planning your trip to Scotland…

Scotland itinerary

• What to pack for Scotland

Top places to visit in Scotland

If you’re looking for the very best places to visit in Scotland, here are our top recommendations. 

• Isle of Skye

Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these cities and more ideas for cool places to visit in Scotland. 

Trying to decide whether to visit Ireland or Scotland? You’re not alone! We’ve done both, and we have a whole guide where we compare the two and give our personal recommendation on the Scotland vs. Ireland debate.

1. Edinburgh

History, iconic sights and stunning architecture

Scotland’s capital city may be the second largest by population, but there’s no denying that the cultural experience in Edinburgh is second to none. Hundreds of thousands of people flock from all over the world to visit this city for plenty of reasons.

After all, this city inspired J.K. Rowling’s enchanting world in the Harry Potter books! Which isn’t at all surprising when you take in the cobblestone streets, charming small town feel and Gothic and Medieval architecture abound.

Head into the medieval old town to learn about the interesting history and see some of the top tourist attractions in Edinburgh. 

The new town is filled with more modern Georgian architecture, tons of restaurants and Princes Street, the main shopping street that is overlooked by the castle.

Fun fact: The city even boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita in the UK! 

The best part about Edinburgh is that most of the historical tourist attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. You could spend days here and still not run out of things to do. It’s easy to see why Edinburgh is one of the top places to visit in Scotland.

• Things to do in Edinburgh

We’ve got a huge list of all the best things to do in Edinburgh , but here are some highlights:

• You can’t visit Edinburgh and not take a wander around Edinburgh Castle.
• Wander up Calton Hill just at the top of Princes Street and take in beautiful views over the city and beyond.
• Visit Mary Kings Close, a hidden street underneath the city that allows you to experience what life was like back in the 16th and 17th century in Edinburgh.
• Hike to Arthur’s Seat atop an extinct volcano.
• Visit the Elephant House and see where J.K. Rowling penned the Harry Potter books. (Oh and visit the nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard and see how many character names you can find amongst the headstones.)
• Pop around to local pubs and try some typical Scottish foods like haggis, black pudding, and sticky toffee pudding!
• Indulge in afternoon tea , a time honored tradition in the UK. 
• Explore Dean Village , Edinburgh’s cutest neighborhood.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Linton Collection – Blackfriars Lofts : Constructed in a former church dating back to 1871, this unique accommodation comes well-equipped with everything you need including a kitchenette, dining area and high speed wifi. 

This is where we stayed and we HIGHLY recommend it. Perfect location. Super cute and comfortable.

The Dunstane Houses : Nestled in the vibrant West End, this hotel is actually made up of two 1852 Victorian townhouses. It’s in a highly walkable area and offers upscale amenities, plus free parking (not common in the city!). The onsite bar has a fantastic selection of whiskey and gin, and offers tastings of both.

Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel : Situated in the heart of the old town on Cockburn Street, you couldn’t get any closer to the city center if you tried. With plenty of things to see, do and places to eat nearby it’s a great affordable option for exploring this magical city.

Psst! If hotel stays aren’t your thing, we have a curated list of the  best Edinburgh Airbnbs  for you to browse!

Music, culture, shopping and university vibes

Just 50 miles west of Edinburgh, Glasgow feels a world different.

A little grittier than Edinburgh at first glance, Glasgow isn’t as storybook-pretty as its neighbor to the east; but it makes up for it in other ways. 

Glasgow has the largest population of any city in Scotland, and most Scottish people we’ve spoken to claim it’s their favorite.

Perhaps it’s the fact that it doesn’t feel as saturated with tourists as Edinburgh. Or maybe it’s the enchanting combination of art, music and food. Perhaps it’s the vibe of a cool university city that’s hard to put into words…

Whatever the allure for you, we think Glasgow is definitely worth a gander. For us, it took a bit longer to really get it (whereas with Edinburgh, we fell in love immediately). But now we’re already itching to get back and explore more.

• Things to do in Glasgow

We’ve got a huge list of all the best things to do in Glasgow , but here are some highlights:

• Take a Scottish food tour – we loved ours!
• Walk through the cloisters on the University of Glasgow campus.
• Indulge in a doughnut (or three!) at Tantrum Doughnuts .
• Walk through Kelvingrove Park.
• Bonus: it’s free to explore!
• Share several dishes in a family-style meal at Ubiquitous Chip , located on the charming Ashton Lane in the trendy West End neighborhood.
• If you’re visiting on a weekend, head to The Barras and browse the hundreds of stalls where merchants and artisans sell their wares.
• FYI: The trail is 96 miles and takes roughly 7 days, but if you don’t have the time (or stamina!), just hike as long as you’d like before turning around.
• Hike Finnich Glen to the Devil’s Pulpit rock , through a lush green gorge with otherworldly crimson red, swift-moving water, just north of Glasgow.

Where to stay in Glasgow

CitizenM : If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Glasgow that’s completely different to anywhere else in the city, then definitely check out this digitally advanced, space-saving hotel. (The beds literally go from wall to wall.) It’s located right in the city center and just minutes walk from the bus station and main shopping.

voco Grand Central : In the heart of the city’s shopping district at Glasgow Central Station, the main transportation hub, this grand hotel is a local icon. The historic 1880s building is a sight to behold in its own right, and the convenient location makes it an easy choice. 

Euro Hotel Glasgow : A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Glasgow, including surprising perks such as free wi-fi, a view overlooking the River Clyde, a game room with pool tables, and an onsite restaurant and bike rental shop. There’s a variety of room types to choose from, including private rooms and dormitories.

3. Isle of Skye

Rugged natural landscapes, picturesque hikes, and medieval castles

Renowned for its breathtaking and dramatic scenery, Isle of Skye is easily one of the best places to visit in Scotland. 

As the northernmost major island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, Skye embodies everything Scotland is so famous for. You’ll encounter rugged coastline dotted with quaint fishing villages, sprawling medieval castles, and lush green hills and cliffs in every direction. 

Needless to say, Isle of Skye is a bucket list-worthy destination, especially for nature lovers. The hiking here is straight out of a fairytale. You’ll find endless places to explore and there are also plenty of unique places to eat and stay.

We put together the ultimate guide to the Isle of Skye , which includes everything you need to know about planning your visit from essential tips to all the top attractions and fun things to do. Be sure to check out our guide and bookmark it to save for your travel planning!

To give you a little taste, here are some of the highlights…

Things to do in the Isle of Skye

• Start your day with a caffeine kick at Lean To Coffee .
• Hike the Old Man of Storr trail .
• Make the walk to the iconic Skye Fairy Pools .
• Wander Fairy Glen at sunset.
• See the Quiraing viewpoint and take the hike, if your heart desires.
• Peep Dunvegan Castle from afar, or take a tour inside.
• Walk up to the Duirinish Stone and pretend you’re in Outlander.
• See Scottish Highland cows at this viewpoint .

Where to stay in Isle of Skye

Viewfield House : Located in Portree, this lovely B&B makes a great homebase. In addition to a full Scottish breakfast, guests can enjoy the onsite bar, large fireplace in the common area, and fast wi-fi. The property sits on 20 acres, so it feels secluded, yet it’s within easy walking distance of Portree proper. 

Sligachan Hotel : Tucked into rural farmland on a scenic loch in Sconser, this hotel is in one of the best places to visit in Scotland if you’re hoping to spot Highland cows. The property is right next to the iconic Sligachan Old Bridge and less than 30 minutes from the Fairy Pools, plus it has its own micro-brewery and whiskey bar onsite. 

Kinloch Campsite : If you are planning to go camping in Scotland , it doesn’t get much better than this small campground overlooking Loch Dunvegan (yep — Dunvegan Castle is just minutes away!). Campsites can accommodate tents, campervans, or motorhomes, and they’re thoughtfully tiered so everyone has a great view. Amenities include free hot showers and free wi-fi.

Looking for a way to fit all of this in one trip?

We traveled in Scotland for about 2 weeks and were able to visit most of the highlights of the country, including most of the top places to visit.

We took our 2-week travels and created the perfect Scotland road trip itinerary.  We’ll send you our complete 2-week itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  2-week Scotland road trip itinerary  today!

4. Inverness

Cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands

As the northernmost city in Scotland, Inverness offers a unique experience that combines the natural beauty of The Highlands with a modern city. In fact, more than one-third of The Highlands’ entire population lives in the Inverness metro area. The city is small, but rapidly changing as it’s one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. 

Inverness has all the modern amenities one could possibly need, while still providing easy access to Scotland’s beautiful mountains, lochs, and scenery of The Highlands. There is no shortage of castles, churches and cathedrals, distilleries, and historical sites to explore.

This beautiful city is also one of the best places to visit in Scotland because it’s the place where the North Coast 500 begins. (More on that in #12!)

Things to do in Inverness

We’ve got a huge list of all the best things to do in Inverness , but here are some highlights:

• Enjoy a 3-course lunch at The Mustard Seed .
• Get lost in Leakey’s Bookshop .
• Walk the path around Ness Islands.
• Grab a coffee and breakfast at Velocity Cafe & Bicycle Workshop .
• See live music at Hootenanny .
• Indulge in a doughnut and cappuccino by day or an espresso martini by night at Perk Cafe .
• Glimpse Inverness Castle from the outside (it’s currently undergoing renovations, and closed to the public).
• If you’re a history buff, a visit to the Culloden Battlefield will likely be something you won’t want to miss.
• Outlander fans will recognize the stones at Clara Cairns

Where to stay in Inverness

Inverness Student Hotel : Tucked into the city center, this riverside hostel is both cozy and affordable. Dormitory-style rooms have 5-10 beds and the common area features a huge fireplace, river views, a shared kitchen, and complimentary coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. 

Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel : Sitting right on the banks of the River Ness and just steps from the heart of the city, this chic hotel is the perfect jumping-off point for several places to visit in Scotland. The fast wi-fi and free parking are nice, but the real attraction is the extensive whisky bar, with nearly 300 varieties.

Camping Pod Heaven : For truly unique accommodation in Inverness, Camping Pod Heaven combines all the best aspects of camping and more luxurious “glamping.” The pods each sleep four and include mattresses, heat, electrical sockets, and wi-fi. Just bring bedding and cooking supplies!

Psst! Read up on our guide to glamping in Scotland if you want more information on this unique style accommodation that’s become super popular.

5. Loch Ness

Home of the folklore, the Loch Ness Monster (or “Nessie” for short)

It’s impossible to list the best places to visit in Scotland without mentioning Loch Ness. The storied home of the Loch Ness Monster, the world’s most famous mythical creature, this gorgeous loch near Inverness is full of intrigue. 

Although local folklore about Nessie dates back to the year 565 AD, it’s so elusive that the first real sighting (and photograph) wasn’t until 1933. Since then, there have been countless reports of something lurking in the water, but only a handful accompanied by photo or video proof. 

Needless to say, the “monster” is a theme woven into many attractions and even aspects of day-to-day life in Loch Ness, but even if you’re not necessarily a believer, there are plenty of other reasons to visit. 

The town is home to spectacular Urquhart Castle and several other historical sites, Loch Ness itself is jaw-dropping (it’s enormous — the deepest in Scotland and larger than all the lakes in England and Wales combined!), and it’s an easy side trip if you’re visiting Inverness. 

Things to do at Loch Ness

• Enjoy the sunset on Dores Beach.
• Grab a pint and pub food at The Dores Inn .
• Take a boat cruise on Loch Ness and stop to explore Urquhart Castle.
• Rent a bicycle to explore the Loch Ness 360 bike path.
• The water averages just 41℉ year-round, but “wild swimming” is incredibly popular here!

Epic hiking and adventures

Nestled in Scotland’s Western Highlands, Glencoe sits in a valley formed by glaciers and volcanoes. Today, the dramatic, rugged landscape dotted with lochs and mountains provides a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor adventures, including some of the best hikes in Scotland. 

It’s no wonder that Glencoe has served as the filming location for several iconic movies, including Braveheart , James Bond , and Harry Potter .

Glencoe itself is actually an officially-designated National Nature Reserve, but it’s also a quaint historic village with quick access to scenic drives, epic hiking trails, and one of only five ski resorts in all of Scotland. It also plays host to some serious gems in the form of traditional Scottish pubs.

Things to do in Glencoe

• Grab a mushroom roll (trust us!) and some sweet treats at Stiff Peaks Patisserie .
• Enjoy a cozy dinner at The Laroch Restaurant & Bar .
• Indulge in the seafood platter at Lochleven Seafood Cafe .
• Take in the epic views at Three Sisters Car Park.
• Do the Hidden Valley hike! (Just do it!)
• Snap a shot on the road from James Bond’s Skyfall . 
• Head to these coordinates for an epic shot of a small waterfall and the peak of Buachaille Etive Mòr in the distance.
• Hike to Steall Waterfall.
• If you’re feeling very ambitious, summit Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Scotland.

Where to stay in Glencoe

Clachaig Inn : Nestled in the valley and ideally located for exploring Steall Waterfall or visiting the Ben Nevis distillery, this inn is a great option. Rooms are private, there’s an onsite pub and restaurant, and the inn even has a children’s playground. 

Kingshouse Hotel : Part hostel and part traditional hotel, the Kingshouse offers classic guest rooms as well as a hostel-style bunkhouse, geared toward hikers. Linens are provided, breakfast is offered at an affordable rate, and laundry and gear storage services are available.

Bridge of Orchy Hotel : Offering traditional rooms in the main building and suites in the annexes, Bridge of Orchy is situated right along the A82, the major thoroughfare into the Highlands. The train station is also within walking distance. Every room has spectacular views, and a full Scottish breakfast and parking are complimentary.

Wondering how to fit this all in one trip? Use our guide to planning the ultimate Scotland road trip , which covers everything from vehicle rentals to budget tips and itineraries. 

The bustling hub of the Isle of Skye

The colorful and lively hub of activity on Skye, Portee offers an abundance of services and amenities for travelers. It serves as an excellent homebase for exploring the Isle of Skye , with quick access to boat tours and countless day trips. With plenty of charm, it’s also well worth a visit in its own right. 

You could easily spend several days just strolling around Portree, chasing waterfalls and snapping photos from different viewpoints. The town has several world-class dining options as well. 

One thing to keep in mind is that because Portree is Skye’s main hub, everything books up well in advance for peak season (summer). You’ll want to book your accommodation, tours, and even restaurant reservations as far in advance as possible.  

Things to do in Portree

• Get a view above the colorful town at this viewpoint .
• Enjoy a seafood dinner at Sea Breezes . We recommend ordering the hand-dived scallops!
• Make a dinner reservation ( at least a week early!) at The View , in the Cuillin Hills Hotel.  
• Take a pony ride with Isle of Skye Trekking & Therapy Centre for some of the best views on the island. 
• Take a whale- or dolphin-watching boat tour (the best time is between May and October).

Where to stay in Portree

Marmalade Hotel : Housed in an early 1800s Georgian-style home, this beautiful hotel overlooks Portree Bay and well-manicured gardens. Dine in the onsite restaurant or garden, enjoy a cocktail in the heated courtyard, and take advantage of the boat and distillery tours that depart just minutes away.

Tianavaig View Apartments : If a vacation rental is more your style, these apartments offer a perfect middle-ground. The self-contained, modern apartments are centrally located and well-equipped, but come with hotel-like amenities and services such as housekeeping. 

Portree Independent Hostel : This hostel is ideally located right on Portree Bay. The shared kitchen, dining, and living rooms have fantastic views and great wi-fi connection, and dormitory-style rooms are spacious and comfy. 

8. Applecross

Remote peninsula in the Western Highlands known for its seafood and rugged scenery

Known by locals as “The Street,” tiny, remote Applecross is where you go to have an authentic Scottish experience. 

There’s little, if any, nightlife, and few restaurants and accommodations to choose from, but the outdoor adventure and scenery more than makes up for it. Plus, the village’s restaurants and pubs are shockingly good (like, Michelin-star good!).

The small fishing village overlooks the Sound of Raasay and offers views of several nearby islands. There are also small beaches and proper sand dunes in Applecross. It goes without saying that hiking, driving, and even just strolling through town are all accompanied by incredible views!

This is one of the best places to visit in Scotland for slowing down and truly taking in your surroundings. 

Things to do in Applecross

• Try local fish n’ chips and freshly-ground coffee from Applecross Inn-Side Out , a converted 1950s Airstream trailer. 
• Stroll from Sand Bay to Applecross Bay, taking in coastal views of the isles of Skye and Raasay.  
• Go sea kayaking with Mountain and Sea Guides .
• Drive the winding Bealach na Ba (the Pass of the Cattle), the highest road in all of Great Britain at 2,053 feet above sea level. 
• Treat yourself to dinner at Michelin-starred Applecross Inn . 

9. Cairngorms National Park

Largest national park in the UK, nestled in the Highlands

If you have limited time and have to decide on just one or two places to visit in Scotland, Cairngorms National Park should absolutely be one of them. National Geographic Traveller Magazine even named it one of the top 20 places to visit in the entire world!

Situated in the famed Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms has epic hiking and bicycling routes, castles, amazing wildlife, family-friendly attractions, museums, and even distilleries. 

The national park is also home to five of the six tallest mountains in the UK, plus a whopping 55 “Munros,” mountains taller than 3,000 feet (914.4m). And at 4,528 square kilometers (1,748 square miles), it’s the largest national park in the UK.

You could easily spend your entire visit here and still have a great time! 

Things to do in Cairngorms National Park

• Trek to a reindeer herd in the mountains.
• Do the epic Meall a’ Bhuachaille hike.
• Wander the small town of Aviemore.
• Catch live music at The Old Bridge Inn .
• Take a tour of Balmoral Castle , a summer residence of the Royal family.
• See the pyramid dedicated to Prince Albert , a strange sight to behold in the middle of a Scottish forest.

Where to stay in Cairngorms National Park

Blair Castle Caravan Park (glamping): Situated at the park entrance in Blair Atholl, this spectacular glamping site offers a range of accommodations. Stay in a unique riverside camping pod, self-catering tiny homes, or wood cabins, or pitch your own tent in the campsite.

Cairngorm Hotel : Ideally located on the main drag in Aviemore, the Cairngorm Hotel is the perfect basecamp for exploring the park and surrounding Highlands. Views, service, and dining options are all top-notch, and you’ll be within walking distance of shopping, hikes, and pubs. 

10. Outer Hebrides

Unique culture and remote, pristine beaches that rival those of the Caribbean 

Off Scotland’s rugged northwest coast, the Outer Hebrides is an archipelago comprised of 70 islands, only 15 of which are inhabited.

Each is a fascinating combination of quaint fishing villages, mountains, sand dunes, proper beaches, epic scenery, and diverse food scenes. 

There are many hidden gems in the Outer Hebrides , meaning you’ll get off the typical tourist path and have a very special experience.

Good to know: Scotland has both the Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides archipelagos. The Inner Hebrides are located closer to mainland Scotland and are comprised of 79 islands, including the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Mull, Jura and Islay, to name just a few of the more well-known isles.

The Outer Hebrides have been consistently occupied by various cultures since the Mesolithic period, so it comes as no surprise that the islands have a distinct culture all their own. Thanks to the different influences, you’ll experience bits of Gaelic, Norse, and Celtic culture, as well as warm, welcoming hospitality. 

Getting to the Outer Hebrides

If you have a bit more time in Scotland (or this is not your first trip to the country), we’d recommend adding this unique region to your list of places to visit in Scotland.

The reason we don’t necessarily recommend the Outer Hebrides as part of a shorter Scotland trip is that getting there does require a bit of time, making it difficult to squeeze into a limited itinerary (especially when you want to see many other places).

That said, there are multiple flights and ferries to the Outer Hebrides every day from mainland Scotland. In most cases, you can be in the isles in under two hours. 

Things to do in the Outer Hebrides

• See the Black Houses in Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
• Visit the Standing Stones from 2,000 years ago
• Rent a bike and cycle from Lewis to Harris on the Hebridean Way
• Pack a picnic and enjoy it on one of the beaches
• Be sure to try the local delicacy: Charles MacLeod Black Pudding
• Book an overnight stay at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (which includes meals)

Where to stay in the Outer Hebrides

Hotel Hebrides : Conveniently located in Tarbert near some of the best beaches in the Outer Hebrides, this boutique hotel is a great choice. The rooms are comfortable, the restaurant and bar are exceptional, and it’s right at the ferry port. 

Ravenspoint Hostel : In the Gaelic-speaking farming (“crofting” in Scotland) community of South Loch on the Isle of Lewis, this hostel offers ultra-affordable, comfy accommodation with a view. There are various room types, plus shared kitchen and laundry facilities.

11. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Scotland’s first national park and one of the country’s most popular destinations

Considered one of the most scenic parts of the country, The Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond are some of the most popular places to visit in Scotland. (Many Scots take “staycations” here, which is really saying something!)

Loch Lomond is the park’s crown jewel, sitting right on a fault line that serves as the natural boundary between the Highlands and the lowlands. Its geographical diversity is truly a sight to behold, with different formations and terrain even from one end to the other. 

Best of all, The Trossachs is just 30 miles from Glasgow, making it easily accessible even if you only have time for a quick day trip. 

Things to do near Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

• Hike to Conic Hill at sunset.
• Get a taste of Scottish folklore by exploring the mysteries of Rob Roy’s Cave. 
• Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the 22+ islands of Loch Lomond (look out for wild wallabies!)
• Tour the Glengoyne or Loch Lomond distilleries.
• Explore the cozy pubs and funky boutiques in the quaint village of Luss.  

12. North Coast 500 Highway

One of the most iconic and scenic driving routes in Europe

The North Coast 500 or NC500 as it’s often called, is Scotland’s version of the iconic American Route 66. Driving this road takes you through 516 miles of the most incredible Scottish landscapes with stops along the way in many little villages and sights with plenty of things to see and do.

The NC500 loop starts and ends at Inverness Castle, although many people choose to drive shorter sections of it, mostly for the sake of time. Whether you have a day or two weeks, you’ll be wowed by the scenery, impressive castles, hikes, Highland cow sightings, national parks, and random roadside pubs. 

No matter how much time you have and whether you’re driving the entire loop or just a section, here’s one important piece of advice: don’t over schedule yourself and build in (lots of!) time for detours. 

Things to do along the North Coast 500

This is by no means a complete list. We have an entire guide to driving the North Coast 500 with much more detailed information if you’re interested in planning a road trip.

• Stroll the beaches of Black Isle.
• Tour the Glenmorangie Distillery (feel free to request your “wee dram” tasting to go if you’re hopping right back in the car!). 
• Stop at Falls of Shin , where you can watch salmon leaping out of the water. Grab some locally-made souvenirs and a slice of cake from the cafe before leaving.
• Take a picture with the iconic sign in John O’Groats , considered the northernmost point on mainland Scotland. 
• Explore Ugly Hollow, an impressive box canyon, on a kayaking or canyoneering tour. 

Where to stay along the North Coast 500

Old Drynie House, Black Isle : A true B&B with stunning water views, spacious private rooms, and a traditional, formal Scottish breakfast served in a group setting. 

Natural Retreats, John O’Groats : Luxury, self-catering eco-cottages with spectacular views of the ocean and Orkney Islands. Locally-sourced, sustainable materials are used throughout each cottage, alongside modern amenities including large flat-screen TVs with PS3 video game consoles. Onsite bicycle rentals are available. 

Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite : A former historic shooting lodge turned hostel, this is a fantastic affordable accommodation option with both private and shared rooms, plus a campsite. 

The “Gateway to the Isles” and the seafood capital of Scotland

A quaint seaside town on Scotland’s west coast, Oban is considered the “Gateway to the Isles” but well worth a visit in its own right. It’s a quick (and very scenic!) detour if you’re traveling from Glasgow to the central Highlands, and serves as an excellent jumping-off point for island-hopping.

Offering a little something for everyone, Oban is renowned for its fresh-from-the-source seafood, variety of outdoor adventures, and unique cultural attractions. The fishing community is also home to one of the country’s oldest (and smallest!) distilleries — that in itself makes Oban one of the best places to visit in Scotland!

Things to do in Oban

• Pick up fresh seafood from the famous Green Shack , aka the Oban Seafood Hut. Bring it back to your vacation rental or request the local fishermen prepare it fresh onsite.
• Climb up to McCaig’s Tower, also known as McCaig’s Folly, a huge unfinished replica of the Colosseum perched on a hill overlooking the town and Oban Bay. 
• Tour the Oban Distillery , where you’ll get two tastings. 
• Go island-hopping through the Inner Hebrides — the isles of Barra, Coll, Iona, Kerrera, Lismore, and Mull are all easily accessible with a short ferry ride from Oban’s ferry port (and you can visit multiple islands in one day!).
• Book a puffin or other wildlife-watching tour with Basking Shark Scotland . 

Where to stay in Oban

The Perle Oban : This stylish waterfront hotel adds a touch of luxury to your Oban visit, but at a very reasonable pricepoint. The 1800s building is a local icon and guests can indulge at the spa or onsite Michelin-starred restaurant. The Oban Distillery is right next door!

The Kilchrenan Inn : A cozy inn in a picturesque, somewhat secluded location with well-equipped rooms, strong wi-fi, free parking, and an elaborate daily Scottish breakfast. 

Oban Youth Hostel : For travelers on a budget, this hostel is fantastic. It’s waterfront along Oban’s popular esplanade and within easy walking distance of the town center, rail station, and ferry port. Private and shared rooms are available, and perks include free parking and bicycle storage. 

14. Isle of Mull

The Inner Hebrides’ second-largest island

Largely considered something of a hidden gem because of the wild popularity of the slightly larger Isle of Skye, Mull definitely deserves a spot on your Scotland itinerary. Skye is the only isle larger than Mull in the Inner Hebrides, and it’s the fourth-largest Scottish island overall. 

You’ll find a great variety of shops and services in Tobermory, the capital town, but people primarily visit the Isle of Mull to enjoy slow living and take in the unique scenery, culture, and wildlife of the Inner Hebrides. 

Best of all, visiting Mull is as easy as taking a ferry ride from the mainland. Multiple daily trips are offered from Oban, Kilchoan, and Lochaline, and all three trips are under one hour. 

Insider tip: You can bring a vehicle over to the island on the ferry, but if you’re driving a rental car , be sure to check company policy to ensure doing that is permitted. 

Things to do in Isle of Mull

• Rent an e-bike from one of the local shops to explore the island on two wheels. 
• Tour and enjoy samples of Scotch at Tobermory Distillery , the only one on the island. 
• Take the ferry to the nearby Isle of Lunga, where puffins reside from April through August.
• Visit the Duart Castle, which has been continuously occupied by the prominent Clan MacLean for over 700 years. 
• Make the short hike to Aros Waterfall, starting from Tobermory.

Where to stay in Isle of Mull

Glengorm Castle : If you’ve always wanted to stay in a real castle (who doesn’t?!), here’s your chance. Set up as individual self-catering apartments within the castle, there’s a variety of rooms available ranging from studios to family-style flats with kitchens. Best feature: the library always has complimentary whiskey available!

Western Isles Hotel : Overlooking Tobermory Bay, this is one of the best locations for exploring Mull. Views are fantastic and guests rave about the food — full Scottish breakfast is included!

Salen Bay Campsite : To truly immerse yourself in the Isle of Mull, consider camping for a night or two. This secluded campground feels as if it’s on an island of its own, but is just walking distance from the town center. Elevated sites have 360-degree views, and you can rent kayaks or SUPs onsite. 

15. Fort William

Known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK

With a nickname like the “Outdoor Capital of the UK,” it goes without saying that there’s no shortage of epic adventure in Fort William. The area’s abundance of rivers and lochs position the town as a fantastic spot for water sports, and the surrounding mountains lend themselves to plenty of other outdoor recreation. 

That’s only the tip of the iceberg, though. Fort William has all the quintessentially Scottish elements as well, including historic castles, distilleries, and dramatic scenery. In fact, many scenes from Braveheart were filmed here!

Fort William is right next to the smaller village of Glencoe and both towns are easily accessible via train or car from Glasgow — just one more thing making it one of the best places to visit in Scotland. 

Things to do in Fort William

• Climb Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK (pack layers — there’s typically snow at the summit all year!). 
• Visit the West Highland Museum, with elements of quintessential Highlands culture on display, including weapons and bagpipes. 
• Check out the impressive architecture of St. Andrews church
• Watch boats navigate Neptune’s Staircase, a series of unique staircase locks. 
• Order a pint and pizza at Black Isle Bar .
• See the statue that marks the official end to the West Highland Way .
• Take a day trip from Fort William to the near by Glenfinnan Viaduct (see #16 on this list for more info!).

Where to stay in Fort William

The Garrison : One of the most unique (and dog-friendly!) accommodations in Fort William, this stylish hotel is a former police station. There are traditional hotel rooms, but guests can also book compact rooms that are converted jail cells!

Myrtle Bank Guest House : This 1890s Victorian villa offers B&B-style guest rooms in a gorgeous waterfront setting on Loch Linnhe. Views are fantastic, it’s just a five-minute walk from the center of town, and parking and wi-fi are included. 

Ben Nevis Inn (bunkhouse) : Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, this hostel caters primarily to hikers. Ultra-affordable accommodation includes dormitory-style shared rooms or private rooms, and there’s a lively pub and restaurant upstairs. 

16. Glenfinnan

A popular stop on the Road to the Isles and the home of the famous “Harry Potter bridge”

Glenfinnan is an easy stop along the picturesque Road to the Isles , A830, which connects Fort William to the port of Mallaig. The town itself is small but mighty, offering an impressive punch combining history and scenery, but the 43-mile scenic drive is worth the trip in itself. 

Of course, there’s another major reason people make the trip to Glenfinnan, Potterheads will recognize this one! The Glenfinnan Viaduct, a raised railway 100 feet off the ground, served as the Hogwarts Express train in the second and third movies. 

Unsurprisingly, today the viaduct is widely known as the “Harry Potter bridge.”

Things to do in Glenfinnan

• Photograph the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct train bridge (aka the “Harry Potter bridge”).
• Grab a sandwich and soup inside an old railroad car . 
• Visit the 60-foot Glenfinnan Monument, or the “Leaning Tower of Glenfinnan,” as the locals know it.
• Take a day trip to Old Forge Pub , named the world’s most remote bar by the Guinness Book of World Records (fair warning: there’s literally no actual road to the pub, so this is more of an adventure than it initially seems!). 

17. Stirling

Gateway to the Highlands

It may be a rather small city, but Stirling packs a serious punch. The city is located about one hour from Edinburgh and 30 minutes from Glasgow, situated right where the Scottish Lowlands meet the Highlands. 

Without a doubt, the main reason to visit Stirling is that it’s a passage on the journey to The Highlands. 

Outside of being a major thoroughfare for the Highlands, Stirling itself is actually a college town—and the entertainment and restaurant scenes reflect that. The younger, livelier population lends itself to buzzy bars and great nightlife, lots of great shopping, and events happening seemingly non-stop, year-round. 

Of course, if you’re looking for a quieter respite away from the rowdy party scene, there are also plenty of traditional Scottish pubs and restaurants. 

Things to do in Stirling

• Explore the cobblestone streets of Stirling’s Old Town 
• Head up to Stirling Castle for some panoramic views of the surrounding Highlands
• Visit the National Wallace Monument in honor of Scottish warrior William Wallace, i.e.; Braveheart.
• Briarlands Farm is especially family-friendly, offering a petting zoo, seasonal berry picking, go-karting and other activities.

Where to stay in Stirling

Stirling Highland Hotel : Occupying a historic 1854 building, this former high school turned hotel is in one of the best parts of the city. The rail station and famed Stirling Castle are both within walking distance, and there’s a cheekily-named, school-themed restaurant and pub onsite (Scholars Restaurant and Headmaster’s Study Bar, respectively).

Friars Wynd Hotel : In the city center, this boutique hotel is well-equipped and extremely affordable. There’s a bar and lovely garden onsite, and guests rave about the hotel breakfast. 

Stirling Youth Hostel : Set on the grounds of a beautiful church perched above town and within walking distance of the Castle, this is an excellent affordable option for exploring Stirling. Choose from private en suite or shared rooms, and use the self-catering kitchen or order an inexpensive continental breakfast. 

18. Ullapool

Gateway to the Northern Highlands and a popular stop on the North Coast 500

A sleepy fishing village in far northern Scotland on the shores of Loch Broom, Ullapool is widely considered one of the most unspoiled places in the UK. If you’re looking to enjoy the country’s iconic rolling green landscape dotted with bodies of water at a slow pace, Ullapool belongs near the top of your list of places to visit in Scotland. 

Don’t let the quiet pace fool you, though — Ullapool is frequently named to lists of the best outdoor destinations in the UK and has a strong sense of adventure. The small town boasts a combination of rocky coastline, mountains, excellent hiking, and unique wildlife and photography opportunities. 

Inverness is just an hour away by car and there are ferries to the Outer Hebrides close by, plus, of course, it’s right along the North Coast 500, making Ullapool the perfect basecamp for exploring northern Scotland.

Things to do in Ullapool

• Rent a kayak or canoe from the Ullapool Pier and paddle Loch Broom. 
• Catch sunset over the loch from Rhue Lighthouse.
• Go tidepooling, crabbing, or skip rocks at Ardmair Beach. 
• Enjoy langoustines and other seafood fare at the iconic Seafood Shack .
• Grab a strong coffee and pastry at Cult Cafe .

Where to stay in Ullapool

The Arch Inn : Family-friendly beachfront accommodation with an onsite bar, restaurant, and open-air terrace offering stunning views. Breakfast is included in the rate, and the inn has direct access to popular hiking and cycling trails. 

Riverside Guest House : Laid-back, inn-style accommodations within walking distance of the ferry port and harbor. Guests receive complimentary access to the Lochbroom Leisure Centre, with a swimming pool and gym facilities. 

Ullapool Youth Hostel : A lovely waterfront option providing a fantastic value in the heart of Ullapool overlooking the harbor. Choose from private or shared rooms and enjoy communal kitchen and lounge facilities, plus wi-fi and bike storage. 

19. St. Andrews

An ancient seaside community known as the birthplace of golf

History buffs, architecture lovers, and fans of golf will all eagerly shout from the rooftops that St. Andrews is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. It was here that the game of golf was invented, way back in the 15th century. 

St. Andrews is also home to Scotland’s oldest and most prominent university — and the third-oldest in the modern world! The University of St. Andrews was established in the early 1400s, and many visitors call it a real-life Hogwarts. 

It should come as no surprise that there are a number of well-preserved medieval ruins in St. Andrews. What is a bit surprising, however, are the buzzy restaurants, pubs, and independent shopping boutiques in a town this tiny.

Things to do in St. Andrews

• Play a round of golf at the Old Course , the oldest golf course in the entire world (you must enter a ballot-style lottery to try and get a tee time). Guided walks are also available April through October. 
• If you can’t get a tee time at the Old Course, play at one of the city’s 10 other courses.
• Visit the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, built in 1158 and at one time the country’s largest cathedral. 
• Indulge in a scoop at Jannetta’s Gelateria , a fourth-generation shop dishing out over 100 flavors. 
• Take a self-guided walking tour of the University of St. Andrews. 
• Tip a few back at Eden Mill , part gin distillery, part brewery, entirely unique.  

Where to stay in St. Andrews

Drumoig Golf Hotel : If golf is on your St. Andrews agenda, book a stay at the Drumoig, home to its very own 18-hole golf course. The onsite restaurant overlooks the 18th green, so you can get your golf fix even when you aren’t playing. 

The Spindle Guest Rooms : Best described as an upscale, adults-only hostel, The Spindle offers private rooms with shared common areas, like the lounge and terrace. The university is literally feet away and the entire area is very walkable. 

Rufflets : If you have a bit of wiggle room in your budget, Rufflets is a bit pricier than the other options but well worth the splurge. Set on a private 10 acres in a 1924 turreted mansion, everything about Rufflets is plush. If the weather is favorable, don’t miss an opportunity to dine in the award-winning gardens. 

A major hub of architecture and visual arts

Dundee is a perfect example of history seamlessly combined with contemporary living. Situated on Scotland’s east coast, the city itself is pretty compact and very walkable. Plus, it’s an absolute dream for lovers of architecture. 

The city boasts tons of architectural landmarks, museums, and galleries. And in 2015, Dundee was named a UNESCO City of Design, the very first in the UK. Another fun tidbit: Grand Theft Auto, the video game with a longtime, cult-like following, was created here in Dundee.

Like Edinburgh, Dundee also hosts numerous festivals every year. They play host to a fantastic Jazz festival each November, as well as one of the biggest food festivals in Scotland. Speaking of which—Dundee’s food and bar scenes are also quite trendy with plenty of options to keep you satisfied. 

Things to do in Dundee

• Visit the Dundee V&A Museum, dedicated entirely to design, also the first of its kind in Scotland. 
• Peruse the McManus Galleries.
• Check out the architecture at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Hike or drive to the top of Dundee Law, a long-dormant volcano, for an elevated 360-degree view of the city and river.
• Go whitewater rafting in nearby Angus

Where to stay in Dundee

Hotel Indigo : Overlooking the River Tay and close to the center of town, this chic hotel is in a building that was once a textile mill. It’s in a very walkable location and every room has a dedicated workstation. 

The Shaftesbury Hotel : To really immerse yourself in the architecture Dundee is so famous for, choose this hotel. In the vibrant West End, the 19th century hotel has several original features including arched windows, stone fireplaces, and high ceilings. 

Dundee Backpackers Hostel : Housed in a group of five well-preserved 16th century buildings with many period furnishings intact, this hostel has an elevated feel and is situated on bustling High Street. There are both private and shared rooms, plus communal dining room, kitchen, lounge, and game room. 

21. Aberdeen

One of the sunniest places in the UK and considered Scotland’s “castle capital”

Located near the coast in the northeastern part of the country, Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland. Fun fact: It’s considered the sunniest city in all of the UK, getting up to 195 hours of sunshine in May alone! 

The city’s favorable weather is the cherry on top as Aberdeen is one of the only places in the UK that has a proper sandy beach. Steady winds make Aberdeen a great spot for surfing, kitesurfing, or sailing. 

There’s also an amusement park at the beach and, in true Scottish fashion, an ice skating rink. 

Nightlife is surprisingly lively for a laid-back beach town, and the restaurant scene is robust as well. There are golf courses everywhere you look (did you know golf was invented in Scotland?!), cool museums (many of which are totally free!), nice public parks, and lots of history to enjoy in Aberdeen. 

Things to do in Aberdeen

• Visit at least a couple of Scotland’s castles ! Start with Dunnottar Castle, one of the oldest and most formidable in the country, and the distinct pink Craigievar Castle.  
• Grab a beer from the wildly popular BrewDog’s main brewery DogTap in Ellon. 
• Visit Newburgh Beach to run up and down the sand dunes and check out the colony of hundreds of seals. 
• Stroll through Old Aberdeen for eye-popping old architecture (it was founded in the 1400s!).  
• Make a day trip to Cairngorms National Park (#9 on this list!). 

Where to stay in Aberdeen

Jurys Inn Aberdeen (Union Square) : In a fantastic, highly walkable location adjacent to the train station, tons of shopping, and a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes. The hotel also has signature Jurys Inn DREAM beds and deep soaking tubs. 

Malmaison Aberdeen : Set in a stately granite building that looks like a Victorian mansion, this posh hotel feels like an absolute steal. The rooms are plush and well-outfitted, and recent upgrades include a gym, wine tasting cellar, and Whiskey Snug bar. 

Deeside Holiday Park : If camping or glamping is more your style as you tour the Castle Capital or visit Cairngorms National Park, Deeside is perfect. Choose from tent or campervan sites, or book a glamping pod or traditional cabin-style holiday home. 

Raise your hand if you don’t want to spend hours of time researching and you just want all the info right at your fingertips!

If your hand is up, keep reading…

If you  like  the research, all the power to you! Feel free to use our itinerary outlines as a starting point as well as our city guides for ideas of things to do (we’ve got a bunch of them!):

• Things to Do in Isle of Skye
• Things to Do in Inverness

But if you want to save some hours of your life, we’ve already put in more than enough for you and us combined.  Trust us.

And we’re happy to share everything we learned  — from digging through reviews, Youtube and all sorts of Internet rabbit holes, as well as actually being  in  Scotland and taking our very own dream road trip!

We’ve curated what we think is the  perfect Scotland road trip , and we want you to be able to copy our route! 

In this 2-week itinerary, you’ll find:

• Can’t miss sights and experiences 
• suggestions for what to order
• the best campsites to stay on the route
• unique guesthouses along the way
• Insider Tips
• Suggestions for extending this trip

We’ve spent hours of research putting this all together, just for you!

In full transparency, this is a  paid itinerary  since it has taken an incredible amount of time for us to create. 

However, we keep all of our paid itineraries affordable – just $17 for an entire 2-week itinerary . We think this is an incredible value considering almost all your planning will be done for you!

What to pack for your trip to Scotland

With variable weather conditions, excellent hiking opportunities, and plenty of city life, there are a few things you definitely don’t want to forget when you’re packing for a trip to Scotland.

Check out the  exact items we recommend  for traveling in Scotland. 

• rain jacket (make sure it’s waterproof, not just water resistant)
• travel umbrella
• dry bag : to keep your valuables from getting wet on a hike
• Hiking backpack
• Hiking boots
• Lots of layers
• A couple nicer outfits for eating out
• Bug repellent: midges are common in Scotland, especially during the summer months
• Camera and  lightweight tripod  (optional)

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Scotland !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Scotland trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

Round up of the top places to visit in Scotland

Here’s a roundup of all the best places to visit in Scotland so you can see everything in one place.

• Cairngorms National Park
• Outer Hebrides
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
• North Coast 500
• Isle of Mull
• Fort William
• St. Andrews

Are you planning a trip to Scotland?

We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Scotland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Dreamy Scotland Glamping Stays
• Best Campervan Hire in Scotland
• How to Get from London to Edinburgh
• How to Plan the Ultimate Scotland Road Trip

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We want to hear from you!

Which of these places to visit in Scotland are going straight to the top of your list? Are you planning a trip to Scotland and have more questions? Comment below and let us know!

Comments (10) on “ 21 Best Places to Visit in Scotland ”

Thank you. Very helpful

You are very welcome!

Hmm, finally something worth reading about Scotland ! Thanks for all the tips. I really should visit Scotland more-it looks just beautiful.

It’s so magical! Let us know if you are planning a trip!

Beautifully crafted with spectacular views of Scotland. The pictures are beautiful too. Thanks for inspiring me to visit Scotland.

We’re so happy to hear we inspired you to visit!

Pics are beautiful! Thanks for inspiring me to visit Scotland.

Thank you so much!

Where is the best place to go for food?

Oh, wow! There are so many good places. We are actually creating an article about Scottish foods and where to get order them. Check back soon!

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59+ Best Places to Visit in Scotland (Written By A Local)

• 27th February 2022
• 14 minute read

This country is one for the wild to run free, take bold swims and explore ruined castles. It’s unforgiving, but giving; harsh but oh-so-pretty! Does this sound like your cup of tea?.. These are the best places to visit in Scotland – recommended to you by a local.

With our mountainous landscapes, secluded beaches and overall encapsulating scenery; my country is bursting with beauty! Scotland is my birthplace and my home, and as each adventure unfolds, my love for this rugged paradise grows stronger and deeper.

Psst!… You may want to keep a note of these locations for your own visit to Scotland. Scroll down to the bottom of this exhaustive list to access a Google Map with most of the coordinates (and more) already pinpointed for your convenience.

Table of Contents

…for beaches, …for castles, …for culture, …for design, …for highland coos, …for hill-walking, …for history, …for island life, …for mountains, …for outdoor adventure sports, …for the prettiest village, …for a road trip, …for seafood, …for shipwrecks, …for train-spotting, …for waterfalls, …for wildlife, …for wild swimming, things to do & what to see in scotland, scottish highlands google map legend, save this to pinterest….

Don’t have time to read this now? Save this blog for later on Pinterest .

The Best Places to Visit in Scotland…

Time your visit with the odd day or two of summer and you will be gobsmacked by the beauty of our beaches! Take this from a Scottish Highlander and full-time traveller… I’d argue that Scotland has some of the best beaches in the world! But… What are the best beaches in Scotland?

After one quick image search of Luskentyre Beach, you’ll be sold! Luskentyre can be found in the south of the island of Lewis and Harris . The place has some of the most amazing views in Scotland. You can rest assured, knowing that they are totally worth the often choppy ferry ride and the long drive to get there!

Hushinish is located as far west as you can drive in Harris. However, once you arrive you’ll be greeted with its turquoise waters, fine sand and rugged backdrop of hills and lochs. The area is a Scottish paradise!

For more information, read this guide to the campsite and beach at Hushinish.

Sandwood Bay

Located in the remote corner of northwest Scotland, this sandy beach rewards those who take on the 4-mile walk beforehand.

Achmelvich is in the northwest of Scotland, 40 miles north of Ullapool and along the North Coast 500 . This beach does not disappoint; its perfect white sand and clear water ensure that it’s noticed by anyone who so chooses to endure the windy roads to drive there. The area is also home to Europe’s Smallest Castle .

Red Point is a remote peninsula 10 miles southwest of Gairloch in Wester Ross. It has two secluded sandy beaches that are backed by reasonably tall dunes and grassy slopes, with the most northerly being characterised by its red-hued sand. This is a great destination for anyone seeking to find some tranquillity.

Scotland is home to thousands of castles! Whether they are still standing pretty and proud, or broken into ruins; you’ll want to visit at least a few to experience Scotland’s iconic history!

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

The ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe are a popular stop-off on the northeast coast of the Highlands. They are dramatic, enchanting and very Game of Thrones!

Eilean Donan Castle

It doesn’t matter if Eilean Donan Castle is surrounded by a thick and moody mist or standing proud in the stillness of a clear blue sky, this castle is always photogenic! In fact, it has also featured in blockbuster movies such as James Bond and Highlander. For your convenience, there are many guided tours from Edinburgh that include Eilean Donan Castle within their itinerary.

Urquhart Castle

With such a superb location, Urquhart Castle is amongst some outstanding views of Loch Ness . Nowadays, the castle is accompanied by a huge visitor centre that includes a restaurant and a large gift shop.

Hermit’s Castle

It’s not uncommon to be dazzled by the white sand and turquoise waters of Achmelvich Beach , but if you walk a little further you will find Europe’s Smallest Castle . This is one of the more unique places to visit in Scotland!

Dunrobin Castle

About a mile past Golspie stands a classically fairytale castle that has a garden well-kept to impress. Between towers, turrets and falconry displays, this castle is on a whole other level than the others!

The official Fringe website states that the Edinburgh Fringe Festival ‘ is the single greatest celebration of arts and culture on the planet ‘. For three weeks in August, Edinburgh , Scotland’s capital city welcomes thousands of people from all over the world to honour creativity across its varying forms. It’s a colourful, energetic and joyful period as artists and performers take to the stage and locals gather in busy beer gardens.

The centrepiece of Dundee’s recent revival is Scotland’s first-ever design museum. The V&A Dundee is now something of a cultural hub in the city. Here, visitors can marvel at the evolution of design inside an array of both permanent and temporary exhibitions from around the world.

These furry beasts can be spotted in fields all over Scotland, and not just in the Scottish Highlands. In fact, you may even find one blocking your road ahead!

If you are looking for a more certain encounter with one of these cute, and very photogenic animals, then keep your eyes particularly peeled at the following locations.

Hushinish is a popular beach and park-up on the Isle of Harris . Incoming cars, campervans and motorhomes are often slowed down by a group of slow-moving Highland Cows on the road (one of which has been pictured below) .

Culloden Battlefield

Highland Cows are quite often kept in the nearby field to the entrance of the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre . This is on the outskirts of Inverness which is the capital city of the Scottish Highlands.

Rothiemurchus

Plan the perfect date to meet a Highland Cow with the Rothiemurchus Centre near Aviemore. From there, you can follow a ranger on a coo safari to a field of hairy Highlands who will be happy to pose for a selfie, or two!

You cannae visit Scotland without going for a wee hill walk! However, if you are more adventurous, you might want to bag a Munro or two.

The Bones Caves

Both the hiking route and the remarkable views from the Bones Caves make for the perfect introductory walk to the northwest Highlands of Scotland.

Stac Pollaidh

Our beloved Stac Pollaidh is small enough to be considered an easy climb, yet tall enough to yield some absolutely breathtaking views over the Summer Isles.

Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is one of the most popular, and consequently, the busiest walk on the Isle of Skye. The ‘Old Man’ is a large prominent pinnacle of rock that stands tall amongst other interesting rock formations. This place is a haven for photographers!

Hiking to the top of Ben Nevis is one of Scotland’s bigger challenges; Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the United Kingdom. At 1,345 metres, you should have experience in hill-walking if you are going to attempt this one!

Arthur’s Seat

This recommendation is by far, not the biggest and most beautiful hill walk that Scotland has to offer, but it is a popular choice with visitors to Edinburgh . With only a short walk, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of the City of Edinburgh , the bridges, and beyond!

Knoydart is a remote peninsula that is only accessed by foot or boat. The area is dramatic and untamed with bold peaks and beautiful views across the water to the rugged Small Isle hilltops and the Skye Cuillins.

As a born and bred Scottish Highlander, I believe that the array of history that Scotland encompasses is often taken for granted by the local people. Most car journeys, or towns even, involve some kind of impressive milestone of Scotland’s past. To any visitor, there is plenty for you to spot, stop and admire.

One of Orkney’s most-visited ancient sites is Skara Brae. This is a remarkable and well-preserved Neolithic village, take a step back in time whilst you wander amongst these homes.

Callanish Standing Stones

The Callanish Standing Stones is one of Scotland’s most iconic sights of historical interest. Their exact reason for existing has been lost to history. Can you work out the mystery?

Balmoral Cairns

Did you know Scotland has a pyramid ? The majority of cairns in the Balmoral Estate were erected by Queen Victoria to commemorate members of the Royal family, with others marking important events.

There are around 790 islands off the coast of Scotland; 94 of which are inhabited. Once you’ve experienced one, island-hopping around Scotland could quickly become your new travel addiction!

Isle of Lewis and Harris

The change of pace, lifestyle and traditions of Lewis and Harris is what attracts many visitors to this island. Learn more about an island road trip around Lewis and Harris here.

Tucked away between Skye, Rona and the mainland of Scotland is the Isle of Raasay. It may only be 14 miles long and 5 miles wide, but there are several good walks and some fascinating historical sights to visit across the island.

Orkney & Shetland

The Orkney and Shetland Islands are often referred to as the Northern Isles. Each island has a distinct character, with an array of natural wonders and interesting historical sites to explore.

The Isle of Canna is the westernmost and most northerly of the four islands known as the Small Isles in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. The island is also connected to the neighbouring island of Sanday by a small road bridge and sandbanks at low tide.

Of the four islands in the Small Isles, the Isle of Rum is the largest of the archipelago. However this is not respective to the island’s population, in fact, there are many more red deer on the island than people  – we’re talking tens of residents to hundreds of deer!

Isle of Iona

The Isle of Iona offers picture-perfect sandy beaches, excellent walking opportunities, a quaint village experience and the possibility of wildlife sightings on both the land and sea. At just three miles long by one mile wide, visiting the Iona is like experiencing Scotland on a miniature scale.

One of the greatest pleasures of a visit to Scotland is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the mountainous landscapes. The Scottish Highlands is an unmissable part of the country!

Surrounded by the drama of the Glencoe Valley, Glencoe is easily one of the best places to visit in Scotland – these landscapes are to die for!

The Cairngorm National Park is the largest national park in the United Kingdom. It includes five of the six highest summits in the UK. This wild mountainous area is a playground for wildlife watchers and adventure sports enthusiasts.

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Or, perhaps you’re on a hunt for a challenging route to scramble, climb, ski or snowboard? If you are looking for a real adventure, then two towns instantly spring to mind as the best places to visit in Scotland for outdoor sports.

Fort William

Fort William is the beating heart of Scotland’s outdoor adventure sports. In fact, it’s widely reported as the ‘ Outdoor Capital of the UK ‘. If you take one wander around town, you’ll be surrounded by hillwalkers, mountain bikers, climbers and other like-minded individuals. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands for the more adventurous travellers!

Aviemore is the gateway to the Cairngorms. It’s a happening place all year round, whether it be with snowsports or other outdoor activities. In fact, if you happen to time your visit with an event, you could find yourself being amongst anything from a Huskey Race to a Harley Davidson Rally. Hiking and wild swimming is also extremely popular in the Cairngorms.

Much of Scotland’s charm and Scottish culture can be found in the pretty communities dotted around the country. The best places to visit in Scotland for quaint villages are typically the seaside towns, though there are of course many others in between.

Situated on the northwestern coast of the Isle of Mull , the colourful fishing town of Tobermory is one of the most picturesque towns in Scotland. So much so, that the children’s TV series, Balamory, was filmed there in recent years.

Portree is the capital town of the Isle of Skye. It is yet another picture-perfect waterfront with brightly-coloured buildings. Plus, the drive there is just as gorgeous!

Dean Village

Situated five minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street, Dean Village is a much more peaceful setting on the Water of Leith in Edinburgh .

Shieldaig is a quaint village of Wester Ross in the northwest of the Scottish Highlands. As the buildings overlook Loch Torridon, the front street is worth a slow wander to take it all in.

Plockton is another one of Scotland’s pretty fishing villages. Unfortunately, the tiny streets of Plockton can’t cope with many crowds or larger vehicles so this one is not recommended for motorhomes or campervans.

Scotland’s public transport system is not the best, especially around any remote area of the country. That being the case, many choose to enjoy the expansive scenery with a self-guided road trip.

The North Coast 500

The North Coast 500, otherwise known as the NC500, is the ‘Route 66’ of the Scottish Highlands. It links together over 500 miles of unforgettable experiences and picturesque park-ups , including white sandy beaches, remote fishing villages, jaw-dropping valleys, coastal scenery then rough-and-ready mountains. The road links some of the top places to visit in Scotland.

Click here for a Highlander’s Guide to Scotland’s North Coast 500 .

Island Hopping the Outer Hebrides

The islands are where you can truly experience the wilderness of Scotland. A road trip through the Outer Hebrides will be an adventure, but spending some time on Lewis and Harris will be a great introduction. There, visitors will be able to have some of the most local experiences in Scotland without the distraction of large crowds.

It has been estimated that Scotland’s coastline is over 11,500 miles. With that being said, it would be rude not to indulge in the recipes of seafood whilst you are there!

The Oban Seafood Hut is the best place to savour superb seafood without the expense of an upmarket restaurant. It’s the small shack near the ferry terminal, usually with a queue.

Situated on the northwest coast, Mallaig is the final call along the famous Road to the Isles. It’s a fascinating harbour town which accommodates many fishermen, ferry goers and tourists disembarking the Jacobite Steam Train. Naturally, the town boasts many seafood restaurants as they sell some of the freshest produce around.

This charming port town is on the shores of Loch Broom. Ullapool is home to the award-winning Seafood Shack , this is a favourite to locals and visitors alike.

With a rich maritime history, miles of harsh coastline and wild winds, it’s unsurprising that Scotland has quite the collection of shipwrecks. Some are still unfound, whilst others have become a sight to behold as they slowly decay close to shore.

Scapa Flow is a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in travel, trade and conflict over the years. In more recent times, Scapa Flow has ranked as one of the world’s top diving destinations. Even if you don’t take a peek beneath the waters, the stories the area above the water has to tell are endless!

In my opinion, the Old Boat of Caol is Scotland’s most photogenic wreckage. Within a short drive from Fort William , this emotive shipwreck lies peacefully upon the stony beach of Corpach.

There are train connections within each of Scotland’s seven cities, plus, the rail network links many towns and villages across the country. As these services travel across the Scottish Highlands, there are many spectacular arched bridges that support the train lines; beautiful for photographs and perfect for trainspotting.

Culloden Viaduct

If you are travelling by train, you may cross the Culloden Viaduct without even realising it. The structure is in regular use, however, there aren’t any steam trains on this one.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Whether you are an avid trainspotter, an obsessed Harry Potter or someone in between, watching the Jacobite Steam Train travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct is an unforgettable magic moment!

With the varying levels of terrain and notorious rainfall, Scotland has some pretty spectacular waterfalls hidden within glens, hills and forests.

Wailing Widow Falls

You’d think that finding beauty like the Wailing Widow Falls would only be a result of a long, enduring hike. As remote as Loch Na Gainmhich is, the whole area and the amazing waterfall are actually fairly accessible – just bring your wellies!

Steall Falls

The Steall Falls Walk is often described as one of the best short walks in Scotland. The hike is simple, yet the results are rewarding. Are you a Harry Potter fan? Steall Falls is also an iconic location that is featured in The Goblet of Fire and The Half-Blood Prince.

Scotland is one of the best places in Europe to spot marine wildlife. Also, thanks to two national parks, there are also many habitats in which you can observe land mammals, and birds too!

On the road to Hushinish, a small parking area and a 1.3-mile long track direct hikers to an observatory that has been built specifically to watch golden eagles.

Duncansby Head

Whether you are a birdwatcher or not, you will not want to miss out on an opportunity to see puffins . Duncansby Head is just one of the many places to see these cute and colourful birds. The best time to spot them is between March and May.

The Outer Hebrides

Marine wildlife is in an abundance in and around the Outer Hebrides . In fact, you are likely to spot something on a ferry ride across the Minch. The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust have a great website with specie profiles, and where you might be likely to spot them.

Orkney and Shetland can offer the best chance of spotting killer whales. You are more likely to spot them during the summer months of May to July, although sightings have been made during these times.

Chanonry Point

A narrow peninsula, which is near Rosemarkie and a little further from Inverness , is the ideal location for spotting dolphins in the Moray Firth. Dolphin activity at this location depends on the tidal conditions, but if you time it right, you’ll witness a great display of bottlenose dolphins from a very close distance.

There are hundreds of lochs in Scotland, and the sea is just as uninviting, but the invigorating, adrenaline-pumping splash into cold water is still an unmissable Scottish experience. Here are all but a few of the best places to visit in Scotland for a wild swim…

Wild swimming in Loch Ness should only be done at your own risk because this body of water has a resident monster!.. She’s called Nessie.

Loch Morlich

With only a short drive from Aviemore, Loch Morlich is a very popular option for watersports, walking, relaxation and wild swimming.

Loch an Eilein

Loch an Eilein is an extremely beautiful body of water that feels secluded from the world by the pines of Rothiemurchus Forest. All of these natural features surround a ruined island castle that sits peacefully within swimming distance from the shore.

Achmelvich Beach

This beach is so deserving of its third mention on this list of ‘the best places to visit in Scotland’. With clear water, white sand and an alluring coastline to explore; it’s a haven for wild swimmers.

This may be the answer to all of your questions!.. It has all of the Scotland destinations plotted on an interactive map for your convenience. That way, you will not miss out on any of the best places to visit in Scotland!

This Google Map Legend showcases 140+ need-to-know coordinates within our bonnie Scottish Highlands & Islands:

• Awesome Wild Camping Park-Ups
• Best Walks, Viewpoints, Beaches
• Bucket List Locations
• Accessible Showers & Fresh Water Taps
• Relevant Links to Online Travel Guides

Let’s go! @katie.maree

Hey! I'm a Scottish backpacker turned digital nomad with a passion for the outdoors, van life, and international travel. I travelled 100 countries before I turned 30 years of age. Now... Let's go everywhere!

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The best places to visit in Scotland

By Mike MacEacheran

When it comes to travel-bragging,  Scotland has it all: outstanding castles, clan history and just-caught crustaceans; misty mountains, moorland and an almost make-believe atlas of islands ; brain-hurting whisky, bronze beaches and waggly bums under kilts.

Before travelling though, the hardest part is finding answers to the most commonly asked questions: what are the best places to visit in Scotland? where are  the most beautiful places in Scotland ? What extraordinary sights shouldn’t be missed? And where are the most memorable places to stay ? To help you get to grips with the spirit of this wild, wonderful and, often, wet country, here’s our pick of the best places to visit in Scotland.

When is the best month to visit Scotland?

Scotland is beautiful at all times during the year, but we recommend visiting between May and September for the sunniest and warmest weather. You'll also get the most daylight during these months - perfect for exploring. However, if you're interested in seeing the dreamy, snow-capped mountains , then a winter trip is for you.

These are the best places to visit in Scotland

1. edinburgh.

This heart-thumping  capital was built out of fire and stone: around the geological drama of panoramic Arthur’s Seat and the volcanic plug of  Castle Rock , where the mightiest fortification in Britain looms like a medieval fantasy. Between the two runs the fabulous-but-frenzied Royal Mile, a raked boulevard of lopsided tollbooths, wizard hat spires, quality knitwear shops, pavement artists and hidden corners that’ll have you ferreting from townhouse museum to historic pub . At all times, there’s a sense of theatre.

This sets the scene for Edinburgh’s Old Town, but beyond its cobblestoned wynds you could easily spend up to a week plotting trips to its terrific neighbourhoods: the love of good food , drink, and culture shines out strongest in the New Town, West End, Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, Morningside and Leith. Elsewhere, museums are rarely as uplifting as the  National Museum of Scotland or  Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ,  and there is a greatest hits of unforgettable places to stay. Two highlights are refreshed classic  The Balmoral , or burlesque-meets-rockstar hotel  House of Gods .

There used to be a slightly off-putting industrial swagger to  Scotland’s largest city , but it’s now the country’s walloping cultural heart and its creative side transcends its reputation for hard drinking, rain and sectarianism — nowadays, you’re more likely to experience  Michelin-star cuisine in the West End, a  Zaha Hadid-designed museum , or master works from the likes of Rembrandt and Van Gogh at the  Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum . Perhaps though, it’s the day-go orange traffic cone that’s repeatedly placed on the Duke of Wellington statue outside the  Gallery of Modern Art that best sums up the city; Glasgow is funny, friendly and nothing without its people.

Everyone should visit the Glasgow-meets-Gotham hilltop  Necropolis and mosh at a gig at the  Barrowland Ballroom — hands-down the country’s best live music venue — while there’s no better place to go gourmet than in Finnieston (rejoice while eating at  The Gannet or,  UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers ). For a showstopper of a hotel, the address you’re after is  Kimpton Blythswood Square , now how to a game-changing rooftop spa.

Packed with coastal treasures, castles and creel pot fishermen, yet ignored by most tourists (with the exception of holy grail-chasing golfers en route to  St Andrews ), this former Pictish kingdom pulls off one of the greatest tricks in the country. There are no myth-making lochs or mist-wrapped glens, yet the peninsula’s coastal paths and pastel-coloured harbour towns leave as much of an impression as anywhere.

Highlights abound, but favourites include:  Dunfermline Abbey and Palace , to see the ancient resting place of Scotland’s kings and queen; the terrific time-warp villages of the  East Neuk , including Elie, Crail and Anstruther; and St Andrews, the high altar of  championship golf , where the soft thwack of dimpled balls can be best heard from the fairway-view rooms of  Rusacks St Andrews . It’s worth the trip for the food alone too: particularly at beloved restaurant with rooms  The Peat Inn .

4. Borders Abbey Towns

Alessia Armenise

Stacey Lastoe

Sarah James

Connor Sturges

Preposterously beautiful, this is where Sir Walter Scott — Scotland’s man of letters and author of Rob Roy and Ivanhoe — waxed lyrical. From west to east, it’s worth coming for the country’s grandest estate ( Floors Castle , near Kelso); the most suspenseful Neo-medieval home ( Abbotsford House , where Scott quilled his most famous works); and a succession of handsome, if near-derelict, stone abbeys that run from  Melrose to  Dryburgh — here the dead are never far from the living. In particular,  Jedburgh ’s bone-relic masterpiece is where the Romanesque runs riot.

There is quiet ambition here, especially at  SCHLOSS Roxburghe , the Borders’ flagship country house hotel with perfume-scented new spa, but drill down and it’s clear this is a swathe of Scotland that’s waiting to be rediscovered all over again. Summing it all up is  The Great Tapestry of Scotland , the brainchild of Edinburgh-based author  Alexander McCall Smith and a masterpiece of artistry in Galashiels that weaves together the country’s 420-million year history, from the prehistoric to the devolved  Scottish Parliament .

5. Glen Coe

Rain or shine, the slow tick of tourists along the deer-stalked A82 road is evidence that this  steep-sided valley , with mountains brimming with lost valleys and stories of Scottish clans, will never fall out of popularity. And it is not just the box-office movies shot here ( Harry Potter , Skyfall , Braveheart , Highlander ) that encourage impulses of adventure. It is also the craggy-faced Munros (hills over 3,000ft), of which there are more than a score, and the adjoining valleys — few come close to Glen Etive for centrefold beauty. For a hotel of some stature,  Glencoe House Hotel is wrapped up in period treasures, while  The Pierhouse in nearby Port Appin is perfection; the most joyous moment being the menu of shellfish wizardry.

6. Braemar & the Cairngorms

A village of steadings,  Braemar is the gateway to both  Cairngorms National Park and the Caledonian pine estate and castle of  Balmoral , the Scottish residence of the Royals since it was snapped up by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852. There’s a nature is king vibe throughout — days are spent in muddy boots on hiking trails, or wader-deep in the salmon-stocked River Dee — but that’s not to say the area doesn’t keep everyone happy. There’s  Braemar Castle for history; nearby  Glenshee Snowsports Centre for winter pursuits;  Mar Lodge Estate for red deer, red squirrels and golden eagle sightings; September’s  The Braemar Gathering for kilted men tossing cabers; and  The Fife Arms for unflappable service and understated luxury. Clever Swiss art dealers Ivan and Manuela Wirth clocked that the former coaching inn could be a real asset and now they’ve turned it into a Brigadoon fantasy of modern art, Victoriana and country sports lifestyle. There’s no other hotel in Scotland with a Picasso hung next to the fireplace, that’s for sure.

7. Loch Ness

The original Highland must-do, where tourists cruise under bruise-purple skies to catch a glimpse of the water’s mythic long-necked cryptid Nessie,  Loch Ness remains a place of good-natured, family-friendly fun. Days are changing though, and while a boat trip from contrived monster HQ  Drumnadrochit and tumble through time at toothy  Urquhart Castle on the loch’s banks are prerequisites, extra dimensions are now being added.

Tackle the  Loch Ness 360° Trail , an 80-mile activity trail for hikers, trail runners and riders made up of two separate trails, or venture west into elemental Glens  Affric , Cannich and Moriston, where the story of rewilding (where ecological restoration marries conservation) is at its most remarkable. In 2023, look out for the world’s first rewilding centre on eco-charity  Trees for Life ’s  Dundreggan Estate . The area makes for several scenic stays, too: consider one of  Eagle Brae ’s ten luxury log cabins above Carnoch, or  Foyers Lodge , a Victorian-era retreat on Loch Ness’ eastern shores.

8. Northwest Highlands

Rippling mountains and moors, lochs that’ll have you believing in fairies and monsters, and a geological timeline older than all life itself are just a handful of lures that define a visit to the areas of  Wester Ross and  Sutherland . This is the Highlands of the imagination and you quickly get a taste for life in coastal towns like tiny Torridon, Kinlochewe and Ullapool. For beaches, put Clachtoll and Achmelvich at the top of your list, while for sumptuous stays it’s  The Torridon , with a spine-straightening view of Beinn Alligin and the  Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve from its whisky bar, or  Shieldaig Lodge , a spruced-up grouse shooting estate with 26,000-acres to yomp across. The rush around the ludicrously-popular  North Coast 500 circuit bypasses many of the finest nooks in this part of Scotland — one such triumph is the Wee Mad Road, a stretch of hairpin-bend heaven between Lochinver and Kylesku.

9. Isle of Skye

Skye ’s blessing is also its curse. Its Mordor-like mountains, dragon-scale pinnacles and Jurassic-era landslips — chiefly, the Cuillins, the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing — are now Instagram stars thanks to sheer good looks,  Hollywood movies and a Harry Styles’ pop video. That makes it insanely popular, but there are still plenty of low-key destinations where you can escape the phone-touting crowds. The day-long hike to Sgùrr na Strì delivers on the promise of the most spectacular sea-to-sky viewpoint in Britain, while the Elgol and  Sleat peninsulas to the southwest are pared-back compared to Portree and  Staffin . Hotel-wise, the best place to be is either  Kinloch Lodge , for belt-loosening cuisine and sing-worthy service, or  Flodigarry Hotel , an off-compass outpost with a fancy-pants design bar and suites that wouldn’t look out of place in the  Maldives .

10. South Harris

Much as on a Pacific Ocean atoll, you start to notice how the combination of fudgy sand, sea mist and sun on this  Outer Hebridean island is utterly hypnotic.  Luskentyre Sands and those scalloped along the western coast of this so-called island (it’s attached to North Harris by a spit of land) instil a sense of life worth living away from the rest of the world and, should the weather hold, this is Scotland worth the T-shirt tan.

Beyond the machair, Harris is imbued with craftsmanship and community and that’s best discovered on a visit to a  Harris Tweed weaver or wool fabric showroom in Tarbert, or indeed at the  Isle of Harris Distillery , where sugar kelp and botanicals marry to create a gin that turns steel-grey water into something extraordinary. There is one road around the island and if anywhere was made for a camper van trip it’s the Outer Hebrides — continue south via the Uists through the croft-dotted landscape of naked hills and empty beaches to  Barra and Vatersay . Oh, what a privilege.

Orkney is a North Sea archipelago with a story that no one fully understands. It showcases a different strata of history at every turn, from the Mesolithic and Neolithic to the Pictish and Viking, and it’s hard to imagine anywhere on Earth with more archaeological treasures in such a small area — hardly a week goes by when a tomb, cairn, or artefact isn’t unearthed from its soil or along a beach. There are 70 islands in total, but for those short on time Mainland and  Hoy are the main draws, with the Unesco-worthy sights of  Skara Brae , the  Ring of Brodgar and  St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall the best-preserved storehouses of Orcadian history.

Did someone mention whisky? Life might not always have been easy on this  Southern Hebridean island , but islanders have certainly begun to reap the rewards. Currently, there are nine single malt distilleries on Islay (soon to be 10 with Port Ellen) and, from old-timers  Lagavulin and  Laphroaig in the south to jazzed-up  Caol Ila and newcomer  Ardnahoe overlooking island neighbour  Jura , it’s unashamedly a whisky drinker’s kind of place.

But while it provides a haven for barley growers and peat smokers (tobacco is the main flavour profile of many of the Islay malts), the island is changing focus to cater for all. Many distilleries now operate family-friendly tours and cafes, the Atlantic beaches dazzle and trains of seabirds and dolphins linger around the coast. For a slice of self-contained bliss,  The Machrie is marooned on The Big Strand beach and is as close as Islay gets to Hebridean seventh heaven.

• Feb 25, 2023
• 10 min read

Scotland Travel Guide: 10 Amazing Places To Visit in Scotland

Updated: Jan 15

Scotland is the most northerly part of the four areas that make up the United Kingdom. It’s known for rugged landscapes defined by mysterious lochs, magical mountains, and gothic castles. Scotland also has a strong culture featuring Celtic music, traditional kilts, and sophisticated whiskies. It’s a true land of extremes, where the rainy and windy weather conditions pose challenges to live and explore, but the beautiful landscapes and friendly people make it a rewarding travel destination. In this Scotland travel guide, we highlight the 10 best places to visit, including things to do, places to stay, and places to eat for each destination. We also share some road trip itinerary suggestions at the end.

Check out our video about Scotland to see the best places to visit through our camera!

Table of Contents

Important Things To Know Before You Go

Best Places To Visit in Scotland (+ places to stay & eat)

Road trip itineraries and other places to visit.

Tips to save money and other resources

Important Things To Know

Best time to travel to scotland.

Scotland’s high season runs from July to mid-September . This is when you will find the best weather but also most crowds. Days are longer, the weather is warmer, and hotel and car rental prices are at their highest. That said, it can still rain any given day and time! So you should always be prepared and carry a rain jacket.

The shoulder season is from May-June and mid-September-October . We traveled to Scotland during November and wouldn't recommend that time of the year as it rained most of our time.

Getting To & Around Scotland

Most international flights arrive at the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) , though many European cities also connect to Aberdeen International Airport, Glasgow International Airport, and Glasgow Prestwick International Airport.

The best way to get around Scotland is by rental car , though keep in mind that they drive on the left side here, with the steering wheel on the right. There are also many roundabouts and with multiple lanes they can sometimes be very confusing! We found it particularly challenging driving around the busier cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Alternatively, you can take buses and trains between major cities and towns . However, it's difficult to get around the national parks and islands by public transportation. You can browse train routes and schedules at the official ScotRail website .

Cost and currency

Scotland is part of the UK, and uses the Pound Sterling (£) . We used our credit card all the time and never carried any cash. Credit cards seem to be accepted anywhere!

The cost of traveling around Scotland is high. Expect to pay between $80 and 250$ USD per person per day . The cost of food, transportation, accommodation, and activities is high, but you can easily reduce costs by spending some nights camping or cooking your own meals.

Safety in Scotland

Scotland is an incredibly safe place to visit. People are generally friendly and ready to help. As with most major cities, be careful at night as petty crime and pickpockets can be a problem.

Scotland uses the same plugs as the rest of the UK, which is the plug type G (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern). This is different from the standard plugs in Europe or the US. We recommend purchasing a travel adaptor before traveling to Scotland.

If you're traveling to Scotland and want to save time searching for directions to all of the places we mention in this article, then look no further than our custom map. Simply click on a point in the map below to get directions there for yourself!

10. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is located in the south-east and it’s Scotland’s most beautiful and interesting city. This is the place to take in the unique Scottish culture, with a vibrant pub scene and intriguing historic sites. Visit Edinburgh Castle to learn about its turbulent past, hike Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat to take in the beautiful scenery, or catch a live show at one of the many pubs along the Royal Mile . One thing is for sure: you won’t get bored here!

Where to eat & drink

Albanach : good pub food, try the " haggis " there.

BrewDog : go for live music

Jolly Judge : small but local pub (drinks only)

The Advocate : during the week they have great deals such as 2 meals for the price of 1

Scotsman's Lounge : pub with live music

Dishroom : the best Indian food in our opinion (though very expensive)

Union of Genius : if you're a soup lover just like us, you have to try this place

The Outsider Restaurant : great food, made from fresh local products

Where to stay

Straven Guesthouse : If you want to visit Edinburgh but don't want to stay in the city centre, this beautiful guesthouse is perfect for you. It is in Portobello, 50 meters from the beach and it is only a 15-minute drive by car or bike and 20 minutes by bus.

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile : With its perfect location in the old town, this hotel is a gem.

Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+): Excellent location in the old town, but more affordable double rooms and hostel rooms with bunk beds for solo travellers!

9. Stirling

Located about 40 miles or 64 kilometers to the west of Edinburgh, Stirling is known for its medieval castle. Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most important castles thanks to its strategic position guarding a crossing point on the River Forth. Two of the major battles in Scotland's struggle for Independence were fought nearby. It's also worth strolling around the city itself and exploring other attractions, such as the National Wallace Monument, the Stirling Smith Art Gallery, the Old Town Jail, and Cambuskenneth Abbey.

Brea - Scottish Restaurant: Scottish cuisine, burgers and vegan options.

Dempsey's Diner: great place for breakfast

Molly Malones: live music and beers

Lost Guest House Stirling : This is where we stayed, a budget option but decent rooms

The TollHouse: Another budget option with castle view

8. Loch Lomond & the Trassachs National Park

Situated approximately 60 miles or 96 kilometers to the west of Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & the Trassachs National Park is the oldest national park in Scotland. It’s one of the most popular places to visit thanks to its proximity to urban areas as well as a wide variety of activities. From taking a boat tour on Loch Lomond to hiking or biking one of the many trails, there’s a lot to do here. The West Highland Trail is a popular long-distance hike that crosses the entire park. Other beautiful but shorter hikes include Ben A’an in the Trossachs and Conic Hill on the east bank of Loch Lomond. We spotted many highland cows on the Conic Hill hike, making the trek extra rewarding!

Clachan Inn: Also has great pub food!

Perch Café Restaurant: high quality food and great wine

Oak Tree Inn: great for lunch

Loch Lomond is huge, so there are many different areas you can stay in! We recommend staying near Balmaha, as that's where most of the action takes place.

The Clachan Inn : A cozy, affordable place near Balmaha, Loch Lomond

Oak Tree Inn: Great location in Balmaha, next to the lake shore

7. Glencoe Valley

Glencoe Valley is located in the Scottish Highlands in western Scotland. The area is known for its impressive mountain scenery, beautiful waterfalls, and trails that climb steep peaks, such as the Pap of Glencoe or Aonach Eagach Ridge , which requires a bit of rock climbing and scrambling experience. The road through the Glencoe Valley takes you through the heart of an ancient volcano and the drive is spectacular. Beautiful stops include the Three Sisters Viewpoint and Glencoe waterfall .

Glencoe Gathering: Local Highland bistro & pub

The Laroch Restaurant and Bar: casual bistro & pub

Loch Leven & Distillery: Located in North Ballachulish, which is nearby Glencoe

The Corran Bunkhouse: Located in Onich, which is a 15 mins drive from Glencoe. This is where we stayed and found it great quality-value, with a fully-equipped shared kitchen and comfy beds!

Glencoe Youth Hostel: dormitory at cheaper price

6. Glen Nevis

Located right outside the town Fort William , Glen Nevis is one of the most spectacular and beautiful glens in the Highlands. Above all, it’s home to Britain’s highest mountain: Ben Nevis , which is an impressive day hike. But you can also take in this dramatic scenery via the public road or other shorter trails. We hiked to the impressive Steall Falls , one of the three highest waterfalls in Scotland. This 2.1 mi or 3.5 kms out-and-back trail only takes 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. It’s also a filming location for a number of Harry Potter films, serving as a stunning backdrop and the place where Harry takes on the Hungarian Horntail dragon in the Goblet of Fire.

Garrison West: Located in the Garrison Hotel, this pub has some great food and drink options

The Crofter Bar and Restaurant: pub/restaurant with simple comfort food

The Fort Coffee Collective: fantastic coffee and comfy sofas

The Garrison Hotel: Great hotel with comfy beds in the heart of Fort William (we stayed here!)

Roam West: budget option in Fort William

5. Glenfinnan Viaduct

Only a stone's throw away from Glen Nevis and Fort William, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a must-visit in Scotland! Made famous in the Harry Potter films, this 21-arched viaduct is set amongst some of Scotland’s finest scenery, overlooking Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument . One way of exploring this area is on foot and another way is by embarking the Jacobite Steam Train , also referred to as Hogwarts Express, which travels between Fort William and Mallaig! We did both and prefer walking the Glenfinnan Viaduct Circular Trail to really enjoy the beautiful scenery.

There isn't much out here besides a visitor center that offers coffee and tea. It's best to stay, eat, and drink in Fort William when visiting this area. Find our recommendations regarding accommodation options under Ben Nevis.

4. Inverness

Inverness is the northernmost city in the United Kingdom and is regarded as the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Similar to Edinburgh, the city has a fantastic pub scene with great live music in the evenings. Some of the main highlights of the city include the Inverness Cathedral , Leaky’s Bookshop , and a walk to the Ness Islands . But one of our favorite things to do there was actually taste Whisky from different areas around Scotland. Find more things to do in our Inverness Travel Guide .

The Mustard Seed Restaurant : this restaurant has one of the best steaks in the city!

River House : great local seafood

Cafe One : good local cuisine

Highlander: great live music, also serves food

Hootananny: great live music and food

Gellions Bar: oldest pub in Inverness

Roseneath Guest House : great location and comfy beds!

Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa : luxurious stay at a beautiful location

Alban & Abbey House: this is where we stayed, great price-value and good location

3. Loch Ness

Located only a short drive from Inverness, Loch Ness is one of Scotland's most famous places. This freshwater loch is home to the legendary monster called Nessie, which is said to live in the deep, murky waters. The visibility is exceptionally low due to a high peat content in the soil, but there have been various claimed Nessie sightings over the years. And although many of the encounters have been discredited over time, it’s still a thrill to head to the lake. Fort Augustus is situated on the southern tip of Loch Ness, offering boat tours and spectacular views. But if you want to learn more about this legend, head to the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition . Also make sure to check out the ruins of spectacular Urquhart Castle . This is one of the most picturesque scenes in Scotland and a must-visit in our opinion. There are many day tours from Inverness that cover both the castle and lakeshore.

Monster Fish & Chips Co: Located in Fort Augustus, this fish & chips place is great for a quick and cheap lunch

Papa G's: Another great, simple lunch spot in Fort Augustus

The Italian Job: Italian restaurant near the castle

It's best to stay in Inverness and explore Loch Ness for the day, as it's a lot more affordable.

2. Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most photographed castles in the world for a good reason. It’s perfectly situated on a small island with a charming curved bridge connecting it to the mainland. It really looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The fortifications of the castle were first built in the middle of the 13th century and four different versions of the castle have been built since then. It’s a great stop on your way to the Isle of Skye, which we’ll get to next.

1. Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is located off the West Coast of mainland Scotland. It’s home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes shaped by jagged mountain peaks, towering sea cliffs, and large stretches of greenery. It’s no wonder that tourists have been drawn here for centuries. Some incredible sights include the Old Man of Storr , Quiraing , the Fairy Pools , Fairy Glen , and Kilt Rock . You can find more information about this magical island here.

The Caledonian Cafe: Located in Portree, this place offers great coffee and classic comfort food (like burgers!)

Fat Panda Takeaway: Chinese takeaway place

The Chippy Portree: Takeaway fish & chips

Sea Breezes: seafood restaurant but more pricey, located on the waterfront of Portree

Kinloch Ainort Apartments : this place is awesome. It had all we needed and was beautifully decorated. We loved the kitchen and comfy beds. The apartments also have Netflix which was a bonus as it was raining quite a bit when we were on the Isle of Skye!

Broadford Lodges Skye : this place has an amazing location. Price/quality is super good!

We also included a few itinerary options on the screen here in case you want to use them to guide your own trip. It’s best to rent a car to get to these places and you can find great car rental deals here .

7 Day Itinerary

2 days in Edinburgh

1 day in Glencoe Valley

1 day at Glenfinnan Viaduct & Eilean Donan Castle

3 days in Isle of Skye

If you have 10 Days, add:

1 day Glen Nevis

1 day Loch Ness

1 day Inverness

If you have 14 days, add:

2 days at Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Spend 1 more day in Edinburgh

Spend 1 more day in the Glencoe Valley

If you have more time in Scotland or you would like to see more castles, urban areas, or islands, it’s worth checking out other beautiful destinations that we didn’t mention. Some of these places include:

Isle of Islay

Cairngorms National Park

Dunnottar Castle & Aberdeen

More Scotland Resources

Scotland can be difficult to plan for. So we've pulled together a mix of resources we've created as well as other top Scotland resources from around the internet for you:

Edinburgh Travel Guide

Inverness Travel Guide

Isle Of Sky Travel Guide

10 days in Scotland Alternate Itinerary Ideas

Rick Steves Scotland Itinerary

Top things in Scotland as said by Scotland Tourism

Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Scotland

Booking.com for places to stay

Skyscanner for cheap flights

GetYourGuide for local tours

Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

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20 reasons to visit Scotland at least once in your life

Posted: January 30, 2024 | Last updated: January 30, 2024

Home to enigmatic valleys, mountainside castles, and wild beaches, Scotland is a breathtaking destination rich in history and intrigue. From the Highlands and Edinburgh to Loch Ness, discover 20 reasons to visit Scotland at least once in your lifetime.

Discover Edinburgh

It’ll be love at first sight with Edinburgh’s romantic architecture and beautiful cobblestone streets. From climbing Arthur’s Seat to strolling through Dean’s Village, you’ll never be bored in Scotland’s capital. A visit to Edinburgh Castle and a stroll along the Royal Mile are a must for those wishing to learn more about the country’s fascinating past. Finally, be sure to enjoy a picnic and breathtaking view of the city on Calton Hill.

Dive into the world of Harry Potter

Harry Potter fans are in for a treat when they visit Scotland as J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from numerous legendary sites. Start by climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express (actually called the Jacobite Steam Train) and crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands. From there, you’ll see Loch Shiel and the mountains over which Buckbeak and Harry Potter flew in the third film of the series. Then, for a stroll along Diagon Alley, head to Victoria Street in Edinburgh.

Explore the Highlands on the North Coast 500

A destination par excellence for a Scottish road trip, the North Coast travels through the Highlands for over 800 kilometres (500 miles). Discover incomparable landscapes and enjoy many outdoor activities along the way. We recommend spreading your getaway over five to seven days. Take this extraordinary route to quaint fishing villages, pristine beaches, and stunning mountains in six Scottish regions.

Admire beautiful Glencoe

Glencoe’s lush valleys will surely amaze you, while also revealing more about Scotland’s tumultuous history. Famous for its scenic beauty, Glencoe is also known for the MacDonald clan massacre of 1692. While some believe the place is haunted, its mountains and invigoratingly fresh air manifest an undeniable Zen. The popular An Torr and Glencoe Lochan trails make it a must stop for hikers as well.

Taste the best Scotch

Scotch, the country’s national drink, is a type of malt or grain whisky made only in Scotland. From Campbeltown to Islay, you’ll find many distilleries in whatever region you visit. Each locale offers its own version of Scotch, and you may notice some differences, such as woody versus fruity notes or a unique aging process. Edinburgh offers several exclusive tastings, including the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street.

Visit medieval castles

From Dunvegan to Kilchurn , Scotland has no shortage of mythical castles. Among the most fascinating and famous for its epic setting, Eilean Donan is surrounded by nature and three large lochs. Former home of the Mackenzie and Macrae clans, it also played an important role in the Jacobite rebellions. Stirling Castle , located between Glasgow and Edinburgh, has also witnessed several bloody battles, including the defeat of the English by the celebrated Robert the Bruce and William Wallace during the Middle Ages.

Meet Highlands cows

Affectionately known as “ hairy coos ,” these beautiful, shaggy cows are easy to spot when travelling the roads of their native region, the Highlands. Animal lovers with be happy to know that many farms will let you feed and pet them.

Climb the Cuillin Hills

Mountain climbing adepts may be interested in scaling the Cuillin Hills while in Scotland. Separated by the Sligachan Valley, these two mountain ranges are located on the Isle of Skye . While a long, rugged ridge makes ascending the Black Cuillin more difficult, the gentler, rounder Red Cuillin remains challenging. The Black Cuillin leads climbers across several Munros, mountains rising nearly one thousand metres (over 3,000 feet) high.

Sail on the mysterious Loch Ness

Loch Ness is famous for more than its legendary underwater monster. It’s also the largest freshwater lake in the United Kingdom, stretching for over 37 kilometers (29 miles). While there, make your way to the lakeshore to visit the abandoned Urquhart Castle , one of the few to successfully repel British forces after the death of King Robert the Bruce in 1332.

Visit Inverness

Fans of the series Outlander are likely to put Inverness on their Scottish itineraries. Indeed, the city has inspired many travellers. The Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last hand-to-hand combat in the United Kingdom, is just a quick drive away. Sitting on the banks of the River Ness, Inverness also features tours of a castle and its botanical garden. It’s also an excellent entry point for exploring the Highlands or venturing onto Loch Ness.

Explore Cairngorms National Park

Covering more than 4,500 km 2 (1,700 mi 2 ), Cairngorms is the largest national park in the United Kingdom. You’ll find some of Scotland’s highest peaks, numerous sparkling lochs, and vast forests of native Caledonian pine. An ideal playground for water sports, cycling, and hiking, Cairngorms National Park is also home to Balmoral , the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite castle.

Discover the Isle of Skye

Skye is not only the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, it’s also an incredible destination for enjoying some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. Among its most enchanting stops you’ll find breathtaking landscapes at Kilt Rock , feel like you’ve reached the end of the world at Neist Point Lighthouse, and enjoy tasty fish and chips in the colourful town of Portree.

Explore the Quiraing

Scotland has no shortage of impressive hiking spots, and the Quiraing is probably its most magnificent. Located on the Isle of Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula, the site provides visitors with access to the Old Man of Storr , a mythical rock formation adding a bit drama to the surroundings.

Relax on the Isle of Harris

In the heart of the Outer Hebrides , the Isle of Harris is home to spectacular scenery bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Among its many white sandy beaches, Luskentyre and Seilebost offer splendid mountain views, turquoise waters, and green pastures. This island paradise is perfect for windsurfing.

Enter the world of fairies

The Isle of Skye is full of legends and places said to have magical properties. The Sligachan River , for instance, supposedly grants eternal beauty to those who rinse their faces in its bewitched waters. Near the village of Glenbrittle, Fairy Glen lies in a lush valley where wishes are granted amid the enchanting, crystal-clear waters of the Fairy Pools .

Visit Glasgow

Meaning “ dear green place ” in Gaelic, the aptly named Glasgow is home to 90 parks and natural areas along the Clyde River. In addition to its superb university and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum , music lovers can visit the Scottish Opera and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. For those who prefer sports, Glasgow boasts two soccer teams and one rugby team.

Visit St Andrews

St Andrews is the perfect Scottish destination for golf enthusiasts. Founded in 1754, the town’s famous Royal and Ancient Golf Club hosts the British Open every other year. About an hour and 15 minutes by car from Edinburgh, St Andrews is also home to Scotland’s oldest university , the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, and beautiful beaches like West Sands .

Explore Aberdeen

Also known as the Silver City, Aberdeen is sure to please culture lovers. The summer months feature numerous plays at His Majesty’s Theatre and symphony concerts at the Music Hall. More intrepid visitors may dare to visit the Tolbooth Museum, Aberdeen’s most haunted locale. Those with a taste for castles will find nearby Dunnottar and Craigievar make easy day trips.

Visit Shetland

Located in the north of Scotland, Shetland borders the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea. Geographically closer to Norway than to Scotland, the island culture incorporates Scandinavian traditions. In January, for example, Viking structures are burned and locals dress up during the fire festival commemorating the sun’s return following the winter solstice. Winter also offers glimpses of the northern lights, while puffins and Shetland ponies take centre stage during the rest of the year.

Immerse yourself in Scottish culture

Enjoy several important cultural events when visiting Scotland between May and September. More than 60 Highlands Games are held across the country, giving locals and tourists alike a chance to show off their clan colours in a series of fun, sporting, and traditional events. In August, both the Fringe Festival and events surrounding the bagpipes and kilts of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo take Edinburgh by storm.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Where in the UK to see celestial spectacle

Partial solar eclipse to cross over the republic of ireland, northern ireland, scotland, wales and the west of england, article bookmarked.

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A solar eclipse that passes directly over North America on Monday will be partially visible from parts of the UK, according to forecasters.

The Sun will be completely hidden behind the Moon across large parts of the US, making it appear as though day has briefly turned into night.

Total darkness will last for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, while those not directly under the path of totality will see skies darken as the Sun is partially hidden.

In the UK, the partial solar eclipse crosses over the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the west of England.

The celestial event will take place at sunset in the UK, just before the Sun disappears below the horizon at around 8pm, however it looks likely to be obscured by clouds for many.

• Solar eclipse 2024: Everything you need to know ahead of the solar spectacle
• Small town businesses embrace total solar eclipse crowd, come rain or shine on Monday
• Solar eclipse 2024: A traveller’s guide to the best places to be when the light goes out

The best place to view the spectacle in the British Isles would be the west coast of Ireland, though forecasts from Met Éireann for Monday evening currently predict heavy cloud and rain throughout most of the country.

There are similar forecasts in place for Glasgow and Edinburgh, which will see a 10-11 per cent obscuration, though Wales northern Scotland and South West England have more favourable weather forecasts.

Motoring experts have warned UK drivers about the risk of being distracted by the spectacle.

“It should go without saying that staring directly at the Sun is to be avoided at all costs, and the risk of being temporarily blinded while on the road is all too obvious,” said Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing.

“Be prepared for sudden changes in light and have your headlights switched on. It’s also wise to watch out for other distracted drivers - and pedestrians - who might be focussed on the skies and not the traffic around them.”

The last solar eclipse to pass over the US in 2017 resulted in an uptick in fatal road accidents, according to a recent research letter published in the scientific journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

A 31 per cent increase in fatal crashes was recorded on 21 August 2017, the authors wrote, attributing part of this surge to heavy traffic from people travelling to and from locations to view the eclipse.

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Storm Kathleen: Scotland hit by high winds, heavy rain and travel disruption

Flood and wind warnings remain in place, with Sepa warning of ‘real danger to life’ on coastal roads and paths

High winds and heavy rain from Storm Kathleen persisted through Sunday, battering parts of Scotland and Ireland and disrupting travel.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) had 18 regional flood alerts and 37 flood warnings in place in Scotland. They have been in force since Saturday.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow wind warning from 9am on Sunday covering parts of the west and northern Highlands, the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides. It will remain in force until 11:59pm.

Winds as high as 73mph were recorded in Drumalbin, South Lanarkshire.

A previous warning stretched from the Scottish Borders to just south of Stirling. It spanned the west coast, throughout much of central Scotland, and ended just short of the east coast.

Janine Hensman, Sepa’s flood duty manager, said: “Across Sunday, we’ll continue to see high tides, storm surges and large waves across coastal areas. This combination is particularly dangerous – especially around high tides. There is real danger to life from wave overtopping, particularly around causeways, coastal roads and paths.

“While the risk is greatest around high tide times, our message is clear: Take extra care if you are near the coast at any point and stay well clear of waves and water. Be careful when travelling around exposed coastal areas and don’t walk or drive through flood water, as there may be hidden hazards.”

She added: “Whilst Storm Kathleen will ease on Sunday evening, another weather system is on the way. Significant flooding from rivers and surface water is possible in southern, central and north-eastern areas on Tuesday, with coastal flooding continuing due to high spring tides.

“Flood alerts and warnings are in place, so stay up to date though our website. We will continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7 and review regional flood alerts and local flood warnings as required.”

The Met Office has warned of potential power cuts, damage to buildings, poor mobile phone coverage and danger to life because of large waves and debris from beaches being thrown on to seafronts. About 34,000 people were left without electricity on Saturday, with a few thousand customers remaining without power overnight, but by Sunday afternoon almost all had had their supply restored.

CalMac, Scotland’s largest ferry operator, cancelled a number of its services and many other ferries were operating on reduced timetables, while others faced potential disruption.

ScotRail also faced a number of disruptions throughout the day, including to its Helensburgh Central and Dumbarton Central services.

However, the services, according to ScotRail, were “starting to return to normal”.

On Saturday, more than 140 flights throughout the UK were cancelled as a result of the storm.

In Ireland, a girl was swept out to sea from the east pier of Dún Laoghaire harbour in County Dublin on Saturday evening. Rescuers were able to pull her out of the water within eight and a half minutes, with a lifeboat volunteer revealing that pockets of air trapped under her coat helped keep her afloat before the rescue.

Andrew Sykes, a volunteer helm with the RNLI, told PA Media that the stormy conditions made the rescue operation difficult.

“With the high winds and storm we were experiencing, with large waves and surge coming off the pier, to get alongside her was extremely difficult,” he said. “She would be pushed one way and we would be pushed another,”

The girl was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Titanic Belfast was forced to close after strong winds damaged part of its roof on Saturday. However, the yellow wind warning covering Donegal, Mayo and west Galway was lifted at 4pm on Sunday.

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Availability Search for  SCO Summer Tour 2024: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

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SCO Summer Tour 2024: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

Few composers convey youthful energy like Schubert and Mendelssohn, and in this concert we hear some of their sunniest works.

The great 19th century violinist Joseph Joachim called Mendelssohn’s violin concerto the heart’s jewel of German violin concertos. Brought to life by violinist/director Vivian Hagner, it’s tender, lyrical and full of good tunes.

The programme is bookended by Schubert: his delightful Overture in the Italian Style sets the scene, and his Symphony No 5, by turns sprightly and intimate, is summer distilled into music.

Kindly supported by Eriadne & George Mackintosh and Claire & Anthony Tait.

Schubert: Overture in the Italian Style Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto Mendelssohn: Sinfonia No 10 in B minor Schubert: Symphony No 5

Viviane Hagner: Director / Violin

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