11 Best Places to Visit in Scotland

If you’re only able to visit one city in Scotland, make it Edinburgh. The country’s capital is home to well-preserved architecture from a number of different periods of history, including medieval times (Edinburgh Castle and the incredible shop-lined Royal Mile), to the more recent New Town area, much of which was built in the 18^thcentury. A highlight of this newer part of the ancient city is simply wandering among the many elegant Georgian townhomes, taking in the Grassmarket, an attractive pedestrian-friendly public square popular for its shops, galleries, and cafés.

Edinburgh is also an important cultural destination, hosting numerous popular events and festivals throughout the year. One of the largest arts festivals in the world, the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival draws huge crowds, as do the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the latter held in the grounds of the castle.

Other fun things to do include visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the Queen’s personal yacht and now a fascinating museum that allows visitors to tour the State Apartments and Royal Bedrooms. For a true British treat, book a table in the Royal Deck Tea Room for a proper high tea experience.

2. Glasgow

Situated on the River Clyde on Scotland’s west coast, the city of Glasgow has, in the last few decades, reimagined itself as a major European cultural center, using its many excellent museums, art galleries, and festivals to attract tourists year-round. It’s a great city to explore on foot thanks to its many lovely parks and pedestrian-friendly streets, especially if you also take in Glasgow cathedral and the famous Glasgow School of Art.

After exploring the city center, head down to the waterfront and the Riverside Museum. One of the top free things to do in Glasgow, this superb modern facility focuses on the history of transportation in the city through its large collections of vintage steam engines, trams, buses, carriages, cars, and seafaring vessels, along with an authentic reproduction of 1930s shops and homes.

Glasgow has also earned a reputation for other cultural activities, too. Highlights for theatergoers include a chance to take in a play at the King’s Theatre, partake in a little opera at the home of the Scottish Opera in the Theatre Royal, or a classical concert at the Royal Scottish Orchestra at the Concert Hall. Other notable arts-related attractions include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, notable for its displays of local art, and the wonderful Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style Gallery with its diverse collection that includes works by Van Gogh and Salvador Dali.

Few travel destinations have captured the imagination to the extent of the magnificent Scottish Highlands. Stretching from the attractive garden city of Inverness on the country’s rugged east coast all the way to John O’Groats in the north, this area of outstanding natural beauty is where you’ll find some of the most romantic scenery anywhere – it has served as the backdrop to hit movies and TV shows, including the hugely popular Outlander series.

Begin your exploration of the Scottish Highlands in Inverness, then head straight to nearby Loch Ness. Popular for its monster and the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle, Scotland’s most famous lake is part of Glen More, a natural fault line that’s marked by the Caledonian Canal, one of the country’s most amazing feats of engineering and a delightful way to spend a few hours (or days) sightseeing by boat.

A few popular places to visit in Scotland as you tour the Highlands include the quaint coastal town of Dornoch, a great place to stop for its old castle ruins and cathedral, and Aviemore, popular as a ski destination in winter. In warmer weather, the region is popular for the hiking and biking adventures available in the Cairngorms National Park. This sparsely populated area is also great for other outdoor experiences, including sea kayaking, white-water rafting, gorge walking, and fishing.

While there are numerous tours available in the Highlands, a great option for those planning on driving is to travel along the North Coast 500, a great tourist route that takes in the best of the Highlands and other great places in Scotland.

4. St. Andrews

St. Andrews is well-known as one of the world’s top golf destination. Golfers from around the globe make the pilgrimage to St. Andrews’ seven classic links courses, drawn by the prestige of playing the world’s oldest golf course – the par-72 Old Course – and the chance to play where so many golf greats have teed off before them. It’s also one of the most dramatic courses, its spectacular scenery including a stretch of rugged coastline and the attractive old Clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Founded in 1754, it’s the world’s oldest golf club, and its popularity as a golf mecca means you should try to reserve your tee time at least six months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Be sure to also visit the nearby British Golf Museum. This modern facility is something of a shrine to the greats who’ve played the St. Andrews’ courses, as well as detailing the history of the sport over the centuries.

Fortunately for the rest of us, there are plenty of other fun things to do in St. Andrews, too. St. Andrews is also famous as a university town. Be sure to spend time exploring the many fine old buildings associated with the University of St. Andrews. One of the top free things to do in St. Andrews is to simply wander the university grounds, admiring the well-preserved medieval architecture; and if time permits, be sure to check out on-site attractions such as its natural history museum and art galleries. The ruins of St. Andrews Castle and the town’s old cathedral are also worth exploring.

Shrouded in myth and legend, Scotland’s beautiful Loch Ness remains one of the country’s top places to visit. Despite there being no definitive evidence that “Nessie,” the world’s most famous sea monster, actually exists, that first glimpse of the water doesn’t stop excited tourists from scanning the horizon excitedly… just in case.

But even without a monster sighting, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks to its starring role in movies and on TV – most recently in the hit series, Outlander – places like Urquhart Castle are enough to make the journey to this Highland attraction worthwhile. Built in the 1100s, the castle now lies in ruins after being devastated by fire some 500 years ago, but not before featuring in some of Scotland’s most important historical events.

Expect to spend at least a day exploring the old castle and other Loch Ness attractions. Other fun things to do include a boat cruise along the loch and, if there’s time, the Caledonian Canal, which connects Scotland’s east and west coasts. Other points of interest include the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in the village of Drumnadrochit, with its displays relating to the loch’s history – and of course its monster – and Fort Augustus, with its old fortifications and Benedictine abbey and its viewing spots over the Caledonian Canal, where it joins the south end of the loch.

The attractive North Sea port city of Aberdeen is well worth including on your Scotland travel itinerary. Like so many of the country’s top city destinations, Aberdeen is a delightful place to explore on foot. Lacing up the walking shoes will not only allow you to explore its many fine examples of old, well-preserved architecture, but also to spend time in its many pleasant parks and gardens.

A highlight of a self-guided walking tour is St. Machar’s Cathedral, built in the 1300s and one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture construction in Scotland, as well as the many fine examples of old homes and merchant buildings made from the unique local granite that seems to sparkle in sunlight, giving the town its affectionate “Silver City” nickname.

Aberdeen has a second, equally complimentary nickname: “The Flower of Scotland.” And it’s certainly well-deserved thanks to the presence of the city’s many lovely green spaces, most notably the David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park. Here, you can wander one of the biggest indoor gardens in all of Europe, home to numerous species of domestic and exotic plants. Set on some 44 acres, it’s a wonderful place to explore, and in the warmer months makes a great picnic spot, especially during the park’s concert season.

Other places for a good walk include Aberdeen’s two miles of beaches; around one of the many nearby golf courses; or simply up and down the Old High Street, dating from the late 1400s and popular for its shopping and dining experiences.

An easy drive from Glasgow – and easy to get to from Edinburgh, too – Loch Lomond is a convenient place to visit in Scotland for those seeking a glimpse of some of the country’s most iconic (and romantic) scenery. The largest body of fresh water in the UK, it’s so picturesque that one of the country’s leading writers, Walter Scott, famously labeled this magnificent stretch of water the “Queen of Scottish Lakes.” Gentle activities and pursuits include boat tours and cruises and visiting attractions such as the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, or even shopping at the modern Loch Lomond Shores entertainment complex with its family-friendly SEA LIFE Aquarium.

As popular a spot as it is for sightseers, Loch Lomond also appeals to those seeking fun outdoor activities. For adventurous sorts, the big attraction is the spectacular Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, a vast tract of unspoiled wilderness covering an area of 1,864 square kilometers with the loch and Ben Lomond at its center. The top things to do for adventurers include fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as hiking and biking along its extensive trail network.

The trail network includes part of the Western Highland Way, which goes all the way north to Fort William. A good place to start your hike is at the National Park Centre in Balmaha, where you can seek expert advice in the planning and execution of your particular choice of adventure.

The historic town of Stirling is one of the best places in Scotland to serve as a base from which to explore the country: it’s situated almost half way between Glasgow and Edinburgh, so it makes for a great day trip and boasts plenty of great things to see and do. Topping the list is stunning Stirling Castle, famous for once having been a royal palace (Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood here), as well as its role in the centuries-long struggle between Scotland and England. A visit to this “mini-Edinburgh Castle” includes a chance to explore the well-preserved medieval structure’s grand halls and rooms, either on your own or as part of a guided tour.

On the outskirts of town is the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, which offers a fascinating retelling of the Battle of Bannockburn. It was here that Scottish king Robert the Bruce sent the English army packing, and the site commemorates this historic victory with excellent displays and interactive exhibits. If you can squeeze a little more into your Stirling itinerary, include a visit to the neighboring village of Bridge of Allan, home to the Wallace Monument, which dominates the skyline here, offering a little history about the legendary William Wallace, as well as amazing views over Stirling and the surrounding countryside.

The attractive Isle of Arran has made a name for itself as a top place to visit as it’s something of a microcosm of everything that’s great about Scotland. Located just off the mainland from Glasgow and reached via a scenic one-hour ferry ride, this 429-square-kilometer island is therefore perfect either for a day trip from Glasgow, a weekend break, or an extended vacation. As you tour the island – by bike, car, or the regular bus service that circles the island – you’ll find attractive areas that resemble some of the most beautiful aspects of Scotland, from moors to tall mountains just waiting to be hiked across, long stretches of sandy beach, quaint fishing villages, great little golf courses, and historic castles.

If you can spare a few hours (pending your level of fitness), allot time to tackle the 873-meter Goat Fell Mountain; you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with magnificent views over Arran and the Firth of Clyde toward Glasgow, as well as northward toward Mull of Kintyre. Also spend time exploring Brodick Castle, a popular tourist attraction for its displays of period furniture and its grounds, which house an authentic iron age dwelling. There are also plenty of great restaurants on the island, as well as good hotels and resorts.

Another Scottish island to explore is the lovely Isle of Skye. Like Arran, it boasts a little something of everything that is Scotland but with the advantage that it’s connected to the mainland via road bridge. Part of the Hebrides in the northwest section of the Highlands, this large island is some 80 kilometers in length and is a nature-lover’s paradise, home to colonies of seabirds, seals, and other native wildlife, along with mile after mile of rugged coastline and spectacular hill views.

Hikers and hillwalkers in particular are well-catered to, thanks to the island’s extensive trail networks, which lead across romantic moors and valleys and up mountains, including the Cuillin Hills, which boast some of the best views in Scotland.

Man-made attractions include the attractive Armadale Castle. Located near the ferry port of Mallaig, this early 19th-century edifice is set in the heart of a huge country estate and features excellent displays and artifacts related to one of the most powerful of Scotland’s historic clans, the Donalds. Expect to easily spend a few hours exploring the large grounds and gardens with their walking trails, as well as the Museum of the Isles. Also worth a visit is Dunvegan Castle, once the seat of the MacLeod clan, located in the village of the same name and a great place to embark on a boat tour or fishing excursion.

11. Fort William

The attractive west coast resort town of Fort William makes an excellent starting point for excursions into the unspoiled Highlands, including Ben Nevis. Located at the south end of the Caledonian Canal, Fort William – named after fortifications built here in the 17th century – offers visitors plenty of points of interest to explore, including the West Highland Museum in Cameron Square, notable for its collections of furniture, paintings, weapons, and Highland costumes. There’s also an impressive collection of artifacts and documents relating to the opening of the West Highland Railway in 1894, along with the celebrated conquests of Ben Nevis, notably that by Henry Alexander, who in 1911 drove a Ford Model T to the summit.

A great excursion from Fort William is to Glenfinnan Viaduct, often recognized from numerous Harry Potter movies (among other films) as the route the Hogwart Express took when whisking young wizards to school. Fun steam excursions can be enjoyed aboard the lovely Jacobite steam train along this stretch of the West Highland Line, taking in the viaduct and some of the most scenic vistas found anywhere in Scotland. From Fort William, you can also easily get to other popular Scotland destinations, including Glencoe, a spectacular valley famed for its breathtaking scenery, winter sports, hiking, and mountain climbing.