Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Scotland? Are you thinking of a trip to Europe and wondering what to explore in Scotland? We’ve got you covered.
Scotland is a great place to spend a weekend or vacation filled with historical sights, great cultural experiences, and many other great things to do. The appeal of Scotland is partly due to its small size (just over five million people) and the ease with which you can access amazing sightseeing opportunities and other interesting places in Scotland.
Edinburgh is the capital of the country and offers world-class cultural events. You can enjoy major festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, one of the world’s most renowned art festivals. The best part is that much of the action takes place around the majestic Edinburgh Castle.
Glasgow is another must-see and has some of the best museums and galleries in the country. In the north, the smaller Scottish cities of Aberdeen and Inverness are full of charms. They make excellent bases for exploring the stunning Scottish Highlands and beautiful natural attractions like Loch Lomond and Loch Ness.
Our list of top places in Scotland will help you make a decision.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. Edinburgh is frequently ranked among the most beautiful cities in the world. You’ll find many tourist attractions to visit, including a rich history, a charming Old Town, and a New Town filled with Georgian grace. It’s easy to see why.
The capital’s seven hills surround it, including the famous Royal Mile that Edinburgh Castle frames. This 11th-century castle sits on top of an extinct volcano and is a Scottish icon. It has witnessed many events, including royal ceremonies, extravagant feasts, the birth of a King, savage battles, and the death of Queens.
A visit to the city is a must if you are there. Be enchanted and explore the castle’s rooms. Also, take a look at the stunning crown jewels. Don’t forget to visit “Mons Meg,” a medieval siege weapon, the Stone of Destiny Gun, and the One O’clock Gun. It is worth the journey just for the breathtaking views from the castle.
The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland, and Colton Hill are just a few of the highlights of Edinburgh. This is especially important if you love Robert Louis Stevenson, who named it his favorite spot.
Glasgow
The city of Glasgow is situated on Scotland’s west coastline, on the River Clyde. It has reimagined itself as a major European cultural hub over the past few decades. It attracts tourists all year round due to its excellent museums, galleries, and festivals.
Thanks to the many parks and pedestrian-friendly streets, you can explore the city on foot. Take in Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow School of Art.
After exploring the city center, you can head to the waterfront or the Riverside Museum. This modern, free museum focuses on Glasgow’s history through large collections of steam engines, trams, buses, and maritime vessels. You can even see authentic replicas of 1930s homes and shops.
Glasgow is also known for its other cultural activities. For theatergoers, highlights include the opportunity to see a play at King’s Theatre, take part in an opera at the Royal Theatre or enjoy a classical concert at Royal Scottish Orchestra at The Concert Hall.
The Kelvin grove Art Gallery & Museum is another notable attraction that deals with art. It is known for its display of local art, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and the Glasgow Style Gallery, which has a diverse collection, including works by Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and more.
Fort William
Fort William is one of the most popular places in Scotland. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Scottish Highlands and home to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.
Fort William was a great place to visit. We would have tried to climb Ben Nevis if the season were right. But even if you don’t want to go up the mountain, there are beautiful views and walks in the area.
Fort William is also where you’ll find one of the most well-known train rides in the world: The Jacobite. Take the Jacobite steam train
Harry Potter fans will recognize it as the Hogwarts Express. This train ride takes you through beautiful countryside and crosses iconic Harry Potter filming locations like Dumbledore’s Grave or the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Climb Ben Nevis
- Visit the Ben Nevis Ski Centre (take the cable car to the mountain restaurant!)
Scottish Highlands
The stunning Scottish Highlands is a travel destination that has captured people’s imaginations like few others. This area is home to some stunning natural beauty, stretching from Inverness, the charming garden city, on the country’s rugged east coastline, to John O’Groats, in the north. It has been the backdrop for many hit TV shows and movies, including the immensely popular Outlander series.
Start your exploration of Scotland’s Highlands with Inverness. Next, head to Loch Ness. The most well-known Scottish lake is Glen More. It’s home to the famous Urquhart Castle ruins and a monster. This canal is one of the country’s most impressive feats of engineering. You can spend hours or days cruising along it by boat.
You can visit the Highlands’ most popular spots, including Dornoch, the charming coastal town, which is a great spot to stop to see its historic castle ruins and cathedral. Aviemore is a popular ski destination in the winter. The region is known for its hiking and biking opportunities in the Cairngorms national park. This area is ideal for outdoor adventures such as white-water rafting and gorge walking.
There are many tours that you can take in the Highlands. However, the North Coast 500 is a great choice for those who plan to drive. This fantastic tourist route lets you see the best of Scotland’s Highlands and other amazing places.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. Scotland’s Loch Ness, a place shrouded in legend and myth, remains one of the top tourist destinations. Although no evidence exists that Nessie (the world’s most famous sea monster) exists, tourists still enjoy looking at the sky excitedly, just in case.
You will not be disappointed even if you don’t see a monster. Its prominent role in movies and TV shows, including the hit TV series Outlander, makes it worth the trip to this Highland attraction. The castle was built in the 1100s and is now in ruins. However, it featured in some of Scotland’s most significant historical events.
Spend at least one day exploring the castle and other attractions of Loch Ness. You can also take a boat ride along the Loch or if you have the time, the Caledonian Canal, which connects Scotland’s west and east coasts.
The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition are located in Drumnadrochit. It has displays about the history of the Loch and, of course, it’s monster. Fort Augustus is also worth a visit. Fort Augustus boasts old fortifications and a Benedictine abbey and offers a viewpoint over the Caledonian canal, which joins the south end.
St. Andrews
St. Andrews is a well-known destination for golf. The seven historic links courses of St. Andrews attract golfers from all over the world. They are attracted by the opportunity to play the par-72 Old Course, the oldest course in the world, and the prestige of being able to play where many great golfers have played before.
This course is also one of the most spectacular, with its stunning scenery that includes a stretch along the rugged coast and the Clubhouse of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club. It was founded in 1754 and is the oldest golf club in the world. You should reserve your tee times for at least six months to avoid disappointment.
It would be best if you also visited the British Golf Museum. This modern facility serves as a memorial to all the great players who have played on the St. Andrews courses and also traces the history of golf over the centuries.
You can do many other things in St. Andrews for everyone else. St. Andrews is also known for its university reputation. Spend some time exploring the beautiful old buildings of the University of St. Andrews.
St. Andrews has many free activities. You can walk around the campus and admire medieval architecture. You should also visit the natural history museum and galleries if time allows. It’s worth visiting the ruins of St. Andrews Castle or the old cathedral.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond offers so many things to all types of travelers visiting Scotland. We enjoyed our time in the park. Fortunately, camping permits were no longer available for October so that we could wild-camp in some of the most beautiful spots.
Loch Lomond is filled with stunning views, beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking hikes, and abandoned castles. There’s something for everyone.
We loved the Trossachs National park’s Three Lochs Forest Drive. It was incredible, and we could wild camp in a beautiful spot with no other people!
It’s worth the hike to the Ben Lomond peak, the highest point in the region. Bradley tried it and enjoyed it! This is a great place to take your family!
- Climb Ben Lomond
- Enjoy a boat cruise on Loch Lomond
- Take the Three Lochs Forest Drive
Inverness
Inverness is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. It isn’t easy to visit Loch Ness if you don’t see Inverness. This stunning city in the Scottish Highlands, located at the east end of the country’s most popular lake, is an ideal starting point for independent and tour travelers. People who are “in the know” know to spend at least a few hours exploring Inverness.
You’ll find plenty of things to do in Inverness if you spend some time here, for a few hours (the ideal place to explore the stunning Scottish Highlands) or for several days. The moderately large city is primarily walkable. You can begin your exploration at Inverness Castle. Take time to admire the view over the River Ness. The river can be followed south to the Ness Islands. This delightful park area connects to the shore via footbridges. It is the perfect place to relax and kick back.
You will find many great Inverness attractions on both sides. The beautiful St. Andrew’s Cathedral is a must-see on the west bank. It stands right opposite the castle. Nearer the old center of Inverness, you will find the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. This museum has many displays related to Inverness and the entire Highlands region.
Another highlight is the historic 16th-century Abertarff house, the Titanic Inverness Maritime Museum, and the Botanic Gardens. Finally, you can shop at the Victorian Market.
Stirling
Stirling, a historic city in Scotland, is a great place to base yourself for exploring the country. It is located halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow and offers a wonderful day trip with plenty of worthwhile things to do and see.
Stirling Castle is at the top of the list. It was once a royal palace. Mary Queen of Scots lived here as a child. The Castle also played a significant role in the long struggle between England and Scotland over the centuries. You can explore the magnificent halls and rooms of this mini-Edinburgh Castle on your own or with a guide.
The Bannockburn Heritage Centre is located on the outskirts of town and offers fascinating stories about the Battle of Bannockburn. This is where Robert the Bruce, the Scottish King, sent the English army packing. The site has excellent displays and interactive exhibits to commemorate this historic victory.
You can add a visit to Bridge of Allan to your Stirling itinerary if you have the time. This village is home to the Wallace Monument. This tower commands the skyline and offers a history of William Wallace’s history and stunning views of Stirling and the surrounding countryside.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. Aberdeen, a beautiful North Sea port, is worth adding to your Scotland travel itinerary. Like many other top cities in the country, Aberdeen is an enjoyable place to walk around. Walking shoes are a great way to explore the many beautiful examples of architecture and enjoy its many parks and gardens.
St. Machar’s Cathedral is a highlight of a self-guided walking tour. It was built in the 1300s and is one of Scotland’s most preserved examples of medieval architecture construction. Many fine examples of old homes, merchant buildings, and other structures are made from local granite. This unique stone gives the town its nickname Silver City.
Aberdeen is also known as “The Flower of Scotland” It’s a well-deserved nickname, thanks to the many green spaces in the city, including the David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park.
You can visit one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens, home to many species of exotic and domestic plants. It covers 44 acres and is a beautiful place to explore.
Aberdeen has two miles of sandy beaches. You can also walk up and down Old High Street. It dates back to the late 1400s and is well-known for its great shopping and dining option
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Edinburgh is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Scotland.
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