Whether you’re navigating the cobblestoned streets of Edinburgh or wandering through mystical valleys in the Highlands, this land of lochs and castles is a spectacular travel destination. So, lace up your boots and get ready to soak up vibrant city life, curious history, and incomparable nature because this country has something for every type of traveler. Here are the best things to do in Scotland.
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Explore Edinburgh’s enchanting streets.
Edinburgh is much more than just Scotland’s capital. It’s a uniquely picturesque city packed full of old-world remnants, charmingly tucked away places, and a skyline like no other place in the world.
Walk up the Royal Mile and you listen to bagpipers as you make your way towards the Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy a short hike up Arthur’s Seat for inspiring views and don’t forget to check out the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum—all for free!
Other great things to see in Edinburgh: the colorful hilly Victoria Street, the historic Grassmarket area, and the Garden of Cosmic Speculation. You too will soon be swept away by the awe of this unstoppable city.
Enjoy a scenic drive to the Three Sisters of Glencoe.
Whether you prefer to rent a car or book a day tour, heading up to the Highlands to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Three Sisters mountains of Glencoe is a must on a trip to Scotland. If you go with a tour, you’ll learn about the area’s rich history and folklore while soaking up its natural beauty. Take a short stroll through the nearby trails for added mystical vibes.
You’ll also have a chance to see the scenic Loch Lomond, sheep and highland cows, and quaint villages through this route. Stop by Luss and see flowers and ducks! Experience Scotland’s beauty!
Spend some quality time on Isle of Skye.
A Scottish isle with more sheep than people is an ideal place to get deep into Scotland’s marvelous scenery. Explore the colorful village of Portree (Skye’s capital), visit the mystical fairy pools, and catch a glimpse of Old Man of Storr, a fascinating rock formation that overlooks much of the isle.
Exploring Skye is one of the best things to do in Scotland.
Act like a local in Glasgow.
Edinburgh may be the capital, but Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and it’s full of life, making it a great place to dive into the local scene. Enjoy the best shopping in the UK outside of London on bustling Buchanan Street, check out the phenomenal Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (it’s free!), and enjoy craft beer and board games at Brewdog across the street from the museum.
Other fantastic things to do in Glasgow: Visit the treehouse-like pub Waxy O’Connor’s, check out the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, and wander the beautiful botanical garden in the trendy west end.
Enjoy whisky and live music in a traditional Scottish pub.
Did you really go to Scotland if you didn’t have a drink in a quaint, traditional pub as fiddlers cheerfully played in the corner? Visit The Pot Still or Lismore in Glasgow, Sandy Bell’s in Edinburgh, and the Clachaig Inn in Glencoe (which doubles as a beautiful hotel in Scottish highlands) for some of the best traditional pubs in Scotland. This is a must-do experience in Scotland!
Wander around the quaint town of Inveraray.
A great escape on Argyll & Bute, Inveraray is a cute whitewashed town along Loch Fyne. If you’re lucky you’ll catch Inveraray in its eeriest form where the mist of the loch creates a moody, yet inviting atmosphere. It’s one of my favorite reasons for constantly returning to this town. The George Hotel is THE place stay and hang out as it has a historic, old-world pub. See availability here.
You can also enjoy a traditional Scottish pub, chatting up friendly locals, boutique shopping, and touring an ancient jail. Here’s the best things to do in Inveraray.
Witness the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle.
Cozily situated on the coast, the Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most admired and recognized in Scotland. It’s a short journey away from Isle of Skye and is a must-visit castle on a trip to Scotland.
READ MORE: Essential Packing List for Scotland
Take an isles tour and witness Fingal’s Cave.
Take a tour to explore some of Scotland’s remote islands on the west coast. This exciting tour leaves from the charming seaside town of Oban and takes visitors to three isles: Mull, Iona, and Staffa.
Staffa is special for its beautiful hexagonal rock formations in a sea cave known as Fingal’s Cave. Though Staffa itself is uninhabited, it’s still one of the best places to visit in Scotland for its miraculous natural beauty.
Explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
Take a scenic train ride or rent a car and head north to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. It’s a beautiful small city offering amazing day trips to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and more.
Head to Hootananny for the best live music and drinks, wander through the Ness Islands, and check out the Inverness Cathedral.
Visit the Culloden Battlefield if you love history.
History enthusiasts will enjoy a half day trip from Inverness to see the Culloden Battlefield. The Battle of Culloden was the last confrontation of the Jacobite rising before the Jacobites took a brutal defeat against the Hanoverian Government in April of 1745.
Follow the timeline as you make your way through the museum while enjoying interactive experiences and friendly staff members doing skits and telling stories from this heavy period in Scottish history. Finally, you’ll make your way out to the battlefield where visitors can take an eerie stroll through the fields.
Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train.
Experience one of the world’s greatest train rides as you journey from Fort William to Mallaig. You’ll pass Britain’s highest peak Ben Nevis and cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made popular as part of the Hogwarts Express route in the Harry Potter films). You’ll also witness some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery during this 6-hour return journey.
Explore posh St. Andrews.
Among ancient ruins, a prestigious university, and pedestrian-friendly streets, St. Andrews is an amazing town to visit on a trip to Scotland.
Wander along the coast and see St. Andrews from a new perspective, enjoy some amazing cafes, and check out the ancient St. Andrews Cathedral, one of the best places to visit in Scotland. This is one of the best places to stay in St. Andrews.
Take a scenic hike in the Highlands.
One of the best experiences to have in Scotland is trekking through some of its spectacular scenery. Whether you want to venture through the 154 km West Highland Way or take on lesser-known trails like the Argyll Coastal Trail, you can’t go wrong with a hike in Scotland.
Venture through Cairngorms National Park.
Nestled right in the middle of Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park is probably the best national park in the country, and its the largest park in the UK.
At this gorgeous park, you can do some wildlife watching, visit castles and distilleries, as well as trek or cycle through many high and low routes. It’s a great opportunity to see a highland cow, too!
Support small Scottish businesses with these perfect souvenirs.
A trip to Scotland is sure to not disappoint. Those are my top recommendations for the best places to visit in Scotland. Now off you go to experience the beauty of this amazing country!
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