11 Unforgettable Experiences in Scotland: Festivals, Puffins, and Scenic Peaks

Scotland frequently appears more expansive than its actual size. This perception arises not only from its global influence—consider the cultural significance of Edinburgh and the renowned whiskies from Speyside—but also from the remarkable variety of activities available throughout the region.

Two intriguing yet distinct cities dominate Scotland’s central belt, the breathtaking Highlands boast some of the globe’s most stunning landscapes, while the islands are teeming with wildlife and captivating remnants of history. There are remarkable sights scattered across the country, but the following are among the premier experiences in Scotland.

1. Experience the creativity of the Edinburgh Festival

The largest arts festival in the world transforms Scotland’s capital each August. Virtually every location becomes a venue—previous participants have included swimming pools, fudge shops, and public restrooms—while the streets pulse with performers and festival attendees, and pubs bustle until the early hours.

The Fringe, International Festival, and Tattoo represent the main events. For those wishing to attend the most popular performances, early planning is crucial; however, an abundance of unique experiences awaits those who seek out smaller venues and unconventional shows, offering a truly distinctive perspective away from the crowds.

Local tip: If you did not secure tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, ascend to the top of the Royal Mile and observe the troops parade down Castle Hill, accompanied by bagpipes, brass sections, and vibrant costumes, following the primary performance at 10:30 p.m. each evening.

2. Get swept away by the music in Glasgow

During the day, Glasgow’s impressive architecture and evolving museums merit your attention. Nevertheless, the city truly comes alive during the evening, as vibrant local music scenes engage visitors with genuine curiosity. Pubs host folk performances, clubs burst with house and techno music, and the alt-rock scene showcases immense talent. Discover indie acts at King Tut’s, dance on a historic ballroom floor at the Barrowland (voted the best venue in the UK in 2023), experience a folk session at the Ben Nevis, or enjoy electronic music at the Sub Club, a celebrated haven for electronic music for over three decades.

3. Find your own highlights on Skye

Featuring majestic peaks, Gaelic culture, and windswept landscapes, Skye serves as the primary attraction in the Highlands. Instead of attempting to squeeze in all of its highlights into a singular itinerary—which may lead to navigating heavy tourist traffic—it is beneficial to select the area that resonates most with you and allocate several days to explore.

Your journey might include trekking the knife-edge ridges of the Cuillin Hills, discovering the basalt sea stacks on the Trotternish Peninsula, enjoying roasted hake or devilled pigeon at the Michelin-starred Three Chimneys, or savoring ale at sunset on the lesser-known Waternish Peninsula.

Planning tip: Stagecoach provides transportation along the primary bus routes on the island, connecting all main villages and towns; however, sturdy walking shoes are necessary for venturing further.

4. Take in the lonely peaks of Assynt

Assynt, located in the far northwest of Scotland, evokes an otherworldly atmosphere. Here, isolated sandstone peaks rise majestically from the damp moorland, imparting an aura of grandeur, and, weather permitting, the views from their summits can extend as far as the eye can see.

Numerous excellent scrambling routes require prior experience and a comfort with heights. An Teallach (1063m/3486ft) features a thrilling traverse, Suilven (723m, 2,372ft) offers a long, remote, irregular ridge, and Stac Pollaidh (612m/2008 ft) presents a striking silhouette reminiscent of a ruined crown, being the most easily accessible of the trio. The coastline in this area is also superb for sea kayaking.

Local tip: The vistas from the winding roads that traverse this wilderness can rival those from the summits themselves.

5. Soak up the culture on Dundee’s waterfront

Dundee’s docks historically facilitated the worldwide export of jute, a textile fiber; however, industrial decline during the 1980s significantly impacted the region. The revival began with the restoration of the 1901 ship Discovery, which famously ventured into the Antarctic under the esteemed Captain Robert Falcon Scott and was constructed to endure being frozen in ice.

In 2018, it was complemented by V&A Dundee, a cutting-edge museum distinguished by its slatted exterior resembling a blend of a spacecraft and a coastal cliff. Between visiting notable exhibitions at the V&A and exploring Discovery, you can delve into the city’s textile legacy at the Verdant Works or navigate Dundee’s maritime history while paddleboarding on the Tay.

6. Taste whisky in Speyside

Located in Northeast Scotland, Speyside is not solely about whisky; the region also offers salmon fishing, historic railways, and golf courses for exploration. Nevertheless, the majority of visitors are drawn to this area for its exquisite and aromatic whiskies.

You can marvel at the large, contemporary vats used in whisky production, appreciate the well-worn casks (often previously utilized for sherry) that impart distinct flavors to each batch, and admire the streams and rivers that flow from the hills to the distilleries, infusing the spirits with local terroir.

There’s an abundance of intriguing experiences in this region; consider staying overnight in traditional lodges, enjoying drinks in serene, book-laden lounges, or choosing cozy B&Bs where the aromas of kippers and black pudding await to revitalize you after a night out.

Local tip: Speyside boasts the highest concentration of distilleries in Scotland, with Glenfiddich being the most renowned.

7. Learn about Stone Age Orkney

The Orkney archipelago, situated an hour’s ferry ride from Scotland’s northeastern coast, is characterized by farmland, fishing villages, and some of Europe’s most significant Stone Age remnants. Skara Brae, a settlement dating back 5,000 years and preserved beneath sand dunes until 1850, vividly illustrates the daily lives of Neolithic inhabitants.

The interconnected houses feature tunnels and are adorned with furniture—beds, fireplaces, dressers, and cupboards. Nearby, the remarkable burial mound of Maeshowe showcases this ancient civilization’s spiritual practices. In its embrace of standing stones, impressive seabird colonies, and the vast sea surrounding it, modern Orkney retains its wild and evocative essence.

8. Join the island adventures on Mull

Exploring the Hebrides is highly recommended. These islands, located off the western coast, straddle the line between Scotland and the Atlantic Ocean. Among them, Mull stands out for its natural beauty. Beyond its charming towns—such as the picturesque harbor of Tobermory—Mull serves as an ideal base for outdoor adventures. The island offers mountains, cliffs, and breathtaking beaches, but a boat excursion presents the most memorable experiences.

Nearby isles include Iona (home to the abbey, which played a pivotal role in early Christianity in Britain), Staffa (famous for its dramatic columns that inspired both Felix Mendelssohn and Pink Floyd), and Lunga (where thousands of charming puffins nest from spring to summer). This excursion offers an especially enjoyable experience for families, as children will appreciate the thrills of short boat trips.

Detour: Numerous operators around the coast provide whale-watching boat excursions lasting from a few hours to the entire day, with some boasting summer sighting success rates of 95%.

9. Drive the North Coast 500

Scotland’s renowned driving route begins in Inverness, the picturesque capital of the Highlands, and forms a picturesque loop around the dramatic western coast and the remote northern regions of Scotland. Throughout your journey, you will encounter exceptional seafood restaurants, distilleries (some of which do not produce whisky), charming villages, farmhouses, and inviting pubs.

Nevertheless, the scenery remains the primary highlight: lochs that seem to stretch infinitely, towering sea cliffs, rugged mountains, desolate beaches, machair grassland, and heather-clad hills. The summer months can be quite busy; thus, the optimal time to visit is during the shoulder seasons. A week-long trip allows ample opportunities to make enjoyable stops, inhale the invigorating sea air, and appreciate the dynamic light and contours of the terrain. If this landscape does not appeal, Scotland offers numerous other captivating road trips.

10. Hike the West Highland Way

The West Highland Way guides you from the Lowlands to the Highlands, commencing from the outskirts of Scotland’s largest city to the foot of Britain’s tallest mountain. The route encompasses rivers, lochs, mountains, and moorland, tracing historic cattle trails and former railway lines—ensuring that adventurers will find it difficult to lose their way.

This 96-mile (155km) trek typically takes travelers about a week, although numerous sections can be experienced independently. Assistance from a tour operator for luggage transfers to your accommodations nightly is an option to ease your journey, or you may choose to camp throughout to conclude your adventure with a climb of Ben Nevis (4413ft/1345m).

Local tip: Advance booking for accommodation or campsites during the European summer is advisable, as this popular route can fill up quickly. Certain pubs and inns provide meals exclusively for their guests, so if you opt for wild camping, ensure that you bring sufficient supplies for meals between major towns.

11. Explore historic Edinburgh

Outside of festival season, Edinburgh ranks among Britain’s most stunning cities, offering endless activities, with its Old and New Towns providing illuminating reflections of its rich history. The Old Town is dominated by an imposing castle, from which the cobblestone Royal Mile gracefully descends, flanked by medieval alleys and cozy pubs, leading to the Scottish Parliament.

The adjacent New Town, just 200 years old, boasts Neoclassical streets arranged in an elegant configuration of squares, crescents, and boulevards. The city’s hilly terrain ensures that a new perspective greets you wherever you venture. Among numerous attractions, the National Museum stands out, but one can glean a vivid understanding of Edinburgh’s profound history simply by meandering through its streets.

This article was first published on October 5, 2021, and was updated on May 17, 2023.