Summary
Some of the most remarkable locations to explore in Scotland will be instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with whisky labels or shortbread tins. Envision dramatic peaks, serene glens, lochs, tartan, and haggis!
From spectacular Skye and historic Edinburgh to the gently rolling rivers of Speyside, Scotland’s iconic sights are as stunning as one would expect. However, delve deeper into this proud nation and you will discover a multifaceted and captivating land, filled with ancient villages, lively clubs, exquisite seafood, and historic ruins.
So, where should you begin? Once you have identified the ideal time for your visit, you ought to determine the prime locations to experience during your stay. Below is our selection of top destinations in Scotland to help you get started.
1. Edinburgh
Best place for year-round entertainment
Scotland’s capital is renowned for its festivals, yet there is considerably more to the city than its events. Edinburgh exhibits a variety of atmospheres: visit in the spring to witness the Old Town contrasted against a clear blue sky and the vibrant yellows of daffodils, or on a frostbitten winter day to experience the fog catching the spires of the Royal Mile, rain-soaked cobblestones, and the inviting glow emerging from the windows of local pubs. Featuring a distinguished modern art gallery, premier museums, haunting historic sites, and a magnificent 12th-century castle, there is ample entertainment to be found regardless of the season.
Local tip: Commence your Edinburgh visit with a trek up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano providing panoramic vistas of the city.
2. West Highland Way
Best place for long-distance hiking
The optimal method to immerse yourself in Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes is on foot. In this region, towering peaks overshadow lochs, while sea cliffs overlook the turbulent sea; however, there are also shorter woodland paths and charming walks through valleys adorned with purple heather. A highlight for many hikers is the 96-mile West Highland Way, spanning from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William, offering a weeklong journey through some of the country’s breathtaking scenery, culminating in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis.
If time or stamina does not permit a full trek, it is possible to undertake a single day’s hike along a portion of the trail. For instance, you could traverse the segment from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, returning to your starting point via the Loch Lomond waterbus. Regardless of the section selected, ensure you carry waterproof gear and midge repellant. Train enthusiasts should note that sleeper trains operate from Fort William to London, facilitating an uncomplicated departure post-hike.
Detour: The peaks of Ben Nevis (1,345 m/4,413 ft) are accessible to those who are reasonably fit: treat the ascent with respect, and, weather permitting, the reward will be astonishing views potentially reaching Northern Ireland.
3. North Coast 500
Best place for a scenic road trip
Stunning vistas characterize the Highlands, yet the remote north truly captivates. This area offers the finest exploration opportunities by car (cycling is also an option), showcasing some of the best roadside scenery in Europe.
The North Coast 500 begins and concludes in the charming city of Inverness, winding through the lochs, sand dunes, and golf courses of the eastern shores before journeying to the rugged cliffs and beaches of Cape Wrath, alongside the scenic peaks of Assynt and the remote allure of Torridon. These captivating sights, along with warm Highland hospitality found in traditional rural pubs and historic crofting villages, create an unforgettable weeklong adventure.
4. Isle of Skye
Best place for photographers
In a nation esteemed for breathtaking scenery, the Isle of Skye undoubtedly claims the top position. From the rugged heights of the Cuillins and the unique pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr to the breathtaking cliffs of Neist Point, a photographic opportunity awaits at virtually every corner.
Skye is also among the premier locations in Scotland for observing golden eagles, and you will encounter friendly pubs and renowned seafood restaurants if you can divert your attention from the awe-inspiring vistas. Naturally, the island’s tourist allure renders Skye one of Scotland’s most frequented destinations. Crowds typically gather in Portree, Dunvegan, and Trotternish—however, it is often feasible to discover solitude in the island’s more secluded regions.
Planning tip: Be ready for variable weather conditions—when it is pleasant, it is exceptionally nice, yet it frequently is not.
5. Loch Lomond
Best place for a lakeside hike
Despite being less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow’s vibrant city life, the beautiful banks of Loch Lomond, celebrated in one of Scotland’s most cherished songs, represent some of the country’s most picturesque landscapes.
At the core of Scotland’s first national park, the loch starts as a broad, island-laden expanse in the southern region, its banks adorned with bluebell-filled woods before tapering in the north to a fjord-like gorge set among towering mountains.
Detour: The summit of Ben Lomond (974 m/3,031 ft) is a favored ascent—follow the well-maintained trail for a 7-mile round-trip on the renowned Tourist Route (allocate roughly 5 hours).
6. Glasgow
Best place for live music and pub culture
Scotland’s largest city may not boast the captivating backdrop of Edinburgh, yet it compensates with an abundance of activities and a warmth and vitality that truly impresses visitors. Edgy and modern, it is an excellent venue for exploring art galleries and museums, while discovering the works of local design innovator Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
The infectious energy of Glasgow is best experienced in its vibrant pubs and clubs, which host an impressive live music scene.
Local tip: Check for upcoming performances (primarily alt-rock) at the Barrowland (hailed as the UK’s best music venue by Time Out magazine in 2023), a legendary former ballroom, or visit the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice N Sleazy, a classic indie venue.
7. Stirling
Best place for castle enthusiasts
Strategically positioned atop an imposing wooded crag, an extinct volcanic plug, Stirling is celebrated for its well-preserved Old Town, a treasure trove of historical structures and cobbled lanes ascending to the ramparts of Stirling Castle. This fortress has experienced significant historical events, including bombardments by the Warwolf, a colossal 14th-century English siege engine, and offers an exhilarating glimpse into Scotland’s past, having been besieged during the 1745 Jacobite rising, as well as sending forces to the decisive battle of Bannockburn (immortalized in Braveheart).
Today, the views extending toward the Highlands, the glorious tapestries, and the rich history affirm that this is Scotland’s premier castle and a splendid family destination.
Planning tip: The best time to visit is in the afternoon; many tourists arrive on day trips, and you may find the castle almost empty by 4 pm.
8. St Andrews
Best place for golfers
Scotland is the birthplace of golf, and the city of St Andrews is revered as its spiritual home, attracting players of all skill levels. Links courses provide the quintessential experience here—undulating coastal layouts where the rough consists of heather and coastal grasses, and the prevailing winds can turn a promising round into a challenging endeavor.
The historic university town of St Andrews is golf’s headquarters and serves as an irresistible destination for enthusiasts. However, for those less inclined toward the sport, the city boasts magnificent medieval ruins, impressive university buildings, idyllic stretches of white sand, and excellent guesthouses and restaurants.
9. Skara Brae
Best place for lovers of ancient history
Engaging with ancient locations can often create challenges in establishing a connection across centuries, yet Scotland’s remarkable prehistoric sites offer an immediate impact. Few locations can provide a clearer view of daily life in the Stone Age than Skara Brae in Orkney, featuring its carefully constructed hearths, sleeping areas, storage spaces, and water cisterns.
This Neolithic settlement, which is over 5,000 years old and predates both Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, remained concealed beneath coastal sand dunes for centuries. Even now, it seems as if the inhabitants have merely stepped out for a fishing excursion and may return at any moment.
10. Glen Coe
Best place for clan history
Scotland’s most renowned glen merges two quintessential features of the Highlands: breathtaking landscapes and a profound historical significance. The serenity and beauty of this valley today belies the fact that Glen Coe was the site of a ruthless massacre in the 17th century, where local MacDonalds were killed by Campbell clan soldiers.
Some of the glen’s scenic trails, such as the one leading to the Lost Valley, follow paths taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom succumbed to the snow.
Planning tip: Begin your exploration at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for insights into this beautiful region and its tragic past.
11. Perthshire
Best place to enjoy nature’s bounty
In Perthshire, at the heart of Scotland, charming towns burst into bloom with flowers, distilleries release enticing malty aromas, and sheep graze in lush green pastures. The region embodies a natural richness like no other in Scotland.
Blue-gray lochs glimmer as they mirror the shifting weather; ancient trees stand tall amidst riverside woodlands; majestic glens carve their way into wild terrains; and salmon leap upstream toward their birthplace.
12. Shetland Islands
Best place for birdwatching
Close enough to Norway to create ambiguities regarding Scottish identity, the Shetland Islands represent the most northerly territory of Britain. The dramatically rugged environment—recognized as a valuable UNESCO geopark—still retains a distinctly Scottish essence, characterized by profound, unadorned glens flanked by steep hills, sparkling azure lochs, and the perpetual presence of sheep on the scarcely traveled roads. However, it is the diverse birdlife that particularly attracts visitors here.
From their arrival in late spring to the boisterous feeding frenzies of midsummer, the extensive colonies of gannets, guillemots, skuas, puffins, and kittiwakes found at Hermaness, Noss, Sumburgh Head, and Fair Isle offer some of the UK’s most remarkable birdwatching experiences.
Local tip: Shetland is among the finest places in the UK to observe orcas (and the Northern Lights).
13. Speyside
Best place for whisky tasting
Scotland’s national beverage is whisky—derived from the Gaelic uisge beatha, translating to “water of life”—and this spirited libation has been distilled here for over 500 years. Currently, more than 50 distilleries operate in Speyside, recognized as Scotland’s premier whisky region, celebrated for fruity and gently spicy profiles (for peatier varieties, consider visiting Islay).
Inquire at the Whisky Museum regarding the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided itinerary revolving around local distilleries. If you have time for only one visit, the Balvenie Distillery is a fantastic option, as it retains a traditional malting floor—the aroma is exceptional!
Planning tip: Dufftown, located at the heart of the region, hosts the biannual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
14. The Scotland Borders
Best place for a country ramble
Many travelers to Scotland rush to Edinburgh and subsequently to the Highlands, overlooking the Scottish Borders entirely. This is a significant oversight. Previously battlegrounds of warring chieftains and cattle rustlers, the Borders region is steeped in history while offering excellent cycling and hiking routes.
Grand country estates abound, including Traquair House, which brews Jacobite Ale and conceals a room that once sheltered Catholic priests—plus a series of exquisite abandoned abbeys. The Gothic Melrose Abbey stands out as the finest, alongside the sea cliffs and birdlife at St Abb’s Head. More adventurous visitors can fish for salmon or navigate the mountain biking trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.
This article was initially published on May 13, 2021, and updated on November 19, 2023.
