Scotland offers everything when it comes to bragging about travel: impressive castles, rich clan history, fresh crustaceans; foggy mountains, vast moorland, a diverse array of islands; strong whisky, beautiful beaches, and traditional kilts.
Before embarking on a trip, the most challenging aspect is uncovering responses to the frequently asked queries: what are the top destinations to explore in Scotland?
And where can we find the most stunning locations in Scotland? What exceptional views should not be overlooked? And what are the most unforgettable accommodations?
To assist you in understanding the essence of this untamed, magnificent, and frequently rainy nation, here are our top recommendations for places to explore in Scotland.
1: Edinburgh
If you can only choose one city to visit in Scotland, Edinburgh should be your top choice.
The capital city of Scotland showcases well-preserved architecture spanning various historical periods, particularly numerous structures from the medieval era. If you want to have a good look at it, you can always take a city-ride on something equivalent to 7 seater Maxi Cab in Singapore.
Certainly, the most well-known among them is the stunning Edinburgh Castle, a picturesque and iconic landmark that provides beautiful views of the city.
You are advised to stroll down the fantastic Royal Mile Street with all its shops starting from the castle. One of the top attractions in Edinburgh is strolling along this renowned cobblestone street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, showcasing many historic landmarks, some from the medieval era.
Exploring the twisting side streets branching off from the Royal Mile, one can find the towering historic townhouses known as “lands,” which are a particularly captivating feature to uncover.
Visiting the recently built New Town district, constructed mainly in the eighteenth century, is also advisable. An interesting aspect of this revised part of the old city is wandering past the many elegant Georgian houses and taking in the Grassmarket.
This appealing square, designed for pedestrians, is popular for its variety of shops, galleries, and cafes. A few of the best parks in Edinburgh, including Inverleith Park, are also in this vicinity.
Edinburgh is also a major center for culture, hosting numerous popular events and festivals throughout the year. The famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the International Book Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held at the castle are some of the largest arts festivals in the world, drawing in large crowds.
2: Glasgow
Located on the west coast of Scotland along the River Clyde, Glasgow has transformed into a significant cultural hub in Europe in recent years.
Nowadays, tourists are drawn year-round to its numerous outstanding museums, art galleries, and festivals. Exploring the city on foot is a fantastic experience due to its numerous beautiful parks and streets that are designed for pedestrians, especially when visiting Glasgow cathedral and the renowned Glasgow School of Art.
Once you finish exploring the city center, make your way to the waterfront and visit the beautiful Riverside Museum.
A popular tourist hotspot in Scotland, this impressive contemporary establishment highlights the city’s transportation history with extensive displays of old steam engines, trams, buses, carriages, cars, and ships. There is also a faithful recreation of shops and homes from the 1930s.
Glasgow has also gained recognition for its various cultural activities.
Theater enthusiasts can enjoy watching a play at the King’s Theatre, experiencing opera at the home of the Scottish Opera in the Theatre Royal, or attending a classical concert at the Concert Hall with the Royal Scottish Orchestra.
Additional arts-related attractions that should not be missed are the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, known for showcasing local art, and the Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style Gallery, which boasts a collection featuring pieces by both Van Gogh and Salvador Dali.
3: The Scottish Highlands
Scotland is a destination that can be enjoyed all year round, with roads and attractions frequently open and accessible throughout the different seasons.
And remember, weather conditions do have an impact on visitors.
Although it’s feasible to travel by road around Scotland in the winter, there are limited activities, attractions, lodging options, and daylight hours available to enjoy in the off-peak period. During the winter months, roads may sometimes be shut down because of weather conditions.
This is particularly accurate for isolated regions like the North Coast 500 and certain islands that are not easily reachable because ferries operate on limited schedules and can be canceled because of bad weather. Our suggestion is to take a road trip through the Highlands, traveling up the east coast to Aberdeen, and then across Inverness.
Accessing Skye is made convenient by its connection to the mainland via a bridge.
The western coast is also very beautiful, with Fort William, Glen Coe, and Oban being favorite destinations throughout the year.
Driving conditions can be easily impacted by winter weather in rural areas and the countryside of Scotland. If you’re considering a winter road trip to Scotland, we recommend driving cautiously and being prepared for the unpredictable winter conditions.
4: St. Andrews
St. Andrews is famous as a premier golf destination worldwide. Golfers from all over the world come to St. Andrews’ seven traditional links courses to experience the honor of playing on the oldest golf course in the world, the par-72 Old Course, and the opportunity to tee off where many golf legends have played before.
It is also among the most impressive courses, with its stunning views that feature a rugged coastline and the charming old Clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.
Established in 1754, this is the oldest golf club in the world, and its reputation as a top golf destination makes it advisable to book your tee time at least six months ahead to secure a spot.
Don’t forget to check out the neighboring R&A World Golf Museum as well. This contemporary establishment serves as a tribute to the legends who have competed on the St. Andrews’ courses, while also showcasing the evolution of the sport throughout the ages.
Luckily, there are many other enjoyable activities for us to participate in St. Andrews as well. Be sure to take some time to visit the various historic buildings linked to the University of St. Andrews, as the town is well-known for its university.
One of the best activities in St. Andrews is to explore the university campus and appreciate the well-maintained medieval buildings. If you have some time, visit the natural history museum and art galleries on site. Exploring the cathedral and St. Andrews Castle ruins is also recommended.
5: Loch Ness
Surrounded by stories passed down through generations, Scotland’s Loch Ness continues to be a popular destination within the country. Even though there is no solid proof of Nessie’s existence, eager tourists continue to eagerly scan the horizon upon their first sight of the water, just in case.
Even if you don’t see a monster, you will still be satisfied. Due to its prominent appearance in films and television, such as the popular show Outlander, attractions like Urquhart Castle make the trip to this Highland destination a rewarding experience.
Constructed in the 12th century, the castle now sits in disrepair following a fire around 500 years ago, yet it still played a role in significant historical moments in Scotland.
Plan on dedicating at least a full day to exploring the ancient castle and other sights around Loch Ness. Additional enjoyable activities to consider are a boat trip on the loch and, if possible, a visit to the Caledonian Canal linking Scotland’s east and west shores.
Additional attractions are the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in the village of Drumnadrochit, showing exhibits about the history of the lake and its legendary monster.
You should also make sure to explore Fort Augustus, which boasts ancient fortifications and a Benedictine abbey, as well as lookout points offering views of the Caledonian Canal where it meets the southern tip of the lake.
6: Aberdeen
Aberdeen, a charming North Sea port city in Scotland, is one of the top city destinations worth visiting on your Scotland travel plans. Just like many other top urban destinations in the country, Aberdeen is a charming city to wander around by foot.
Tying up your walking shoes will enable you to not just discover its numerous well-maintained old buildings but also to enjoy its many lovely parks and gardens.
One of the main attractions of a self-directed walking tour is St. Machar’s Cathedral. Constructed in the 1300s, it is among the most well-maintained illustrations of the magnificent medieval architectural construction in Scotland.
You’ll also spot numerous beautiful instances of historic residences and commercial structures crafted from the distinct native granite that glimmers in sunlight, earning the town its endearing Silver City moniker.
Aberdeen also goes by another nickname, which is just as flattering: “The Flower of Scotland.” And it is deserved because of the city’s many beautiful green areas, especially the David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park.
Here, you can explore one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe, which houses a variety of domestic and exotic plant species.
Located on approximately 44 acres, it is a quite fantastic area to discover, and during the warmer months it transforms into an excellent location for picnics, particularly when the park’s concert series is in full swing.
Additional options for a pleasant stroll include two miles of beaches, considered among the finest in Scotland; circling one of the golf courses in the vicinity; or meandering along the Old High Street. Originating in the late 1400s, it is well-known for its shopping and dining options.
7: Borders Abbey Town
Incredibly stunning, Sir Walter Scott — a famous writer known for Rob Roy and Ivanhoe — praised this place. Traveling from the western to eastern parts of the country offers the opportunity to visit some of the most impressive landmarks, such as – Floors Castle, Abbotsford House, and a series of beautiful yet crumbling stone abbeys running from Melrose to Dryburgh, where the presence of the deceased is always felt among the living.
Specifically, Jedburgh’s bone-relic masterpiece is a place where Romanesque style flourishes.
At SCHLOSS Roxburghe, the main country house hotel in the Borders, there is a sense of ambition and tranquility, especially with the addition of a new spa with a pleasant aroma. Delve deeper and it becomes evident that this part of Scotland is ready to be explored once more.
In conclusion, The Great Tapestry of Scotland, created by author Alexander McCall Smith in Edinburgh and crafted in Galashiels, is a stunning piece of artwork that intricately depicts the country’s history, from prehistoric times to the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.
Bonus: Islay
Has the topic of whisky been brought up by someone? Life has not always been smooth sailing on this Southern Hebridean island, but locals are now starting to see the benefits.
At present, Islay boasts nine single malt distilleries, soon to be joined by Port Ellen, ranging from well-established Lagavulin and Laphroaig in the south to modernized Caol Ila and newly opened Ardnahoe with views of Jura, making it a haven for whisky enthusiasts.
However, despite being a sanctuary for barley farmers and peat smokers (with tobacco being a flavor in most Islay malts), the island is now shifting its attention to accommodate everyone.
Numerous distilleries now offer tours and cafes suitable for families, where the stunning Atlantic beaches are a sight to behold, and flocks of seabirds and dolphins can often be spotted along the coastline. The Machrie is on The Big Strand beach, offering a peaceful and secluded retreat that is the closest thing to paradise on Islay.