7 Best Places to Visit in Scotland
Neist Point Lighthouse on the Isle of Sky, Scotland
The best places to visit in Scotland connect the drama of the landscape, the breadth of the past, and the lively ambiance of contemporary life.
From historic architecture to charming railways, mysterious lakes to colorful gardens, the country offers beauty and intrigue in abundance.
Whether you are interested in historic castles or encounters with the majestic golden eagle, our recommendations on where to go in Scotland will introduce you to the timeless wonder of the country’s culture, heritage, and nature.
1. Edinburgh
Arthur's Seat in Edinbugh, Scotland. Photo courtesy of VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
With hidden nooks and blind corners that urge you forward, Edinburgh is wondrous to explore. With intimately narrow alleyways paved with cobblestones that boast connections to centuries of aristocratic authors, the city has a worn and welcoming ambiance, making it one of the top places in Scotland to visit.
Bordered by colorful hillsides, decorated with Gothic architecture, and crowned by the hanging silhouette of the castle, simply standing in its presence is an experience.
Highlights: Edinburgh Castle • Palace of Holyroodhouse • Royal Mile • Arthur’s Seat • National Museum of Scotland
Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days
2. Glasgow
Interior of Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow is an iconic Scottish destination and remains a city of surprising sophistication, but with a humble ambiance that represents a welcoming metropolis. Stately Victorian mansions, exciting museum galleries, and labyrinthine arcades provide a diversity of experiences, from vintage shops to second-hand bookstores.
Greenery sprouts from the 70 parks and open spaces, underpinning the city’s charm. With artistry, charisma, and a particular grandiosity, Glasgow represents Scotland’s progression through time.
Highlights: Glasgow Cathedral • Glasgow School of Art • Merchant District • University of Glasgow
Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days
3. Aberdeen
Duthie Park in Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen rises like a flower on the edge of the North Sea, as the rivers Dee and Don converge. The parks and gardens create a vibrant ambiance of seasonal color, giving way to stretches of sandy beaches, golf courses, and streets lined with atmospheric shops.
The silver-gray granite buildings create an alluring shimmer, lending credence to the nickname “Silver City”. With access to nearby castles and whisky country, Aberdeen is a welcome surprise against the backdrop of the unruly sea, making it an impressive place to visit when considering where to go in Scotland.
Highlights: Duthie Park • St. Machar's Cathedral • University and King’s College of Aberdeen • Brig o’Balgownie
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days
4. Dundee
Dundee, Scotland. Photo courtesy of VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Friendly, charismatic, and welcoming define Dundee, Scotland’s fourth-largest city. The waterfront offers a glimpse into the former bustling port and the evolution of where architecture and art meet. The Old Town offers great shopping and culinary specialties for fascinating Scotland vacation ideas.
Whether hiking to the top of the extinct volcano or winding through the galleries of the V&A Dundee Museum, the city on the edge of the sea can feel more like a charming town than a bustling city.
Highlights: Moncrieffe Island • Branklyn Garden • Old Town • Church of St. Johns
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days
5. Inverness
Urquhart Castle at Loch Ness in Inverness, Scotland
The River Ness runs through and acts as the heart of Inverness. With a passionate history of battles and reinvention, much of the city reflects the completion of the Caledonian Canal and often serves as a base for traversing the Highlands or searching for the infamous Loch Ness Monster during a tour for seniors or when on a family vacation.
But the city has an indelible charm, stemming from the Victorian Market to the Botanic Gardens, the Neo-Gothic architecture to modern artworks. With a rich sense of self-awareness, Inverness is like no other destination in Scotland.
Highlights: Inverness Castle • Caledonian Canal • Urquhart Castle
Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days
6. Stirling
National Wallace Monument in Sterling, Scotland
Stirling is a treasure of historical preservation, with Old Town crowning the summit of an extinct volcano. Antique architecture frames the cobblestone streets and ramparts continue to provide the castle with an impressive silhouette, creating an idyllic connection between the countryside and a luxury tour.
A Victorian-Gothic ambiance sweeps through the cityscape, connected to the brooding monument of William Wallace. The high ground prevails with panoramic views and a connection to the depths of cultural history.
Highlights: National Wallace Monument • Bannockburn Heritage Centre • Stirling Castle • University of Stirling
Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days
7. The Highlands
Memorial cairn at the battlefield of Culloden
The Scottish Highlands are wild and untamed, secluded and eternally enticing. As one of the few destinations in Europe where you can experience solitude, the lonely landscapes evoke an ethereal beauty amidst the rawness of nature.
From hiking the hills to witnessing the turbulent tidal waters, kayaking or absorbing the tradition through shared legends, the Scottish Highlands are an enchanting collection of scattered villages, castle ruins, and untouched space.
Highlights: Loch Ness • Culloden Battlefield • Chowder Castle • Elgin • Loch Maree
Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days
Explore the Best Places to Visit in Scotland
Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland embraces its dramatic landscapes and fascinating history with a composure specific to locals. With millennia of history featured in Highland mountains and preserved castles, Scotland takes you beyond the British Isle to reach mysterious corners and alluring heritage demonstrated in the countless things you can do.
From castles to coastlines, romantic excursions to family-friendly explorations, find inspiration for your trip with our Scotland tours and vacations or when looking for more information in our Scotland travel guide.
