With good reason, Scotland is known for its mountains, lochs, and valleys, but there is much more to see; there are forests and woodlands, beaches and rocky coastlines, island scenery, and rolling hills. Sports like biking, skiing, walking, and hiking are very popular in Scotland, especially outdoors.
When it comes to things to do, your options are really only limited by your imagination because there are fantastic places to visit in Scotland, such as castles, restaurants, and activity centers, and there are many ways to explore, including self-guided itineraries, tours, and outdoor activities.
However, once you have decided to go to Scotland, you must choose a list of things to do. We have compiled a list of 10 beautiful and exciting places to visit in Scotland.
Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands offer majestic wilderness and happy seclusion amidst mountains and glens. In warmer weather, the region is famous for its hiking and biking adventures in the National Park of Cairngorms. However, only a few travel destinations have captured the magnificent Scottish highlands.
This place is also famous for the dramatic ruins of the Castle of Urquhart. The crime rate in the Scottish Highlands is not high, so you don’t have to worry about your safety throughout your stay there.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness, in the Scottish Highlands, extends about 37km southwest of Inverness. It is a big, deep freshwater loch that is 16 meters higher than the sea. Shrouded in legend and myth, the lovely Loch Ness of Scotland is still one of the top places to visit in Scotland.
Loch Ness is a monster of Scottish folklore, said to live in Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. If you are not opportune to see the monster, feel good because you would still have lots of fun things to experience in Loch Ness.
Glasgow
Glasgow is a lively and welcoming town full of character, personality, and wonderful experiences. Many cultural events have earned Glasgow a reputation. Also, it’s a wonderful place to explore the galleries and museums of art and the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh as a local hero.
Nowadays, its many museums, art galleries and festivals all year round attract tourists. Also, it’s a big city for a walk. While visiting, you will find top visiting attractions, awe-inspiring architecture, unique neighborhoods, a changing food and drink scene, and legendary nightlife.
St.Andrews
St. Andrews is one of the exciting places to visit in Scotland. It is a lovely town to stroll through and discover. The recognition of playing the world’s oldest golf course draws golfers from all over the world to St. Andrews’ seven classic links courses.
St Andrews is one of the safest cities in the world, with a practically non-existent crime rate. However, general caution is advised.
Stirling
Stirling is a city in Scotland’s central region. People also refer to it as the Highlands’ “Gateway.“ However, a visit to this miniature Edinburgh Castle includes the opportunity to explore the grand halls and rooms of the well-preserved medieval structure on your own or as part of a guided tour.
Stirling is also a grand and memorable sight due to its location, architecture, historical significance, and commanding views. These features make it one of the best places to visit in Scotland.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, so it must have several exciting features to be among the best places to visit in Scotland. It is a medieval, historical, and stylish Georgian city with gardens and mainstream economic buildings.
However, if you have the opportunity to visit just one city in Scotland, make sure it is Edinburgh. If you go to Edinburgh, do well to go up the seat of Arthur, an extinguished volcano with panoramic views of the city.
Edinburgh is also important for culture, where many popular festivals and events are held year-round. In addition, visit the Old Town during the season to see a blue sky in the spring and a yellow haze of gossip.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is a Scottish lake in the South. It is a great place to visit if you want to see some of the country’s most famous scenery. The loch usually starts as a wide archipelago lake in the South, at the heart of Scotland’s first national park.
The spectacular Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are big draws for adventurers. Furthermore, the Loch Lomond Glaciers spread deep between rocky mountains to their southern tip, where the depths of water are about 20 meters shallower.
Glen Coe
Glen Coe is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. It is situated in the steep valley of Glencoe in the highlands. The area is known for cascades and paths ascending peaks like Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean named Bian.
This town is Scotland’s most renowned glen, combining two main features of highland scenery. It is located in the north of Argyll County, near the border with Lochaber Historic Province. Glen Coe’s Road is a picturesque festival and, to the north, a nice visitor center with a show, shop, and tea room. So, Glen Coe is absolutely worth visiting.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is the largest in the Inner Hebrides and is 50 thousand kilometers long. Walkers can share the land in friendly pubs and top seafood restaurants with red deer and golden eagles. Skye is a tourist destination of Scotland’s highest.
The Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides Islands in Scotland, about 600 square miles, and shaped like the spread wing of a mystical creature. Make sure you take advantage of the Portree, the Quiraing, Storr’s old man, and the Fairy pool.
Inverness
Inverness made our list of the best places to visit in Scotland. It is the Scottish Highlands’ largest city and cultural capital. This small town is also very walkable.
Inverness attracts worldwide visitors to its countryside, picturesque towns, medieval ruins, and prehistoric sites. If you love food, you’ll have to visit Inverness, where you can enjoy an unbelievable range of fresh local produce, talented chefs, and lovely restaurants.
The museum is an essential part of its shows, which relate not only to Inverness but to the entire Highlands region.
Top Restaurants to Visit in Scotland
There are many good restaurants to visit in Scotland, including local restaurants, gastro-pubs, and Michelin-starred restaurants:
- The Kinneuchar Inn: A top local restaurant in Kilconquhar
- The Loveable Rogue: A top local restaurant in Glasgow
- Eusebi Deli: A top local restaurant in Glasgow
- Stravaigin: A Michelin-recommended gastro-pub in Glasgow that serves creative dishes using Scottish ingredients
- Andrew Fairlie – Gleneagles: A two-Michelin-starred restaurant
Other top local restaurants in Scotland include:
- Celentano’s in Glasgow
- The Dory Bistro in Pittenweem
- Bar Brett in Glasgow
- The Galleon Bistro on the Isle of Mull
- Eighty Eight in Glasgow
- The Oystercatcher in Otter Ferry
- The Palmerston in Edinburgh
- L’Escargot Bleu in Edinburgh
- KORA by Tom Kitchin in Edinburgh
- Ga ga in Glasgow
Some foods to try in Scotland include:
Haggis, Scottish salmon, Cullen skink, Clootie dumpling, Cranachan, Shortbread, Porridge, Full Scottish breakfast, Black pudding, and Tattie scones