Explore the Best Places to Visit in Scotland and Discover its Hidden Gems

Updated On: April 22, 2024 by   Eman Sameh

Scotland is a country celebrated for its captivating landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the serene expanses of the Highlands and the rugged coastlines of its numerous islands, Scotland offers a wide array of destinations that cater to different tastes and interests.

This article provides a guide to the best places to visit in Scotland, exploring major cities, historic sites, scenic islands, and more. Whether you are interested in tracing the footsteps of historical figures, experiencing traditional festivals, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, Scotland has something to offer every traveller. Join us as we delve into the highlights and hidden gems of this diverse and enchanting country.

Best Places to Visit in Scotland

The diversity of Scotland’s attractions makes it a unique destination for travellers. In its cities, such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, visitors can explore medieval history and contemporary culture side by side. The Highlands offer a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures and a glimpse into the traditional Gaelic way of life. Meanwhile, the Scottish islands, each with its own distinct identity, offer solitude and striking natural beauty. Additionally, historical sites across the country tell the stories of Scotland’s turbulent past, making it a fascinating journey through time for history enthusiasts.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is renowned for its historical and architectural landmarks, a lively cultural scene, and its status as a hub for festivals and education. Situated in the southeastern part of the country, the city is dominated by the impressive Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an ancient volcano and offers panoramic views of the cityscape. This historic fortress is a key part of the city’s skyline and houses the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

The Royal Mile, a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This area is bustling with tourists, street performers, shops, and historic sites, making it a vibrant centre of activity, especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival.

Holyrood Palace, situated at the opposite end of the Royal Mile, serves as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Nearby is Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, which provides extensive hiking trails and a favorite spot for both locals and visitors seeking a quick escape to nature and a spectacular view over the city.

Edinburgh also boasts a number of museums, galleries, and theatres, contributing to its reputation as a leader in the arts and education. The city is home to the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery, which host a wide range of exhibits from local and international artists. Its cultural scene is complemented by a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering everything from traditional Scottish cuisine to international dishes.

Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is located in the western lowlands and is celebrated for its rich industrial heritage and its vibrant contemporary cultural scene. The city is distinguished by its impressive Victorian and art nouveau architecture, which reflects its prosperous history as a trade and shipbuilding hub.

A significant landmark in the city is the Glasgow Cathedral, a superb example of Scottish Gothic architecture. This historic building, also known as St. Mungo’s Cathedral, dates back to the medieval period and is the oldest cathedral on mainland Scotland. It stands near the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery located on a hill adjacent to the cathedral. The Necropolis is noted for its classical architectural monuments and provides a serene panoramic view of the city.

Another major cultural attraction in Glasgow is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Housed in an imposing red sandstone building, it is one of Scotland’s most popular free-to-enter visitor attractions. The museum’s collection encompasses a variety of themes, including natural history, arms and armour, and art from various periods, making it appealing to a wide range of visitors.

The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands, known for their dramatic landscapes and deep cultural history, provide a stark contrast to Scotland’s urban centres. Within the Highlands, Inverness is often regarded as the cultural capital. This city serves as a gateway to the vast, wild regions of northern Scotland and offers easy access to famous natural landmarks.

Inverness is situated near Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s largest and most famous lochs. Loch Ness is best known for the myths surrounding the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie.” For decades, the legend of Nessie has fascinated visitors and scientists alike, drawing tourists from around the world hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature.

Nearby, on the shores of Loch Ness, stands Urquhart Castle. This ruin offers a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past and commands stunning views of the loch. The castle’s history spans several centuries, having been a medieval fortress and playing a role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Today, it is one of the most visited castles in Scotland.

Additionally, visitors to this area can enjoy a Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness. These cruises provide not only the chance to search for Nessie but also informative commentary about the region’s natural history and folklore. The journey across Loch Ness is both tranquil and scenic, providing spectacular views of the surrounding Highlands.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye, located off the west coast of mainland Scotland, is famed for its rugged landscapes and picturesque scenery. It is a premier destination for nature lovers and photographers due to its stunning vistas and unique geological formations.

One of the most notable features on the Isle of Skye is The Quiraing. This landslip on the northern part of the island offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland. The area is ideal for hiking, with trails that weave through high cliffs and sweeping valleys, providing breathtaking views at every turn. Another iconic landmark is the Old Man of Storr, a large pinnacle of rock that stands tall against the backdrop of rolling hills and waters below. The Old Man of Storr is accessible via a well-trodden path and is a popular spot for sunrise hikes.

Apart from its geological wonders, Skye is also known for its magical Fairy Pools. These crystal-clear blue pools on the River Brittle are surrounded by dark and brooding mountains, making it an enchanting spot for swimming for those brave enough to endure the cold waters.

Glencoe

Glencoe is one of the most scenic and historically significant glens in Scotland, situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, it is a magnet for hikers, photographers, and history enthusiasts.

The rugged terrain of Glencoe offers some of the best hiking opportunities in Scotland. The area features a range of trails that cater to all levels of experience, from easy walks that allow for leisurely appreciation of the scenery to challenging climbs that reward adventurers with stunning panoramic views. The iconic Three Sisters – three steeply-sided ridges on the south side of the glen – are particularly popular among hikers and are frequently photographed for their majestic and imposing presence.

Photography enthusiasts find Glencoe a year-round paradise due to its varied and dynamic landscapes. Whether cloaked in winter snow, shrouded in autumn mists, or bathed in summer sunlight, the glen offers ever-changing scenes that captivate and enchant. The play of light across the mountain peaks and valleys provides endless opportunities to capture the natural beauty of the Highlands.

Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands, an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland, are known for their rich archaeological heritage, striking landscapes, and distinctive culture. These islands offer a blend of ancient history and natural beauty, making them a fascinating destination for visitors.

Orkney is home to some of the most well-preserved prehistoric sites in Europe. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes the famous Ring of Brodgar, a massive stone circle that rivals Stonehenge in its atmospheric presence. Nearby, the ancient village of Skara Brae provides a remarkable glimpse into Neolithic life, with its well-preserved stone houses and furnishings that date back over 5,000 years.

The landscape of Orkney is characterised by rugged coastlines, low rolling hills, and sandy beaches, which provide a stunning backdrop for walking and wildlife watching. The islands are a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of seabirds, such as puffins and gannets, nesting along the cliffs. The waters around Orkney are also known for sightings of seals and occasional orcas, adding to the islands’ appeal for nature enthusiasts. The Orkney Islands are renowned for their exceptional prehistoric sites, most notably Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, which provide invaluable insights into ancient civilisations.

The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, are a chain of islands off the west coast of mainland Scotland, distinguished by their rugged landscapes and deep-rooted Gaelic culture. The archipelago encompasses a range of islands, each offering unique landscapes from expansive beaches to moorlands and peat bogs, which have shaped the traditional lifestyles and cultural practices of the islanders.

The Outer Hebrides

The natural beauty of the Outer Hebrides is one of their most compelling features, with some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe, such as Luskentyre and Scarista on the Isle of Harris. These beaches are known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, set against a backdrop of mountainous terrain. The remote location of these islands makes them a perfect refuge for a diverse range of wildlife, including seabirds, otters, and seals, as well as a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historically significant and architecturally impressive castles, located on a strategic hilltop at the heart of Stirling. The castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence and as a military stronghold.

Historically, Stirling Castle was the site of numerous key events in Scottish history. It served as the royal centre where several Scottish Kings and Queens were crowned, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1542. The castle’s strategic location, overlooking the plains of Stirlingshire, made it a crucial military fortification, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands.’ It was also the site of several battles during the Scottish Wars of Independence, including the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace defeated the English army in 1297.

Architecturally, Stirling Castle represents a mixture of medieval and Renaissance styles, with substantial restoration and development occurring over the centuries. The castle’s Great Hall, built by King James IV in 1503, is one of the largest of its kind in Scotland, and its Renaissance Royal Palace, reconstructed in the 1540s under King James V, is celebrated for its grandeur and intricate stonework.

In conclusion, Scotland is a land of breathtaking diversity, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to all interests. From the historic streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the mysterious depths of Loch Ness and the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland provides a unique and unforgettable journey through history, culture, and natural beauty.