If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, there’s a good chance your to-do list is already quite vast. Most travel experts state that 14 days is the perfect amount of time to walk the picturesque streets of Edinburgh, shop for Tartan accessories, visit the iconic lochs, or even attend a whiskey tasting.
Most visitors come to Scotland for a week trying to see it end and up realizing that this country has so much to offer. If you plan to see most of Scotland in one trip, then extending your journey to two weeks is the ideal solution.
This itinerary will take you through an epic journey through the best places to see in Scotland while keeping you on your toes. This way you can see it all while avoiding crowded places.
Places to Visit in Scotland: Iconic Attractions and Hidden Gems
When it comes to the perfect travel destination, the best places to visit in Scotland have it all. From misty mountains, and delicious whiskey to outstanding castles and even bronze beaches.
Before traveling though many visitors find that the hardest part is finding offbeat, beautiful places to visit and what extraordinary sights shouldn’t be missed. To help you get to grips with this wild and wonderful place, here are some of the best places to visit in Scotland.
1. Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland built out of fire and stone, Edinburgh offers the panoramic Arthur’s Seat, the volcanic plug of Castle Rock, quality knitwear shops, tiny bookstores, and even hidden corners that showcase everything from a townhouse museum to a historic pub.
Travelers can also explore Edinburgh’s Old Town, try out the local food and drinks, or even explore the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
2. Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city known for its creative side, Michelin-star cuisine, and delicious drinks. Visitors can check out the Zaha Hadid-designed Museum, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, or the Gallery of Modern Art.
Don’t miss out on the Ballroom gigs, live music, and even the game-changing spas here.
3. Fife
Fife is packed with castles, coastal beauty, and fishing boats. This area is ideal for nature lovers as it offers tons of serene lochs and mist-wrapped glens along with pastel-colored harbor towns.
Travelers can visit the Dunfermline Abbey Palace, the hidden villages of Elie, Anstruther, and Crail, or even St Andrews for golf.
4. Borders Abbey Towns
As part of the Scotland tour package, Borders Abbey Towns offers historic houses, castles, Melrose Abbey, and Kelso Abbey.
Travelers can check out the Traquair House, Dawyck Botanic Garden and Café, and even the Scottish countryside and coast.
5. Glen Coe
Glen Coe is the perfect place for adventurers, this area is packed with incredible walks, breathtaking mountains capes, and beautiful scenery.
Travelers can visit Loch Leven, the quaint Glencoe village, hike the Glencoe Lochan Trail, visit The Lost Valley, the breathtaking Three Sisters viewpoint, and even the infamous White Cottage.
6. Loch Ness
Just a three-hour drive from Edinburgh, visiting Loch Ness is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh Scotland if you’re visiting for a few days. Along with the water’s mythic long-necked cryptid Nessie, Loch Ness is ideal for families.
It offers boat trips, a view of the Urquhart Castle, the Loch Ness 360° Trail for hikes and trail runners and even Victorian-era stays and charming cabins.
7. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye offers Jurassic-era mountains, blue skies, and rolling fields making it a popular location for Hollywood movies.
Travelers can visit The Fairy Glen, the nearby Quiraing and Trotternish Ridge, a hike up the breathtaking cliffs, or even stop at Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, for stunning views.
8. Orkney
Orkney is an archipelago off the North Sea that showcases a different side of history at every turn. Visitors can see a ton of archaeological treasures, artifacts, tombs, and even imprints, perfect for the history buff.
Don’t miss out on exploring the UNESCO-worthy sights of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.
9. Islay
Islay offers nine single malt distilleries making it a paradise for whiskey drinkers. Travelers can take a family-friendly tour of the distilleries and cafes, visit the beaches, and even visit the The Machrie marooned on The Big Strand Beach.
Visitors can go for treks, book a wildlife-watching tour, go for a swim at an indoor pool, or even head to the Singing Sands or Machir Bay beach.
10. Inverness
Inverness is also known as the Highland Capital of Scotland. This city has a wealth of local tourist attractions like exploring the Victorian Market, enjoying a boat tour, climbing the Urquhart Castle, visiting Culloden Battlefield, and the Clava Cains Standing Stones.
You can also simply try the local dishes, relax with Scottish music and whiskey, or explore High Street and the City Center.
Best Things to Do in Scotland: According to Local Experts
Before you plan your fairytale Scottish adventure, here are some of the must-see places to visit international in Scotland.
Tour Culloden Battlefield
For all the Outlander fans, the highlands are a must-see. You’ll learn about Scottish history, take in the beauty of the countryside, and even discover the true story in the museum.
Explore Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park covers a vast area of northeast Scotland and is ideal for nature lovers. Travelers can climb Ben Macdui Peak, explore Loch Garten, and hike to the hills to meet wild reindeer.
Eat Scottish tablet
A traditional Scottish tablet might sound odd, but it’s still a much-loved and enjoyed sweet. This fudge-like sweet is ideal to try and even take with you back home.
Take a dip in one of Scotland’s many lochs
Scotland offers thousands of freshwater lochs which you can swim in like Lock Lomond, Loch Awe, and even Loch Duntelchaig. These Lochs offer breathtaking views, clear waters, and a diverse range of wildlife. Some of the avian life you can spot are ospreys, golden eagles, and pine martens.
Plan Your Scottish Remote Getaway Today!
It doesn’t get better than a Scottish getaway complete with a cozy fireplace, beautiful castles, and the perfect itinerary designed just for you.
Our team of experts at Anubhav Vacations will explore your interests. We will select your preferred style of accommodation and create the perfect trip for you that suits your tastes and personality. Give us a call today so we can curate the best trip for you.