Is there any place more romantic to visit than Scotland? Paris and Positano fans, hear me out: Scotland has those fields of purple heather, swaying in the breeze, and craggy mountains. There are imposing castles, sweet cottages, and charming, winding streets. There are lilting Scottish accents and wee tipples of whiskey. And here comes Outlander’s Sam Heughan walking towards you in a kilt….
Oh, sorry—I got carried away. But Scotland has that effect on a person. It’s a glorious place to visit whether you’re a history buff, landscape lover, foodie, hiker, heavy-duty shopper, or all of the above.
So here is a guide to what to do in this amazing place: the top things to see in Scotland, from the cities to the countryside. Let’s go!
Why Scotland Is a Great Place to Visit
Let’s talk about the top reasons to visit: Scottish history. Romans, Gaels, Picts, battlefields, feuds, and castles all figure in Scotland’s past, and there are sites and traditions to discover. For some, that may mean learning about the Highland Games, where cabers are tossed, and Hogmanay New Year’s celebrations. For others, that means delving into Scotland’s clans and tartans, or perhaps exploring the famous lochs (lakes) around the country.
NextTribe is taking a small group of women to Scotland June 12th-20th. Find out more about the trip at our Virtual Tour on Monday evening Jan. 15th. RSVP for the Virtual Tour here.
On that last note, the landscape is absolutely dazzling. There are rolling hills, imposing mountains and rock formations, and beaches and bodies of water everywhere. It’s an outdoors-lover’s dream come true, whether you like to stroll, cycle, run, climb, golf, fish, or otherwise enjoy nature.
But Scotland has plenty of energy and cool stuff to do indoors, too. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, for instance, is known for cutting edge arts and culture; there are at least a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants; and if you want to find great fashion, homewares, jewelry, and more, you will love hitting the shops.
And if you’ve been dazzled by Harry Potter or Outlander on screen, this is where it all began. J.K. Rowling based the train to Hogwarts and Diagon Alley on Scottish sites. You’ll learn more about them and Outlander locations below, so you can live out your wizard or “I’m Claire” fantasies, if you like.
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The Lay of the Land
Scotland lies due north of England, and in addition to the mainland, there are almost 800 islands as part of this nation, though most are uninhabited. To the south, you have what are called the Lowlands; in the middle, there are the main cities of Edinburgh to the east and Glasgow to the west, but they are only about an hour apart.
As you head farther north, you enter the dramatic Highlands, with the Hebrides islands to the west and the Orkney Islands at the very far northern reaches.
You would not be the first American to bring your car back to the rental office with this side-view mirror missing.
You have a variety of options for getting around: trains, planes, automobiles, buses, and boats. If you are renting a car, be warned: You’ll be driving on the left side, and in the countryside, the roads are quite narrow, only about one lane wide, with passing places. You would not be the first American to bring your car back to the rental office with this side-view mirror missing.
Trains can zip you from Edinburgh to Glasgow (about an hour and a half), up to Inverness in the Highlands (that’s about three and a half hours from Edinburgh), or down to England (four hours and twenty minutes from Edinburgh). Outings to the islands (such as the Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, and Orkney Islands – home of the Skara Brae prehistoric site) may require a bus or van ride and ferries.
A Note About the Weather in Scotland
You might luck out and have wonderful weather, but odds are, you’ll have some clouds and rain. Be prepared in terms of footwear, outwear, and an umbrella. (NextTribe’s co-founder and CEO, Jeannie Ralston, cycled through Scotland in the rain and lived to tell; you can read her story here.)
The climate can shift, and Scottish folk will tell you that you might experience all four seasons in a day.
That doesn’t mean your vacation in Scotland will be all rain and no fun, however. The climate can shift, and Scottish folk will tell you that you might experience all four seasons in a day, or drive for a half-hour and discover very different conditions.
Also remember that Scotland is rather far north. You’ll have typical temperatures in the 40s and 50s in spring, and in the 60s in the summer months. When I last visited in summer, though, it was considerably warmer, but I was glad to have hoodies packed for evening. The location of Scotland also means that the summer days are long. While not the land of the midnight sun, it certainly wasn’t fully dark at 11PM for us when in the Highlands in July. What an amazing memory to walk past fields of barley and hear birds whizzing by at that hour of night and have it feel like dusk!
Things to Do in Scotland
Now, let’s get on with it with a list of top things to do in Scotland. Here’s a list that focuses on the main cities, the scenic Highlands and islands, and a few other remarkable, not-be-missed locations, including sites for you Outlander fans. Ready? And we’re off!
Top Things to Do in Edinburgh
What a fantastic and charming city Edinburgh is. It’s been the capital of Scotland since 1437 (imagine that!), and there’s history to be discovered at every turn, as well as lush gardens, winding streets, charming shops, and yummy food.
The Royal Mile is a not-to-be-missed main hub of the city, a road connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Do you want to shop for a cozy Harris tweed jacket? Pick through a vintage shop? Look at home décor ideas? Have a perfect latte to recharge? It’s all here. Definitely turn off onto the famed Victoria Street, a curving road with brightly covered little buildings that begs for a selfie or two. Climb up to the elevated pedestrian walkway, and you’ll understand why this area was an inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s famous Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
Edinburgh Castle. Right smack in the middle of Old Town is this iconic castle, definitely one of the best things to see in Edinburgh. You’ll hike up castle hill and tour this incredible stone building that has been a royal residence, military fortress, and war prison. It can be wise to buy your tickets in advance (edinburghcastle.scot), and you can take various tours or have tea there. If you happen to be in town in August, see if you can catch the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an incredible array of entertainment by the British Armed Forces and other performers. Bagpipes, dance, fire-eaters – you name it!
For you mythology fans, it’s rumored to be the location of Camelot.
At the other end of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the home of King Charles III, King of the Scots, when he visits. Otherwise, you are welcome to tour it. However, I recommend that, no matter what, you climb the famous Arthur’s Seat at Holyrood Park. It’s a craggy ancient volcano that yields amazing views of the city and surroundings once you get to its peak. It’s a rocky walk (though locals march uphill in dress shoes, I’d say to put on your sneakers) of about 2.6 miles and should take you a bit less than two hours, round-trip. Oh, and for your mythology fans, it’s rumored to be the location of Camelot.
Explore Old Town and New Town. The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are key sites in Old Town, the centuries-old original hub of Edinburgh. You’ll delight in the architecture and history there, but don’t forget to explore New Town as well, with its elegant, neoclassical Georgian-era buildings. Start on Princes Street, pop into some designer shops, and enjoy this grand area.
Speaking of Prince’s Street, you must spend some time lolling in the Princes Street Garden, which separates Old and New Town. It was created over 200 years ago, when Edinburgh’s North Loch (lake) was drained, and it’s a spectacular, well-manicured space, with exquisite lawns, blooms, and monuments.
Nearby, you’ll find plenty of museums, from the National Galleries of Scotland to the Royal Scottish Academy (Contemporary Art) to the National Museum of Scotland. Each one is packed with treasures – take your pick.
Also in New Town is Calton Hill, the seat of the Scottish Government. A gentler climb than Arthur’s Seat, for sure, you’ll be rewarded with a terrific view and magical monuments at the top.
Here’s my favorite part of Edinburgh: Dean Village.
Here’s my favorite part of Edinburgh: Dean Village, just a few minutes away from Princes Street but a world away. It’s an area of old mills and ornate brick buildings where workers originally lived. From here, you can stroll along the Water of Leith. This is a magical way to enjoy nature and what it was like to live in Edinburgh more than a century ago.
The Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh is a true stunner, from its staggeringly tall hedges to vibrant flowers. After visiting, grab a drink at the nearby Raeburn, a Georgian manor house turned boutique hotel with a wonderful bar and tables outside.
A couple of restaurant highlights while in town: Amp up your whiskey knowledge and enjoy terrific fare at the Devil’s Advocate in the heart of Old Town. Dig into great pasta or just have the perfect cappuccino at Valvona & Crolla, a mouth-watering Italian deli-restaurant made famous in the books of Alexander McCall Smith. And, if you can snag a reservation, have a once-in-a-lifetime kind of posh meal at the Kitchin in Leith, by the sea, in a renovated whiskey warehouse. You’re welcome.
Are you in Edinburgh in August? Don’t miss the high-energy Fringe Festival, the renowned celebration of performance creativity that, legend has it, launched the careers of Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judy Dench, and Hugh Laurie.
Best Things to Do in Glasgow
Glasgow has in the past been less of a tourist hub than Edinburgh, but it’s playing catch-up. It’s not as posh or pricey but is just packed with wonderful things to explore. Let’s get started:
Glasgow is the home base of renowned architect, designer, and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His work spans the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, and he was a true innovator of a glamorous, but organic style. One of the best ways to soak this up is by visiting one of his famed tearooms. There are both original ones (like the divine Mackintosh at the Willow, three stories of ambience and amazing food) and recreations (The Willow Tea Rooms, painstakingly reborn in Mackintosh’s style and a favorite for high tea).
Love this style of design as I do? Visit House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park. This is a 1901 home design by Mackintosh that was constructed starting in 1989, and it’s a wonderful place to taxi or walk to and enjoy a tour. Delish café too.
Okay, what else to do in Glasgow? Don’t miss Kelvingrove Park in the West End, with the River Kelvin running through it. It’s an 85-acre oasis that’s perfect for walking, picnicking, and exploring. You’ll take in Victorian fountains, an ornate stone bridge, and lovely greenery. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are there as well, containing enough art to keep you floating for months.
For a restorative beer or whiskey after your park jaunt, you might want to nip into Inn Deep, a cool bar tucked by the bank of the river. Not too far from Kelvingrove Park is the Ben Nevis Bar on Argyle Street, where you can hear traditional music many evenings.
Shopping in Glasgow is a great mix of international brands (such as those on Buchanan Street) and quirkier local treasures. For the latter, check out the cobbled Dowanside, Ruthven, and Cresswell Lanes for some vintage finds and unique items. Are you a booklover? Get lost in the second-hand stacks for hours at Voltaire & Rousseau Bookshop or Caledonia books.
Nature lovers will love exploring Glasgow Botanic Gardens – there are greenhouses (called glasshouses) as well, so even if it’s raining you can get a dose of plant life.
The Hidden Lane Tearoom feels like the home of the Scottish grandmother you didn’t know you had.
For more great museums, check out the Gallery of Modern Art in the city’s center, inside an impressive neoclassical building that resembles a temple. The Tenement House is another not-to-be missed site in Glasgow. It preserves the residence of one Agnes Toward, just as she lived there at the turn-of-the-century, providing a fascinating glimpse of how one Glaswegian made her home. It’s not far from the Glasgow School of Art.
How about one of the most charming spots in Glasgow for a cup of tea? In the Finnieston neighborhood, visit the Hidden Lane Tearoom. It is indeed on Hidden Lane, a little mews that you’ll find—yes—hidden away off Argyle Street. It’s packed with colorful, tiny buildings (great shopping for handmade jewelry and more). The Tearoom feels like the home of the Scottish grandmother you didn’t know you had. It’s all pastels, mismatched vintage teacups, and delicious fairy scones that deserve a Paul Hollywood handshake.
But you can’t live by cake alone, so consider eating at some of Glasgow’s best restaurants, like Celentano’s (Italian with Scottish ingredients) and Glaschu for their beloved Beef Wellington.
Best Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands
If you head north to the dramatic Highlands, with their picturesque lakes and dramatic mountains, you find plenty of wonderful things to do in Scotland. Here are some highlights of the Highlands:
Cairngorms National Park covers almost 2,000 square miles and is home to postcard-worthy landscapes and all kinds of outdoor adventure (though not Ben Nevis, Scotland’s famous highest peak, which is somewhat to the west).
There are more than a few whiskey trails in Scotland, and they are popular for good reason (cheers!). Up north, the Speyside Trail is a wonder. These whiskeys are lighter than the heavy peat varieties found elsewhere.
This area is home to more than half of the malt whiskey distilleries in the country; you’ll encounter such names as Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and Glen Moray, among others. I detoured away from the big guys to the delightful Aberlour Distillery on the banks of the River Spey and just loved the guided tour. (They gave my husband, who was driving, his tasting whiskey in a little to-go pack for later.) The town of Aberlour is also home to a favorite stop during NextTribe Scotland tours: the Walker’s Shortbread Factory Shop, where you can stock up on their rich, buttery treats.
May I offer that one of the best things to do in the Scottish Highlands is pull over on a country road and admire those Highland cows? They are absolutely gorgeous, with long, chestnut-color coats, curved horns, and the best, longest eyelashes you could ever imagine.
The town of Inverness is a wonderful, rich-in-history place to explore, with galleries, gardens, and a cathedral to immerse you in northern Scottish life.
There are loads of incredible castles to visit, including the sprawling Stirling Castle at the southern edge of the Highlands. My favorites included the elegant Cawdor Castle, near Nairn, with the most jaw-dropping gardens I’ve seen in forever (actually, one of the best places to visit in Scotland on that basis alone). I also loved the ancient Eilean Donan Castle, an imposing stone structure (parts date back to the 13th century) which sits on its own little island in the sea.
Next up is one of the main reasons I planned my travels and the highlight of my trip to Scotland: the Isle of Skye, which is on the west coast or north coast, depending on how you look at it. Anyway, if you love magical landscapes, ones that look as if they were pulled from the pages of a fairytale, well, here you go! This isle is a total delight, the stuff of lifelong memories. The Old Man of Storr rock formation, the waterfalls of the Fairy Pools, the cliffs of Kilt Rock, and Quiraing (for those who like a good hike). Honestly, I adored the less dramatic but enchanting Fairy Glen, an area of landslips covered in Kelly green grass, dotted with stones and gnarled trees. It truly did feel as if a sprite or talking hedgehog bunny was about to appear.
Outlander and Harry Potter Fans: What to See in Scotland
There’s no denying that many people visit Scotland because they want to see in real life what fascinated them on screen.
If your pulse raced during Outlander every time Jamie strode on set, sorry: We can’t share Sam Heughan’s home address. But we can mention some of the most famous sites from the series:
The Battle of Culloden was a very real, fierce, and bloody fight back in 1746. The Jacobites were decisively defeated by British troops, marking the end of many aspects of clan life. Located outside of Inverness, you can visit this historic location.
Do you want to frolic amid the stone circles that transported Claire and others through time? I hate to break it to you, but this doesn’t really exist. Or at least only exists as Styrofoam boulders placed in a field for filming. If you want to see that spot, however, use your imagination at Kinloch Rannoch. That’s where Craigh na Dun was constructed.
You can even stay in the Covenanter Hotel, which was where Claire and her first husband stayed in Outlander.
If you’re a big fan of those opening scenes when Claire and (first) husband Frank Randall reunited post-war, visit the town of Falkland an hour north of Edinburgh. While the couple is supposedly in Inverness, this is where the cameras rolled. You can even stay in the Covenanter Hotel, which was featured in the show.
Any other Dougal MacKenzie fans out there? If so, you can visit his place; it’s Doune Castle, from the 14th century, and it’s 33 miles northeast of Glasgow. This is where Claire was held against her will and forced to practice medicine.
I’ll mention this one in case there are any folks out there who want to retrace the toughest steps in Jamie Fraser’s journey. You can visit Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison on the show), from the 15th century; it’s about a 25-minute train ride from Edinburgh. Mary Queen of Scots was born here, but on Outlander, this is where Jamie was attacked by evil incarnate, aka Black Jack Randall. I had to leave the room for that scene, but, hey, it’s your call.
On a happier note, Midhope Castle is the beloved Lallybroch, Jamie’s homestead. It’s about a half-hour west of Edinburgh. Warning, you need a vehicle pass from Hopetoun estate to visit, and the interiors are in disrepair, so you’ll probably be doing some selfies outside only.
As for you Harry Potter fans, we’ve mentioned Old Town in Edinburgh already. Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train stands in for the Hogwarts Express, and it’s a beautiful thing, racing from Fort William to Mallaig on the west coast of the Highlands. You’ll go over the superb, arched Viaduct, just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione did. Worth noting, though: You are not the only Harry Potter fan on the planet, and snagging a ticket on this route will require significant advance planning.
Hankering to visit Hogwarts? You won’t find it in Scotland. The school scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in a variety of locations, with Oxford University in England providing many of the iconic moments.
More Best Places to Visit in Scotland
Let’s continue our list of the best things to do in Scotland with a look at some other locations and attractions.
Take to the outdoors. Wherever you may roam in Scotland, the outdoors will likely beckon. All that lush landscape is yours to explore by cycling (or e-bikes as NextTribe uses), hiking, walking, swimming, and more. Known as the birthplace of golf, Scotland is one of the planet’s top destinations for a round (or ten). Fishing opportunities abound; I spent a fun afternoon trying but not really succeeding at this pursuit.
I’m still floating on the memory of the haddock I had at the Cawdor Tavern.
Eat the local specialties. We’ve already covered tea, sweet cakes, and whiskey. But if you are bold, have a full Scottish breakfast, complete with baked beans and black pudding (blood sausage). Try the haggis (a savory pudding of organ meat), celebrated in the famous poem by Robert Burns, if you are an experimental eater. Taste the Scottish tablet for sure (says this person with a major sweet tooth): It’s kind of, but not exactly, like fudge. Partake of the great seafood everywhere. I’m still floating on the memory of the haddock I had at the Cawdor Tavern.
Sit by a loch. The lakes of Scotland are so famous because they are undeniably stunning, often nestled among rolling hills. Loch Lomond in the Trossachs National Park is considered the boundary between the southern Lowlands and the northern Highlands, and it’s a true stunner. I had a lovely evening on the shore of Loch Ness. No, I didn’t see the alleged Loch Ness monster, Nessie, but I did enjoy my fish and chips and the views of Urquhart Castle, a foreboding ruin. It was the kind of moment that married simplicity and grandeur and became a favorite memory of my Scottish travels. May yours be as wonderful!
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