Coming up: big weird stones, a secret pyramid, many hikes and hills, strange city attractions, lots of Gaelic words, some community-managed rudimentary cabins, and the 25 best places to visit in Scotland.
Is Scotland my favorite place on the planet?
Probably.
It’s also probably the nation we know best here at Travelness.
… so if anyone can serve up Scotland’s 25 top spots, we reckon it’s us. Well, given that Braveheart and Robert the Bruce are dead.
(If they’re ever resurrected, you have our permission to read their articles instead of this one).
Alright, grab a kilt and pack some haggis: here come the 25 best places to visit in Scotland. On we go!
1. Edinburgh
Best for: city thrills, loads of history, and exploring Scotland’s capital
For many tourists, Edinburgh is the only part of Scotland they ever see.
Admittedly: going to Scotland and ONLY seeing Edinburgh is a bit stupid.
… but it’s a magical place, it’s filled with fun, and you’ll fall in love with it. Hilly and historic, it’s full of cobbled streets, ancient charm, world-class food, excellent nightlife, and countless tourist attractions.
To get the best of it, take some tours. We recommend:
Obviously, for any type of people, Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit in Scotland!
For way more on Scotland’s capital, head on over to our guides on:
2. Glasgow
Best for: a realer side to Scottish city life
Surprisingly, Glasgow actually has a bigger population than Edinburgh.
While Edinburgh is known as the nation’s most iconic and history-packed city, Glasgow is arguably the ‘realer’ of the two. An officially-designated UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow is rugged and raw in a way that Edinburgh isn’t.
Highlights include live music, huge galleries and museums (the Kelvingrove is one of the best art galleries in Europe), world-class street art, many massive parks, and the old-school throwback Barras Market.
Because lots of Glasgow’s highlights are tucked away and under-the-radar, it’s best to enlist the help of a local. So get your mouth around a food tour, and your brain around a walking tour.
For more on Glasgow, we’ve got your back:
3. Loch Ness
Best for: (not) seeing a famous mythical monster
In a nation of more than 30,000 lochs (or ‘lakes,’ if you want to be all anglicized), Loch Ness is the biggest of them*.
Even though I think it’s overrated (soz), Loch Ness is STILL one of the best places to visit in Scotland:
You can drive and cycle around its entire perimeter, loads of lovely towns and villages are dotted along its shores (Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit are two top picks), it has some interesting historical sights (like the ruins of Urquhart Castle and the alluringly-kitsch Nessieland), and it offers a bunch of boat trips.
And as a nice bonus, you can also endure loads of locals boring you to death about why the Loch Ness monster (a big unfindable dinosaur-like mythical creature) definitely exists. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
4. Loch Lomond
Best for: family-friendly fun around the shores of a giant loch
Almost as famous as Loch Ness, and in my opinion much better.
(and in terms of surface area, the biggest loch in Scotland).
Loch Lomond is home to LOADS of family-friendly fun. Highlights include kayaking, canoeing, boat trips, kid-friendly restaurants, an aquarium, waterside walks, picnic spots, pony trekking, the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, and loads more.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is also packed with walks, while other boring-for-kids fun includes golf courses and country parks.
Overall, one of the best places to visit in Scotland for basically everyone.
5. The North Coast 500
Best for: revving around the one of the planet’s best road trips
I LOVE the North Coast 500. A 500-mile (800km) loop running around the most northern parts of mainland Scotland, it hugs the western, northern, and eastern coasts (and has an inland section running east-to-west from Inverness to Applecross).
It covers mountains, beaches, tiny towns, coastal villages, and a famous mountain pass. You probably think you already know what Scotland looks like—but this journey will teach you why you’re wrong.
You’ll be surprised by just how remote these parts of Scotland can get. You’ll see villages with 50 people, regions with more sheep than humans, and lonely houses sitting in the middle of nowhere. Some days, you might pass 3 or 4 cars per hour.
This isn’t just one of the best places to visit in Scotland—it’s one of my favorite adventures in the world.
6. The Isle of Skye
Best for: scenic adventures on Scotland’s most famous island
Scotland is home to almost 800 islands (fun fact: only 94 are inhabited).
… and of them all, Skye is the best-known.
One of Scotland’s most beautiful places, it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge (making it easy to access), and it’s home to:
You could spend months here without getting bored. And although it’s touristy, it’s the first Scottish island you should visit.
For more, head to our guides on:
7. The Isle of Arran
Best for: (sort of) seeing the entirety of Scotland
Less famous than the Isle of Skye, less beautiful than the Isle of Skye, but famous among locals for being “Scotland in miniature.”
Here, you get everything that makes Scotland Scotland. Highlights include castles, hikes, beaches, coastal towns, multi-day walks, excellent seafood, a bunch of wildlife, and lots of cozy pubs.
To explore the whole island, there’s a ring road (and a waymarked hiking trail!) running around the entirety of Arran’s perimeter (and another road that basically cuts the island in two).
The easiest way to get here is to catch a ferry from the mainland southwest-coast town of Ardrossan.
Overall, for a mixture of adventure, convenience, and a wide range of fun, Arran is one of the best places to visit in Scotland.
For more:
8. The Shetland Islands
Best for: birds, northern lights, Viking culture, and a veeeery different side to Scottish life
The Shetland Islands sit 130 miles (210 km) from the northeastern tip of mainland Scotland.
They’re rural, remote, isolated, and barren. And because of their location, they have big ties to Viking culture. Those guys settled here around 850 AD and ruled for around 600 years.
Other than Viking history (and Viking festivals!), you also get remote hikes, almost carless roads, a huge number of bird colonies, boat trips, chances to see the Northern Lights, and some of the nation’s quaintest architecture.
Although there are 100 Shetland islands, only 16 of them are inhabited… and the islands have a total population of around 23,000 people.
In summary: yep, the Shetlands are very much Scottish—but they’re almost like a place of their own.
9. The Scottish Borders
Best for: exploring an underrated area
The most southern part of Scotland, the Scottish Borders are much more quaint and cozy than most other places we’ve brought you. And few tourists come here.
Highlights include:
Other long-distance adventure options here include St. Cuthbert’s Way, and the Borders Abbeys Way.
Overall, for avoiding other tourists, the borders are one of the best places to visit in Scotland.
10. Balmoral Castle
Best for: history, heritage, and learning about the royals
Though they’ve never lived here full-time, the UK royals have lived in Balmoral Castle for short stints (it’s known as ‘the Scottish home of the royal family’)—and have used it as a holiday retreat and for other events:
… Princess Diana and Prince Charles honeymooned at the castle, and Queen Elizabeth II died here in September 2022.
The same size as 25,000 soccer pitches, Balmoral Castle’s grounds include mountains, lochs, gardens, forests, around 150 buildings, and a big weird mysterious pyramid.
For way more, here’s our complete visitors’ guide to Balmoral Castle.
Oh… and because Scotland is home to more than 2,000 castles (or castle ruins), you have plenty of others to visit. To save you sifting through them all, here are our 18 favorites.
11. The Northern Part of the West Coast Mainland
Best for: seeing the nation’s most scenic region
Remember the North Coast 500? Well, its northwestern part is its best part.
… and it’s the best part of mainland Scotland.
Controversial view for you: if you only have time to visit one Scottish region, it should be here. Yes, it’s far from other parts of Scotland. And, yes, you’ll need a car to properly explore.
But this part of Scotland looks like no other part of Scotland. It’s the nation’s best area for hiking, it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and every 5 minutes you’ll want to cry with joy. To be sure: the whole west-coast area from Applecross to Durness is the region I’m talking about here.
In some ways, this region is similar to the Isle of Skye. But much less touristy… and I reckon much better.
So: not just one of the best places to visit in Scotland—possibly THE best place to visit in Scotland.
12. Suilven
Best for: one of the best and strangest hikes you’ve ever done
One of Scotland’s weirdest and most iconic hikes, the mighty Suilven isn’t actually too tall—its peak measures in at only 731 meters (2,400 feet).
But getting there and back is a major challenge. The hike’s nearest car park lies 5.5 miles (9 km) from the peak… and the whole walk lasts between 8 and 10 hours. Is this Scotland’s most remote hike? Probably.
One of the nation’s most recognizable mountains, Suilven is a big lump that rises out of the boggy marshland surrounding it. A great mental challenge, and a great way to escape crowds.
For way more walks and wanders, here are our favorite hikes in Scotland.
13. Stac Pollaidh
Best for: tackling what might be the nation’s best hike
My favorite Scottish hike, Stac Pollaidh sits in northwestern Scotland, close to the super-loveable town of Ullapool.*
*If you like cute coastal towns, Ullapool is another of the best places to visit in Scotland.
Pronounced “stack polly,” the summit here sits at a relatively low 612 meters (2,008 feet). And although it’s a challenging hike, it’s not super tough. For world-class views without too much effort, I think it’s Scotland’s best walk.
From up here, you see lochs, other peaks, and one of the nation’s most photogenic views. Come early, cos it’s a pretty popular spot.
The entire walk measures in at just under 3 miles (4.5km), and only takes 2 or 3 hours.
14. Ben Nevis
Best for: tackling the nation’s highest hike
The highest peak in the UK, the top of Ben Nevis lies 1,345 meters (4,413 feet) above sea level.
Honestly, it’s not the nation’s best hike (in a nation with thousands of hikes, that would be a tough spot to nab).
… but there’s always something fun about climbing a nation’s tallest peak. And because it’s so popular, there’s an accessible and simple (though not easy) ‘tourist trail’ to its top. During this hike, you’ll see lochs, mountaintops, and some of Scotland’s most famous views.
The route takes around 8 hours in total (more if you’re not a regular hiker). As long as you’re reasonably fit, you should be able to get it done!
15. Long-Distance Hikes
Best for: (usually-)waymarked fun on your own two feet
Okay, this isn’t just one thing or one place.
But Scotland is home to MANY officially waymarked long-distance hiking trails. For a variety of challenging and accessible-but-remote hikes in one concentrated area, I don’t think there’s any better nation on the planet.
Some top picks include:
For more, head to this big list of ALL Scotland’s Great Trails.
16. Bothies
Best for: sheltering from the elements
Just like the above, this isn’t really one place either. Woopsy.
Instead, it’s a collection of places, dotted around various parts of the Scottish wilderness.
Basically, bothies are a hiker’s best friend. A bunch of basic shelters located in remote areas of Scotland, these charity-managed structures are rugged and rough, and often look like garden sheds or abandoned homes.
Free to use, they’re tactically located in areas where hikers might need an overnight break (but have nowhere else to take a break).
Across the nation, there are around 85 bothies. They’re a great insight into Scottish hospitality and the nation’s often-remote nature.
… so, if you can, I recommend tackling a hike that includes an overnight bothy stay.
For much more info (and some weird facts!), here’s our complete guide to Scottish bothies.
17. UNESCO Sites
Best for: seeing some of Scotland’s most significant places
Scotland is home to 13 different UNESCO sites.
(and many of them—as you might have guessed from their inclusion on this list!—are among the best places to visit in Scotland).
You probably don’t have time to visit them all, so choose a couple from here. Top picks include city spots (including areas in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee), an old Roman wall (sort of like Hadrian’s Wall but Scottish), an island with Europe’s largest colony of seabirds, and both man-made and natural structures.
18. The Moray Firth
Best for: getting your eyes around some dolphins, porpoises, and whales
The northeastern part of mainland Scotland is bordered by a big triangle of sea.
… and this big triangle of sea is one of Europe’s best places to see dolphins, porpoises, and minke whales. You have loads of places to choose from, but top picks include:
For more, head over to our guide on the best 9 Scottish places to see dolphins, whales, and porpoises.
And for a bunch of other creatures and critters, here are 25 wild animals you can see in Scotland.
19. Calanais Standing Stones
Best for: getting weird and wacky
The UK is home to many strange and mysterious standing stones.
Of them all, the Calanais Standing Stones are among the most well-known—and they’re possibly the nation’s oldest.
They sit on Lewis and Harris, a big island off Scotland’s west coast. The complex is made up of a big central stone surrounded by a circle of 13 stones… and five extra rows of standing stones pointing towards this circle. Some stones here are double the height of an average human.
The common belief is that the complex was once some sort of observatory. But no one really knows!
If you’re interested in neolithic stuff, this is one of the best places to visit in Scotland.
20. Glencoe
Best for: exploring the nation’s most famous valley
Scotland is home to loads of glens (which really just means ‘valleys’).
Of them all, the dramatic Glencoe is the most famous. Also the name of both the wider region and a nearby village, this is one of Scotland’s best outdoor areas. The most well-known section is the A82 road—it runs right along the valley and is one of Scotland’s most photographed places.
The glen as a whole is home to lochs, mountains, and some of Scotland’s best hikes.
If you want a region with wilderness and nature, but without having to head too far north, Glencoe is the place for you. It’s not as touristy as Loch Ness and Loch Lomond, and it’s not as far and remote as some other places we’ve brought you. An ideal compromise!
21. Oban
Best for: world-class seafood in one of Scotland’s most scenic towns
Sitting on the central part of the nation’s west coast, Oban is Scotland’s most famous seaside town.
Very touristy, it’s an archetypal harbor town, but even more scenic than you’d imagine. Hilly and green, it’s topped by a colosseum-like old stone tower, and has loads of connections to nearby islands.
Other fun includes canoeing, kayaking, lots of nearby beaches, and the castle ruins at Dunollie Museum. Because there’s a surprising amount of history packed into Oban, I recommend taking a walking tour.
Oban is also well-known for being one of the UK’s top seafood towns. While you’re here, get your greasy mouth around the eats and treats at Oban Seafood Hut, one of the nation’s best-known chow-down spots.
If you don’t mind the hyper-touristy vibe, Oban is one of the best places to visit in Scotland.
22. Inverness
Best for: an outdoor adventure base with city conveniences
Scotland’s best big base for outdoor adventures, Inverness is the UK’s most northern city.
Although it only has a little population (fewer than 50,000 people!), it feels like New York compared to anywhere north of here. If you want hotels and restaurants and supermarkets, but also want the best possible proximity to Scotland’s best outdoor adventures, Inverness is the place for you.
Here, you’re at the southeastern tip of the North Coast 500, you’re close to lots of fishing villages and coastal hikes, and you’re well-located for exploring Loch Ness, the Cairngorms, the northwest coast, the Isle of Skye, and many other parts of the Highlands. And on top of all that, it’s easy to access loads of great tours and day trips.
The city itself has loads of highlights, including Culloden Battlefield (site of the final battle of the Jacobite Uprising), Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, the quaint and charming Leakey’s second-hand bookshop, and some excellent walking tours.
23. Loch Maree
Best for: an accessible but remote adventure in one of Scotland’s littlest-known big lochs
Sitting beside the hyper-charming coastal town of Gairloch (another of the best places to visit in Scotland!), Loch Maree is the largest loch north of Loch Ness.
A freshwater loch, it’s a nice balance between accessible and remote:
It’s remote because it sits in the nation’s far northwest… but it’s accessible because the North Coast 500 road runs right along it.
Home to islands, otters, and a nature reserve, it’s one of the least-polluted areas of the UK… and some ancient woodland sits on the islands inside its shores.
For the best possible panorama of Loch Maree, hike up the challenging Slioch. And for adventures in the water, hire a canoe or a kayak.
24. Loch Shiel
Best for: a gigantic lochside shoreline close to Glencoe
Scotland’s fourth-longest loch, Loch Maree is popular for hiking and lochside picnicking, and it’s well-known for being close to the Glenfinnan Viaduct (yep, that’s the famous railway bridge from the Harry Potter movies).
But it’s particularly popular with birdwatchers, who come here to spot kestrels, eagles, falcons, sparrowhawks, ospreys, and more. Other highlights include boat trips and cycling (most of the eastern shore has a small track that’s PERFECT for cycling).
It sits close to both Glencoe and Fort William, and it’s relatively accessible. The further southwest you go, the quieter it gets. This really is one of the nation’s most beautiful lochs, and I can’t recommend it enough.
25. Loch Affric
Best for: wandering and walking along a big lochy loop
Loch Affric is another of the nation’s best accessible but underrated lochs.
Sitting pretty close to Loch Ness, it’s good for spotting wildlife. Here, you’ll find deer, red squirrels, and lots of birds (including ospreys and eagles). And many local fishermen come here to nab themselves some trout.
I’m mainly recommending this place for the Loch Affric circuit, a big 11-mile (18 km) loop taking hikers around the entirety of the loch. It’s one of the nation’s best wanders—and although it’s quite long, it’s very flat and easy.
For something a bit more challenging, head up to the summit of nearby Càrn Eige. The peak measures in at a hefty 1,183 meters (3,881 feet).
Overall, for a wide range of outside adventures, Loch Affric is one of the best places to visit in Scotland.
Before You Go
And we’re done! They’re the 25 best places to visit in Scotland!
Generally speaking, the further north you go, the better it gets – and to really explore Scotland, you need a car. But if you’re short on time and transport: Glasgow, Inverness, and Edinburgh are all ideal.
For more on the land of haggis and kilts, here are…
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