Introduction
Scotland is a beautiful country located in the northern part of the United Kingdom. It has a vast and varied landscape, including highlands, islands, forests, beaches and cosmopolitan cities. Scotland also has a rich cultural heritage stretching back thousands of years. All of this makes Scotland a wonderful place to visit for travelers interested in breathtaking scenery, history and culture.
When you visit Scotland, there are some destinations and attractions that you simply must see during your trip. These are the top 10 most popular visiting places in Scotland that should be on every traveler's itinerary:
1. Edinburgh
As Scotland’s capital and second most populous city, Edinburgh is likely already at the top of your list of places to visit. The city’s Old Town and New Town contain medieval market streets and neoclassical Georgian architecture. Iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse reveal the city’s royal history. Museums and galleries house Scotland’s most cherished artifacts and works of art.
2. Loch Ness
Loch Ness is the second largest Scottish loch by surface area and the largest by volume. When you visit Loch Ness, go searching for its famous resident - the Loch Ness Monster. While Nessie’s existence has never been proven, visiting the epic loch and its crumbling Urquhart Castle remains a top thing to do in the Scottish Highlands near Inverness.
3. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland’s most magical scenery. When you visit, tour the island and be amazed by velvet moors, jagged peaks, sparkling lochs and sheer sea cliffs. Walk the Old Man of Storr, watch the sunrise at Quiraing or visit the Cuillin Mountains. Don’t miss out on seeing the Fairy Pools either!
4. Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city. When you visit, discover its prestigious art collections and architectural gems ranging from the medieval cathedral to the Victorian city chambers. The city’s vibrant music scene and nightlife also make it a popular weekend destination. And just 45 minutes away, you’ll find Loch Lomond and the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
5. Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands off Scotland’s northern coast contain some of the country’s top prehistoric sites. When you visit, tour Skara Brae’s neolithic village, stare in awe at the Ring of Brodgar circle and journey into the burial tomb of Maeshowe. In addition to ancient artifacts, the 70 islands here hide abundant seabird colonies and scenic coastal trails waiting to be explored.
6. Stirling
The vibrant university city of Stirling enjoys an enviable location in central Scotland. Sitting on the River Forth, it’s here you’ll find Stirling Castle - one of Scotland’s top attractions and most important royal sites. Also found nearby is The National Wallace Monument which commemorates Scottish hero William Wallace who led the country’s army to victory at Stirling Bridge.
7. St Andrews
St Andrews is a charming seaside town famous for being the ‘Home of Golf’. When you visit, try your skill on the Old Course where the sport was born in the 15th century. Even if you’re not a golfer, St Andrews impresses visitors with its quaint atmosphere, sandy beaches and fascinating medieval history as Scotland’s former ecclesiastical capital.
8. Cairngorms National Park
The vast Cairngorms National Park contains the largest mountain range in Britain. Comprised of high granite peaks, tranquil Caledonian pine forests, clear rivers and hidden lochs, it’s easy to spend days exploring this outdoor wonderland. When you visit, go hiking through the hills, observe rare wildlife and stay over in a remote mountain bothy.
9. Wester Ross
Wester Ross refers to the western coastline region containing some of mainland Scotland’s most beautiful beaches and coastal scenery. When you visit, drive down winding roads overlooking the Isle of Skye, stop to see Glennfinnan Viaduct and Corrieshalloch Gorge, then finish your journey at the dream-like sands of Gairloch Beach or Sandaig Beach.
10. Aberdeen
Aberdeen proudly carries its ‘Granite City’ nickname due to the many impressive gray stone buildings that fill Scotland’s third largest city. When you visit, explore Aberdeen’s old maritime quarter lined with charming pubs and boutique shops. Be sure to also stroll through leafy parks and gardens. Just outside the city, you’ll find royal castles and whisky distilleries waiting.
Conclusion
With famous cities, magical highland landscapes, isolated islands and 5,000 years of history - Scotland offers an incredible variety of destinations and attractions for you to discover. Use this list of the top 10 most popular visiting places in Scotland to help you create your own special itinerary that matches your interests during your upcoming trip. From world-class museums and iconic castles to mythical lochs and charming villages - experiencing these highlights will surely provide you with amazing memories.