From the moment I stepped off the plane and onto the tarmac, I knew I would love Scotland instantly.
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After 6 months of living in foreign cities, the comforting smell of the crisp marine air flooded my senses with memories of my home in Portland, Oregon.
Intrigued, I strove to be open to anything and everything (yep, I tried the famous haggis) and Scotland exceeded expectations.
After visiting Scotland, we were so smitten by the country that we returned for a second time within the year to explore the whisky distilleries in Speyside. Below is my personal list of the best things to do in Scotland.
You May Enjoy Reading: 5 Easy Scotland Outfit Ideas
Three days in Scotland, and where I’d spend them
If someone hands me three days for Scotland, I don’t try to cram the Highlands in. That’s the mistake I see people make constantly and it wrecks the trip. Three days is an Edinburgh trip with one good day out, full stop.
Day one. Edinburgh Castle first thing, booked online for a specific morning before the tour buses catch up, then the Royal Mile down to Holyrood Palace. Save your legs for Arthur’s Seat in the late afternoon, then Calton Hill for sunset. That’s a full day and you’ll feel it.
Day two. One big day trip, and I’d pick Stirling and the Trossachs over Glencoe if your legs (and your rental car nerves) are still adjusting to the left side of the road. Loch Lomond, a stop at Doune Castle, and you’re back in Edinburgh for dinner. If you’d rather do a deep dive on the capital instead of leaving it, I’ve written up exactly how I’d spend two full days in Edinburgh, with a different order than the one above.
Day three. Glasgow by train, an hour each way and no reason to plan around rush hour since ScotRail killed peak fares for good. Wander the West End, then home.
What to skip on three days, and I mean actually skip, not squeeze in: Skye, the North Coast 500, and Islay. All three need a minimum of four or five days on their own to be worth the drive. Trying to bolt one onto a three-day Edinburgh trip means you’ll spend more time in the car than at the place you drove to see.
Visiting Scotland for the first time (some advice)
If you’re visiting Scotland for the first time then I suggest simplifying things as much as possible. Scotland is a stunning country that spans on and on, so trip planning can get overwhelming.
As such, I suggest focusing on two areas you want to explore most, and if it’s your first time to Scotland, I suggest Edinburgh and the Highlands.
These are the two most popular areas in the country but not without reason. Full of history and natural beauty, these gems will make you fall in love with Scotland and will have you planning a return trip in no time.
Hey there, I’ll be your Scotland guide for the day!
My name is Antonina, nice to meet you. I ended up visiting Scotland for the first time in the summer of 2022 and found myself completely mesmerized by the country’s beauty.
Ill prepared for the jaw-dropping nature, I noticed a strange sensation upon returning home, I began to crave Scotland’s countryside.
It was a very strange sensation because after visiting 20 countries, it’s the first time something like this had happened to me.
Perhaps it’s because I hail from the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, but Scotland felt so homey to me and I was hell bent on returning to spend more time in the fresh salty air, amid picturesque pastures and dramatic mountains.
Scotland can make a poet out of anyone. Just wait and see for yourself. I’m sure you’ll return home after visiting Scotland eager to get thoughts on paper, the country is so special.
Lessons Learned from Visiting Scotland
Let’s talk about the infamous Scottish weather
The United Kingdom is no stranger to weather-centered jokes for a reason. Locals know to pack a raincoat regardless of the forecast and we were keen to follow suit.
Most of the two weeks we spent visiting Scotland greeted us with light drizzle.
Thankfully, the rain was never strong enough to prevent us from enjoying our time in Scotland. We visited in June and think the summer months may be your best bet for great weather.
Likewise, even rainy days cleared after a while. Not sure if we just got lucky, but we only had one day when it rained the entire time. All other times the rain cleared rather quickly and we got on with it.
To that end, pack rain jackets and insulated coats while visiting Scotland. Even though we visited in summer, I was ill prepared for the cold and ended up buying an insulated jacket on the second day.
Accommodations while visiting Scotland
Apart from the larger cities (Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness) we were surprised to find that most accommodations were guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts, not hotels.
However, we didn’t has any bad stays while visiting Scotland and found the standards for B&Bs to be very high.
Know that if you’re planning to visit Scotland’s Highlands region you may not find any hotels, but don’t fret.
We typically stay at hotels when staying in a city for less than a month and were slightly nervous about B&Bs (we had no experience with them!) but were pleasantly surprised. So just a heads up!
Should you rent a car while visiting Scotland?
The short answer is a resounding yes. Sprawling Scotland is best explored by car because the most wild regions are found in the norther reaches of the country.
In terms of driving in Scotland, well, that’s another story. We found that 90% of rental cars are manual which made us very nervous.
By some strange stroke of luck, the kind fellow at Hertz offered us an autonomic because someone just cancelled their reservation and I swear, I could have married him on the spot.
Here’s the thing: Scots drive on the left side of the road and the driver’s wheel is located on the right side. This is a double-whammy for American drivers accustomed to driving on the right side of the road and having the wheel on the left.
I’ll admit, it took me a while to adjust to driving in Scotland while my husband barely struggled. He got a hang of it after the first day and said it felt intuitive and natural fairly quickly.
Take that how you may, but anyway you slice it, you’ll definitely want a rental car while visiting Scotland.
Fun Things to Do in Scotland
Explore Edinburgh
There’s only one way to properly kick off a list of the best things to do in Scotland and that honor goes to Edinburgh. Between the striking architecture, storied gray-slated buildings and towering castle, the country’s capital is a sight to behold.
The best way to explore Edinburgh if you’re short on time is to walk the Royal Mile, easily the most famous street in Scotland.
The path starts at Edinburgh Castle and passes past impressive historic buildings before ending at Holyrood Palace, which is the official Scottish residence for the British monarchs.
The best part? Holyrood Palace is located right next to the trailhead of an epic hike that takes you to the summit of an extinct volcano. The hike is called Arthur’s Seat and should be added to any proper Scotland bucket list!
Visiting Scotland Hotels | Here’s some (great) hotel options in Edinburgh
Verdict. Worth it, obviously, but budget the accommodation tax in. Edinburgh’s 5% visitor levy on overnight stays started 24 July 2026, capped at your first five nights, so a week-long hotel stay runs meaningfully more than it did last year before you’ve bought a single coffee.
Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
Hike Arthur’s Seat
Those visiting Scotland take in the spectacular nature its known for need not go further than hiking Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
An special hike within city limits, the 2.4-mile loop is steep but the panoramic views from the summit will stay with you forever.
After hiking Arthur’s Seat firsthand, I can confirm that it’s one of the best things to do in Scotland and shouldn’t be missed.
Verdict. Worth it, free, no ticket required. Go at 7am. By 10am the summit trail is a queue, and by noon you’re sharing the volcano with a tour bus.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
Dating back to 1103, you can’t miss Edinburgh Castle even if you tried. This monolithic masterpiece looms over the city and can be seen from most vantage points.
The castle, one of the oldest fortified buildings in Europe, has been used as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress.
Interested in visiting? You can buy tickets from the official website here.
Verdict. Worth it once, not twice. A 2026 adult ticket runs £23.50 booked online (£26.00 if you just show up) for a specific date, so pick your day and buy ahead, the castle’s own site warns tickets sell out in summer. If you’ve already done the full tour on a past trip, Arthur’s Seat and the Royal Mile give you the same skyline for free.
Catch sunset from Calton Hill
There’s no better place to take in the grandiose beauty of Edinburgh than from Calton Hill. A steep but scenic hike will take you to the summit and expose you to panoramic city views, best experienced at sunset. Calton Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Verdict. Worth it, and the one I’d protect first if the itinerary gets tight. Free, ten minutes from the Royal Mile, and the view of the castle at dusk beats anything you paid for that day.
Learn about the Glencoe Massacre
The Glencoe Massacre is a gut-wrenching event that should be known about before visiting Scotland. One of the top sights in Scotland, Glencoe is downright staggering.
Located in the Scottish Highlands, the field is flanked by towering mountains on either side, it’s hard to imagine the heartbreak that marred this hallowed ground in 1692.
Scotland went through tumultuous times while fighting for independence from the monarchs. After the Jacobite rising of 1689, King William ordered all clan chiefs to sign an oath of allegiance by January 1, 1692.
The Scottish government offered to pay the Jacobite clan chiefs a handsome sum if they swore an oath of loyalty to the new monarchs, but the chiefs weren’t able to agree on how the sums should be split.
For two years they bickered and by 1691, none had taken the oath. Facing massive pressure from the monarch, the Scottish Secretary of State was determined to make an example of the consequences of further delay.
The logistics of the Glencoe Massacre (That You Should Know Before Visiting Scotland)
His solution? Orchestrate a ghastly fly-by-night murder of one of the clans.
Unfortunately, the MacDonalds of Glencoe were chosen, for reasons not entirely clear. Some historians assume clan in-fighting and a reputation for lawlessness made them an easy choice.
A group of 128 soldiers traveled to Glencoe and stayed with the clan for 12 days before turning on their hosts and killing them while they slept.
It’s estimated that 38 members of Clan MacDonald were killed while trying to escape into the snowy foothills of Glencoe.
The Massacre at Glencoe is nightmarish not because of the numbers killed, but rather the way the attack was carried out.
The event is often coined as “murder under trust” because the men killed on that day were the very men offering hospitality to their murderers.
Learning about the Glencoe Massacre and understanding the complicated history around the event is essential for those planning on visiting Scotland.
If there’s a history buff in your group, this is one of the best things to see in Scotland without doubt.
Verdict. Worth it if you have a car. Glencoe itself is a valley, not a ticketed site, free to pull over and free to walk, and the NTS visitor centre fills in what the empty glen doesn’t tell you on its own. Skip it if you’re relying on trains, it’s a genuine detour without your own wheels.
Visit the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful places in Scotland, with many visitors traveling to the country to visit these sights alone. As such, this is one of the best things to add to a Scotland itinerary for nature nuts.
Marked by dramatic cliffs, stunning coastlines, sandy beaches and never-ending shades of green, this was one of the most memorable parts of visiting Scotland. The biggest draw is the nature and two things take the cake.
First, hiking the Old Man of Storr is a must because it’s one of the best things to do in Scotland. Striking rocks jut out from the ground and make for the perfect backdrop as you climb higher and higher for the best vantage point.
The second most popular hike in the area is known as the The Fairy Pools hike. Waterfalls against the background of towering mountains, like a scene straight from a fairytale, you have to see it to believe it. The entire loop is about 1.5 miles.
Verdict. Worth it, but plan your parking before you plan your itinerary. Highland Council now runs a Campervan and Motorhome Scheme, self-contained vehicles only, designated overnight car parks, no awnings or camp chairs set up at the site, and it covers Skye along with the rest of the Highlands. Pulling into a layby for the night isn’t the casual move it used to be. I wrote a full Isle of Skye guide if you want the parking and hiking logistics in one place.
Tour Cawdor Castle & Gardens
Dating back to 1370, Cawdor Castle was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor, in whose possession it remains to this day.
The castle is best known for its literary connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth wherein the main character is the Thane of Cawdor.
The play made the family name famous, but that didn’t keep the drama at bay (per usual – it only exacerbated it). When the Earl of 6th Earl of Cawdor died in 1993, he left the castle to his second wife (not his heir).
Some legal battles ensued but Cawdor Castle remained the home of Dowager Countess Cawdor (stepmom of Colin Campbell, 7th Earl of Cawdor).
She uses this as her private winter residence, which is why the castle isn’t open for tours in winter. However, if you’re visiting Scotland outside the winter months, you’ll be welcomed to tour the interior of one of the most beautiful Scottish castles.
Full of charm and warm tones, each room is elaborately decorated (to the nines!). Grab the audio headset to learn more about each room and the history behind it.
Apart from the cozy interior, it can be argued that the gardens alone earn Cawdor Castle a mention on this list of the best castles in Scotland to visit, which is why I consider this one of the best things to do in Scotland.
The Walled Garden was originally planted in the 17th century (imagine!) and the flower garden dates back to the 18th century.
The newest addition is the Wild Garden, which was added in the 1960. Take your time strolling the grounds aimlessly, everything was planted with purpose and some of the plants are very rare.
Come for the castle tour or come for the gardens, either way Cawdor is one of the best castles to tour in Scotland.
Best Castles Scotland | Cawdor Castle’s 2026 season runs Saturday 25 April to Sunday 4 October, 10am to 5pm daily (last entry 5pm), adult admission £17.00. You can book tickets on the official website.
Verdict. Worth it if you’re driving the NC500 or based near Inverness, the gardens alone earn the detour. Skip it if your trip is Edinburgh and the central belt only, it’s a real drive from the capital and the castle is closed solid outside its April to October season.
Dip your toes in Loch Ness
Who among us didn’t grow up reading fascinating tales of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster? Even fewer of us will get an opportunity to see the lake in person, an opportunity you can’t afford to miss while visiting Scotland.
The lake maintains a consistent temperature of 41°F year-round. So while dipping your toes in the lake will be a chilly affair, it’s one of the best things to do in Scotland for your inner child if nothing else. Have at it!
If you’d like to make a day trip out of your time at Loch Ness, this handy resource may prove helpful.
Verdict. Skip it unless you’ve got kids along or a soft spot for silly errands. Loch Ness itself, without a boat trip or a stop at Urquhart Castle, is a very large, very cold lake. Lovely to drive past, not worth rerouting a whole afternoon for on its own.
Fancy smokey scotch? Visit Islay
Located in the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, Islay (pronounced eye-lah) is famous for producing the smokiest scotch in the world.
Some of the island’s distilleries date back to 1779, making them as old as our country.
Spanning 239 miles, this is the 5th largest Scottish Island and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Anyone traveling to Scotland for whisky would be remiss to overlook this promised land of peat and barley.
When my whiskey-loving husband found out that Islay existed, he completely re-organized our entire Scotland itinerary.
He was determined to accommodate a five day stay on the island. A little nuts of him? Sure, but he’s so easy to love so I can overlook the few last minute changes.
Anyways, look at me getting off track. Visiting Islay is one of the best things to do in Scotland, so let’s break down the types of whisky experiences offered on the island.
There’s 3 types of whisky experiences on Islay
- Distillery Tour: Guests get full access to magic. You’ll be in the heart of the action, overseeing the whisky making process from start to finish. But not all distillery tours are created equal, some are way better than others (I’ll make sure to highlight the standouts below).
- Cask Tasting: Whisky straight from the cask is stronger than the bottled versions you pick up in stores. While exploring the various distilleries on Islay you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for some cask tastings, which I recommend you do. They’re very fun, especially when accompanied by knowledgeable (and entertaining) experts.
- Tasting Flight: The tasting flight is probably the most classic whisky tasting experience on Islay. You’ll typically get to try 3-5 drams for a nominal fee. This will give you a pretty good understanding of a distillery’s range.
Time is precious, so I’d like to help you make the most of your time on Islay. We spent our 5 days visiting every single distillery on Islay to create a list of the best experiences.
If interested, you can read: All 9 Islay Whiskey Distilleries (Ranked).
Verdict. Worth it only if you’ve got three or more days to give it, the ferry and the island together eat time fast. Booking distillery tours ahead matters more than it used to, the good ones sell out weeks out now, not just during festival season.
Hike Trossachs National Park
Less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow, Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Scotland and taking in the splendor should be on everyone’s Scotland bucket list.
The best spot to view the lake is from Trossachs National Park, often billed as “Miniature Highlights” because of the epic landscapes.
We spent half a day hiking around the lake and taking way too many photos. We just couldn’t stop, the area was so beautiful even though it was drizzling.
Visiting Scotland Tip: While in the area don’t miss an opportunity to tour Doune Castle, made famous by Monthy Python and the Holy Grail. You don’t need to be a massive fan of the film to enjoy this exciting tour.
Verdict. Worth it, and the easiest Highlands taste for anyone short on time, under an hour from Glasgow. Doune Castle is a quick add if you’re already in the area, budget a half day for both.
Tour Balmoral Castle
To understand why touring Balmoral Castle is one of the best things to do in Scotland we need to cover some quick history. And don’t you dare try to fall asleep on me!
Balmoral Castle is best known as the royal summer residence for the British monarchs. Every summer, like clockwork, the royals make their annual weeks-long pilgrimage to Scotland to soak up the great outdoors.
Originally built in 1390, this show-stopping castle didn’t get added to the royal family’s impressive castle collection until 1852.
Prince Albert purchased the estate for his beloved wife, Queen Victoria (ah, to be royalty) who was smitten with the Scottish countryside.
But as it sometimes goes with royalty, girlfriend found the estate too small for her liking.
Thankfully she didn’t need to stress the oversight too long because the solution was simple, the royal duo built an additional castle on the estate (the Balmoral Castle we know today).
The original castle was torn down when construction on Balmoral Castle was completed in 1856. Today the estate spans and impressive 50,000 acres and houses 15 buildings. It’s been said many times that Balmoral Castle was Queen Elizabeth’s favorite palace.
She was so fond of it, in fact, it’s where she passed away on September 8, 2022. So yeah, getting to tour Queen Elizabeth’s favorite stomping grounds definitely deserves a spot on this list of the best things to do in Scotland.
You May Enjoy Reading: 12 gorgeous Scottish Castles (Worth the Detour)
Verdict. Worth it, but check the calendar before you drive out. The grounds and exhibition run a limited public season and close for the royal family’s own stay, the official site had them reopening 29 September this year. Confirm dates before you go, don’t just show up.
Take a photo with the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Listen, there’s a few things in life that you just have to do. Seeing the Glenfinnan Viaduct and taking a cheesy photo like the damn tourist you are is one of those things while visiting Scotland. Just do it and don’t feel an ounce of remorse.
This setting will look familiar to Harry Potter fans for a reason, it’s the train used as the Hogwart Express! Some visitors choose to take a ride on the real life version of the train, called the Jacobite Express, and consider it one of the best things to do in Scotland.
Can’t say I disagree. The scenic 84-mile trip takes riders on a stunning 4-hour trip across the Highlands between Fort William and Mallaig.
Onboard amenities include tea service and light bites. If you’re interested in adding this to your Scotland itinerary you can check out the official website here.
Scotland Itinerary Tip: Riding the Jacobite Express is one of the most popular things to do in Scotland and tickets sell out well in advance, especially in the summer. Book early if you consider this a Scotland bucket list item!
Verdict. The viaduct itself, worth it and free, anyone can walk up and take the photo. The Jacobite Express is the one to book early, its 2026 season runs 1 June to 23 October and seats go fast, only a handful of same-day cash tickets show up at the station and they’re never guaranteed.
Drive the North Coast 500 (Slowly)
Driving the North Coast 500 was the biggest reason we ended up visiting Scotland so soon after our first visit.
During our first visit, we didn’t have enough time to devote to the road trip (we wanted to do it justice by going slowly), so we made it a priority the second time around.
And holy cow. This route is as magical as it gets. Definitely one of the coolest things to do in Scotland. As you may have surmised, this is a self-driving 500 mile route that takes you through Scotland’s Northern countryside.
The route begins and ends at Inverness, a charming little city in the northern tip of the country. I’ll write more about our experience soon and will share it here.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Scotland on a return trip, I highly suggest driving the famous Scottish 500 route.
Verdict. Worth it, go early or don’t go. Highland Council’s campervan and motorhome scheme now steers overnight parking to designated sites the length of the route, so plan your stops before you leave rather than hoping for a layby. Give it a minimum of five days, three isn’t enough to do it slowly, and slowly is the entire point.
Dunrobin Castle
Considered the crown jewel of the Highlands, Dunrobin Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland.
Found along the North Coast 500 route, this castle is no stranger to crowds. Far from it, the castle attracts about 120,000 visitors a year.
Dating back to the 1300s, the castle’s claim to fame is that it’s one of the oldest continuously occupied castles in Scotland. Previously home to the Dukes of Sutherland, this impressive home has 189 elaborate rooms.
The earliest iteration of the castle was a humble square keep with thick 6-foot walls, but over the years the house was altered and extended.
The biggest renovations occurred between 1835 and 1850 when Sir Charles Barry remodeled the castle in a Baronial style. A fire destroyed the roof and much of the castle’s interior in 1915 and then later restored.
The castle was eventually converted into a boarding school for boys from 1965 to 1972, before opening to the public in 1973. The Sutherland family still retains private accommodations inside the castle.
And let me tell you, the interior of the castle is a sight to behold – which is why paying a visit is one of the best things to do in Scotland.
Each room more elaborate than the last, allow yourself a minimum of two hours to tour the castle properly.
We took our time wandering from room to room, constantly amazed by the smallest details and fascinating photographs.
Make no mistake, this is one of the best castles to visit in Scotland. The location alone is guaranteed to take your breath away. The French-château inspired build overlooks the jaw-dropping beauty of the Northern Highlands.
Best Things to Do in Scotland (Tip): Dunrobin Castle is open for tours from April 1 through October 31, confirmed unchanged for the 2026 season.
Verdict. Worth it for the setting alone, this is the castle to pick if you only have room for one more after Cawdor. Confirmed open April 1 through October 31 for 2026, closed solid outside that window, so don’t build a winter NC500 trip around it.
Tour the Highland Folk Museum While Visiting Scotland
Coined as Britain’s first open-air musuem, visiting the Highland Folk Museum ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Scotland.
Admittedly, my husband took some convincing at first but even he admitted that the museum was pretty top-notch.
Dedicated to Scotland’s historic past, the Highland Folk Museum seeks to educate visitors on daily life in the Highlands from 1700s to the 1950s.
More than 30 historical buildings comprise the musuem, with volunteers playing out era-specific roles to give guests a chance to ask questions.
We popped into the school building and found ourselves meandering past an animated teacher explaining the importance of proper penmanship.
We even had our own paper and pen to try for ourselves. Some of the folks in attendance asked the teacher questions about daily life for teachers in the late 1800s and the volunteer was very thorough in his answers.
The interactive musuem is such a joy to explore, which is why I (highly) recommend it for anyone visiting Scotland for the first time.
The musuem closes during the winter months but re-opens April 1st. Suggested donations in lieu of admission fees. Learn more here.
Verdict. Worth it, and one of the better values on this list, it’s donation-based rather than a fixed ticket price. Go if you’ve got kids along or like living history, skip it if castles and whisky already have your day full, it’s the first thing I’d cut when time runs short.
Visit Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in the country. A mere hour’s drive from Edinburgh, Glasgow feels very different. The city is more industrial but gives off a very youthful vibe because of the college students that call it home.
Full of top-notch restaurants, great museums and a mind-boggling amount of pubs, exploring the historic center is one of the best things to do in Scotland.
Fun things to do in Glasgow, Scotland
- Explore the Riverside Museum: Dedicated to transportation, you can learn about the history of Glasgow’s transportation network and see vintage vehicles up close.
- People’s Palace & Winter Garden: This musuem and glasshouse features historic artifacts and exotic plants.
- Gallery of Modern Art: Modern art enthusiasts will love the exhibits at this charming museum. Admire the statue of the Duke of Wellington with traffic cone in front of the museum’s entrance.
Verdict. Worth a day, not a detour on its own. Glasgow to Edinburgh is under an hour by train, and ScotRail scrapped peak fares for good back in September 2025, so there’s no longer a financial reason to time your visit around rush hour.
Experience the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival
If there’s only one thing you must add to your Scotland bucket list it’s seeing the epic (epic!) Up Helly Aa fire festival.
This experience will require nothing short of a miracle because hotels sell out years in advance. However, if you can swing it, definitely make it a priority because it’s one of the best things to do in Scotland.
I was first introduced to Up Helly Aa by a lifelong Scottish local while enjoying brews at a pub. She raved and raved about the festival and said everyone should see it before they die.
Intrigued, I promptly googled it when I got back to the hotel (I typically don’t activate international plans while traveling to save $$).
Held the last Tuesday in January, Up Helly Aa is a massive fire festival marking the end of the Yule season. Expect to find energized marches, up to a thousand gusty vikings, blazing torches and tons of fire.
The festival culminates with the burning of an imitation Viking galley.
Located in the town of Lerwick in the Shetland islands,experiencing the festival will require some strategy and planning. But the effort is worthwhile because this is one of the best things to do in Scotland.
Scotland Itinerary Ideas: Here’s the official website if you’d like more info.
Verdict. Only if you plan a year out, and I mean that literally. This year’s festival already happened in January. If you want to see it, you’re booking Lerwick accommodation now for the last Tuesday of January 2027, not browsing flights the month before.
Best Things to Do Scotland | Scotland Bucket-list (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a quick round up of the best things to do in Scotland. Hope you enjoyed!
- Visit Edinburgh
- Learn about the Glencoe Massacre
- Tour Cawdor Castle & Gardens
- Dip your toes in Loch Ness
- Fancy smokey scotch? Visit Islay
- Hike at Trossachs National Park
- Tour Balmoral Palace
- Take a photo with the Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Drive the Scottish 500 (Slowly)
- Visit the Isle of Skye
- Tour the Highland Folk Museum While Visiting Scotland
- Explore Glasgow
- Experience the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival
Map of the best things to do in Scotland
I hope you enjoy visiting Scotland as much as we did. It’s a magical place full of charm. For whisky lovers, here’s our full guide to the best whisky distilleries in Scotland. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, I’m here to help!
Cheers!
Antonina
You might also enjoy our guide to Scotland 5-7 Day Itinerary.
What’s different in Scotland this year
Edinburgh started charging a visitor levy on 24 July 2026, a flat 5% added to your accommodation bill for the first five nights of any stay, calculated before VAT and before you add parking or dinner. It’s not a scam, the council is upfront about where the money goes, but it changes the math on a week in the city, budget for it before you book, not after.
Edinburgh Castle’s 2026 tickets are dated, not open-ended. You book online (£23.50 adult versus £26.00 walk-up) for a specific day, not a season, and the castle’s own site says to expect a sellout in summer. Cawdor Castle’s season moved too, it’s open 25 April through 4 October 2026 this year, adult admission £17.00. Check the date before you drive out, not after.
The Highlands got a Campervan and Motorhome Scheme this year, self-contained vehicles only, designated overnight car parks from Skye to the North Coast 500, no more improvising a spot on the verge. And if you’re taking the train between Edinburgh and Glasgow, ScotRail killed peak fares for good back in September 2025, so timing a day trip around rush hour buys you nothing anymore. If you’re weighing when to go at all, I’ve written up how the shoulder season actually feels in Scotland in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
We think so, yes. Visiting, Scotland offers a mix of history, culture, food, and scenery that makes it a rewarding destination for most travelers. Like anywhere, it helps to go with realistic expectations and a willingness to explore beyond the most obvious tourist sites.
Budget travelers can manage on around $50-80 per day (excluding flights) with affordable accommodation and local food. Mid-range travelers should plan for $100-200 per day including a comfortable hotel and sit-down restaurants. If you’re staying in Edinburgh, add its 5% visitor levy on top of your accommodation cost, it started 24 July 2026 and applies to your first five nights of any stay. Prices vary significantly by season.
Yes. As of 2026 Edinburgh Castle tickets are sold for a specific date rather than open entry, and the castle’s own site says tickets often sell out in summer. Adult tickets are £23.50 booked online versus £26.00 if you just walk up, so booking ahead saves you money as well as a wasted trip.
Not just anywhere anymore. Highland Council runs a Campervan and Motorhome Scheme covering Skye and the North Coast 500 route, self-contained vehicles only, parked overnight at designated car parks rather than laybys or verges. Plan your overnight stops before you leave.
It’s Edinburgh’s version of a tourist tax. The city started charging a 5% visitor levy on paid overnight accommodation on 24 July 2026, charged before VAT and capped at your first five consecutive nights. It covers hotels, B&Bs, self-catering flats, hostels, and caravan and boat lets.
Newest on Scotland
- Scotland in October Aug 2026
- A Complete Guide to Scotland’s Most Dramatic Island (Isle of Skye) Jul 2026
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Loved your post! My husband and I are travelling to Scotland in two weeks from Toronto. We were not planning on bringing as many warmer items to wear (insulated coats). Curious when you went – weather is looking like 18-19 when we go. Thank you!
Hey Caitlin! We visited twice, once in May and once in June! I ended up buying a warm coat during our first trip (which I repacked for the second). Highly recommend bringing at least one warm jacket (light insulated jackets are my go-to) just in case the weather is chilly during your visit, especially if you plan to explore outside of Edinburgh. I hope you enjoy your trip, Scotland is wonderful!