Scotland is the kind of land you read about in storybooks, see in movies, and fantasize about in your imagination. Quite literally.
It’s home to landscapes featured in Harry Potter, The Hamlet (1990), Brave (2012), and several more. From historical monuments to mesmerizing green lands, and engaging urban life – there’s just a lot to explore.
Although that makes Scotland an excellent destination for tourism, it also makes it a tough one. For anyone who’s for only 2-4 weeks to explore the place, it’s way too much.
For that very reason, we’ve specified the four primary areas in Scotland that you must visit. We’ve also highlighted the key tourist places to visit in each area.
Table of Contents
Edinburgh
Edinburgh happens to be the heart of Scotland’s tourism. It’s home to the most gothic architecture of all time, along with cobblestone streets and streets that remind you of medieval times.
When planning a visit to Scotland, it’s a good idea to begin your trip with Edinburgh. Some of the must-visit areas in this city are as follows:
- Edinburgh Castle
- Arthur’s Seat
- Holyrood Park
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
- National Museum of Scotland
- Festival Theatre
- Scott Monument
Most places in Edinburgh offer a visual experience more than anything else. It’s more of sightseeing and history exploration. There are not many activities that you can engage in.
Another interesting aspect of Edinburgh is the fact that it’s the cheapest area in Scotland too. If you browse hotels in Scotland, you’ll notice that this city has lower fuel, residence, and other costs compared to other cities.
There are luxury options too. But given the adventure opportunity in Edinburgh, it’s nothing at all!
Glasgow
Glasgow is the city where you connect with people. In earlier times, this city used to be the industrial hub of Scotland. But recently, it has evolved into a city of music, creative arts, and theatre. It even became the hub of the best food that Scotland has to offer.
Some of the best places to visit in Glasgow are as follows:
- Glasgow Cathedral
- Glasgow School of Art
- Riverside Museum
- Glasgow Science Centre
- Pollok Country Park
- Glasgow Botanic Gardens
- There are some popular events held in Glasgow annually as well. These include:
- Celtic Connections Music Festival
- Gourock Highland Games
As for the food, we recommend exploring Ox and Finch, The Italian Kitchen, and more of the restaurants listed here.
Note that Glasgow has a lot of activity to offer. There’s so much you can actually engage in. SI, if you’re an extrovert or looking forward to developing new friends and relationships, Glasgow will suit you best. But if you’re looking to connect with Scotland’s rich history, Edinburgh is your place.
Loch Ness
Here comes the right place for nature lovers. Loch Ness is mainly famous for the massive lake that has a lot of myths and stories around it. Apparently, the lake is home to the Nessie monster, which did not make an appearance for the last few years.
The Loch Ness 360-degree trail and Caledonian canal further add to the natural beauty of the land. You can also explore man-made historical artifacts and remains like the remains of Urquhart castle, Fort Augustus, and Spean Bridge.
The Western Isles
Also known as the Outer Hebrides, the Western Isles is Scotland’s dedicated spot for beach lovers. On this Western Isles, the following are some prominent places to visit:
- Beach behind Barra Airport
- Kisimul Castle in Castlebay
- Callanish Standing Stones
- Traigh Shiar
And, of course, many other places.
Note that the Western Isles is also a place for nature lovers. But there’s much more that you can do apart from exploring nature and sightseeing. You can go on a boat or ship and engage in water-based activities.
Final Words
Well, that’s not it. There are lots more places to visit in Scotland. We recommend exploring all your options before you finalize your list of the best places to visit in Scotland.
Also, if touristy places and crowds make you anxious, we recommend exploring unpopular areas in Scotland. A few examples include the Isle of Tiree, the Isle of Mull, Solway Earth, Peebles, etc.