Tourist Attractions in Scotland

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Scotland

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Scotland

Scotland is rightly considered the most romantic and beautiful part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Despite the fact that this country is located in the north and can offer tourists neither golden beaches nor warm sea, the number of travellers wishing to visit Scotland grows every year. So why don’t you join the fans of its rugged beauty and special charm!

Usually, travelling around Scotland starts with its main city – Edinburgh. The Scottish capital has preserved its historical appearance, in which modern shopping centres and high-rise buildings have blended quite harmoniously. On the street you will definitely see numerous bagpipers, many souvenir shops and beautiful historical buildings. However, you shouldn’t stay in Edinburgh for too long, as there is still so much to see and do in Scotland!

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

 4.6/5

89275 reviews

This fortress has been called “the key to Scotland” for good reason. For many centuries, the powerful walls built on top of Castle Rock, an extinct volcano by the way, protected Edinburgh and the whole country. The castle is perfectly preserved and still inspires awe with its majestic walls and ancient history.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Dun Carloway Broch

 4.6/5

151 reviews

This circular fortress is located on the island of Mawes and is a striking example of Iron Age defences. The Broch of Mawes is well preserved for its age, a candidate for UNESCO listing, in a picturesque setting and one of the most interesting sites on a tour of this area of Scotland.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Skye

 4.8/5

2762 reviews

This island is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. People come here to walk along the coast, climb the highest point of the Isle of Skye, Mount Culin, and see Dunvegan Castle, which still belongs to the McCloud clan. You can get to the island not only by ferry, but also by the bridge of the same name.

Royal Mile

 4.7/5

13629 reviews

This is not just one, but several streets in the centre of Edinburgh, in its historic part. There is no way around the Royal Mile, and you can’t go past its beautiful architecture, numerous shops, street musicians and artists! It is on the Royal Mile that the city’s main attractions are located.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Loch Lomond

 4.8/5

2676 reviews

It is the largest lake not only in Scotland but also in the UK. There are many islands and islets, between which there are numerous boats, canoes and kayaks. Loch Lomond is a traditional holiday destination for locals. There are excellent conditions for water sports, and on the south-west shore there is an elite golf club.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

 4.6/5

17310 reviews

It is the official residence of the British royal family in Scotland. It is located on the Royal Mile, not far from Edinburgh Castle. Elizabeth the Second visits Holyroodhouse Castle every summer, for a month, and the rest of the time, crowds of tourists come here.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Luskentyre Beach

 4.9/5

600 reviews

This Scottish beach is often compared to the best of the Caribbean. The blue-green waters in the sunlight look no worse than in the Bahamas, and the unusually fine sand looks more like talcum powder. At low tide, the beach, tucked away in a cosy cove, looks especially beautiful and picturesque.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Eilean Donan Castle

 4.6/5

19925 reviews

This castle dates back to the 13th century and is situated on the shores of Loch Duich. In the 19th century, during the Spanish occupation, Eilean Donan Castle was badly damaged, but then it was carefully restored and today it still looks powerful and beautiful. Today there is a museum with a rich collection of artefacts that tell the history of the Scottish clans.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Loch Ness

 4.5/5

5292 reviews

This very deep and one of the largest lakes in Scotland is famous not only for the numerous castles built on its shores, but also for its local monster – Nessie. The Romans wrote about the fact that there is a huge animal in Loch Ness, and today there are more and more new eyewitness accounts and evidence. However, scientists are sceptical about the legend of Nessie, which does not prevent tourists from trying to see something in the murky water of the lake.

National Museum of Scotland

 4.8/5

44049 reviews

Scotland’s premier museum for children and adults alike. Among the most popular exhibits are a stuffed Dolly the sheep, an outlandish clock, and chess from the Isle of Lewis carved from walrus bone. There is a restaurant on the roof of the National Museum, which is truly social, luxurious and, of course, quite expensive.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Stirling Castle

 4.6/5

26135 reviews

It is Scotland’s largest and most famous castle, the ancestral home of the Stuarts. Stirling Castle is remarkable for its architecture and rich history. The strong walls and round towers of the structure are perfectly preserved, despite the fact that it has survived many sieges and bloody battles. Mary Stuart was crowned here, and legend has it that the ghost of her maid still haunts the castle today.

Open time

Cairngorms National Park

 4.8/5

9661 reviews

This park is located in the north-east of Scotland and is the largest in the UK. The Cairngorms National Park is famous for its historic sites – the Glenlivet Distillery, the picturesque Glenshee Valley, and herds of Scottish ponies. You can walk and cycle through the park to observe rare animals.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Ben Nevis

 4.8/5

2194 reviews

Mount Ben Nevis is 1344 metres high and is the highest point in the British Isles. At any time of year, the mountain is full of tourists, climbers and mountaineers. In winter, there is skiing and snowboarding. The most convenient way to get to Ben Nevis is from Glasgow. Every year about 150 thousand tourists climb this peak, although the whole ascent can take about eight hours.

Urquhart Castle

 4.5/5

21684 reviews

One of the oldest Scottish castles is situated on the shores of Loch Ness. Urquhart has survived many attacks and battles in its long history, so only its ruins have survived, but they are quite interesting. During the tour you will be told about the unique history of the castle and guided through the well-preserved donjon.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Isle of Arran

 4.8/5

904 reviews

The island of Arran attracts tourists not only for its resorts on the coast, but also for its history. The island was once home to the Romans, Vikings and Britons, and Neolithic historical monuments have been preserved. Tourists usually go travelling around Arran by bicycle – an excellent road leads along the entire coast of the island.

Culzean Castle

 4.7/5

4041 reviews

Kalzin Castle stands on top of a high hill, which makes it look even more majestic and powerful. The impressive architecture and well-preserved buildings, including the brewery, attract many tourists. Nowadays there is a public area, a naturalists’ club and a deer reserve. Some of the chateau’s rooms are still used for accommodation.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Melrose Abbey

 4.5/5

1997 reviews

It is the first Cisterian monastery in Scotland. Built back in the 12th century, Melrose has survived attacks, fires and destruction. However, faithful people and wealthy patrons of the arts have never spared no expense in restoring the abbey and today it looks no less amazing than before. The heart of King Robert the Bruce is buried in Melrose Abbey.

Open time

Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

 4.7/5

1912 reviews

This unique historical monument dates back to the Neolithic period and is located on the west coast of the Orkney Islands. Skara Brae is a small settlement with dilapidated dwellings from that era. Archaeologists still find here unique things that tell about the history of Scotland. Skara Brae is considered to be the best preserved monument of Neolithic history.

Open time

Isle of Mull

 4.8/5

777 reviews

The Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, is only accessible by ferry. But this has never stopped the tourists who sail here to see the castle of the Maclean clan, as well as to admire the amazingly beautiful panorama. On the island is the town of Tobermory, famous for its colourful houses.

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

 4.4/5

6404 reviews

This castle is located on the Isle of Skye and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this corner of Scotland. Built back in the 12th century, the castle is still inhabited and is privately owned. There are many legends about Dunvegan Castle, intertwining fairy queens, magical bagpipes and real historical facts. Every year the castle hosts a bagpipe festival, attracting spectators from all over the planet.

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