Travel Guide of Scotland in United Kingdom by Influencers and Travelers

Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, the North Sea to the northeast and the Irish Sea to the south.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Scotland

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens are two adjacent public parks in the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland, lying in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

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2 - Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, from its position on the Castle Rock.

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3 - Dolphin & whale watching | Scotland

Set sail on a wildlife cruise from Inverness to Chanonry Point. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other wildlife as you cruise and learn about the local history and folklore from your onboard experts.

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4 - Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas. Historically part of the county of Midlothian, it is located in Lothian on the Firth of Forth's southern shore.

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5 - Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a hill in central Edinburgh, Scotland, situated beyond the east end of Princes Street and included in the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Views of, and from, the hill are often used in photographs and paintings of the city.

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6 - Princes Street

Princes Street is one of the major thoroughfares in central Edinburgh, Scotland and the main shopping street in the capital. It is the southernmost street of Edinburgh's New Town, stretching around 1.2 km from Lothian Road in the west, to Leith Street in the east.

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7 - Forth Bridge

The Forth Bridge is a cantilever railway bridge across the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland, 9 miles west of central Edinburgh. It is considered as a symbol of Scotland, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by the English engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker. It is sometimes referred to as the Forth Rail Bridge, although this has never been its official name.

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8 - Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is a royal park in central Edinburgh, Scotland about 1 mile to the east of Edinburgh Castle. It is open to the public.

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9 - Scottish Parliament Building

The Scottish Parliament Building is the home of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Edinburgh.

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10 - National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Scotland, was formed in 2006 with the merger of the new Museum of Scotland, with collections relating to Scottish antiquities, culture and history, and the adjacent Royal Scottish Museum, with international collections covering science and technology, natural history, and world cultures.

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11 - Dugald Stewart Monument

The Dugald Stewart Monument is a memorial to the Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart. It is situated on Calton Hill overlooking the city of Edinburgh and was designed by Scottish architect William Henry Playfair. It was completed in September 1831.

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12 - Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. The term was first used descriptively in W M Gilbert's Edinburgh in the Nineteenth Century, "...with its Castle and Palace and the royal mile between", and was further popularised as the title of a guidebook, published in 1920.

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13 - Leith

Leith is a port area in the north of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, at the mouth of the Water of Leith. The earliest surviving historical references are in the royal charter authorising the construction of Holyrood Abbey in 1128.

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14 - Loch Venachar

Loch Venachar is a freshwater loch in Stirling district, Scotland.

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15 - West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is a linear long-distance route in Scotland. It is 154 km long, running from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, with an element of hill walking in the route.

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16 - Loch Tay

Loch Tay is a freshwater loch in the central highlands of Scotland, in the Perth and Kinross and Stirling council areas. It is the largest body of fresh water in Perth and Kinross, and the sixth largest loch in Scotland.

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17 - Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish loch which crosses the Highland Boundary Fault, often considered the boundary between the lowlands of Central Scotland and the Highlands.

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18 - Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle is a ruined medieval castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is three miles south-east of the city centre, on a low hill to the south of the modern suburb of Craigmillar.

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19 - Gladstone's Land

Gladstone's Land is a surviving 17th-century high-tenement house situated in the Old Town of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. It has been restored and furnished by the National Trust for Scotland, and is operated as a popular tourist attraction.

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20 - St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles' Cathedral, or the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is a parish church of the Church of Scotland in the Old Town of Edinburgh. The current building was begun in the 14th century and extended until the early 16th century; significant alterations were undertaken in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the addition of the Thistle Chapel.

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21 - George Street

George Street is the central thoroughfare of the First New Town of Edinburgh, planned in the 18th century by James Craig. The street takes its name from King George III and connects St Andrew Square in the east with Charlotte Square in the west.

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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Scotland here

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Pictures and Stories of Scotland from Influencers

20 pictures of Scotland from Robert Haverly, Paul Rysz, Z S and other travelers

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Why should you visit Scotland ?

Travel to Scotland if you like:

  ⛰️ Hill     🛣️ Road trip     ❄️ Tundra     🐾 Wildlife     🌉 Bridge     🌲 Ecoregion  

How to visit Scotland ?

Why traveling there?

Scotland is an enchanting destination filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the bustling city of Edinburgh to the rugged beauty of the Highlands, there is something for everyone in this diverse country. Travelers can explore ancient castles, hike through stunning national parks, and indulge in delicious local cuisine.

How to get there?

The easiest way to reach Scotland is by flying into Edinburgh or Glasgow, both of which have international airports. Alternatively, you can take a train from London or other major cities in the UK. Another option is to take a ferry from Northern Ireland or mainland Europe.

What to book in advance?

To make the most of your trip, it's a good idea to book the following in advance: accommodations, especially during peak season; guided tours, such as Edinburgh Castle or Loch Ness; and tickets for popular events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe or the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. If you plan on renting a car, it's also wise to reserve one ahead of time.

What are the costs?

Scotland can be quite affordable for travelers, depending on your preferences. Budget accommodations can be found for as low as £30 per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost around £70-£100 per night. Meals at local pubs and restaurants range from £10-£20 per person, while entrance fees for attractions vary from £5-£20. Transportation costs will depend on your chosen method of travel, with train tickets and car rentals being the most common options.

What are the best things to do?

Some of the top attractions in Scotland include exploring historic Edinburgh, visiting the iconic Edinburgh Castle, taking a scenic train journey through the Highlands, experiencing the beauty of Loch Ness and Glencoe, and visiting the Isle of Skye. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching throughout the country.

Where to eat?

1. The Witchery (Edinburgh): This atmospheric restaurant offers fine dining in a historic setting, with a focus on Scottish ingredients and flavors.
2. The Three Chimneys (Isle of Skye): Renowned for its fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, this cozy restaurant boasts stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Ubiquitous Chip (Glasgow): A Glasgow institution, this restaurant serves up modern Scottish cuisine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Where to stay?

1. The Balmoral (Edinburgh): This iconic luxury hotel is known for its elegant rooms and excellent location in the heart of the city.
2. Glencoe House (Glencoe): A stunning historic mansion set amidst the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, offering luxurious suites and personalized service.
3. Kinloch Lodge (Isle of Skye): This charming country house hotel offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful views, gourmet dining, and warm hospitality.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience in Scotland, consider visiting the remote and beautiful Shetland Islands. Located north of the mainland, these islands are home to unique wildlife, striking landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Explore ancient archaeological sites, hike along rugged coastal cliffs, and immerse yourself in the local music and arts scene. Another off-the-beaten-path option is to embark on a Scottish whisky tour, visiting some of the country's most renowned distilleries and experiencing the art of whisky making firsthand.

Learn More about Scotland

Visiting Scotland, in the north of the United Kingdom, means discovering the wilderness through rolling landscapes, moors, lochs, cliffs and waterfalls.

From hiking in the Highlands to visiting Edinburgh, exploring the many Scottish castles, and taking a cruise on Loch Ness, you will find plenty of places to visit in Scotland! Mystical landscapes under the fog and the rain, which become fairy-like, as soon as the sun deigns to come out.

Start your stay with a visit to the capital city of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is a very rich historical and cultural city, cradle of many legends. It is of course an essential part of a stay in Scotland.

Between Old Town, the medieval city, New Town, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyrood, you will have plenty of things to discover in Edinburgh.

Among the most famous places to visit in Scotland, it is impossible not to mention Loch Ness! 
Who has never heard of Loch Ness and its mysterious deep-sea inhabitant?

The second largest loch in Scotland, it is more than thirty kilometers long and has been made famous all over the world thanks to the legend of Nessie.
Loch Ness is located between Inverness in the North and Fort Augustus in the South, in the Highlands. Inverness, the capital of the region, is a good starting point for a tour of Scotland along Loch Ness.

Also discover the Jacobite Express, a picturesque steam train that was partly used to portray the Hogwarts Express in the films of the famous wizard Harry Potter. You can take an 84-mile train ride from Fort William to Mallaig, through the beautiful landscape of the Highlands.

Finally, don't hesitate to take a walk in the Glen Coe area. The Glen Coe Valley is one of the most beautiful areas of the country with its magnificent mountains and wet, green landscapes, both wild and bucolic.

It is a favorite spot for Scottish mountaineers. There are many trails for hiking.

Scotland is a country full of picturesque landscapes and fun activities to discover, so don't hesitate.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Scotland

What currency to use in Scotland?

In Scotland, we use the Scottish pound but also the English pound. 

How to get to Scotland?

To go to Scotland, you have to fly and land at one of the country's airports, such as the one in the capital Edinburgh. 

   Where to Stay in Scotland

   More Travel spots to explore around Scotland

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Scotland

  ⛰️ Hill spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     🛣️ Road trip spots     ⛰️ Highland spots     ❄️ Tundra spots     🌲 Forest spots     🌴 Jungle spots     Adventure racing spots     ⛰️ Mountain range spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     🏰 Ruins spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🏞️ Lake spots     🌉 Bridge spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     🏘️ Cottage spots     🌲 Ecoregion spots  

  Travel map of Scotland

Explore popular touristic places around Scotland

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