On your visit to the capital, there are an unlimited number of fun activities and tourist attractions to take part in. Staying in the city can be a tad expensive, but if you have the opportunity to visit, you’ll have days of fun and attractions exploring this region of Scotland.
Many people are drawn form all the corners of the world to visit Edinburgh during the month of August when the city is transformed into an arts festival where street performers bring ever corner of the city to life with interactive performances.
Tickets to the Edinburgh festival shows are relatively cheap and there are acts for all ages. It’s beautiful to see the city bursting with life, fun and laughter but traveling around to various tourist attracts can become a bit difficult because the streets are usually packed with tourists and visitors, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get between attractions.
Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland, located on Edinburgh’s Chambers Street, is a treasure trove of old treasures and valuable antiques. It is not just Scotland’s most popular tourist destination, but also the UK’s most popular attraction outside of London, with a fantastic year-round schedule of temporary exhibitions. Don’t miss the ten newly launched science, design, and fashion galleries.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a true Scottish symbol that has dominated the capital’s skyline for centuries. It’s unusually located atop an extinct volcano. It is the most-visited paid-for attraction in Scotland, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Edinburgh’s Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery houses the country’s fine art collection, which spans the early Renaissance to the late nineteenth century. The walls of this popular attraction are covered in masterpieces by artists ranging from Raphael, Velázquez, and Vermeer through Monet, Cézanne, and Van Gogh, as well as Scottish artists.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh St Giles Cathedral
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, founded in 1670 and regarded as one of the world’s best gardens, offers 72 acres of calm and tranquilly at a short distance from the bustling city centre.
Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral
The framed crown spire of St Giles’ Cathedral, located midway down the old Royal Mile, is one of the most distinctive aspects of Edinburgh’s skyline and one of the greatest tourist attractions in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Zoo
Enjoy a busy schedule of educational events and activities, ranging from keeper presentations to hands-on animal interactions, as well as a variety of dining options, various play spaces, and a terrific gift shop.
Bus Tours in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Bus Excursions, Scotland’s third most popular paid-for attraction, offers a variety of themed open-top tours that take you to some of the city’s most amazing sights and attractions.
Glasgow City
The people make Glasgow. Glasgow is perfect for those who love to shop. It is home to some of the best retail stores in the country, along with some of the most brilliant restaurants and bars. This city comes to life at night. Foodies and party lovers find their home away from home in Glasgow. Here you will find some of the friendliest people in Scotland.
The city’s architecture is a mix of old, new, and industrial and street art surprises you around ever corner.
Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art
The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), one of Glasgow’s top tourist attractions, is based in the spectacular neo-classical structure on the city’s Royal Exchange Square and features modern artworks that reflect the interests, influences, and working techniques of artists from all over the world.
Glasgow Riverside Museum
The Glasgow Museum of Transport is housed in the stunning Riverside Museum, which opened in 2011 on the River Clyde. It’s packed with interesting artefacts and vehicles that illustrate the tale of Scotland’s history and present. It’s a must-see in Glasgow and one of the best things to do in Scotland.
Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
You’ll want to return to this museum again and over again. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, located next to a classic Victorian park by the River Kelvin in Glasgow’s west end, houses a remarkable 8,000 pieces in over 22 stunning galleries.
Science Centre of Glasgow
The Glasgow Science Centre is a great place for family to get hands-on with exhibitions, workshops, shows, activities, and more. Relax in the planetarium’s heavenly sky, challenge your beliefs, or picture the future – and see what you can find in this top attraction!
Inverness, and the North East
A you head North through the rolling hills of Scotland, cities become smaller and the pace slows. This is the perfect place to slow things down and escape for arural retreat.
A quick search for holiday cottages inverness and you’ll soon find the perfect place to lay your head during your tranquil break, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Urquhart Castle
Because of its location on Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is a much-loved and photographed castle with a 1,000-year history. Learn about how St Columba may have worked miracles here in the sixth century by exploring Grant Tower and the frightening jail cell at this popular tourist destination
Loch Ness, Scotland
Loch Ness is one of those unusual sites that appeals to everyone, from toddlers who are fascinated by Nessie to adults who like photography, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It mixes Jacobite history, gorgeous scenery, and the prospect of seeing a monster, making it an ideal year-round excursion for people of all ages.
The Cairngorms National Park and Aviemore
One-fourth of Scotland’s original woodland, one-third of UK land above 600 metres, more breeding waders than Wales, and a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species call the Cairngorms National Park home!
Because the Cairngorms are one of the best and most distinctive wildlife habitats in the UK, the BBC’s hit nature series SpringWatch, WinterWatch, and AutumnWatch chose to film here. It’s for this reason that 39% of the park’s territory is recognised as important for natural heritage, and 25% is of European significance.
Aviemore is an excellent starting point for exploring the Cairngorms. It is a well-known and popular vacation spot with gorgeous scenery and plenty of activities for people of all ages. There is a vibrant local community and a warm welcome for all of our tourists.
The Scottish Highland Games
The sporting activities that you won’t see anywhere else are at the heart of the Highland games. Because of their emphasis on strength, speed, and fitness, many are referred to as heavy athletes. Most games include cultural activities such as piping, drumming, and dancing competitions.
Traditional Highland sports like the caber toss, tug of war, and hammer throw, as well as music, cuisine, and Highland dancing, make for a fun-filled day for the whole family. If you plan on taking part in the hammer throw, make sure you have the right throw shoes from brands like Velaasa. The Cowal Highland Gathering is the largest Highland Games (also called the Cowal Games).
Castle Dunnottar
Dunnottar Castle is one of the most interesting and gorgeous castles I’ve ever seen. The short stroll from Stonehaven provided a fantastic opportunity to take in all of the stunning cliff edge vistas.
Why is Dunnottar so important in the history of Scotland and England?
Dunnottar Castle was the home of the Earls Marischal of Scotland, who oversaw all ceremonial activities in the Scottish Court, including coronations, but it is best known for being the location where the Scottish crown jewels, the Honours of Scotland, were hidden from Oliver Cromwell’s invading army in the 17th century.
The real-life stronghold has appeared in films such as Hamlet (1990) and Victor Frankenstein (2015)
Final thoughts
Whether you’re up for a fast paced city escape, or a calm and collected rural retreat there is something for everyone when you choose to holiday in Scotland. A place where all are welcomed with open arms.
