Planning a trip to Scotland and wondering what you should not miss?
Below is my selection of the 21 top Scotland Attractions including the best castles, the famous abbeys, the beautiful lochs, glens, the fascinating archeological sites... Have fun dreaming about your next trip! And check out the Scotland must-see map to help you get oriented.
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My 3 Top Scotland Attractions
So many amazing things to do in Scotland... it is hard to choose. But I have narrowed down the ist for you!
Check them out:
#1. Buachaille Etive Mor
- Why
The mountain of Buachaille Etive Mor is just mesmerizing. It is the ost photographed mountains in Scotland.
It is because of its shape. But also because of the whole surrounding area the Glens leaving from there, the wide space at its foot.
You can admire it from many different angles, even with a river.
Check out the many photos in my Buachaille Etive Mor Article. - Where
Located in the Glencoe valley
Edinburgh to the view = 2h30min drive
Check out the accommodations in the area
#2. Glasgow University
- Why
It is not often listed that hight on Scotland attraction list but I thought the Glasgow University was one of the most fascinating buildings in Scotland.
There is something about it that transports you back in time and makes you want to say smart things.
You can walk on the ground and check out the arches, the towers, the sculptures...
Plus, it offers really great views of the city. - Where
Overlooking the city of Glasgow
Check out the best rated accommodations in Glasgow
#3. Old Man of Storr - the most famous Scotland attraction on the Isle of Skye
- Why
This one is a Scottish Landmark. I would have picked the whole Isle of Skye as number 3. But the island is too huge to be considered one Scottish Attraction, therefore I picked its icon. No Scotland trip is complete if you are not visiting Skye.
The Old Man of Storr is a pinnacle on the Isle of Skye, kind of its icon. On a clear day, you can see it from far away.
See more photos of the famous ridge. - Where
On the Isle of Skye, not far from Portree
Portree to the Old Man of Storr carpark = 15min drive
Check out the best rated accommodations in Portree
Scotland Must-See Attractions Map
More suggestions coming after... but you can already locate them all in this map of Scotland Must-See. Just to get you oriented.
Just know that it is not easy to select the best Scotland attractions as there is so much to see on your road trip.
The following were my personal favorites. I chose places I find very scenic, dreamy and powerful. Not the boring list that algorithms give you...
Scotland attractions map
The places listed in this article are included in my Travel Guide eBooks, with more details maps, to help you easily plan your road trip:
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- 170+ pre-selected locations
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- GPS coordinates
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- Useful planning tips
- 115+ large photos
- GPS coordinates
Top 3 - Best Scottish Castles
Scotland is home to many castles. They are all quite different but always have a lot of charms.
Below are my top 3. You will notice it does not include the famous castle of Eilean Donan. It is not far after my top 3. You can see my list of the best Scottish Castles here.
Inveraray Castle
- Why
It is not the biggest, it is not the best architecture, it is not the best decor... and yet Inveraray was definitively one of my favorite castles. I loved the hilly surroundings, the views from the bridge and the nice walk with the old trees and the great perspective on the green castle.
See more pictures in my article. - Where
West of Loch Lomond
Edinburgh to Inveraray Castle = 2h30 drive
Check out the best rate accommodations in the area
Caerlaverock Castle
- Why
I don't think, so far, I have seen Caerlaverock make it on the lists of best castles. That's because it is close to the border with England, and far from the classic touring routes. But I think its originality and settings make it one of the top contenders. Definitively one of the most unique Scotland Attractions.
See more pictures on my article. - Where
In the South of Scotland, south of Dumfries
Dumfries to Caerlaverock = 20min drive
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area
Dunrobin Castle
- Why
My 3rd pick for the castles is Dunrobin. With its beautiful garden, the perspective from under it, the sea nearby and its fairy-tale quality, I really enjoyed spending some time there. Especially as it is also not on the big touristic routes.
Learn more on my article. - Where
North East coast of Scotland? North of Inverness
Just North of the village of Golspie
Inverness to Dunrobin Castle = 1h15 drive
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area
Top 3 - Best Lochs in Scotland
Scotland is dotted with so many lochs!
Some are arms of sea water entering the land, others are inland lakes.
Below are my 3 favorites, but you can find many more fascinating lochs on my 50+ list.
Loch Leven (Glencoe)
- Why
Located in the Glencoe area, Loch Leven is often overlooked by road trippers as the main road goes over it on a bridge. However, I strongly recommend taking the time to tour the beautiful loch surrounded by high peaks. The views from the different locations are so different!
Note: there is another Loch Leven in Scotland. This one is in Glencoe. Don't mix them up!
See many more pictures on my article. - Where
At the end of the Glencoe Valley
Edinburgh to Loch Glencoe = 2h45 drive
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area
Loch Coruisk
- Why
Loch Coruisk is not accessible by car. You would have to take a boat from Elgol or hike all the way there. Its secluded area at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains offers stunning landscapes and freedom from the crowds of the Isle of Skye.
See pictures and info on how to access it. - Where
West Coast of the Isle of Skye
Portree to Elgol = 1h drive
Check out the best rated accommodations in Portree
Loch Maree
- Why
Located in the Wester Ross region of the North West Highlands, Loch Maree is a long inland Loch with islands and stunning peaks. If you can, take the time to drive up there and admire the preserved nature. - Where
North West coast of Scotland
North of the Isle of Skye
Check out the best rated accommodations in the area
Need to rent a car in Scotland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose the car and company you prefer (prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads)
- Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Top 3 - Best Scottish Glens
With all the beautiful mountains, there is no surprise that driving through the valleys (glens) is stunning.
Below are my 3 favorite glens to explore.
Glen Coe - famous Scottish attractions
In terms of Valleys, Glen Coe is definitively the most famous in Scotland. The region has some of the highest peaks in Scotland and the main road towards the Northern part of Scotland goes through it. So many places to stop and admire the scenery!
Glen Etive
Most people just drive through Glen Coe. But if you have time or are a James Bond fan, I recommend turning at the foot of the Buachaille Etive Mor mountains in Glen Etive. The dead-end road drives through the Glen all the way to Loch Etive. The area is wild and very scenic.
Glen Shiel
This glen is not as famous, yet many people do drive through it on their way to the Isle of Skye. Glen Shiel is both beautiful and historic, and home to the five sisters of Kintail peaks.
Top 3 - Best Historical Sites
Scotland has a very long history. It offers a perfect balance of natural or historical sites.
Let's have a look at my 3 favorite sites.
Ring of Brodgar (Islands of Orkney)
- Why
If you are looking for ancient history, you should include the Orkney islands and their incredible sites.
One of them is the ring of Brodgar where 36 stones are still standing in a circle.
Some could argue that the Callanish Standing Stones of the Isle of Lewis are better, but I have not had the chance to see them yet.
Learn more - Where
On Mainland Orkney
Kirkwall to the Ring of Brodgar = 20min drive
Check out the best rated accommodations on the island
Skara Brae (Islands of Orkney)
- Why
Another extraordinary site on Mainland Orkney is the village of Skara Brae.
The 5000 years old houses were protected by a dune and discovered in 1850 when a windstorm made part of it visible.
It is amazing to see how people were living.
Learn more with many pictures - Where
On Mainland Orkney
Kirkwall to the Ring of Brodgar = 30min drive
Check out the best rated accommodations on the island
Edinburgh Castle - one of the best Scottish attractions in Edinburgh
And here comes one of the classic Scotland Attractions: The Edinburgh Castle. What I loved the most about it was seeing it from everywhere in the city. Standing on top of the hill you get to admire it from everywhere. It really has been the heart of Edinburgh for many centuries.
Top 3 - Famous Abbeys in Scotland
Other places to visit include the famous abbeys in Scotland. Located in the South part of the country, what remains is quite impressive. You can feel the history and drama surrounding them.
They are mostly located to the South of Scotland.
Jedburgh Abbey
Jedburgh was definitively my favorite of all the abbeys in the Borders Region. It is not the best scenery around as it is in a city but the perspectives from every angle were amazing! A photographer's paradise!
Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey is another Scotland attraction from the Borders. The Abbey was one of the richest and most powerful. It was a major feat of construction. And today, even though it is in ruin, you can still climb up in one of the towers and admire it from above.
Sweetheart Abbey
The Sweetheart Abbey was more modest, but the love story behind makes it special...
Where to stay in Scotland?
My tips:
- Edinburgh to explore the fascinating city - see best rated accommodations
- Portree central to explore the isle of Skye - see best rated accommodations
- Glencoe to take the time in the magnificent valley - see best rated accommodations
- Ullapool for the West coast on the North 500 - see best rated accommodations
- Thurso for the North coast and ferry to the Orkneys - see best rated accommodations
- Kirkwall to explore the Orkneys - see best rated accommodations
- Inverness for the famous Speyside whiskies - see best rated accommodations
Find more inspiration in my article about where to stay in Scotland
Top 3 - Most beautiful viewpoints in Scotland
Calton Hill
Viewpoints are not always included in the list of things to do in Scotland or Scotland Attractions, but I think those are the best. For one of the best Scottish city views, climb up Calton Hill at sunset and admire the old center of Edinburgh.
Quiraing
On the Isle of Skye, one of the most famous viewpoints is Quiraing. Up on the Trotternish ridge, you can see all the way to the sea on a clear day.
Queen's View Scotland
Considered one of the best viewpoints in Scotland, the Queen's view overlooks Loch Tummel North East of the Trossachs. With a loch all in length, the view is definitively worth the detour.
Top 3 - My Flops in Scotland
Now that you have seen some of my favorite Scotland Attractions, let me tell you about the 3 classic must-do in Scotland that I thought were a flop.
Some may disagree, this is just my personal opinion.
Loch Ness
Except to tell others that you have not seen Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, I really don't see the point of driving along or boating on the Loch Ness. It is quite big, and the summits are not high. There are no interesting shapes. Considering all the many beautiful lochs I had seen, this one was definitively a little boring.
Royal Mile
I might get a lot of disagreement on this one, but I really think the Royal Mile in Edinburgh was not that great. It is full of touristy shops, a lot of it is not pedestrian so you have to deal with crazy drivers and it does not look that well taken care of...
Loch Lomond
I might be a bit harsh here, but everyone tells you how great Loch Lomond is... but I think it was not. If you are looking for a place to settle for a week and fish, hike etc, you have it here. But for a road tripper who loves amazing landscapes, I have seen way better in Scotland. The South of the Loch is wide and the summit not that high, so it looks kind of flat...
Want to see more of the best Scotland has to offer?
- Most beautiful landscapes in Scotland - read article
- Best Scotland destinations - where to go? - read article
- Best Scottish Castles - read article
- Most beautiful lochs in Scotland - read article
- Most scenic drives in Scotland - read article
- The magnificent Isle of Skye - read my best-of guide
- The magnificent Wester Ross region - read article
- The Borders Abbeys including Melrose Abbey and the photogenic Jedburgh Abbey
Planning a trip to Scotland?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip around Scotland!
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Great post and really helpful! I’m trying to plan my trip to Scotland and will definitely visit some of the places you listed!