1. Edinburgh: One of the most charming destinations of Scotland has to be the quaint medieval town of Edinburgh that will win you over with its centuries-old buildings, narrow winding alleys, Scottish bars, and pubs. This city is drenched in history and dates back to Roman times. You can head to some of the most prestigious museums here including the National Galleries, and a 700-million year extinct volcano named Castle Rock.
On a trip here you can wander through Edinburgh’s castle, discover the dark dungeons, and admire the architecture of St Giles Cathedral that dates back to 1124. Whilst being a medieval town, there’s a section of the city that comes alive at night. You can discover the secret bars like Hoot the Redeemer, and make the most of boozy slushies, quirky cocktails, and a fun vibe here.
Location: Scotland's Central Belt, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth
Best Time: June through August
2. Glasgow: Glasgow is a city that is brimming with personality. It is the country’s largest city, is edgy, vibrant, and is a must-visit spot for cuisine, culture, and art. You can pay a visit to over 20 galleries and museums here. The St Mungo Museum of Art and Life is truly something for the tourists while the iconic red sandstone building of Kelvingrove Art Gallery is a flagship museum of the city that houses precious artworks by Dali, Van Gogh, and others.
This city is the best-kept Victorian city that impresses you with award-winning architecture and offers retail therapy in abundance. You can head to Buchanan or Sauchiehall Street for a bit of shopping heaven. The city of Glasgow has several gardens and parks and these sprawling green spaces present perfect chill-out places for socializing on evenings and sunny days.
Location: On the River Clyde in Scotland's western Lowlands
Best Time: Between March and August
3. Dundee: The least sunny, and hottest city of Dundee is a compact, dynamic and modern wonder. This city has been tagged as the UNESCO City of Design and is home to plenty of cool bars for grown-ups, art centers, and culture with theaters. You can come here to witness the spellbinding river crossings, one being the Tay Rail Bridge that stretches from the Firth of Tay to the Wormit village.
Some of the top attractions of Dundee include the Discovery Point that is a kid-friendly science maritime museum and houses a vast number of historic vessels. You can wander around the Old Town Center here before climbing the old volcano, Dundee Law to make the most of superb views here and view its renowned rail bridge.
Location: Firth of Tay estuary in eastern Scotland
Best Time: May through August
4. Cairngorms National Park: Established in 2003, this national park is the largest in the UK and offers masses of activities to do. The Park boasts wildlife hotspots, lochs, rivers, forest paths, distilleries, and friendly villages, and lets you bag a Munro. You can spot an impressive collection of wildlife and nature here just keep your eyes peeled for pine martens, red squirrels, herds of red deer, and capercaillie.
You can go on a highland safari trip with an experienced local guide accompanying you, or you can hike the Lairig Ghru and check out the Kingussie’s Highland Wildlife Park where you can spot the only polar bear cub in the UK.
Location: Northeast Scotland
Best Time: Mid-February till October
5. Perth: Located in central Scotland, a short distance from the city of Dundee, and accessible from Edinburgh by rail, the small city of Perth offers a pleasant taste of a relaxed Scotland. You can kick things off by visiting the River Tay. If you are visiting in spring, you can head to the popular Branklyn Garden replete with walking paths, and magnificent flowerbeds.
You can also visit Moncrieffe Island’s park-like setting and enjoy views of the Old Town. Speaking of this Town, you must visit the 14th century St. Johns Church, and the fascinating exhibits of Perth Art Gallery and Art Museum that display stupendous artworks of local history.
Location: Beside the River Tay in central Scotland
Best Time: September-November
6. Dumfries: A town overflowing with charm and quirk, Dumfries is this unsung Scottish coastal escape that is filled with glorious surprises. This friendly town has one of the most beautiful landscapes and must-visit attractions like the Dumfries Museum. In this museum you will find loads of information related to the world’s oldest camera obscura that is still operational and local history; you can head to the St. Michael’s Churchyard, the notable poet Robert Burns' burial place.
There are many Robbie-Burns-related attractions here as the poet spent the penultimate years of his life here. For instance, The Robert Burns Center is located within a 17th-century mill and features exhibits, artifacts, and original manuscripts.
Best Time: May-October
7. Loch Ness: Loch Ness is a part of the waterway Great Glen that connects the Scotlands’ east and west coasts. Named after the Ness River that flows from the north end this place is renowned for the cryptozoological Monster’s alleged sightings. It is one of the rarest destinations, that engages everyone from kids to adults, and especially those interested in hiking, photography, and more.
Loch Ness combines stunning scenery, Jacobite history, and the probability of a monster sighting thus ensuring that it remains to be the perfect destination for all ages, all through the year. You cannot swim here but can enjoy expansive views of Dores Beach, Urquhart Castle, and Inverness Castle.
Location: Scottish Highlands
Best Time: June through August
8. Luskentyre Beach: The Luskentyre sands boast miles of stunning azure water and white sand. It is one of the largest and most spectacular Harris beaches that truly feeds your soul. It has been rated as one of the world-best beaches that let you enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
This beach features grassy fertile plains and is dotted with wildflowers. Believe it or not but the beach looks nothing short of a heaven slice on Earth. Many eateries near the beach draw upon the finest local produce for creating flavorsome items that reflect the traditions of the island. Some of the activities you can enjoy here include hill walking, cycling, and swimming.
Location: Close to the A859 on South Harris, Scotland
Best Time: May until November
9. Fingal's Cave: Situated on Staffa’s uninhabited island, the Fingal’s Cave is a popular sea cave. The million years old stunning hexagonal basalt columns of the cave contribute to its astounding natural wonder. If you are ever traveling near Western Scotland this unbelievable site totally deserves a visit. The other-worldly wonder derives its name from a mythical Irish warrior, Fionn mac Cumhaill.
As per an Irish Legend, this cave is the Scottish entrance to an ancient road. It feels surreal when the lapping waves’ sound reverberates off the cave’s arched roof thus creating a soothing harmony. If you are paying a visit during summer, you can spot the colorful seabirds called puffins that stay close to the 600 confirmed burrows for breeding until August.
Location: Isle of Staffa, United Kingdom
Best Time: Spring from April until June; and again in September
10. Glencoe Valley: The road through and to Glencoe Valley is not less than a scenic feast. Located inside the awe-inspiring geopark of Lochaber, the towering mountains and deep valley of Glen Coe were carved out, hundreds of years ago by volcanic explosions and icy glaciers. You can come here to absorb the beauty of Scottish wildlife, the remarkable highland scenery; pop into the Visitor Center and grab a snack; bag a few Munros walking through the glen; mountain bike, snowboard, and ski at the Glencoe Mountain Resort, and indulge in sea kayaking on Loch Leven.
Location: Highland, Scotland
Best Time: Autumn (September – October)
