Things to do in Scotland

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Scotland

Types of activities

Where to stay

Scotland Travel Guide

Isle of Skye featuring a river or creek, mountains and a cascade

Arthur\'s Seat which includes a city, a sunset and heritage architecture

Calton Hill featuring a sunset, a city and heritage architecture

Arthur\'s Seat which includes a city and a sunset

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum showing interior views and art

Top places to visit

1. Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop a craggy volcanic rock close to the heart of town, Edinburgh Castle is the city's oldest building and is steeped in a history spanning almost a millennium. In its time, it has endured sieges, served as the base for military campaigns and been a famous home of Scottish kings and queens. The admission fee to the castle includes a guided tour but you are also welcome to explore the ramparts under your own steam. The castle's website offers a suggested itinerary.

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Edinburgh Castle which includes chateau or palace and heritage elements

2. Royal Mile

A visit to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without a trip along the Royal Mile with its hundreds of years of rich Scottish heritage and culture. This cobblestone stretch runs all the way from Edinburgh Castle on one side, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the other. To this day, its series of streets come together to make up the Old Town's foremost thoroughfare, where you can see its historic buildings and admire some of the city's best sights.

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Royal Mile showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

3. OVO Hydro

The SSE Hydro, an iconic, elliptical building on the banks of the River Clyde, is one of the busiest concert venues in the world. The 12,000-seat arena fills up quickly, with fans gathering to see the high-caliber guests who perform here. Join the crowds to experience the electric atmosphere and to sing along with your favorite band.

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4. University of Edinburgh

Explore the campuses of the University of Edinburgh and soak up the academic atmosphere in its museums and galleries. Sights such as the quad of the Georgian Old College and the Gothic towers of New College on the Mound are iconic parts of the cityscape.

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University of Edinburgh featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

5. Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. In the western portion of the Grampian Mountains, the picturesque giant dominates the skyline and overlooks several lakes. Join the many hikers and mountaineers who battle the elements year-round to conquer the mountain.

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Ben Nevis featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and forests

6. Hampden Park

Experience the thrill of watching a live sporting event in Hampden Park, one of soccer's most celebrated arenas. The stadium is the home ground for the Scottish soccer team as well as Queen's Park Football Club. Watch a match here with cheering loyal fans or browse the stadium’s museum, which tells the story of Scottish soccer to the present day.

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7. Buchanan Street

Buchanan Street is a common part of any trip to Glasgow as it is bookended by two major stations. Spend time on this wide, car-free street during your trip to the cosmopolitan city. Walk along the length of “Style Mile” for an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing.

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Buchanan Street showing street scenes as well as a large group of people

8. Edinburgh Zoo

Spanning over 33 hectares to the west of the city, Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 1,000 different animals from around 200 different species.

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Edinburgh Zoo which includes zoo animals and land animals

What to do in Scotland

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle

A focal point of Scottish history that dominates Edinburgh’s skyline and which has served as a fortress, a palace and home to the crown jewels.

Royal Mile

With its historic buildings, museums, shops and restaurants, this stretch of Edinburgh's Old Town is a much-loved haunt.

OVO Hydro

Glasgow's multipurpose events venue attracts the biggest names in entertainment. Come to see a performance or simply to admire the building's design.

Princes Street

You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Princes Street, a favorite shopping spot in Edinburgh. Experience the fascinating museums and lively festivals in this walkable area.

University of Edinburgh

The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.

Ben Nevis

Brave the conditions and climb to the summit of this mountain to see the ruins of an observatory from the 19th century.

Hampden Park

The home of Scottish soccer, this stadium is beloved by fans of the game who gather here for its electric atmosphere and popular museum about the sport's history.

Buchanan Street

Cutting through the heart of Glasgow, this bustling pedestrianized street is lined with sleek shopping centers, restaurants and several cultural highlights.

Edinburgh Zoo

Admire an array of rare and endangered species that are conserved at the city's renowned wildlife attraction.

Areas of Scotland

Old Town Edinburgh

5/5(1 area review)

Old Town Edinburgh is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile.

Calton Hill which includes skyline, general coastal views and a city

Edinburgh City Centre

While you're in Edinburgh City Centre, take in top sights like Edinburgh Castle or Princes Street, and hop on the metro to see more the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

George Square showing a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a city

City Centre Glasgow

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in City Centre Glasgow. Check out top attractions like Buchanan Street and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and jump on the metro at Buchanan Street Station or St Enoch Station to see more of the city.

Edinburgh which includes night scenes and heritage architecture

New Town

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers love New Town for its popular shops, and you can see more of Edinburgh by jumping on the metro at Princes Street Tram Stop or St Andrew Square Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Princes Street and Assembly Rooms.

Inverness Castle showing a river or creek, heritage elements and chateau or palace

Inverness City Centre

The fantastic nightlife and stunning river views are just a few highlights of Inverness City Centre. Make a stop by Inverness Museum and Art Gallery or Inverness Castle while you're exploring the area.

Royal Yacht Britannia featuring boating and interior views

Leith

Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Edinburgh Port and Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre are major draws, and you can catch the metro at The Shore Tram Stop or Port of Leith Tram Stop to see more of the city.