Straddling the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, this island-studded loch has the largest surface area of Scotland’s lakes. Made famous by a Scottish folk song, the lake has mirror-clear waters that reflect the nearby crags and peaks, most notably the 3,195-foot (974-meter) Ben Lomond, with views of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Scotland's Forth Road Bridge is a structural masterpiece set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish landscape. Straddled by the 21st-century Queensland Crossing and the iconic 19th-century railway Forth Bridge, this engineering wonder attracts travelers seeking a harmonious blend of history and modernity.
The medieval John Knox House is one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Knox, a prominent Reformation leader, is thought to have lived here in the 16th century, and the building now hosts tours chronicling the life of Knox and the houses’ other famous resident, James Mossman, goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Blackness Castle is often referred to as "the ship that never sailed" due to the mighty fortifications that make the 15th-century structure look like an ocean-going vessel. The castle has served as a royal residence, prison, artillery fortification, and fortress over the centuries, and now one of Scotland’s most impressive strongholds is a popular tourist attraction.
Many of the Stuart royals, among them James I and Mary, Queen of Scots, did stints in this loch-side 15th-century pleasure palace. Gutted by fire in the 18th century, Linlithgow lies in ruin, though evidence of its grandeur—from the great hall to the intricately carved King’s Fountain—is still plentiful.
Propelled into the limelight by Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, the Rosslyn Chapel in the Scottish village of Roslin is a spectacular sight, even for those with no interest in Knights Templar conspiracy theories. The Gothic exterior—with its flying buttresses, pinnacles, and pointed arches—hides an elaborate interior, full of dramatic arches, stained-glass windows, and stone carvings rich in symbolism.
Lined with shops on the north side, Princess Street is Edinburgh’s principal shopping street. To the south, this heavily trafficked thoroughfare borders the memorial-dotted Princes Street Gardens, a park overlooked by Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street is also known for being one of the principal venues for Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year’s celebrations.
The 17th-century Greyfriars Kirk is one of Edinburgh’s most historically important churches. The National Covenant was signed here in 1638, plunging Scotland into civil war. Exhibitions in the Kirk Museum document the church’s history, while the surrounding graveyard houses the tombs of notable historical figures.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Gladstone's Land is a historic 17th-century tenement building. Furnished rooms and dynamic displays give visitors a glimpse into the daily life of its former residents. Gladstone's Land is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive sightseeing experience.
For 44 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia (HMY Britannia) carried the British royal family across the high seas to destinations near and far. After retiring in 1997, the vessel took up a permanent residency at the historic port of Leith in Edinburgh. Curious travelers can visit to learn about royal life at sea, both on the yacht and at its dedicated visitor center.
The chilling Edinburgh Dungeon takes visitors below street level and into the darkened bowels of the city. Here, among 360-degree sets, costumed actors recount gruesome tales from Scotland’s past, from the Burke and Hare murders to hangings at the Grassmarket. Special effects, two thrilling rides, and a disorientating mirror maze add to the fun.
Founded in 1835, Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions is one of Edinburgh’s oldest tourist attractions. Located on the top floor, the Camera Obscura provides real-time views of the city, while the five floors below it are crammed with puzzles, optical illusions, and interactive exhibits that fool the eye and the mind.
While it’s not a distillery, the Scotch Whisky Experience showcases the country’s beloved whisky to visitors from around the world. So if you want to know how whisky is made in Scotland, or learn about the differences between the world’s many whiskies, you’re in the right place. Entry includes a tour with at least one tasting, and the attraction also has an on-site whisky bar and restaurant that serves up seasonal Scottish food.
Just north of St. Andrews’ town center, the ruins of St. Andrews Castle sit on a windswept headland overlooking a beach. Dating from around 1200, the castle was the main residence of St. Andrews’ bishops and archbishops, and the main administrative center of the Scottish church in medieval-era Scotland.
Established in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of Europe’s oldest botanic garden. Covering an area of more than 70 acres (28 hectares), the garden—which encompasses everything from Victorian glasshouses to a giant water lily pond and a rock garden—is a haven of tranquility in Scotland’s bustling capital city.
So expansive are the collections of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One) that they need not one but two enormous buildings to house them: Modern One and Modern Two. Modern One, occupying a 19th-century building, features a collection of 20th-century works, including pieces from Tracey Emin, Matisse, Picasso, and Lichtenstein.
Occupying a 16th-century house with a bright red and yellow facade, the Museum of Edinburgh (formerly Huntly House) tells the rich history of the city, from prehistoric times to the present day. Among the star exhibits is the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog who kept watch at his master’s Edinburgh grave for 14 years.
See Scotland’s famous faces rendered in paint, pencil, marble, bronze, and on film, in this vast Venetian Gothic-style building. Famous Scots and well-known figures from throughout history, from Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charles to Tilda Swinton and Sean Connery, are all immortalized here in various forms.
One of the most famous ruins in Scotland, Melrose Abbey is a fascinating monument holding remarkably intact features and lavish sculptures—including a bagpipe-playing pig. Founded in the early 12th century by Cistercian monks, the abbey is perhaps best known for being the burial site of King Robert the Bruce’s heart.
This well-preserved 17th-century street now lies hidden beneath the Edinburgh City Chambers on the Royal Mile. It takes its name from Mary King, a merchant and mother who lived on the close (alleyway) and was considered a woman of high social standing with rare voting rights. Her former street is a unique spot, as it’s the only Edinburgh close that’s now underground. It’s also shrouded in mystery, with many reports of paranormal activity over the years.
Together with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, the Modern Two houses Scotland’s national collection of contemporary art. Originally named the Dean Gallery, the 19th-century building hosts a permanent collection of dada and surrealist works, as well as a re-creation of the studio of Scottish sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.
Originally built as a Norman defense in the 11th century, imposing Alnwick Castle has been expanded piecemeal over the years, and encompasses medieval, Gothic, and neoclassical elements. The castle—about 85 miles (137 kilometers) from Edinburgh—has caught the eye of location scouts, who picked it to serve as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films and Brancaster Castle inDownton Abbey.
Located on top of Calton Hill, the Nelson Monument pays tribute to Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar. Designed by Robert Burn to resemble an upturned telescope, it stands 105 feet (32 meters) tall. At 562 feet (171 meters) above sea level at its top, it offers stunning panoramic views over Edinburgh.
Connected to the Scottish National Gallery by underground passageway, the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary Scottish art and architecture. Inside the 19th-century Doric-style building, galleries host exhibits ranging from the work of recent graduates from Scotland’s top art colleges to pieces by eminent artists.
Set within an imposing neoclassical building, this museum presents an impressive collection of artwork spanning the Renaissance to the 20th century. Works by European masters, such as Titian, Monet, Rembrandt, and van Gogh, are complemented by a collection of Scottish works that includes pieces from Allan Ramsay and Sir Henry Raeburn.
Nestled amid the picturesque landscapes of Scotland, Hopetoun House is a historical masterpiece offering a taste of Scottish grandeur. Used as a prominent filming location in the TV series Outlander, it’s a popular destination for diehard fans. However, you don’t have to pine for a kilted Scot to enjoy the country estate.
This elegant 18th-century town house offers a glimpse into the lives of Georgian Edinburgh’s elite. Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the perfectly preserved property features a traditional 18th-century kitchen with collections of china and silverware as well as paintings by prominent Scottish artists.
Scotland’s Isle of Islay is a land of dramatic coastal scenery, vibrant bid life, and fine seafood, but it’s Islay’s distinctive smoky whiskies that really draws the visitors. Home to nearly a dozen working distilleries, including Lagavulin and Bowmore, Islay’s distinctive single malt makes it a bucket list destination for whisky lovers from across the world.
With a history dating back to the sixth century, Iona Abbey is one of Western Europe’s oldest and most significant religious centers. Located on the tranquil Isle of Iona (itself just off the coast of the Isle of Mull), the abbey is offset by the wild Inner Hebridean scenery. Today, it remains a popular pilgrimage point for Christian worshipers.
Rosslyn Castle stands as a testament to Scotland's rich history and architectural grandeur, nestled above the picturesque banks of the River Esk in the shadow of the Pentland Hills. Built in the 14th century, the ruined residence takes visitors on a captivating journey through time, providing a glimpse into Scotland's storied past.
