I’ve completed the harrowing task of narrowing the best places to go in Scotland on your behalf. It’s harrowing because I have personally explored a ton of Scotland, and trying to narrow down the best places to visit was like picking a favorite child, doable but ultimately unpleasant to have to admit. Scotland is such an epic country that you could move there and live for a decade and still feel like you had more to explore.
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#10 Best Place to Go in Scotland: Loch Lomond
Coming in at #10 are the bonnie, bonnie banks. Loch Lomond is a really nice place to visit in Scotland. Unlike most of the other places on this list that are more coastally located, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is full of beautiful lochs, rolling hills, mountains, and forests. It is just a quick hour train or drive from Glasgow.
Luss is a charming village, stuffed full of quaint cottages that rival the Lake District. It is located right on the sandy beaches of Loch Lomond and is well worth wandering around for a couple of hours. The village of Balloch is similarly charming. There are Loch Lomond boat cruises that depart from near Balloch. It is a great way to spend a couple hours if you find yourself with a nice weather day.
The hillwalking around Loch Lomond is fantastic and well suited for many ages and abilities. There are several trails that launch from Luss that are gradual with little scrambling. The nearby town of Arrochar also has a couple of 1000m hills (Munros, as they’re known) if you’re really looking for some elevation and views.
#9 Best Place to go in Scotland: Oban
Cute, loveable, coastal Oban is known as the “Gateway to the Isles” and is a great place to visit in Scotland. If you’re going to any of the western isles of Scotland, you’re going to have to catch your ferry in Oban. But Oban is well worth spending a little bit of time in without needing to be there for just purely logistics.
It is also known as the Seafood Capital of the UK, and is honestly worth a trip for the seafood alone. Seafood is going to be good in a lot of places in Scotland and the UK in general, but in Oban it’s always great because of its access to the fishing boats coming and going out of the harbor. And if seafood isn’t your jam, the Oban Distillery is worth a visit for that Scottish whisky.
Anyone who visits Oban can also enjoy hikes along scenic coastal trails, kayaking excursions into some of the sheltered bays, or a boat trip to spot wildlife (seals, dolphins, and dozens of seabirds all can be found off the coast of Scotland). I genuinely think I spent a full hour on the shore just watching an unbothered seal swim around. It was time well spent.
#8 Best Place to Go in Scotland: Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull is one of the most underrated places to visit in Scotland imo, as it’s often passed up by its sexy cousin who we’ll mention later (starts with an S and ends with an “kye”). But Mull shouldn’t be slept on, especially by naturalists or people looking to have a slice of Scottish nature to themselves with minimal other tourists.
Mull is reachable by ferry from Oban and has a bus available in between the two main cities, so it is a manageable destination if you’re not planning to rent a car.
Craignure is a small village that is home to multiple castles and promises visitors tranquility, and Tobermory is a bright, colorful harbor town that is a launching spot to explore more of Scotland’s rugged coastline, like the majestic Isle of Staffa, which is a quick tour boat away from Mull. (Isle of Staffa is also worth a visit but this is the best of the best list).
Birdwatchers (or just general enthusiasts) should make sure Mull is on their itinerary. Puffins are present just off the coast of Mull during breeding season from late April to August.
You can take a tour to enjoy visiting the cheeky wee birds and seeing them in the wild in the thousands, all while enjoying beautiful natural views. Check out my full guide on where to see puffins in Scotland.
#7 Best Place to go in Scotland: Isle of Iona
The Isle of Iona is one of the most unique places to see in Scotland. If you’ve added the Isle of Mull to your itinerary, then adding the Isle of Iona is a must. (If you want to visit Iona, you’ll have to take the ferry to Mull and then the ferry to Iona from the west coast of Mull). Those that make that trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh will reap the rewards.
Iona is largely credited as being the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. St. Columba arrived on Iona in 563 AD and established a monastic community. The abbey was pillaged and ransacked by vikings, but the current abbey on the island is still standing from the 13th century. The famous Book of Kells (displayed in Dublin) is believed to have been written on Iona.
The island is so small that you can see one end from the other. Only 180 people live there year round. Walking from one end to the other takes about 30 minutes. But it is the most peaceful place I visited in Scotland and really a one of a kind place to visit. Read my full guide to Isle of Iona.
#6 Best Place to go in Scotland: St. Andrews
Like so many places in Scotland, Saint Andrews is steeped in Scottish history. Lying on Scotland’s east coast, which is a world of difference from the west coast and the Western Hebrides, St. Andrews is easy and quick to reach from Edinburgh. Its sandy beaches (of Chariots of Fire fame) and coastal scenery are completely different from some of Scotland’s other natural beauties.
Founded in 1413, the University of St. Andrews is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. The campus is beautiful to walk around, nevermind the fact that if you’re a fan of the royal family, you’re retracing the steps of Will & Kate’s courtship (the couple graduated from the university in 2005).
If you’ve ever watched golf or played it yourself, St. Andrews is the birthplace of the sport and is fondly known as the mecca of golf to many, including my dad. The Old Course can be played by tourists as it is open to the public. Spectators are allowed to be on the course and follow along with the golfer in the group.
#5 Best Place to go in Scotland: Isle of Arran
If you have a limited time to explore Scotland or don’t have enough time to go into the Highlands, the Isle of Arran is known as “Scotland in Miniature” and will give you a nice taste of Scotland’s magic. Arran earned this nickname because there is so much packed onto this small isle (yes, it’s actually an island, and the quick ferry ride over is very pleasant).
On Arran, you’ll see hills that geologically resemble the Highlands, standing stones of Outlander fame, and twisting paths to cascading waterfalls. You could spend the full day among the wilderness alone. Just make sure you’ve followed my Scotland packing guide and packed accordingly.
But if you don’t want to, Arran also houses castles, whisky (without an e, because we’re in Scotland now) distilleries, and a great culinary scene, especially its fresh seafood.
Arran is a breeze to get to compared to some of the other Scottish isles. Troon, the departing city of the ferry, is only 45 outside of Glasgow and is reachable by bus or train. If you have no interest in renting a car or driving in the Highlands, Isle of Arran is the perfect spot to visit in Scotland.
#4 Best Place to go in Scotland: Glasgow
As mentioned, I have undying loyalty to Glasgow from the brief time I got to call the city home. While Edinburgh is historic and the site of major importance for the Royal Family for centuries, Glasgow is a little more off the beaten path while still being a dynamic, vibrant city.
Where Glasgow really shines and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike is its music scene, its world-class museums, its abundant greenspace, and its culinary diversity. You will never be bored wandering around Glasgow whatever your interests might be. Check out my list of 13 actually fun things to do in Glasgow.
Glaswegians are also some of the most friendly Scots you’re going to meet. I don’t think I ever visited a pub without a local striking up a warm conversation. Their accent is much thicker than in other parts of Scotland, so I’m not saying you’ll understand every word of that warm conversation, but you’ll certainly enjoy yourself regardless.
#3 Best Place to go in Scotland: Glencoe
If you’re a James Bond fan, Glencoe should absolutely make it on your Scotland itinerary. Glencoe was the backdrop of Skyfall and is as sweeping and epic as you would expect a James Bond filming location to be. If you’re not a James Bond fan, Glencoe is still one of Scotland’s best places to see.
While the Isle of Skye is jagged and otherworldly, Glencoe is its smoother, well rounded cousin, with views just as green and awe-inspiring. It is very conveniently located on the main road to the north (the A82) from Glasgow, so it’s a really easy stop to fit in your itinerary if you’re headed north into the Highlands.
You’ll be delighted just driving through the valley, but I would highly suggest you give yourself a couple of hours to do some “hillwalking.” There are a ton of different paths that suit a ton of different fitness levels. Stop in the village and ask for a recommendation, then enjoy soaking in the towering green hills around you.
#2 Best Place to go in Scotland: Edinburgh
Edinburgh comes in at #2 as it is a highlight of many travelers’ Scotland trip itinerary. Having lived in Glasgow specifically, I feel a keen loyalty to Glasgow and the need to advocate for its relevance in its (usually lower) standing next to Edinburgh, but I can readily admit that Edinburgh is a lovely place to visit in Scotland.
Anytime you have the chance to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you should know you’re in for a real treat. Both medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town earn that designation. Nevermind the fact that you have a looming and mighty fortress in Edinburgh Castle, which is over 900 years old. I don’t care how many castles you’ve seen in your life, Edinburgh Castle is going to make you marvel. Basic Economy B marvel guaranteed.
Edinburgh is also one of the best places to go in Scotland because of its year-round calendar of festivals and events. During the month of August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has daily events that could fill your whole itinerary. Hogmany (New Year’s Eve for any of us Yanks) is a mini New York City Times Square equivalent. Other months have international book, film, and science festivals.
Trying to see a lot of Scotland in a little time? Check out my 1 day in Edinburgh itinerary.
#1 Best Place to go in Scotland: Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye deserves the ranking of #1 best place to go in Scotland. Skye, as it can be shortened to, is the largest of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, and also the northernmost. If you have even just 1 day in Isle of Skye, you are a little traveler.
The views on Skye are out of this world; you feel like you’re on another planet when you’re there, and you’re not unhappy to have left Earth. It is home to breathtaking views of the jagged coastlines, misty mountains, and beautiful lakes (lochs, if you know your stuff). With all of the hiking available, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors, or honestly even just likes them a little.
Even though Skye is on the top of my list and probably the lists of many others, you still don’t feel crowded there when you’re exploring the rugged green land, even if you’re visiting during peak season. Whether you’re hiking Old Man of Storr, taking in views of the Quiraing, or visiting the Skye Museum of Island Life, you will still be able to enjoy the peacefulness of the isle.
This 10 Top Best Places to Go in Scotland list is meant to help you plan your perfect trip. Check out my post of the Best Month to Visit Scotland for more information on when to plan your best, most affordable trip or my 7 day Scotland itinerary that lets you see 6 of these places in just 7 days.
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