Things to do in Scotland

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Scotland

Types of activities

Where to stay

Scotland travel guide

Isle of Skye showing a river or creek, tranquil scenes and mountains

Arthur\\\'s Seat featuring heritage architecture, a sunset and a castle

Calton Hill featuring a city, heritage architecture and a sunset

Arthur\\\'s Seat showing a city and a sunset

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum featuring art and interior views

Top places to visit

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, the oldest building in the city, sits high on a craggy volcanic rock just near the city center. During its history, which spans almost a thousand years, the stronghold has witnessed sieges, served as a military base and provided refuge for Scottish monarchs.

Learn more

Edinburgh Castle which includes château or palace and heritage elements

2. Royal Mile

Go for a sightseeing trip along the Royal Mile, a series of streets that forms the main artery of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the oldest part of the city. This ancient cobblestone route stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It has been used by pedestrians for hundreds of years, and houses some of the city’s most fascinating old buildings.

Learn more

The 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.

Learn more

4. 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.

Learn more

Ben Nevis showing tranquil scenes, forest scenes and mountains

5. Edinburgh Zoo

Escape to the Edinburgh Zoo for a few hours of animal-based adventures. Spread over an 82-acre (33-hectare) site, the zoo has a collection of more than 1,000 animals representing almost 200 species.

Learn more

Edinburgh Zoo featuring land animals and zoo animals

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.

Learn more

What to do in Scotland

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle

4.5/5(1,009 reviews)

Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.

Royal Mile

4.5/5(575 reviews)

Explore this area in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town to find ancient buildings, historic relics, shops, museums and range of dining options.

OVO Hydro

4.5/5(263 reviews)

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

Ben Nevis

4.5/5(74 reviews)

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

Princes Street

4.5/5(628 reviews)

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Edinburgh Zoo

4.5/5(204 reviews)

See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.

Hampden Park

4/5(85 reviews)

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

4.5/5(717 reviews)

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

University of Glasgow

4.5/5(164 reviews)

Explore the campus of one of the U.K.'s oldest universities and feed your fervor for learning in its museums, lecture halls and historic buildings.

Areas of Scotland

Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(1,168 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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

Edinburgh City Centre

If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

George Square which includes a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

City Centre Glasgow

4/5(1,965 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(1,225 area reviews)

Travellers 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 Assembly Rooms and George Street.

Inverness Castle showing a river or creek, a castle and heritage elements

Inverness City Centre

4.5/5(343 area reviews)

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

Royal Yacht Britannia featuring interior views and boating

Leith

5/5(1 area review)

Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Edinburgh Port and Royal Yacht Britannia 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.