Must-visit attractions
Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the beating heart of Scotland's capital. Centuries of secrets await on The Real Mary King's Close, an elegant street frozen in the 1600s, while the blissfully haunting Edinburgh Castle keeps watch over the city. Up north, the moody valleys of the Highlands are home to some of Britain's most dramatic landscapes. Then there's Loch Ness. Head to Dores Beach—a spot where locals have sworn they've spotted Nessie, the famous monster.
Scottish culture
Scotland's culture goes back almost 1,000 years with many age-old Scottish traditions still living strong to this day—which means plenty of exciting experiences await. Head to a ceilidh (a Scottish dance party) for a night to remember. Visit a museum to learn about the famous tartan fabric, catch a Highland game at events throughout the country, or go on a tour of Scotland's picture-perfect castles.
Food and drink
Indulge in Scotland's distinctive flavors, right at the source. Dare to try fresh haggis—that legendary combination of minced offal mixed with oats and spices—and you'll be sure to order seconds. Then there's the whisky. Take a distillery tour through the Highlands and try distinctive world-class single malts. Edinburgh and Glasgow's restaurant scenes are turning heads internationally as talented chefs reimagine Scottish classics using ingredients from local foragers, fishermen, and farmers.
Where to stay
Scotland's cities and towns are full of quirks and surprises. Edinburgh's New Town isn't just about those gorgeous Georgian crescents—stay at converted townhouse hotels that blend original features with contemporary Scottish design. Over in Glasgow, Merchant City boasts Art Nouveau architecture and a burgeoning food scene—stay here and you're steps away from the weekend markets and indie galleries. For a coastal escape, Oban's harborfront is a must for its bay views.
Lesser-known gems
Beyond the well-known Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness lie some of Scotland's best-kept secrets. In West Lothian, the ancient Cairnpapple Hill is the site of sacred ceremonies dating back to 3000 BC. Over on the Isle of Skye, venture beyond the famous Fairy Pools to the hidden gem of Talisker Bay, famed for its volcanic black sand, otherworldly rock formations, and dramatic cliffs.
Getting there and around
Getting to Edinburgh and Glasgow is easy, as both cities' airports welcome flights from across the US and Europe daily. Catch a train from Glasgow's Queen Street or Edinburgh's Waverley station to Fort William and enjoy a sublime four-hour journey through dramatic glens. You can also access the Highlands by taking a train to Inverness and the Cairngorms.
From 8 January 2025, all non-European visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to travel to the UK. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025. Find out more information here on the rollout of the ETA and eligibility.
