25 Fantastic things to do in Scotland

Enjoy Medieval Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a fantastic city. It is beautiful, cozy, surprising, and cool to visit. Being there in August means that there are many festivities all around town, in the form of stand-up comedy, huge performances, and street artists. The Royal Mile is the lifeline of tourism in this city, having the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Camera Obscura, The Whisky Experience, St. Giles' Cathedral, and the most important sight, Edinburgh Castle, in the same street. Besides, there are some good higher points, such as Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill, and some good museums. This city can be perfect for a city trip, but it is even better when it is the start or the end of your trip through Scotland!

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How to get here: Edinburgh is easy accessible from all parts of the world. There is an airport with many international flights. Besides it is easily reached by public transport and by car.

How much time needed: 2-3 days give you sufficient time to get to know the city.

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Go hiking in Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a huge park in central Scotland. There are many hiking routes and villages to discover, and even driving through this nature is a real treat. Make some stops, when possible, and be amazed by the greatness of nature.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How to get here: The park is most easily reached by car, which takes about 3 hours from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. By public transport, it is very tough to get here, but possible. It may be convenient to go to bigger places, such as Ballater or Balmoral.

How much time needed: 1 day should be sufficient.

Find Nessie at Loch Ness

The big question states, Does Nessie really exist? "Of course!" a Scotchman will tell you. Now it is your time to check if she is home! It is a very long lake and has some good views. You can take a cruise or visit Urquhart Castle, which has great views over the loch. Finding the monster of Loch Ness will make you famous, but remember, you are not the first one to try. There are possibilities to swim, but even in summer, it is freezing cold. One of the best places is at Loch Ness viewpoint in Urquhart, because it's not deep, so the water is warmer.

The other question that arises is whether Loch Ness is worth visiting. For me, a short visit was very nice and good to realize you are really seeing one of the most famous lakes in the world, have a little swim, and have a view above Urquhart Castle. Overall, it is pretty crowded, and I would not stay too long.

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How to get here: I would recommend to go to Inverness, which is very close. Inverness can be reached easily by car and public transport from the whole country.

How much time needed: 2-3 hours.

Taste the 'Scottish water"

When you say Scotland, one of the first things that comes to mind is whisky! There are many places where you can taste the Scottish water, and often you can book a tour in a distillery as well, but if you book in advance, they can sell out. Tastings are always possible in distilleries, so taste the flavor of the country. Often, they close around 5 or 6pm.

How to get here: There are distilleries everywhere in the country, so have a drink!

How much time needed: Mostly tours or tastings will take around 1 hour.

Enjoy the sceneries of the West coast

Driving along the West Coast is fabulous. My girlfriend said," Scotland is a country that keeps on giving," when we drove in this area. The part we drove, which was particularly gorgeous, was between Ullapool and Stoer. The views were outstanding, and it was probably one of the best routes I have seen in my life. You can stop multiple times to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. The drive here is also close to some highlights of the country, such as, for example, Achmelvich Beach (see further below).

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How to get here: By car and probably the only way to really enjoy this as much as possible.

How much time needed: Around 2.5 hours including some stops.

Sleep in your motorhome next to the Stoer lighthouse

At the end of the road I mentioned before is the Stoer Lighthouse, which is a perfect place to stay the night. There are spots for about 10 vehicles. Enjoy the views, take a small hike, walk up to the lighthouse, and enjoy the scenery. If you take your binoculars and take your time in the right season (summer), there can be whales in sight, but the chances are small.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How to get here: Drive by car is the only option and it takes about over 5 hours from Edinburgh or Glasgow and around 4 hours from the Isle of Skye. 

How much time needed: One evening and morning is sufficient.

Sheep and other cattle

I have to admit, this is a weird highlight, but driving on little roads and seeing sheep and cows on the road is something amazing. Sheep are very gentle and let you come close very often. During hikes and drives, there are sheep and cows (of course also Highland cattle), and they just enjoy the freedom they are having.

How to get here: It is everywhere in the country!

How much time needed: Actually the whole time, being in rural areas of the country, so a lot!

Feel Caribbean vibes at Achmelvich Beach

Did I already tell you that you can feel like the Bahamas in Scotland? This beach is very gorgeous, and with the white sand and clear water, you will not think it is rainy in Scotland. There are more beaches like this in the country, especially in the outer Hebrides. Go for a nice beach day during your travels in this fantastic country. I hope that the weather is good and that you can enjoy a cold swim.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How to get here: It is around 5 hour drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is along the road from number 5.

How much time needed: 3 hours

Be amazed when spotting whales and dolphins

To see wonderful marine wildlife is fantastic. The bigger giants of the sea are pretty easily spotted on the west coast. Minke whales, common dolphins, and harbor porpoises are often spotted. Also, fin whales and humpback whales are sometimes around, and when you are very lucky, there's even a chance to see orcas. Seeing these mighty animals is a very touching and unbelievable experience. When I was there, we had 6 minke whales (some very close) and 5 pods of common dolphins (also very close). We booked at Hebridean Whale Cruises in Gairloch and had a fantastic experience. Book in advance to make sure you have a spot.

Price: Depending on tour operator and time, but 4 hours around £100 (but worth it!!)

Tourist occurrence: Low

How to get here: There are multiple organizations, but to Gairloch is reached by car from Portree in 2.5 hours and Glasgow and Edinburgh are over 4 hours away. Getting here by public transport is rough.

How much time needed: 4 hours

Enjoy the cute city of Portree

Portree is the capital of the Isle of Skye and a good starting point for the popular island. The village itself is cute and has some good restaurants and pubs. The highlight is visiting the viewpoint of the harbor with its colourful houses. This is a great starting point or your base to discover the beautiful island.

Tourist occurrence: High

How to get here: It is around 5 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

How much time needed: Half a day.

Find some wizards at the Fairy Glen

Parking costs a couple of pounds to see this fantastic small hike. The green scenery here on the Isle of Skye looks great, and the sheep (yes, I like them) make it even better. It is an easy walk, and you can have great views, especially from a big rock you can climb on.

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How to get here: It is a couple of minutes drive from Uig. This road is a bit tricky, but there are no big issues to get here.

How much time needed: Around 45 minutes, it is a short hike.

Take in the views of Quiraing

Quiraing is a beautiful hike in the north of the Isle of Skye. Although it can be crowded, the views are incredible, and this is a very good stop. You can hike as far as you want, as it takes 2 hours to hike the whole trail, but you can go back whenever you want. The parking costs are a couple of pounds for 5 hours.

Tourist occurrence: High

How to get here: This is only reached by car and is around 40 minutes from Portree and good in a combination with Fairy Glen.

How much time needed: maximum 2.5 hours

Look for dino tracks and camp close to An Corran Beach

On An Corran Beach, you can try to find dino tracks (also on other beaches close by), but beware that it is way more difficult when the tide is high. On the end of the beach, there is a one-hour hike called On Nan Ron, which goes to nature and a village. Before you come to the beach, there is a great spot to camp on another beach (1 minute before entering An Corran, take a left on the grass). Enjoy the amazing scenery here and spend the night.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How to get here: Only possible by car. About half an hour from Portree.

How much time needed: A night and couple of hours.

Enjoy a view of Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

This is a short stop on the Isle of Skye, but the view is fantastic. The parking is 2 pounds for 2 hours, but you don't need that much time as the car park is next to the viewpoint. The waterfall falls directly into the Atlantic Ocean, and the coast line is fantastic. There is also some information about dinosaur steps. Don't skip this short stop.

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How to get here: 30 minutes drive from Portree and you are passing Old man of Storr and Brothers point, which are both worth visiting.

How much time needed: 10-15 minutes.

Be alone at Brother's Point

Brother's Point is my favorite place on the Isle of Skye. There is a small parking place, and then you walk a bit, passing a gate (yes, you can go through), and you will find yourself in a meadow with sheep (did I tell you that I really like them?!). Going down, you get to a beach where we say there are a lot of fish and two dino steps. If you go further, you will find yourself with a beautiful view of Brother's Point (picture above). The most beautiful thing about it is that it is really quiet. We were here around 9.30 am, and during the next couple hours, we were 90% alone. This is fantastic, and I recommend it to everyone as a hidden gem!

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How to get here: It is only 3 minute drive from Kilt Rock & Meat falls and 25 minutes from Portree by car.

How much time needed: 2 hours

Hike up to the Old Man of Storr

It was one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland (finding a parking spot was rough), but for a reason. The hike up is pretty cool, and you pass the rocks. If you go further, you will have the best view of the rocks. The hike can be a bit rough, but it is doable. The views of the surroundings are great, and the Old Man makes it even better.

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How to get here: It is a 10 minute drive from Brother's Point and 15 minutes from Portree.

How much time needed: 2 hours

Take a look at the sunset at Neist Point

Pictures do not cover the beauty of this stunning place on the Isle of Skye. When arriving, head right to get the view of this picture, which is the most beautiful of the sight. Afterwards, you can go down to walk towards the lighthouse and/or go up the high rock, which also gives great views of the area. This sight can be a bit crowded, but not disturbing at the place itself, and it is just great. It is similar to Brother's Point, but I prefer Brother's Point because of the almost private experience, but I think Neist Point is more impressive. If possible, visit both of them!

Tourist occurrence: High

How to get here: We parked (and stayed the night) at Loch Morr Viewpoint (the only spot for 5 vehicles) and went here by bicycle for the last 10 minutes. We were very happy about this because the way to Neist Point was only one road and it was very crowded. If you want to see the sunset, please come early (especially in high season); it can get crowded with vehicles. It is around an hour and 15 minutes drive from Portree.

How much time needed: 2 hours

Have a swim in the Fairy Pools

Fairy Pools are a lot of falls and streams behind each other, and it looks very cool. It is a great hike next to the different parts. Around you, there are also great mountains to enjoy. Do not hesitate to take a swim in one of the pools. You won't be the only one, but because of the many places, you can choose a private place to sim. It can be cold, but it is lovely.

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How to get here: It is around 40 minutes from Portree and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Neist Point.

How much time needed: 2-3 hours

Enjoy hiking at Glencoe

Hiking in Glencoe is one of my highlights in the Highlands of Scotland. We thought it would be nice, but it was way more beautiful than expected. This was so amazing. We had great views of the Three Sisters and did a hike up to one of the sisters. Another great option is to hike the Hidden Valley (I did not do it), but be aware: It might be difficult to find, but it is between the most left and middle Sister. Hiking in the valley of the view is also stunning and so worth being here.

Tourist occurrence: High

How to get here: To Glencoe Three Sisters in around 2 hours drive from Glasgow and 3 from Edinburgh. The village of Glencoe can be reached by bus from Glasgow (2.5 - 3 hours) and Edinburgh (4 hours), but you have do a short ride to the good part.

How much time needed: 1-2 days

Stroll the gorgeous village of Oban

Oban was a surprising good stop in Scotland. It is a cute village in the west of the country, offering good things to do. It lies just next to the sea, which gives some good views. Here are some things to do in Oban:

• Make a boat and Island tour to Isles of Mull, Staffa and Iona (did not go unfortunately).
• Go to some pubs, especially The Oban Inn is great.
• Go up to the McCaig's Tower for some good views.
• Eat some Fish & Chips in the harbor 
• Taste some whisky's in the Oban Distillery
• Take a boat tour to see grey seals (see below)

Tourist occurrence: High

How to get here: It is a 2.5 hours drive from Glasgow and around 3 hours from both train and bus. To reach Edinburgh, you have to pass Glasgow. From Glencoe it is a 1 hour drive. 

How much time needed: 1 day, but an extra day if you want to do the trip to the Isles.

Spot some seals from the boat

Taking a boat tour from Oban is a great way to spot some seals. It is great to be at the water for views of different islands and the city of Oban and then to see a seal colony. The scenery is great. There are multiple organizations offering trips like these. Some go a bit further and also try to see some dolphins.

Price: Depending on length and tour operator around £15 per hour.

Tourist occurrence: High

How to get here: It is in the harbor in Oban, so see above.

How much time needed: If you only go for the seal colony, it is a 1 hour trip.

Dare to taste the national dish Haggis

Haggis is the most famous dish from Scotland, and a lot of people are'scared' to try it, but it tastes lovely. The dish consists of the heart, lungs, and livers of sheep combined with onions and spices. You can eat it in different forms, and I may prefer haggis bon bons instead of real haggis, but they are both very good! 

How to get here: You can eat haggis in almost every pub in the country.

Have a good city trip in Glasgow

Everyone is talking about Edinburgh, but leave Glasgow for what it is. That is not deserved, because it is a lovely city that you should not miss on your trip to Scotland. The city is pure, and the people are very friendly. There are great museums, and the city is divided by the two big football teams.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How to get here: Glasgow is easy to reach as it has an airport, multiple options of trains coming all from the UK, and Edinburgh is around an hour by car and 45 minutes by train.

How much time needed: 2-3 days

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Have a pint in one of the many great pubs

Pubs are absolutely part of culture in the whole of the United Kingdom, and in Scotland, they are often combined with live music. Everywhere you go throughout the country, there will be at least one pub to have a good evening. Most people are in a good mood, and you can enjoy a nice pint while looking around and having conversations with locals. This is an experience you can't pass by in Scotland!

How to get there: Just open your eyes each town or city. 

How much time needed: This totally depends on the amount of pints you want to have.

Understand Scottish culture during the Highland Games

If you are lucky enough to be in Scotland in the summer, find a place to see the Highland Games, which are just fantastic. Piping bands, tossing the caber, dancing, and running are only a few highlights of the Highland games. They occur in big parts of Scotland, but you have to check when and where. This is an absolute highlight in Scotland, and visiting one is a must-do. You can just go up there and buy a ticket; it is not necessary to do so in advance. We went to the Ballater Highland Games, and it could not be better.

Price: Where we were it was £12.

Tourist occurrence: Medium 

How to get here: It is through the country in summer, so check the schedule on internet.

How much time needed: Full day. It mostly takes from 11AM to 6-7 PM.

Things I have not done, but could be cool

• North route 500 - Beautiful road in The North, takes about a week
• Orkney Islands - Cute Islands in the North
• Aberdeen - Lovely city
• St Andrew's - Nice ruins
• Eilean Donan Castle 
• Lewis and Harris - Beautiful Islands in the West
• Find Basking sharks

Final thoughts

Scotland is a country that has so much to offer. From great valleys to lovely cities, and from finding minke whales to seeing people in Kilt playing the pipes, The inhabitants and its culture are amazing, and when combined with its raw nature and pretty beaches, Scotland is a perfect country to visit in the summer. Don't let the midges and rainy weather stop you from coming here, as these are not too bothersome. 'Scotland is a country that keeps on giving'.

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