Scotland, poetically called Caledonia, which means “the land of cakes,” is one of those places whose landscape will feel harsh at first glance. The desolate moors and fortresses atop cliffs and hills will make you realize how beautiful this country is. Its unique and breathtaking highlands are perfect for strolling and hiking. At the same time, the historical monuments are the storytellers of battles fought long ago.
Scotland, the land of romance and legends from Macbeth to Mary Queen of Scots, every iconic fictional classic occurred at this place. If you plan to visit Scotland for vacation, here are some of the places you should visit for sure.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, has uncountable things to see, observe, capture, and do. It is the second most popular tourist attraction after London in Great Britain. While you are in Edinburgh, make sure you don’t forget to visit the Royale Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the main route of Old Town of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is an ancient city; you can simply take a walk among those elegantly made Georgian houses leading you into the Grassmarket. The streets and even the main routes are pedestrian-friendly and have hundreds of galleries, cafes, and shops around them.
Besides being a great tourist attraction, Edinburgh is also famous for being one of Scotland’s most important cultural destinations. Several festivals and events are held here throughout the year, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Moreover, the Royal Yacht Britannia – the personal yacht of the Queen in the past, now a museum of Royal bedrooms and State apartments – is worth visiting as well. Last but not least, you may want to enjoy a perfect high tea experience at the Royal Deck Tea Room.
Glasgow
Just like Edinburgh, the city of Glasgow is the one you would love to explore on foot. This beautiful city that stands tall on the River Clyde on the west coast of Scotland has transformed and reimagined its own identity as one of the major European culture centers in Scotland. Tourists crowd the art galleries, festivals, and museums of Glasgow throughout the year.
The pedestrian-friendly streets will allow you to discover the magnificent and alluring sights of this city. While in Glasgow, you wouldn’t want to miss visiting the famous Glasgow School of Art and the Glasgow Cathedral.
Go out and explore the city center, especially at night when Glasgow is full of lights. The Riverside Museum is another place worth visiting to witness the great history of Glasgow.
You can also enjoy the delightful Scottish Opera and Royal Scottish Orchestra performances at the Concert Hall. For art lovers, there are some other attractions as well, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, where art pieces by famous artists such as Salvador Dali and Van Gogh are displayed.
St. Andrews
Not only a perfect tourist attraction but also one of the top golf destinations globally, the city of St. Andrews is where you must go when in Scotland. Golfers from around the world visit St. Andrews in order to play at the world’s oldest golf course called “the par-72 Old Course.” If you are a golfer by heart, you cannot miss this destination, or you will only regret missing it later.
Unlike Glasgow and Edinburgh, St. Andrews is not famous for its places for art lovers, but it is a city for golf lovers. While visiting St. Andrews, you should also visit the British Golf Museum. This museum is more like a shrine for the great golfers who played at the St. Andrew’s golf courses and a storyteller of this city’s incredible history.
However, even if you are not a golf enthusiast, there is still a lot to see and do in St Andrews for you. The University town of St. Andrews is quite famous among tourists, and it is a great deal to walk around and explore every bit of it. The ancient buildings associated with the University of St. Andrews are also worth a visit. The beautiful architecture will make you wander in this city for hours and hours, especially at the Town’s Old Cathedral and the ruins of St. Andrews Castle.
Aberdeen
Do not forget to include the North Sea port city of Aberdeen in your Scotland travel itinerary. We would say that every Scottish city is pedestrian-friendly, just like that Aberdeen is yet another city to explore on foot. While walking around the city, you will be able to see some of the finest examples of Georgian architecture and the aesthetic beauty of the city.
A self-guided walking tour of St. Machar’s Cathedral will be enough to make you understand how charming Scottish medieval architecture is. The merchant buildings made out of local granite seem to shine in the sunlight giving the city its nickname of “Silver City.“
Moreover, you should also visit Duthie Park and the David Welch Winter Gardens as well. These parks and gardens are filled with exotic and domestic plants. The Aberdeen beaches, golf courses, and local markets are also worth a visit.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is the city of legends and myths, and it will always be one of the best places to visit in Scotland. However, there is no proof of the actual existence of Nessie (the famous sea monster); the glimpse of water in Loch Ness never stops the tourists and visitors from exploring the waters of Loch Ness to find Nessie.
The places like Urquhart Castle and the village of Drumnadrochit must be visited when in Loch Ness. The Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal are also places that no one would want to miss seeing.
As we mentioned earlier, Loch Ness is a city of myths and legends; several monsters and other mythical creatures are said to have inhabited this city for centuries. Today they still live there as stories and legends. You might not find an actual monster in Loch Ness, but you will surely get to see some fantastic ancient architects and the beauty of nature.
