Scotland is one of those mysterious destinations, filled with legends as enduring as that of Loch Ness! But there's more to Scotland than its myths: to grasp the complex beauty of this UK nation, you need to pay tribute to the historic heritage of Edinburgh and Stirling, go partying in Glasgow, take the whisky trail, hike in the Glencoe region or abandon yourself on a magnificent Orkney beach. Follow us to discover the 17 must-sees in Scotland!
1. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city steeped in history, which you can discover through the medieval city walls. Overlooked by its imposing castle, one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Old Town is a labyrinth of winding streets and secret passageways, exuding a mysterious atmosphere... On the other side of the river, New Town boasts 18th-century architecture, with Georgian facades and Victorian-style houses. On both sides of the river, the city lends itself to a variety of visits:
- palaces,
- religious and historical buildings,
- museums,
- gardens.
And, of course, don't leave without visiting a few pubs, the nerve centers of Scottish culture. They're also great places to have fun, as Edinburgh is one of the best destinations for an EVJF or any other wild party!
Planning a family trip? It's an ideal destination in Europe to visit with children, as it's home to the castle used in one of the Harry Potter films!
2. Loch Ness and its mysteries
Never has a lake held so much mystery! Who hasn't heard tales of Nessie, the legendary monster who lives in the deep waters of Scotland's second largest lake? Don't be surprised if you come across Nessie: the search for the monster is a national sport here! Be that as it may, Loch Ness is a sight to behold, especially when shrouded in mist, revealing a typical Highland ambience. Its shores are lined with forests and pastures, all the way to the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which offers one of the finest views of the lake.
Discover the best of the Scottish Highlands by booking your guided day tour from Edinburgh right here. Discover Loch Ness and try to spot Nessie!
3. Glasgow, Scotland's lively and festive city
Scotland's largest city, Glasgow is renowned as its cultural, musical and festive center. A vibrant, avant-garde city, it is resolutely focused on creativity, as illustrated by its many museums, galleries, designer boutiques and concept stores. Don't miss the Gothic cathedral, the Riverside, Mackintosh House and its pretty gardens. But it's the nightlife that will leave you with the best memories of Glasgow. With its trendy clubs, concert halls, bars and restaurants, it's one of Europe's best cities for partying!
Click here to book your Glasgowbus tour , which will take you around the city's main sights, including George Square and the Cathedral.
4. The Highlands, Scotland's must-see landscapes
Wild valleys, mysterious moors, jagged cliffs, verdant mountains and austere castles: the landscapes of the Highlands embody the whole of Scotland. Numerous films have been shot in these settings, which are also ideal for hiking, particularly in the heart of the Cairngorms, the highest mountain range in the British Isles. The deeper you go into these highlands, the more impressive and enigmatic the panoramas become. It's an ideal romantic destination, where your couple can find themselves in the heart of an intoxicating wilderness. Few people live in the Highlands, apart from sheep and long-haired cows. You won't be disturbed too much!
5. The green and beautiful Isle of Skye
In the Hebrides archipelago, the Isle of Skye boasts breathtaking landscapes sculpted by rugged terrain. At the heart of the island is the Cuillin mountain range, with its many peaks rising to over 900 meters, a magnificent playground for hiking enthusiasts. In the north of the Isle of Skye, the Trotternish peninsula offers emblematic panoramas, such as that of the Old Man of Storr, an impressive rock standing like a menhir. On either side, you'll come across numerous lochs, fairy pools carved out by erosion, the remains of castles and certainly a few ghosts of the MacLeod family..
Book your trip to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness right here!
6. Orkney, Scotland's wilderness
In the north, the Orkney archipelago comprises 70 islands, only 20 of which are inhabited: nature reigns supreme! Wild moors, craggy cliffs, turquoise beaches, the Northern Lights: the scenery here is so breathtaking, you'll want to take your best photos. The fauna is dense and varied. Many walks are organized to observe whales, porpoises, dolphins, otters and over 70 species of birds. Orkney has a unique culture and history. Neolithic, Viking and medieval sites are just some of the amazing heritage to be found here.
Click here to book your day trip to the Orkney Islands. Visit the Stone Age site of Skara Brae.
7. Glencoe, summits for walkers
Glencoe is one of Scotland's natural treasures. This Highland must-see is a paradise for mountaineers and hikers, with peaks over 1,000 meters high. Two sites are particularly popular: "Three sisters of Glencoe", the 3 dominant peaks, and the spectacular "Bideam Nam Biam". Glencoe is also known for its bloody past: in 1692, 39 members of Clan Mac Donald were massacred for having delayed in pledging allegiance to William III of England. This tragedy fuelled hostilities between the Campbell and Macdonald clans for centuries.
8. Eilean Donan Castle, a veritable film set
Standing on an island surrounded by three sea lochs, Eilean Donan is this nation's most picturesque castle. Erected in the 13th century by the Scottish king Alexander II, it was later acquired by the MacKenzie clan, before collapsing during the Glorious Revolution. Abandoned for 200 years, it was rebuilt by the MacRae clan. Today, its magnificent inner courtyard, 17 m keep and fortified gates reveal the ancient methods of Scottish defense. The setting has been used for many films, including Highlander, Braveheart and James Bond.
Book your trip to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness right here!
9. Stirling, a strong historical past
Stirling is a historic city with a major role to play, not least thanks to its position at the gateway to the Highlands. It therefore boasts an exceptional heritage, starting with its illustrious castle. The present building dates back to the 14th, 15thand 16th centuries. It was the residence of the Stuart family, who graced it with, among other things, its splendid Great Hall, ceremonial hall and an astonishing Renaissance palace covered with sculptures and gargoyles. Below the castle, the old town winds its way through cobbled streets and medieval facades.
Also worth a visit the Church of the Holy Cross, Stirling's oldest building.
Click here to book a day trip from Edinburgh to see the magnificent Scottish Highlands and admire Stirling Castle,
10. Whisky & Golf, the basics in Scotland!
It's impossible to visit Scotland without indulging in tastings (in moderation) of the local beverage: the sacrosanct whisky! Scotland is home to the largest number of distilleries in the world and offers a wide variety of flavours, which can be discovered via the whisky routes that criss-cross 5 major regions.
Another local specialty: golf. Did you know that golf was invented by the Scots? There are over 550 greens in the country, including Muirfield. That's the most courses per capita in the world.
If you're tempted, we recommend you book your entry right here for a unique whisky and folklore evening. Choose the whisky tasting option and enjoy 4 classic single malt whiskies while immersing yourself in Scottish storytelling culture.
11. Inverness, Scottish charm
When we think of Scotland, we imagine beautiful stretches of water, verdant landscapes and period architecture. Inverness offers all of this, and much more, for travelers to marvel at. Located in the north of the nation, this pretty village can be visited at the same time as Loch Ness. Inverness, Scotland's bewitching pearl, welcomes you for an unforgettable journey to the land of Celtic dreams. Its rolling hills promise a total escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visit the Victorian Market in Inverness, with its well-preserved Victorian clock. Follow this with a visit to Fort George, and you'll have had a great day out in one of Scotland's must-see places!
12. Luskentyre beach, Scottish splendor
Welcome to Luskentyre Beach, a corner of paradise in Scotland where dreams and reality meet! Imagine yourself on this white-sand coastline, your feet in turquoise water, with majestic mountains in the background. Are you there? So are we, and it's paradise!
Here, escape is the name of the game, whether you're basking in the sun (yes, in Scotland, the sun does shine sometimes!), exploring the sand dunes, or taking a kayak tour to enjoy a panoramic view of this natural beauty.
You might even be surprised to come across some sheep on your walk! You can also go in search of marine treasures, shells and strangely shaped seaweed.
Looking for adventure? We invite you to explore the nearby villages. Here, you'll discover authentic Scottish culture, perhaps even enjoying a tasty local dish!
13. Bow Fiddle Rock, a natural wonder not to be missed
Let us introduce you to Bow Fiddle Rock, a Scottish natural wonder that defies imagination. As you'll see, Scottish geography can be amazing! Imagine a gigantic stone arch emerging from the sea, like a giant sculpture shaped by nature.
It's easy to get lost in the contemplation of this strange and magnificent rock formation. If you have the courage and inclination to go and admire the sunrise or sunset, something tells us you won't regret it! The surrounding area is also full of surprises, with nearby golden sandy beaches ideal for a relaxing stroll.
14. Kirkcudbright and its adorable cottages
The village of Kirkcudbright, with its strange little name, is a real Scottish gem. Here, colorful cottages vie with each other in charm, much to the delight of travelers. These brightly-colored cottages are like eye candy, ready to seduce you around every corner. And you're sure to be seduced!
Let yourself be carried away by the total escape offered by Kirkcudbright's peaceful atmosphere. This pretty, colorful village is also a paradise for art lovers. You'll be delighted by the galleries and workshops to be found everywhere. If you have to visit just one art venue, we'd recommend the Harbor Cottage Gallery, a delightful showcase of local art!
Finally, we invite you to visit MacLellan Castle. Immerse yourself in history, then let the magic of the city's gardens wash over you.
15. The Queen's View, one of the most beautiful views in Scotland
Discovering The Queen's View is a promise of enchantment. Don't forget your best camera, because you're about to contemplate one of the most beautiful views in Scotland! This splendor awakens dreams of escape at every glance. Close your eyes and imagine a breathtaking panorama, where majestic mountains are reflected in the calm waters of Loch Tummel. Quite simply, you feel as if you're looking at a living painting... The view is so beautiful that Queen Victoria herself marveled at it. And yes, that's how it got its name!
The surrounding area is also teeming with hiking trails, hidden waterfalls and opportunities for encounters with local wildlife. What more could you ask for?
16. Staffa, an unusual natural site in Scotland
Staffa is a Scottish gem nestled in the heart of the ocean. Its spectacular rock formations are a work of art sculpted by nature over time. Here, exploration enthusiasts will be in heaven. Take to the coastal paths offering breathtaking views, or descend into the mysterious Fingal caves. The acoustics are simply magical!
Staffa is also a birdwatcher's paradise, home to numerous seabirds, including puffins. The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the curious seals that populate the surrounding area.
17. Glenfinnan, a charming Scottish village
Does Glenfinnan exude magic? Well, it should! Nestled on the shores of Loch Shiel, surrounded by majestic mountains, this place is famous for its picturesque location. But what really draws visitors' attention? It's undoubtedly the railway viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter saga whizzes past. Yes, you could almost expect to see Harry, Ron and Hermione at any moment! Kids will love it (and a lot of adults too, no doubt!).
The village is also home to the Glenfinnan Monument, a column dedicated to the Jacobite cause, with panoramic views from its summit. To round off a day rich in emotions, don't hesitate to take a cruise on Loch Shiel. Its crystal-clear waters and mysterious islands are yours for the taking!
Book your day trip right here to admire the beauty of Glencoe, Fort William and the Glenfinnan viaduct. You'll see the filming locations of many Harry Potter scenes, as well as the impressive village of Glencoe and Loch Shiel.
When is the best time to go to Scotland?
Wondering when to go to Scotland? Unsurprisingly, it's during the summer months. Most points of interest are open between April and October. So if you're looking for a place to go next October, you've come to the right place! It's also the best time of the year for clear, pleasant weather, although you're not immune to a little rain or fog on occasion. And don't be disheartened if you see rain when you open your shutters in the morning. In Scotland, the weather can change very quickly! As a general rule, however, bring some warm clothes, as even in summer temperatures rarely exceed 20°C... Ideal for escaping the heatwave!
How to visit Scotland in 4 days?
Get ready for an epic four-day journey across Scotland, where every moment will transport you into a moment of pure magic!
Day 1: Edinburgh, the Eternal City
Not surprisingly, you start in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. If you're coming by plane, which you probably are, this is one of Scotland's 4 airports. Explore the majestic castle perched on its rock, then walk down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyrood. Enjoy a delicious meal in a traditional pub and discover the city's rich history at the National Museum of Scotland.
Day 2: The Highlands, the soul of Scotland
Head off on an adventure to the Highlands. Stop in Stirling to visit Stirling Castle, a royal fortress that will immerse you in Scottish history. Continue on to Glencoe, with its splendid mountain scenery, where dreams of escape come to life. Finally, you can end your day in Fort William.
Day 3: Loch Ness, the quest for the Monster!
Your journey continues to Loch Ness. Take a boat for a cruise on the mysterious waters of the loch, in search of Nessie, the local star. Visit the charming village of Fort Augustus and end your day in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. It's a day full of mystery!
Day 4: The wild beauty of the Isle of Skye
Leave Inverness for the Isle of Skye. On your way, we invite you to make a stop at the Fairy Pools, natural pools surrounded by unique scenery. On the island, take time to contemplate the spectacular cliffs, sparkling lochs and picturesque villages. Finally, end your adventure in Portree, the island's main town. Its colorful waterside facades are pure enchantment. Instagrammer friends, you're sure to delight your audience!
In four days, you'll have tasted the very essence of Scotland, from its cities steeped in history to the grandiose landscapes of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. But... what if you stayed a few days longer?
How to visit Scotland in a week?
It can be hard to choose from so much beauty! Staying in Scotland for a whole week (or even longer) is a great idea. There's no shortage of things to do! This time, you'll be heading a little further north. Don't hesitate to make a few stops along the way to admire the scenery. After all, you're on vacation..
Day 5: Aberdeen and its old town
Drive to Aberdeen, Scotland's "Silver City". Explore the old town and enjoy the maritime atmosphere of the harbor. Of course, you can't miss Dunnottar Castle, perched on a cliff.
Day 6: St. Andrews, the kingdom of golf
The town of St. Andrews will delight golf enthusiasts, with its legendary course. Not your cup of tea (although tea is everywhere!)? Visit the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and Castle. Finally, after so much sightseeing, relax on the beach... Given the temperatures, swimming is not recommended, but it's a great place to relax.
Day 7: Glasgow
It's no coincidence that we're bringing this stage to a close, as another airport is located here to ensure your return to France. Many points of interest await you here, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, for a captivating artistic journey. Enjoy the city's unique architecture and local specialities.
Scotland is so beautiful, so vast, that it's hard to visit it in just a few days. Vibrant between wilderness and city, this nation of the United Kingdom is a true jewel to be visited absolutely. Of course, if you're going to visit Scotland, don't forget to visit a haunted castle - I've heard there are plenty around!
