Things to do in Scotland

Edinburgh · 890m from Scotland

2.9k reviews

Edinburgh Castle stands atop a volcanic rock cliff at the end of the Royal Mile. For nearly a thousand years, it has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison, bearing witness to Scotland's turbulent history. The castle brings together several iconic buildings and exhibition halls: St Margaret's Chapel, built in the twelfth century, is one of the earliest surviving stone structures in Edinburgh, and this Romanesque chapel still retains its medieval appearance; the One O'Clock Gun, in use since 1861, was originally fired to help calibrate time for ships in the Firth of Forth, a tradition that has continued for more than a hundred years and is one of the castle's most recognizable traditional features. In the Crown Room of the Royal Palace, the Honours of Scotland are displayed alongside the Stone of Destiny; this set of treasures, comprising a crown, a sceptre, and a sword of state, dates back to the sixteenth century and is an important symbol of Scottish sovereignty. The National War Museum on the west side of the castle uses uniforms, medals, and weapons to trace Scotland's centuries of military history. Looking north from the high ramparts of the castle, visitors can take in the magnificent sea views of the Firth of Forth; this is also an excellent spot for overlooking the skyline of Edinburgh's Old Town.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town

9

Edinburgh · 487m from Scotland

133 reviews

Edinburgh Old Town refers to the old town area of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The district preserves many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including notable landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the Surgeons' Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Strolling through the streets of Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the unique architecture, pubs, restaurants, and shops on either side, with the occasional sound of beautiful Scottish bagpipe music in the air, is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

8.8

Edinburgh · 997m from Scotland

384 reviews

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Scotland, used for state ceremonies and official entertainment. This palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is deeply intertwined with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the palace includes the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, where many dramatic events occurred during her brief and tumultuous reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio by her husband Lord Darnley. In the palace's State Apartments, visitors can admire the magnificent Great Gallery, where grand balls were held in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie established his Jacobite court at the palace. Today's State Apartments reflect the evolving tastes of successive monarchs, renowned for their exquisite plaster ceilings and an unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. They house a significant portion of the Royal Collection's artworks, many of which have long-standing connections to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scotland. A visit to the palace also includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens, set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat. At the palace café, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from local produce, ranging from light snacks and lunches to afternoon tea.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

The Scotch Whisky Experience

7.4

4.4/5

234 reviews

TOURS & TASTINGS Silver Tour – ONE WHISKY – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Ideal for whisky first-timers & families Interactive & fun introduction to Scotch whisky Hosted in English with free audio guides in 21 languages A storytelling adventure for everyone, rich in visuals, aromas and sensory surprises. Discover the origins of whisky, art of whisky making and magic of maturation. Step inside the cask and experience its fiery creation – seen nowhere else in the world! Learn why the angels always take their share. Unlock the contrasting aromas and flavours of Scotland's five whisky regions. Journey across Scotland in our sweeping 180-degree cinema – from the mysterious Loch Ness to the ‘Harry Potter' steam train, past the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, over castles and distilleries. You'll even see Highland cows! Delve into the history and alchemy of creating the perfect blend. Explore the glass-and-marble vault of the world's most popular whisky collection – one of the seven wonders of the Scotch whisky world. Master the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Includes Tutored tasting of one single malt, blend or soft drink – you choose! Gift-boxed original Glencairn crystal whisky glass worth £7.00 to take home (adults only). Special whisky aroma card to take home. Digital tutorial on hosting your own tasting – includes the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Gold Tour – FIVE WHISKIES – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Get a REAL taste for Scotch whisky Ideal for whisky enthusiasts Includes Our SILVER TOUR with one whisky of your choice + all inclusions... PLUS Tutored nosing & tasting of four contrasting regional single malts. From the citrus notes of the Lowlands and fruitiness of Speyside to the heathery Highlands and unmistakable smokiness of Islay, our expert led nosing and tasting offers a complete journey across Scotland's whisky regions. One year membership of the Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society, with discounts in our award-winning specialist whisky bar and shop – home to 600 single malts, blends & Scotch whisky liqueurs.

Edinburgh · 690m from Scotland

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Scottish Highlands

7.3

United Kingdom · Fort Augustus

63 reviews

The Scottish Highlands encompass the majestic mountains and valleys of Great Britain. The region is sparsely populated, with vast stretches of wilderness maintaining a raw and desolate appearance. Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, stands in the heart of the Highlands. Its summit is shrouded in mist year-round, and the weather is changeable, attracting many hikers to climb it. The Great Glen divides the Highlands into two, with the Grampian Mountains and the Northwest Highlands on either side, and the area is dotted with numerous lakes and valleys. Glen Coe is famous for its jagged peaks and wild, desolate moors, making it one of the iconic landscapes of the Highlands. Driving along the A82 road, you can see The Three Sisters rising abruptly. Loch Ness is hidden deep in the Great Glen, with the ruins of Urquhart Castle standing quietly on the shore. The Highlands also preserve Scottish Gaelic cultural traditions and whisky distilling techniques, and many distilleries along the route offer tastings of single malt whisky. Driving along wild roads, strolling along mountain trails, visiting ancient castles and lakes, or touring whisky distilleries are all popular local experiences.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Princes Street

6.8

4.8/5

339 reviews

The total length of Princes Street is only 1.5 kilometers. This street divides Edinburgh into two cities, the old and the new, the new city in the north and the old city in the south. The east end of Princes Street is connected to Calton Hill. The hill is not high and overlooks the city.

Edinburgh · 627m from Scotland

National Museum of Scotland

6.5

Edinburgh · 709m from Scotland

285 reviews

The National Museum of Scotland was formed by the merger of the original Scottish Museum and the Royal Scottish Museum, and is considered one of the buildings of Scotland in the 20th century, adding a lively modern atmosphere to Edinburgh's Old Town. The architectural design of the museum echoes the unique history and natural environment of Scotland, especially the Round Tower in Edinburgh, forming an ingenious connection between history and modernity. The building is clad in Scottish golden sandstone, creating a weather-beaten ancient look. The triangular entrance hall is as high as seven floors, creating a sense of space full of tension, which is vividly likened to a "bird cage". The light is good, and the sun can almost fill every corner of the hall. Decorative pieces such as fountains and fish ponds add to the natural appeal.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

St Giles' Cathedral

6.3

4.5/5

169 reviews

St Giles' Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile in the city center of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a representative religious building in Edinburgh and an important church of the Church of Scotland. Its religious history dates back to 1124, and the existing building has undergone expansions and renovations over several periods, featuring an overall medieval Gothic architectural style. The exterior is characterized by stone walls, pointed arched windows, and a striking crown spire. The spire rises high above the city blocks and is a highly recognizable view in the Royal Mile area. Today, it is still used for daily worship, while also being open to visitors and hosting concerts and cultural events.

Edinburgh · 449m from Scotland

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Bus Tours

6.3

Edinburgh · 363m from Scotland

16 reviews

Edinburgh Bus Tours offer an immersive experience to explore the rich history and culture of Scotland's capital. As a charming city, Edinburgh is renowned for its magnificent architecture, long history, and diverse cultural activities. The city sightseeing provides multiple carefully designed bus routes, covering major tourist attractions and hidden gems, allowing visitors to explore the city with ease and convenience. Hop aboard the open-top Edinburgh Bus Tours to admire the majestic Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, and soak in the historic charm of ancient streets. The bus passes iconic landmarks like the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the National Museum of Scotland, and Princes Street Gardens, with each stop offering opportunities to delve deeper into the city's culture and history. The onboard multilingual audio guide provides rich background knowledge and fascinating stories, making your journey even more enriching. Whether it's your first visit or a return to the city, Edinburgh Bus Tours offer a comprehensive and flexible way to explore. Hop on and off at your leisure, tailoring your itinerary to your interests and pace while fully experiencing Edinburgh's unique charm. This isn't just a sightseeing trip—it's a cultural journey that lets you engage deeply with the city.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Dungeon

6.2

4.3/5

21 reviews

The Edinburgh Dungeon is a very popular experience for young people. There is no real dungeon here, but there are realistic historical scenes, and professional actors introduce and interpret Scotland's unbearable history for you, allowing you to experience it from all aspects of vision, hearing, and touch, as if you really went through a time tunnel back to the time when the story took place. This is not only an interesting and unforgettable experience, but also can bring some inspiration to people. It is worth a visit. It should be noted that since the experience here may have some scary scenes, tourists with poor mental state and too young should choose carefully.

Edinburgh · 287m from Scotland

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Experiences you can't miss in Scotland

Featured Day tours in Scotland

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Glenfinnan Viaduct + Scottish Highlands 1-day tour|A must-visit for Harry Potter fans

3.9/5

· 19 reviews· 174 booked

Duration: 9.7 hrs

English

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FromINR 7,379.10

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4.0/5

· 7 reviews· 94 booked

Duration: 8.5 hrs

English

245 travellers saved

FromINR 9,366.11

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UK Loch Ness Cruise + Glen Coe + Scottish Highlands 1-day Tour | Comfortable Minibus

4.4/5

· 8 reviews· 148 booked

Duration: 10.7 hrs

English

Free cancellation

233 travellers saved

FromINR 12,530.54

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Scotland

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FromINR 11,414.46

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Duration: 150 mins

English

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Duration: 75 mins

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Aberdeen Audio Tour: Aberdeen's Dual Landmarks Odyssey

Duration: 1 hr

English

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20% off

Limited-time sale

FromINR 670.18INR 837.73

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Featured Nature & wildlife in Scotland

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1-day tour to Stirling Castle + Loch Lomond cruise | admission ticket included | comfortable minibus

Duration: 7.1 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromINR 12,391.32

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From Aberdeen: Dunnottar Castle and Cairngorms Day Trip

4.9/5

· 114 reviews

Duration: 9 hrs

English

Free cancellation

97.4% of travelers recommend

FromINR 7,035.21

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1-day tour to Dunnottar Castle + Braemar + Cairngorms National Park | Comfortable minibus

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 6 hrs

English

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FromINR 7,796.79

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[Special 10h Chinese/English private charter] Edinburgh/Glasgow round-trip + Scottish Highlands tour

Duration: 5 hrs

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FromINR 63,905.75

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From Glasgow: Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond Small-Group Tour

5.0/5

· 27 reviews

Duration: 9 hrs

English

Free cancellation

27 consecutive positive reviews

FromINR 6,407.18

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Depart from Edinburgh | Glen Coe, Fort William and Glenfinnan Viaduct 1-day tour

Duration: 9 hrs

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Departing from Edinburgh | Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe, Loch Ness, and Inverness 1-day tour

Duration: 8.2 hrs

English

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FromINR 4,886.91

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Departing from Edinburgh | Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Inverness, and the Scottish Highlands 1-day tour

Duration: 6.6 hrs

English

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FromINR 6,515.88

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Group Tours in Scotland

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Free things to do in Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town

9

Edinburgh · 487m from Scotland

133 reviews

Scottish Highlands

7.3