Best Things to Do in Scotland - The Canny Traveler

Navigating the cobbled streets of Edinburgh to wandering through mystical forests in the Highlands, this land of lochs and castles is a magnificent travel destination. Whether you’re into city life, history, or nature, Scotland has something for every type of visitor. This travel guide offers our choice tips of just a few of the best things to do in Scotland.

Explore enchanting Edinburgh

Edinburgh is much more than just Scotland’s capital. It’s a picturesque city packed full of history, beauty, and entertainment.

Walk up the Royal Mile and listen to bagpipe players as you make your way up to the awe-inspiring Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy a short hike up Arthur’s Seat for inspiring views and don’t forget to check out the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum—all for free! Other great things to see in Edinburgh: the colorful and hilly Victoria Street, Scott Monument, and the Garden of Cosmic Speculation.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the Three Sisters of Glencoe

Whether you prefer to rent a car or book a day tour, heading up to the Highlands to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Three Sisters mountains of Glencoe is a treat. You’ll learn about its rich history and folklore while soaking up its natural beauty. It’s easily one of the best things to see in Scotland. You’ll also have a chance to see Loch Lomond, sheep and Highland cattle, and quaint villages along this route.

Glencoe captivates the imagination in any season!

Spend some time on Isle of Skye

A Scottish isle with more sheep than people is an ideal place to delve deep into Scotland’s extraordinary scenery. Explore the colorful village of Portree, visit the mystical Fairy Pools, and catch a glimpse of the Old Man of Storr, a fascinating rock formation that overlooks much of the isle.

This mystical outcrop is just one of many fascinating places to visit

Act like a local in Glasgow

Edinburgh may be the capital, but Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and it’s full of life, making it a great place to dive into the local scene.

Enjoy the best shopping in the UK outside of London on busy Buchanan Street, check out the phenomenal Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and enjoy craft beer at Brewdog.

Other fantastic things to do in Glasgow: Visit the treehouse-like pub Waxy O’Connor’s, check out the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, and wander the beautiful botanical garden in the trendy west end.

Enjoy whisky and live music in a traditional Scottish pub

Did you really go to Scotland if you didn’t have a drink in a quaint, traditional pub as fiddlers cheerfully played in the corner? Visit The Pot Still in Glasgow, Sandy Bell’s in Edinburgh, and the Clachaig Inn in Glencoe for some of the best traditional pubs in Scotland.

Visit the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most admired and recognized in Scotland. It’s a short journey away from Isle of Skye and is a must-visit castle on any trip to Scotland. Just be aware that you won’t be the only ones excited to get there so plan ahead if possible.

Truly one of Scotland’s finest and most iconic castles

As a bonus tip while enjoying the best things to do in Scotland take a short drive from Eilan Donan to Manuela’s Wee Bakery in Dornie.

Take an isles tour and witness the magic of Fingal’s Cave

Take a tour to explore some of Scotland’s remote islands on the west coast. This exciting tour leaves from the charming seaside town of Oban and takes visitors to three isles: Mull, Iona, and Staffa.

Staffa is special for its beautiful hexagonal rock formation in a sea cave known as Fingal’s Cave. Though Staffa itself is uninhabited, it’s still one of the best things to see in Scotland for its miraculous natural beauty.

Explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands

Take a scenic train ride or rent a car and head north to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. It’s a beautiful small city offering amazing day trips to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and more. Head to Hootananny for the best live music and drinks, wander through the Ness Islands, and check out Inverness Cathedral.

Visit Culloden Battlefield if you love history

History enthusiasts will enjoy a half day trip from Inverness to see Culloden Battlefield. The Battle of Culloden was the last confrontation of the Jacobite rising before suffering a brutal defeat against the Hanoverian Government in April of 1745.

Follow the timeline as you make your way through the museum while enjoying interactive experiences and friendly staff members doing skits and telling stories from this dark period in Scottish history. Finally, you’ll make your way out to the battlefield where visitors can take an eerie stroll through the fields.

Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train

Enjoy one of the world’s greatest train journeys as you journey from Fort William to Mallaig. You’ll pass Britain’s highest peak Ben Nevis and cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made popular as part of the Hogwarts Express route in the Harry Potter films). You’ll also witness some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery during this 6-hour return journey.

Final words

We hope you’ve enjoyed this wee taste of some of the finest things Scotland has to offer. Stay tuned for more of the best things to do in Scotland coming soon.