Scotland Travel Guide

The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide

Scotland is a joy to visit, with its lush green landscape, dramatic mountains, whiskey distilleries, friendly people, and cities that seem frozen in the Dark Ages. Medieval tales come to life on the streets of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands offer a beauty like no other. Immerse yourself in the enchanting blend of history, nature, and culture that makes Scotland an irresistible destination.

Scotland Stats

Official Languages: English, Scots, and Scottish Gaelic

Population: 5 million

Capital City: Edinburgh

Currency: Pound sterling

Power Outlet: Type G

Neist Point

Scotland Itinerary

On a map, Scotland may look small. But don’t let that fool you…there is a lot to see and do here. From visiting castles to sipping whisky to bagging some Munros to exploring the mystical Isle of Skye…there is enough to keep you busy for weeks. In this Scotland itinerary, you will be able to see the very best of this amazing country.

Visit Edinburgh, drive through the Highlands of Scotland, with the option to visit Loch Ness. Spend several days on the mystical Isle of Skye, visit Glencoe, and end your trip with 24 hours in Glasgow.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a great place to start or end a Scottish road trip. Learn about the best things to do in Edinburgh and how to plan your visit.

Glasgow

Glasgow is often an overlooked destination in Scotland. Most people tour Edinburgh and then head to the Highlands, for good reason, as both of these places are amazing. But Glasgow is worth a visit. It’s a great Scottish city with 24 hours you can see the highlights.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. If you want to see some truly spectacular scenery, and some of the most iconic landscapes in Scotland, don't miss the Isle of Skye. 

More of Scotland

If you are road tripping through Scotland, Glencoe is a beautiful spot to visit. If you are a hiker, the Kintail Saddle is a spectacular hike to put on your list. And we also cover if Loch Ness is worth adding to your Scotland itinerary.

Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info

Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit fairytale towns and castles, island hop in Greece, or go on an unforgettable road trip in northern Europe?

In this article we list 25 ways to spend one week in Europe. 

Top Experiences in Scotland

Edinburgh: Our time exploring Edinburgh was an absolute delight. This medieval city is a picturesque wonder with a plethora of activities to enjoy – from climbing a volcano and discovering the inspiration behind JK Rowling's Harry Potter series to touring a castle, delving into how whiskey is made, and experiencing the darker side of the Middle Ages.

Isle of Skye: The Isle of Skye is a stunning destination in Scotland, known for its lush green hills that transform into towering mountains and then descend into the blue coastline. Charming towns, Highland cattle, and hiking trails dot this wondrous landscape. Hiking amidst the Isle of Skye was our favorite part of our trip to Scotland.

Glencoe: If you are taking a road trip through Scotland, Glencoe should be on your list of places to visit. This gorgeous valley is a great place for families, hikers, and those that love the great outdoors. You can either drive through it, spending just an hour here, or you could easily spend an entire day hiking and exploring.

Glasgow: Glasgow is one of Scotland’s largest cities, and though it does not hold as much historical importance as Edinburgh, it is still a fun place to be. This modernized city is packed with whiskey distilleries, rowdy pubs, and pedestrian shopping streets.

Photograph the Eilean Donan Castle: Eilean Donan Castle, situated on an island where three lochs converge amidst breathtaking scenery, is a stunning fortress with a rich history. Once pivotal in the Jacobite revolution, the castle now stands as one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks in all of Scotland.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: Loch Ness is Scotland’s most famous loch. Legend has it that this lake is home to Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. People travel all over the world to visit this famous loch, hoping to get a chance to spot the elusive underwater monster.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs: Loch Lomond, located just north of Glasgow, is a vast lake surrounded by mountains to hike, quaint villages to explore, and opportunities for water sports. Trossachs National Park, the region around Loch Lomond, offers enchanting trails around multiple lochs, woodlands, and mountains. Additionally, don't miss Doune Castle, known as the set of Winterfell in Game of Thrones and featured in Outlander and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. 

Stirling Castle: Stirling Castle stands as one of the most impressive castles to visit in Scotland. This grand fortress boasts a rich history intertwined with royalty, sieges, and battles for independence.

Cairngorms National Park: As the largest national park in Great Britain, Cairngorms is a place of outdoor adventure, traditional Highlands culture, wildlife, distilleries, and ancient fortresses. This National Park has some of the tallest mountains in the UK, making it a perfect location for skiing and hiking.

How Many Days Do You Need in Scotland?

In order to tour the highlights of Scotland (Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, and the Highlands of Scotland), plan on spending 8 to 10 days in Scotland. Eight days gives you just enough time to spend two full days in Edinburgh, drive to and from the Isle of Skye (visiting a few places on the drive), and two days in the Isle of Skye.

Best Time to Visit Scotland

Early May through mid-June is a great time to visit Scotland.

June, July, and August are the warmest months of the year, with average daytime hikes of 16°C (60°F).

April, May, and June are the driest months of the year, averaging about 10 days of rain per month.

The summer gets the most visitors. If you are looking for good weather and lower crowds, plan your visit from early May through mid-June. Expect big crowds in July and August. In September, visitation and crowds go down, but rain chances increase.