Best things to do in Scotland

Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Scotland Dropdown content you need to include in your trip? Read on to make sure you don't miss out on these big ones, taken straight from our travel guide The Rough Guide to Scotland Dropdown content.

1. Eigg

Perfect example of a tiny, friendly Hebridean island, Eigg offers with a golden beach to lie on, a hill to climb and stunning views across the sea to its neighbour, Rùm.

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2. Celebrate Hogmanay

Traditional New Year celebrations, with whisky, dancing and fireworks staving off the midwinter chill.

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3. The Cairngorm mountains

Natural splendour and terrific outdoor activities such as hiking, mountainbiking and in winter even skiing, plus the last remaining Caledonian pines - the Cairngorms have it all.

© Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock

4. Gearrannan, Lewis

Stay in the thatched blackhouse hostel in the beautifully restored former crofting village on Lewis.

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5. Melrose Abbey

Ruined Cistercian abbey situated in the most beguiling of Border towns.

© Richard Melichar/Shutterstock

6. Tobermory

The main town on the beautiful island of Mull, and Scotland’s most picturesque fishing port.

© James McKay/Shutterstock

7. Scottish Parliament

Enric Miralles’ startling, contemporary design for the Scottish Parliament has transformed the old Holyrood area of Edinburgh.

Scottish Parliament Debating Chamber © Duirinish Light/Shutterstock

8. Glen Coe

Moody, poignant and spectacular, Glen Coe of dramatic James Bond fame is within easy reach of Fort William.

© A Jellema/Shutterstock

9. Staffa and the Treshnish Isles

View the basalt columns of Staffa’s Fingal’s Cave from the sea, and then picnic beside the puffins on the Isle of Lunga.

© Aelice/Shutterstock

10. Edinburgh Festival

The world’s biggest festival of theatre and the arts transforms Edinburgh every August.

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11. Islay

Hebridean island with no fewer than seven whisky distilleries, and wonderfully varied birdlife that includes thousands of wintering geese.

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12. Jarlshof, Shetland

An exceptional archeological site on the Shetland isles taking in Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish, Viking and medieval remains.

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13. Shetland Folk Festival

Shetland is the place to experience traditional folk music, and the annual Folk Festival is the best time to do it.

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14. Scottish Pubs

Forget the great outdoors and install yourself in one of Scotland’s cosy and convivial hostelries.

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15. Glasgow School of Art

Finest example of the unique style of Glasgow architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Vintage looking The Glasgow School of Art © Claudio Divizia/Shutterstock

16. Burrel Collection, Glasgow

An unconventional but impressive museum at the heart of Glasgow’s cultural renaissance.

Burrel Collection, Glasgow © rubiphoto/Shutterstock

17. Mousa, Shetland

The mother of all Iron Age brochs (round towers) on an island off the coast of Shetland.

Mousa Broch is the finest preserved example of an Iron Age broch or round tower. It is in the small island of Mousa in Shetland, Scotland © Marcin Kadziolka/Shutterstock

18. Edinburgh Old Town

Lose yourself in the capital’s medieval cobbled streets and closes and enjoy the unique city vibes of Edinburgh Old Town.

Street view of the historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland - shutterstock

19. Stirling Castle, Stirling

Enjoy a commanding outlook over both Highlands and Lowlands from Stirling Castle, one of the grandest castles in Scotland.

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20. Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Learn about nature, history and discoveries in Scotland, and marvel at treasures including the ivory Lewis chessmen the striking modern National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

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21. South Harris beaches

Take your pick of deserted golden sand beaches in South Harris, or further south in the Uists.

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22. Iona

The legendary home of Celtic Christian spirituality, Iona is an island of pilgrimage today as in antiquity.

Iona Abbey, Scotland © Heartland Arts/Shutterstock

23. Caledonian forest

Among the gnarled pines, survivors of the great ancient forests in the Scottish Highlands, you can encounter one of Scotland’s largest populations of the elusive red squirrel.

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24. Dunnottar Castle

Memorably dramatic ruined fortress just south of Aberdeen, surrounded by giddy sea cliffs

© aiaikawa/Shutterstock

25. Calanais, Lewis

Prehistoric standing stones that occupy a serene setting on Lewis, the largest of the Western Isles.

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Are you looking for even more Scotland inspiration? Check out our round up of the most remote places in Scotland, as well as the most beautiful places in Scotland as voted by our readers.

Ready to travel to Scotland? Find out about the best time to go, the best places to visit and top things to do in Scotland. For inspiration use the Scotland itineraries from The Rough Guide to Scotlandand as well as the bookable itineraries created by our local travel agents in Scotland. A bit more hands on, check out the map of Scotland, learn about getting there, getting around Scotland and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

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