How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation

A medieval capital full of narrow, cobbled streets and jaw-dropping castle views. The soaring peaks and mist-shrouded glens of the Highlands. Coastal villages with white-sand beaches and world-class seafood. As Gavin Harrison, operations team leader for Rabbie’s Tours, puts it, “Scotland is a place where you can travel in any direction and find something for everyone.”

It’s also a country of surprising juxtapositions, where you can explore a rich history that stretches back through the millennia one day, then discover eclectic contemporary art and music the next. A destination where you can spend the days in mud-splattered waterproofs, testing yourself on mountain hiking and biking trails, and your evenings sampling Michelin-starred cuisine or relaxing fireside in a castle hotel. It’s a location for people with a passion, whether that’s fly fishing on salmon-rich rivers, teeing off on the legendary golf courses of St. Andrews, wildlife spotting in the Cairngorms, or touring Islay’s unique whisky distilleries.

Siobhan Byrne, founder of luxury travel agency Adams & Butler, calls Scotland “raw and authentic” — a place to both lose and find yourself while engaging with wonderful local people and awe-inspiring nature.

Start planning your trip to the most northerly nation of the United Kingdom with our top recommendations on what to see, where to stay and eat, and when to go.

Best Hotels & Lodges

100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

In the shadow of Edinburgh Castle stands 100 Princes Street, a 30-room haven housed in the former Royal Overseas League building and defined by designer tartans, gilt-framed oil paintings, and a five-story mural depicting the adventures of Scotland’s most famous botanists. Highlights include castle-view restaurant The Wallace and experiences ranging from gin-distilling classes to appointments with a bespoke kilt maker.

Rusacks St Andrews, Fife

Named by Travel + Leisure editors as one of the world’s best new hotels for 2022, Rusacks St Andrews also comes highly recommended by Harrison, who says that “with views overlooking the 18th hole of arguably the most famous golf course in the world, you can’t beat the interior decor or service.” Test your own skills at the one-hole putting green on the terrace of rooftop restaurant and bar, 18.

Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe

Of the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe, Harrison says, “The location is simply stunning — there are no words that can do it justice.” He’s not wrong — astonishing views of Buachaille Etive Mòr mountain and grounds frequented by herds of red deer make this popular hikers retreat special. You’ll find comfortable rooms, a Highlands-inspired restaurant, and a dormitory-style bunkhouse for backpackers tackling the West Highland Way.

Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire

Those wanting to stay in a true Scottish castle, complete with turrets and crenelated ramparts, can live out their fantasies at Glenapp Castle. Set on a 110-acre private estate in Ayrshire (a part of the country Byrne calls “totally underappreciated with so much to do by road and sea), it offers 17 opulent suites, gourmet dining, and a private boat for adventures through the nearby islands.

Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye

Housed in the whitewashed buildings of a 17th-century farmhouse, family-run Kinloch Lodge occupies an idyllic location on the shores of Skye’s Sleat peninsula. Otters and golden eagles are often encountered on ghillie-led Wild Walks, while other activities range from deer stalking to trout fishing. Byrne says the farm-to-table restaurant is “a must-do for dinner” with those who are pressed for time often helicoptering in from the mainland.

Best Things to Do

Edinburgh Old Town

Voted by T+L readers as one of the best European cities to visit in 2024, Byrne calls the Scottish capital “a fairy-tale city with winding streets, cobblestones, and a castle right in the middle.” Immerse yourself in the Old Town’s medieval grandeur by taking a walking tour of landmarks that include the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

The Hebrides

Each of the Hebridean islands has something unique to offer. Head to Skye (voted one of the world’s best islands to visit in 2024) for otherworldly landscapes like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, or to Mull for unforgettable encounters with otters and sea eagles. Harrison recommends Lewis and Harris for “stunning beaches that rival those in the Caribbean.”

Dunnottar Castle

Of the more than 1,500 Scottish castles, the ruined medieval fortress of Dunnottar is a strong contender for the most dramatic. Set on a 160-foot cliff just south of Stonehaven and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, the castle once hosted William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots and is most impressive at sunrise.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park covers a vast tract of northeast Scotland and offers countless activities for nature lovers. Climb Ben Macdui, the second-highest peak in the U.K. Look for ospreys on Loch Garten, ride challenging mountain bike routes, or hike into the hills to meet the country’s only wild reindeer herd.

Islay Whisky Distilleries

The Scots know a thing or two about whisky, and some of the most unique distilleries are located on the island of Islay. Harrison says it’s “where some of the best whisky in the entire world is created.” He suggests this four-day Rabbie’s tour for a deep dive into the processes and products of world-famous distilleries such as Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Bowmore.

Best Restaurants

The Kitchin, Edinburgh

Hand-dived Orkney scallops, Highland wagyu beef, venison from Hopetoun Estate — these are just a few of the ingredients you might find on the menu at The Kitchin, a contemporary Scottish restaurant on the Leith waterfront known for its seasonal tasting menus. At the helm is Tom Kitchin, the youngest chef in Scotland to be awarded a Michelin star.

Cuchullin Restaurant, Skye

Harrison says Cuchullin Restaurant “boasts the finest, freshest seafood, all brought ashore from two minutes away in the harbor.” The sharing platter is a particular highlight, while most dishes are simple, uncomplicated, and relatively affordable. With tables assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, be sure to arrive early in summer.

Tailend, St. Andrews

Tailend in St. Andrews has a sit-down dining room, but Harrison says the real reason to visit is the fish and chips from the takeaway section. After trying the classic British delicacy at restaurants all over Scotland, he claims Tailend’s is the best. Other specialities include hot smoked salmon and traditional Arbroath smokies (smoked haddock).

The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, Perthshire

Executive chef Mark Donald is the man behind the magic at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, a two-Michelin-star gastronomic experience in rural Perthshire. Adorned with Lalique chandeliers and attached to Scotland’s oldest working distillery, the restaurant offers artful seasonal menus, wine pairings, and whisky tastings.

Dusit Thai Restaurant, Edinburgh

Big cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow offer an impressive variety of cuisines for those wanting to explore beyond classic Scottish dining. Dusit Thai on the capital’s quaint Thistle Street is an excellent choice for inexpensive Thai food served by friendly staff in a relaxed atmosphere. The aromatic panang and massaman curries are especially delicious.

Best Cities

Glasgow

Byrne calls Scotland’s largest settlement “an art and architectural city defined by the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.” It’s home to a host of fascinating galleries and museums, including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the hyper-modern, transport-focused Riverside Museum.

Inverness

As the cultural capital of the Highlands, Inverness is steeped in history and ideally located for exploring local attractions like Culloden Battlefield and the prehistoric burial site at Clava Cairns. It’s also connected via the River Ness to Loch Ness, home of scenic boat tours (keep an eye out for Nessie) and the majestic Urquhart Castle.

Dunkeld

Although a town, not a city, Harrison has a soft spot for Dunkeld in Perthshire. He loves it for “its location on the banks of the River Tay and its quaint little high street filled with boutique craft shops, pubs, and delis.” Local attractions include Dunkeld Cathedral — the oldest parts of which date back to the 1200s — and the forest and waterfall trails of The Hermitage.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Scotland depends on what you want to see and do. Harrison says, “There are pros and cons to all of the seasons in Scotland, and sometimes we experience them all in the same day.”

Spring is a time of abundant growth and greenness, with flowers blooming everywhere and fields filled with lambs. Summer typically brings the warmest weather and long hours of daylight (although you should still pack your waterproof shoes). It’s a lively time to be in the capital, with the annual Edinburgh International Festival, the Festival Fringe, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, all of which run concurrently throughout the month of August.

However, summer visitors should expect sky-high accommodation rates and reservations that fill up months in advance, according to Byrne. If you’re headed to the west coast, the Highlands, or the islands, keep in mind summer is also midge season in Scotland.

Byrne loves fall, with its fresh air, fewer crowds, and “hundred shades of purple on the heather-strewn hills.” And while winter sees unreliable weather and much shorter days, Harrison says these factors provide the perfect excuse to “pour a dram and enjoy it beside a roaring fireplace.” 

How to Get There

For most international visitors, the easiest way to get to Scotland is to fly into either Edinburgh or Glasgow. American, United, Delta, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France all offer direct flights from the U.S. — from cities including New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Atlanta. Be aware that some carriers only run these routes seasonally. If you can’t find a trip that works for you, consider flying into London and then catching the sleeper train up to Edinburgh.

How to Get Around

Train

If you plan on using public transport to explore Scotland, the train is your best option. ScotRail operates an extensive network across the country, connecting Edinburgh and Glasgow in the center to Thurso in the far north, Aberdeen on the east coast, and Oban on the west coast. Trains are safe, clean, and generally efficient. For the best price, book in advance via Trainline.

Ferry

Visiting most of the Scottish islands requires a ferry (although you can drive to Skye, which is connected to the mainland via a bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh). The island ferries are run by Caledonian MacBrayne, or CalMac, and while some routes are operated on a Turn Up and Go basis, most can be booked in advance. Be sure to do so as soon as possible for summer trips.

Car

If you want to explore beyond the main towns and cities, renting a car is the most practical option. There are plenty of companies to choose from at both Edinburgh and Glasgow airports. Just bear in mind people drive on the left side in Scotland, roads can be quite narrow, and there’s a zero tolerance drink-driving limit.

Tour

Those who prefer not to drive themselves may want to explore on an organized tour. Small-group excursions like those offered by Rabbie’s Tours are a great way to get to know the country with insightful commentary from a local guide. And with a professional driver at the wheel, you can relax and enjoy the glorious scenery.