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Scotland delivers on every expectation. It's a deeply romantic land filled with misty lochs, fields of heather, and moody mountain ranges. At the same time, its thoroughly modern cities are welcoming cultural hubs. Whether you’re in the heart of Edinburgh at Hogmanay, alone in Iona Abbey, or teeing off at Carnoustie, you’ll experience a nation that champions its history and believes in its future. Our picks of the best include many world-famous attractions as well as a few well-kept secrets.
Discover some of Europe’s most mysterious and best-preserved prehistoric sites on the western edges of mainland Orkney. The huge Ring of Brodgar stone circle and imposing Stones of Stenness stand close to Maeshowe chambered cairn and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae.
The Falkirk Wheel: A triumph of ambitious Scottish engineering, this gleaming claw-like structure is the world’s first and only rotating boatlift. The Wheel effortlessly swings boats the 35m (115 ft.) between the Union and Forth and Clyde canals using only a fraction of power and Archimedes’ Principle.
Stunning views, narrow closes, and dark wynds (alleys) spread out in all directions along this street, which forms the backbone of Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town. Take in the many free museums and some of Scotland’s most well-known attractions along the way.
Join the thousand-strong horde of “Vikings” who march through Lerwick, Shetland, every January as part of Up Helly Aa, Europe’s largest fire festival. In a pagan-like desire to light up the seemingly endless winter night, they set fire to a replica longboat in the harbor.
Scotland is littered with ancient castles. Many—such as Urquhart on the banks of Loch Ness and the cliff-top Tantallon—stand in ruined splendor. Others such as Macbeth’s very own Cawdor (pictured) are luxurious, legendary family homes.
Held throughout the year, these family-friendly sporting days celebrate Scottish culture like no other event. Highlights include men in kilts tossing cabers (small tree trunks) and local Scottish dancing. The best known is Braemar’s late August Royal Highland Gathering, near Balmoral Castle.
Connecting three of the Highlands’ longest lochs (Ness, Lochy, and Oich), the Caledonian Canal once transported goods between Scotland’s east and west coasts. Today you can take in spectacular waterborne views of the Scottish countryside from the decks of the cabin cruisers that ply these calm waters.