The Best Areas of Scotland to Visit for First-Time Travelers

Edinburgh was 2024’s leading cultural city in Europe for good reason. It’s both the cultural and historical heart of Scotland, with all the medieval alleyways, royal landmarks, buzzing pubs, and world-class museums visitors could hope to see. The city itself is split into two distinct halves.

Old Town is Edinburgh’s ancient core. It’s a moody maze of Gothic architecture, cobbled streets, and stone closes. Here, the Royal Mile runs from the commanding Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace, connecting centuries of Scotland’s history. This stretch of road is the busiest in Edinburgh but also holds some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and experiences. Old Town is home to the National Museum of Scotland, which is completely free to explore. New Town sits just north of its medieval counterpart. Built in the 18th century as a response to Old Town’s overcrowding, New Town stands out with wide boulevards, Georgian buildings, and elegant gardens. Grab a cocktail on George Street, explore high-end boutiques at Multrees Walk, or stroll the Princes Street Gardens with views up to the castle.

The Scottish Highlands are a place of raw elemental beauty. Towering mountains, ancient glens, mirror-like lochs, and windswept moors define the region. Films and folklore often feature this region as the setting for beloved stories due to its distinctive, fantastical look.

Inverness, considered the Highlands’ capital, is a great place to start your journey around the region. From here, you can catch a cruise around Loch Ness in search of the elusive Nessie, explore atmospheric ruins at Urquhart Castle, and head west to Glen Affric, a quieter and often more breathtaking alternative to the more popular and touristy Glencoe. After a hike, bike, or sail around the area, there’s no better way to unwind than by heading down to one of Scotland’s many whisky distilleries. Enjoy hearty local fare and chat with locals while sipping the finest spirits.

In the northeast, Aberdeenshire offers a slower pace and less visited side of Scotland. The coastline here is rugged, yet it sits close to a rolling countryside dotted with sheep and storybook-like villages. This region also boasts the most castles per acre anywhere in the UK, with more than 260 of them located in Aberdeenshire alone.

The city of Aberdeen, nicknamed the Granite City for its silver-grey appearance, is a solid home base. It’s Scotland’s third-largest city and located right on the North Sea shores. While here, don’t miss out on dishes featuring fresh local seafood or famous Aberdeen Angus beef. Outside the city, follow the castle trail to catch a glimpse of pink-hued Craigievar Castle or the Crathes Castle estate. If you can fit in a drive an hour inland, it’s worth the trip to Cairngorms National Park for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Of all Scotland’s majestic landscapes, none looks quite like the Isle of Skye. This small island looks otherworldly with tall, jagged rock formations, raging waterfalls tumbling into the sea, misty lochs, and vast mountain ranges. It’s no wonder the area is steeped in Celtic lore and legend.

Portree is a great place to stay while visiting. This colorful harbor town has the best selection of restaurants, accommodations, and shops. You can take day trips by car from the city or sail around the island from the harbor. Must-see spots around Portree include the dreamlike Fairy Pools to the southwest, the Fairy Glenn to the north, and the iconic ridge lines and rock formations at the Quiraing.