Top tourist attractions & places to visit in Scotland

Looking for the most popular Scottish tourist attractions? We've got iconic castles, incredible museums, family days out, beautiful gardens, and places off-the-beaten-track. What's more, many of them are completely free to visit! Check out our list, based on the latest visitor numbers.*

  1. National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh

    National Museum of Scotland

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Admission: Free

    Set on Edinburgh's Chambers Street, the National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and precious objects. Not only one of the best attractions in Scotland, it's also one of the most popular in the UK outside of London and offers a great, year-round programme of temporary exhibitions and events.

    Similar places to explore: The National Portait Gallery, The McManus Art Gallery & Museum, Perth Museum.

    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  2. Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh

    Edinburgh Castle in the sunshine

    Admission: Paid

    Edinburgh Castle is a true icon of Scotland and has dominated the skyline of the capital for centuries. Unusually, it's set atop an extinct volcano. It takes the title of Scotland's most-visited paid-for attraction.

    Similar places to explore: Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Falkland Palace.

    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  3. Scottish National Gallery Edinburgh

    National Galleries Scotland: National

    © National Galleries Scotland

    Admission: Free

    The Scottish National Gallery houses Scotland's national collection of fine art from the early Renaissance to the end of the 19th century. The walls of this top attraction are adorned with masterpieces, from Raphael, Velázquez and Vermeer to Monet, Cézanne and Van Gogh, as well as works of Scottish artists.

    Similar places to explore: National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One and Two, The Burrell Collection, Aberdeen Art Gallery. 

    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  4. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Glasgow

    Exterior of the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Admission: Free

    You'll want to keep coming back to this museum time and time again. Set next to a classic Victorian park by the River Kelvin in Glasgow's west end, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses a staggering 8,000 objects in over 22 beautiful galleries.

    Similar places to explore: Hunterian Museum, V&A Dundee, The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
  5. Riverside Museum Glasgow

    Riverside Museum

    Admission: Free

    The spectacular Riverside Museum sits on the River Clyde and is home to the Glasgow Museum of Transport. It is full of fascinating objects and vehicles which tell the story of Scotland's past and present. It's one of the top places to visit in Scotland and a must-visit when in Glasgow.

    Similar places to explore: RRS Discovery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, National Museum of Flight

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Hearing Loop
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
  6. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    Glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Garden; Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Admission: Free

    Founded in 1670 and considered to be one of the finest gardens in the world, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers 72 acres of peace and tranquillity and is only a stone's throw from the bustling city centre.

    Similar places to explore: Dawyck Botanic Garden, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, St Andrews Botanic Garden,

    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  7. National War Museum Edinburgh

    Red and white striped military jacket on display at the National War Museum

    Admission: Free

    The National War Museum can be found in Edinburgh Castle and is filled with exhibits and artefacts that tell of the impact of war on Scotland's history, identity and reputation abroad.

    Similar places to explore: The Gordon Highlandesr Museum, Coldstream Museum, Fort George. 

    Key facilities
    • Accessible toilets
    • Hearing Loop
  8. Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh

    Giraffes at Edinburgh Zoo

    © The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

    Admission: Paid

    With over 1,000 animals from every corner of the globe, a visit to Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic family day out. At this top attraction in Edinburgh you can meet the penguins at the famous Penguin Parade and get closer than ever before to chimpanzees on the Budongo Trail.

    Similar places to explore: Highland Wildlife Park, Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  9. Glenfinnan Monument The Highlands

    Glenfinnan Monument & Visitor Centre

    Admission: Paid

    An epic tourist attraction amidst Scotland's stunning landscapes built to honour the fallen Jacobite clansmen, the Glenfinnan Monument overlooks Loch Shiel and is backed by the world-renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct. Learn more about this turbulent time in Scotland's past and the kilted Highlander who stands on top of the monument.

    Similar places to explore: Wallace Monument, Tay Bridge, Leaderfoot Viaduct.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Hearing Loop
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  10. Stirling Castle Stirling

    Stirling Castle

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Admission: Paid

    Not only one of the finest and best-preserved Renaissance buildings in the whole of the UK, Stirling Castle was also the favoured residence for many of Scotland's kings and queens. It sits dramatically atop a volcanic rock overlooking the River Forth and was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. 

    Similar places to explore: Linlithgow Palace, Holyrood Palace, Caerlaverock Castle.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  11. Gallery of Modern Art Glasgow

    A large sandstone building with pillared entrance area and a tall cupola feature on the roof. Lots of people can be seen milling aorund the outside of

    Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is Scotland's most visited art gallery and the centre for Glasgow's extensive modern and contemporary art collection. Found in the heart of Glasgow in Royal Exchange Square, with the famous Duke of Wellington Statue guarding out front (usually with a traffic cone atop his head), GoMA is free to enter. 

    The gallery provides a thought-provoking programme with displays of local and international artworks alongside temporary exhibitions and events with artists. Don't miss the permanent display that charts the building's history. 

  12. The Burrell Collection Glasgow

    The Burrell Collection

    Admission: Free

    Art lovers rejoice! Situated in Pollok Country Park in Glasgow, The Burrell Collection has undergone a major refurbishment for visitors to view Sir William Burrell’s greatest art collection. Inside you’ll find over 9,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of history. Artwork from major artists including Rodin, Degas and Cézanne make a star appearance.

    Similar places to explore: Aberdeen Art Gallery, Pier Arts Centre, The Hunterian.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  13. Glasgow Cathedral Glasgow

    Glasgow Cathedral

    This medieval cathedral is thought to have been built on the site of St Kentigern’s tomb and marks the birthplace of the city of Glasgow. One of Scotland's most magnificent medieval buildings, Glasgow Cathedral is the only one on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation of 1560 intact. Admire carved stone bosses on the ceiling of the Blackadder Aisle, and one of the finest post-war collections of stained-glass windows in Britain.

    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Level Access
  14. Urquhart Castle Inverness

    Urquhart Castle

    © VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton

    Admission: Paid

    Urquhart Castle has had its fair share of dramatic moments. Thankfully, you won’t come face-to-face with any gruesome or bloody battles during your visit. Step back in time and uncover the history behind the famous castle ruins left by its residents, historic replicas and much more. Make sure to climb up the Grant Tower where you’ll enjoy glorious views of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs, Loch Ness.

    Similar places to explore: Dumbarton Castle, Lochleven Castle, Kilchurn Castle.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  15. Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse

    © Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022.

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an elegant royal residence with links to monarchs from throughout the centuries. Situated at the foot of the Royal Mile, the building itself is an architectural gem with an array of impressive Baroque decorations in its interior. The Palace is beautifully decorated with tapestries, portraits of the Royal Family and antiques.  

    Take a tour and explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Don’t miss the beautiful ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and remarkable royal gardens.  

    Today it is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King.

    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  16. Johnnie Walker Experience Edinburgh

    The Journey of Flavour Tour at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

    Hosted across eight floors of the transformed landmark building right in the heart of Edinburgh, the flagship Johnnie Walker Experience offers a personalised whisky experience where you can explore the flavours of Scotland. 

    Edinburgh’s newest hotspot is perfect for whisky lovers and novices alike, complete with dining experiences, bars, and a whisky retail area. Come on in and discover five-star tours, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, immersive tastings and locally sourced cuisine, and shop whiskies you won’t find anywhere else. This full sensory journey culminates in the 1820 rooftop bar that offers unbeatable views of Edinburgh skyline including Edinburgh Castle.  

    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  17. V&A Dundee Dundee

    An image of V&A Dundee in the evening.

    Admission: Free

    The first V&A museum in the world outside London, and the first ever dedicated design museum in Scotland, the V&A Dundee is not to be missed. You're guaranteed a fantastic experience with permanent and changing displays showcasing work from around the world in this UNESCO City of Design.

    The current V&A Dundee exhibition is Tartan, which celebrates the global story of a unique pattern which has connected communities worldwide.

  18. Glencoe Visitor Centre Glencoe, Highlands

    The Three Sisters, Glencoe

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Nestled at the foot of the glen is the award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre, an essential starting point for adventures in Glencoe and Glen Etive. You can get a taste of the stories that make Glencoe National Nature Reserve so special and plan your visit to the area here.  

    Learn about the Clan MacDonald and the tragic massacre of 1692, discover world-famous film locations featured in Harry Potter, Outlaw King, Braveheart, Skyfall and more, go on a wildlife Land Rover Safari tour with a ranger, or climb (or just admire) one of the eight Munro mountains that tower above the glen. 

  19. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Edinburgh

    Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern Two)

    © Keith Hunter

    Admission: Free

    If you're a lover of art, don't miss out on a trip to one of Edinburgh's most iconic buildings. You can delve into Scotland's past through an array of entrancing imagery, paintings, photography, sculpture, film and more.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  20. Culzean Castle & Country Park Ayrshire

    Culzean Castle and Country Park

    © Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

    Admission: Paid

    This majestic cliff-top castle is tucked away in the Ayrshire countryside in an outstanding coastal location. Boasting a regal exterior, intricate interior, pristine gardens and 260 hectares of grounds to explore, you are all set for an enjoyable family day out.

    Similar places to explore: Dunrobin Castle, Drumlanrig Castle, Caerlaverock Castle.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Hearing Loop
    • Cafe or Restaurant

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(*This list is based on the Moffat Centre Scottish Visitor Attraction Monitor 2022.)

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