Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Scotland

Looking for the most popular Scottish tourist attractions? This list is based on the latest visitor numbers*. 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!

  1. National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh

    National Museum of Scotland entance (c) Andrew Lee

    © Andrew Lee

    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.

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

    Edinburgh Castle

    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.

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

    Scottish National Gallery

    © Owen Carey

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  4. 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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
  5. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Glasgow

    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.

  6. St Giles' Cathedral Edinburgh

    St Giles' Cathedral

    Admission: Free

    Located halfway down the historic Royal Mile, the framed crown spire of St Giles' Cathedral is one of the most recognisable features of Edinburgh's skyline and one of the best tourist attractions in Edinburgh.

    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
  7. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  8. 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.

    Key facilities
    • Accessible toilets
    • Hearing Loop
  9. Edinburgh Bus Tours Edinburgh

    A City Sightseeing Bus in the Grassmarket

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Admission: Paid

    One of the most popular paid-for attractions in Scotland, Edinburgh Bus Tours provide a selection of themed open-top tours that take you to some of the city's most remarkable sights and attractions.

  10. Greyfriars Kirkyard Edinburgh

    The graveyard of Greyfriars Kirk

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Admission: Free

    A famous attraction in Edinburgh for children and adults alike, the tale of Greyfriars Bobby has been a popular one for decades. Wander around the kirkyard, embark on a fascinating guided tour and take pictures next to the memorial statue.

    We know everyone loves to pet Greyfriars Bobby, but try not to - it wipes away his lovely black coat and makes the statue very fragile.

  11. Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh

    A sleepy panda © P Tomkins/Scottish Viewpoint

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  12. Camera Obscura Edinburgh

    Vortex Tunnel at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

    © Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

    Admission: Paid

    Camera Obscura has been an incredible outing destination since 1853! With optical illusions, mirror maze, a shrinking room, as well as a rooftop terrace and more, it's a fun attraction that the whole family can get involved in.

    Key facilities
    • Pets Welcome
    • Hearing Loop
    • WiFi
  13. Culzean Castle & Country Park Ayrshire

    Culzean Castle & Country Park

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Hearing Loop
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  14. Highland Wildlife Park The Highlands

    Highland Wildlife Park

    Admission: Paid

    Bringing together native Scottish wildlife and endangered animals from across the world, the Highland Wildlife Park is a treat to visit! Located just south of Aviemore, you can see a range of wildlife species, from wolves, polar bears and lions to Scottish wildcats, snowy owls and wild horses.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
  15. Stirling Castle Stirling

    Stirling Castle

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  16. Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Ayrshire

    Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

    Admission: Paid

    Uncover the life and works of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, at this detailed and fascinating museum. Make sure to follow in Tam o' Shanter's footsteps to the Alloway Auld Kirk and over the Brig o' Doon bridge too.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  17. Crathes Castle Aberdeenshire

    Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

    © National Trust for Scotland

    Admission: Paid

    Aberdeenshire is home to hundreds of castles and stately homes, and Crathes Castle is a magnificent one to see! This fairy-tale castle boasts painted ceilings, turrets, towers, and ancient artefacts, as well as towering trees and serene nature trails to explore.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  18. Glenfinnan Monument The Highlands

    Admission: Paid

    An iconic 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.

  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. V&A Dundee Dundee

    V&A Dundee

    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.

See more of Scotland

Want to see all of these attractions and more?

Why not check out one of our guided tours? Let the experts show you the must-visit attractions but also get you off the beaten track and show you all of our alternative hidden gems as well.

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(*This list is based on the Moffat Centre Scottish Visitor Attractions Monitor 2021.)

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