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