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. 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.

  4. 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
  5. 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.

    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  6. 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.

  7. 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
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Hearing Loop
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Glenfinnan Monument The Highlands

    Glenfinnan Monument & Visitor Centre

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Hearing Loop
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  11. 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
  12. Urquhart Castle Inverness

    Urquhart Castle

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  13. 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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Newhailes East Lothian

    Newhailes House & Gardens

    Admission: Paid

    This 17th century Palladian house is a treasure trove when it comes to things to do. Home to the influential Dalrymple family for nearly 300 years, enjoy guided tours, peaceful woodland walks and family friendly events which include everything from the monthly farmers’ market to dog and car shows. Your tiny explorers will have hours of fun at the Weehailes Playpark, complete with a seesaw, roundabout and swings.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Pets Welcome
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  17. 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.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  18. The Royal Yacht Britannia Edinburgh

    Royal Yacht Britannia

    Admission: Paid

    Berthed in Leith, hop on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. This floating palace was once home to the British Royal family for over 40 years. Book a tour where you’ll get the chance to tour Britannia’s five decks and discover what life was really like.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  19. Old Calton Burial Ground Edinburgh

    Edinburgh skyline from Calton Hill

    Admission: Free

    Edinburgh is notorious when it comes to its historic graveyards, with five situated in the city centre. Head to Old Calton Burial Ground and discover the final resting place of some of the city’s most notable residents, including scientist John Playfair and philosopher David Hume. You’ll also find the Scottish American Soldiers Monument which features Abraham Lincoln, commemorating the Scottish American soldiers who fought in the American Civil War.

  20. 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

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 Attraction Monitor 2022.)

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