Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh)

The main landmark of Scotland is Edinburgh Castle, built in the 11th century on the crater of an extinct volcano. Until the 15th century, it served as a royal residence. For a long time, the castle was a point of conflict, captured alternately by the English and the Scots. Today, it is recognized as a major cultural and historical site. It houses the oldest treasury in the UK and the famous Stone of Destiny, a sacred relic of British monarchs, traditionally crowned upon it. According to legend, if an unworthy or illegitimate monarch is crowned, the stone will split in two.

National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh)

Opened in 2006, the National Museum of Scotland attracts a huge number of tourists each year. It combines two separate institutions: the Royal Museum and the Museum of Antiquities. Culture enthusiasts can explore diverse collections of artifacts from around the world, including exhibits on prehistoric animals and Neolithic humans. The museum also houses geological and archaeological relics, highlighting the history of the UK. Notable exhibits include a Tyrannosaurus skeleton, Mary Stuart's original jewelry, 12th-century bone chess pieces, early telephones, and microscopes. Particularly noteworthy is the preserved body of Dolly the sheep, the first cloned living organism in history. Entrance to the museum is free for all.

Royal Botanic Garden (Edinburgh)

Established in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden originally aimed to cultivate medicinal plants. What started as a small vegetable plot has grown into a major botanical research center. Divided into four specialized branches, the garden is second only to Oxford’s in size and importance. It houses over 13,000 plant species from around the globe. Its Edinburgh site features eight themed areas, making visitors feel like they are traveling through the plant worlds of different countries. The northwest part hosts administrative buildings, research centers, and vast greenhouses. The garden’s experts actively work to preserve rare plant species.

Royal Mile (Edinburgh)

The Royal Mile is Scotland’s most popular tourist route. It consists of four streets totaling 1,800 meters (1 mile) in length, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The route originated in the 12th century when houses were built at the base of the castle. A nearby market sprang up, filled with shops, craft stalls, eateries, and banks. Today, the Royal Mile attracts visitors with souvenir stores selling traditional kilts and tartans, as well as museums and historical landmarks.

Loch Ness (Inverness)

The legendary Scottish lake Loch Ness, said to be home to the monster Nessie, is famous worldwide. The legend stirred global interest a few years ago, but its origins date back to 565 AD. For centuries, Loch Ness has attracted explorers and mystery enthusiasts. Believed to have formed during the Ice Age, the lake covers 65 square kilometers and is 230 meters deep. Tourists can visit a nearby museum featuring exhibits on the lake’s history and past attempts to find Nessie.

Cairngorms National Park

Established in 2003, Cairngorms National Park covers 10% of Scotland’s entire land area. Located in the northeastern part of the country, it offers days worth of exploration and stunning views. The park is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, with the UK’s highest peaks, ancient Caledonian forests, scenic river valleys, and endless moorlands. Historic towns and charming Scottish villages lie amid the mountain plains. The half-ruined medieval castles along the way add a mystical touch to the unique landscape.

Glen Coe Valley and Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glen Coe is a picturesque valley in the southwest Highlands, surrounded by mountains and known for its breathtaking scenery. Crystal-clear streams flow from the peaks, while the slopes are cloaked in lush greenery. It is a place of stark yet mesmerizing beauty. Nearby is one of the Highland’s most interesting sites—the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Built in 1898, this concrete railway bridge is Scotland’s longest, stretching 380 meters and rising 30 meters high. Its majestic design blends seamlessly into the landscape, evoking a magical, fantasy-like atmosphere.