What to See in Scotland: History, Nature & Culture

1. Take a Tour of the Edinburgh Castle

The most significant structure on Edinburgh's skyline, Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that stands tall in the Old Town. The presence of a royal structure on Castle Rock goes back to the 12th century, and its rich history includes being a royal residence and military barracks. It is now one of the most popular attractions in Scotland and welcomes over a million visitors annually from all over the world.

The castle is filled with exhibits and artifacts, with some of the most famed being the 450-year-old Portcullis Gate, the Royal Apartments where monarchs once stayed, St. Margaret's Chapel – the oldest building in the castle – and the Stone of Destiny, which has witnessed the coronations of kings for hundreds of years.

Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG, Phone: +44-0-131-225-9846, View Map

2. Falkirk Wheel

One of the only boat lifts of its kind in the entire world, the Falkirk Wheel connects the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal. The lift opened in 2002 and other than its useful purpose of transporting boats, it has also become a popular tourist attraction.

Visitors can see the boats raised or lowered nearly 24 meters from one canal to the other with an exciting wheel rotation that takes less than 10 minutes.

Visitors can take a boat trip and explore the canals and the wheel itself.

Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center near the lower basin and boat trips are scheduled every hour. Over 400,000 people visit the Falkirk Wheel annually as it offers a fun experience and stunning views.

Lime Rd, Tamfourhill, Falkirk FK1 4RS, UK, Phone: +44-870-050-0208, View Map

3. Catch a Show at the Glasgow Science Centre Planetarium

One of the most-visited attractions in Scotland, visitors can spend the entire day exploring all the cool things to see and do at the Glasgow Science Centre. Home to a planetarium, a science show theatre, and Scotland's largest IMAX cinema screen, a day just might not be enough.

Visitors of all ages will love the hundreds of interactive exhibits that are available at the Science Mall. Some of these include the Quantum Technologies exhibit, where visitors can get hands on and explore the quantum world, and BodyWorks, where visitors can run on a giant hamster wheel, dance at the DNA disco, or perform a virtual autopsy. The Glasgow Science Centre is also home to Glasgow Tower, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Glasgow.

50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1EA, Phone: +44-141-420-5000, View Map

4. Visit Glencoe, Scotland's Most Scenic Highland Glen

Scotland's most scenic highland glen, Glencoe attracts visitors from all over the world. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and other scenery is absolutely breathtaking. One of the main views of Glencoe is the peak of Buachaille Etive Mor, which rises over 1,000 feet over the great wilderness.

There's always something to see and do at this stunning year-round destination. Visitors can go on photography tours, visit the nearby Holroyd Art Gallery Exhibition, or attend music concerts and other live entertainment. Visitors will also enjoy mountaineering, hillwalking, rock climbing, and tons of water sports on the River Etive.

5. Take a Trip with Great Scenic Rail Journeys

For a truly unforgettable experience, explore Scotland on a Great Scenic Rail Journey with ScotRail. Scotland has been voted as the best cinematic travel destination in the world by USA Today and visitors can take in all these beautiful sites from the comfort of a train.

There are six different routes to choose from and each of them takes visitors on a journey through Scotland's rich lands, colorful history, and stunning beauty. The routes include the Kyle Line, the Far North Line, Glasgow-Kilmarnock-Carlisle, Borders Railway, Glasgow-Ayr-Stranraer, and the West Highland Line, which takes visitors through the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort William.

6. Isle of Arran

The seventh-largest Scottish island, the Isle of Arran is a diverse land filled with flora, fauna, culture, and history. Trivago's "Top European Island in 2016," the Isle of Arran has so much for visitors to do, such as hiking, visiting museums, and spending the day at the beach.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love participating in adventure sports, such as a powerboat trip, which takes visitors up close and personal with whales, sharks, dolphins, and seals, or the exhilarating experience of abseiling over a waterfall. Art lovers can participate in one of the many photography workshops or photo tours or explore the Arran Art Gallery, which combines great live music with delicious home-cooked food.

7. Isle of Skye

Recently voted the "4th Best Island in the World" by National Geographic, the Isle of Skye is known for its tourism, agriculture, forestry, and fishing. It is also the second-largest island in Scotland and is a stunning wonder of biodiversity.

Visitors will come across eagles, hawks, wild geese, cranes, seabirds, mountain hares, wild cats, and so much more. The land has such a vibrant, fascinating history because it has been occupied since the Mesolithic. Other than getting a better understanding of local legends, visitors can partake in outdoor activities such as kayaking, diving, sailing, hiking, and exploring caves and sea cliffs.

8. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is located in Glasgow near the university campus. It has grown to become one of Scotland's most popular attractions since it reopened after its refurbishment in 2006. There are over 9,000 objects in its collection, including the "Christ of Saint John of the Cross" by Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Gogh's "Portrait of the Art Dealer Alexander Reid," and "A Man in Armour" by Rembrandt.

The building itself is a work of art that was designed by E.J. Milner Allen and Sir John W. Simpson in the 1900s; visitors can appreciate the Spanish Baroque style and the use of the Locharbriggs red sandstone. Entrance to the Kelvingrove museum and gallery is free to visitors.

Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG, Phone: 0141-276-9599, View Map

9. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

A national park in Loch Lomond, Scotland, the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is filled with hills, mountains, and lochs. Visitors will love the exquisite scenery, which they will come across whether they choose to explore during sunrise or sunset.

Other than trekking and hiking through the park and mountains, visitors can also visit the charming towns and villages within the park, including Aberfoyle, Croftamie, and Carrick Castle. There are 21 munros in the national park for more adventurous visitors, with Ben Lomond being the most popular mountain for climbing.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, Carrochan, Carrochan Road, Balloch, G83 8EG, Phone: +44-1389-722600, View Map

10. Loch Ness

Best known as the home of the Loch Ness monster, lovingly called Nessie, Loch Ness is a large freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands. Since the early 1900s, the loch has drawn visitors from all over the world, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mythological creature.

Visitors can go on one of the many boat cruises available, giving them an opportunity to spot the monster themselves as well as learn about its history. Visitors who aren't interested in the Loch Ness monster might enjoy spending their time participating in active sports such as kayaking, mountain climbing, or hiking.