Scotland is one of the most-visited places in the UK. Four million overseas tourists travelled to Scotland in 2023, staying for 3.4 million nights and spending £3,593.
Those tourists quickly disperse into some of the most popular places in Scotland to see the best it has to offer. And if you ask most people who visit, they’ll tell you they wish they could have seen more.
Don’t waste your trip and stop at one. Read on for four of the most-visited places in Scotland we think you should put on your list.
Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland—it’s impossible not to mention Edinburgh. Naturally, it takes our #1 spot as the most-visited place.
Around 4.9 million tourists flock to the streets of Edinburgh annually – and we can see why. It’s set up for tourists, but you can still see that traditional Scotland throughout. The historic and modern architecture that bathes the cityscape is one you simply can’t miss if you’re planning a trip to Scotland.
Some of the best and most renowned places to visit in the city include the Old Town full of cobbled back streets and small eateries, and, of course, Edinburgh Castle. Right now, Edinburgh Castle is more magical than ever with the Christmas vibes. Even if you don’t go at Christmas, it feels magical. Some of the other most famous locations around the town are the Crown Jewels and St. Mary’s Chapel, attracting a whopping 2 million tourists annually.
We also think you’ll like the Royal Mile. The lively markets, street performers, and alluring streets next to Holyroodhouse Palace are an exciting glimpse into the cultural heritage of Edinburgh.
If you go in August, you have to go to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s biggest art festival! It’ll be in Edinburgh from the 1st to the 25th of August, 2025.
If you are looking at Scottish motorhomes and doing a multi-stop trip, Edinburgh is the perfect place to start.
Loch Ness
Of all the places, Loch Ness stands out. The loch’s natural beauty and rich folklore of the magical “Nessie” pull in over 1.5 million visitors every single year.
This beauty is only accentuated by Urquhart Castle, a breathtaking testament to Scotland’s violent yet rich history. Urquhart Castle manages to attract over 500,000 visitors alone.
People love travelling across the loch by boat, sailing through the mystical deep waters in search of Nessie. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition gives visitors a dive into the history surrounding the loch and is free to go into.
You don’t need to plan too much to visit Loch Ness. Everything you need to see is pretty close together—it’s the perfect day out!
Glencoe
Each year Glencoe sees a whopping 2 million guests.
Glencoe’s history is some of the most brutal. The main countryside was the location of the ill-fated Glencoe Massacre in 1692. On a more positive note, the view is almost too good to be true. Multiple volcanic eruptions (centuries ago, so no need to stress) and glacial erosion have made it arguably one of the most stunning scenery that exists in Scotland. Then again, we say that about most of the scenery in Scotland.
Everyone who’s been to Glencoe will tell you to go for a walk around the Three Sisters. Or, for the history lovers, go to the visitors centre to learn about the massacre of 1692.
A day in Glencoe surrounded by its stunning scenery is a day you’ll never forget!
Stirling
Stirling is the Gateway to the Highlands, with tourism recording over 1 million visitors every year.
Stirling is often described as a photographer’s dream, and we can understand why. Its rich mediaeval structures, battle sites, and cultural scene create a captivating portrayal of Scotland’s past and one hell of a photograph.
Stirling Castle is worth visiting, overlooking the city and having approximately 400,000 visitors every year. The exhibits and films show Scotland’s royal history, while the castle has superb views of the countryside. But in our opinion, the National Wallace Monument, a 67-meter tower dedicated to William Wallace, will give you some of the best views.
The deep historical context of Stirling and the picturesque streets make it a go-to place for any traveller. You can also get to Edinburgh and Glasgow within a couple of hours from Stirling, and the route is pretty easy to follow.
Scotland is well known for its great. There are so many others we could have put on our list, but we had to stick to the places with the highest tourism numbers. All of these locations will create unforgettable experiences!
