Is Scotland Worth Visiting? 17 Reasons Why You Need To Visit

I found myself wondering if Scotland was even worth a visit a few years ago when my husband and I were headed there for our first trip.

I was obsessed with Outlander, and I had planned a trip for us to visit Scotland and Ireland together.

On the eve of our trip, he (rather rudrely) asked me “What is so great about Scotland? What even is there to do in Scotland? Why are we going there?”

Standing in the middle of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland.

I couldn’t very well admit to him that we were basically going so that I could buy a kilt and chase the idea of Jamie Fraser all over the country. But, he had a point.

Scotland isn’t like Paris or London. It doesn’t have a ton of flashy, popular tourist attractions. There’s no Eiffel Tower or London Eye.

I’ll tell you, though. That trip to Scotland changed our lives forever. It is now my husband’s absolute FAVORITE place to visit, and we go back as often as we can. We just recently returned from our second trip to Scotland, and I swear I could live in Scotland- it’s that amazing!

In the end, there is plenty to do in Scotland, and it is definitely worth a trip.

What’s so great about Scotland? Let me tell you…

⭐ THE ROUNDUP: TOP 3 REASONS TO VISIT SCOTLAND

Taylor sitting on a rock wall, which was once the foundation to a castle in Scottland. In the background we can see Loch Ness.

✅ Edinburgh is an amazing, historical city.
✅ Fairy Tales & Scottish Legends come to life!
✅ Amazing Castles to Visit! (Like Edinburgh Castle!)

Is Scotland Worth Visiting?

Here’s a list of 17 reasons why I think Scotland is the bomb!

1. Edinburgh Itself Is Fantastic

A view of the Royal Mile, a great place to explore in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Let’s get something straight…Edinburgh isn’t your average European capital city. It’s better.

Somehow, Edinburgh manages to have grown significantly in popularity in years of late while at the same time remaining unassuming, walkable, and charming.

Between Old Town and New Town, there are plenty of things to see, do, and taste. There is a multitude of kid-friendly attractions in the city, and it is incredibly safe as well.

2. You Can Actually Experience Scottish Fairy Tales (Like the Loch Ness Monster!)

Fairy tales come alive in Scotland.

The Scots truly commit to their stories, and it makes exploring there so much more fun. Lore from historic Scotland lives on in live storytelling and traditions.

This is one of the main reasons Scotland is worth visiting with kids, especially.

The Loch Ness Monster, the Kelpies & Greyfriar’s Bobby

Take a trip to the local Waterstones bookstore and buy the traditional Scottish fairy tale books about the Kelpies, the Loch Ness Monster, or Greyfriar’s Bobby.

The banks of the Loch Ness where Nessie, a sea monster from Scottish fairy tales, lives.

Then, go make the fairy tales come alive.

Walk up to Greyfriar’s Bobby.

Take a trip to Loch Ness and cruise around searching for Nessie.

Or, head outside Edinburgh and see the Kelpies for yourself.

3. All the Tipple and Wee Drams of Scotch Whisky (+ Distilleries!)

You can’t go to Scotland and not be awed by the Scotch whisky…it’s just not a thing. I don’t even like whisky. But in Scotland? You bet I do! Ha!

The Scotch Whisky Experience

I’d be a horrible person if I didn’t HIGHLY recommend that you visit Scotland for the Scotch Whisky. I mean, really.

The most popular place to do this is to tour the Scotch Whisky Experience, where you’ll learn all about the varying regions around the country.

Each makes its whisky differently, and you’ll learn about the qualities that make each area unique. My personal favorite is the smoky peat-flavored whisky from Islay. Sounds crazy- but try it!

This is the best place to try whiskys if you’re on a trip based in Edinburgh. Plus, whisky tasting is the perfect indoor activity in the finicky Scottish weather!

Other Whisky Distilleries Around Scotland

However, Scotch Whisky Distilleries all around the country are open for tours, and they all come with tastings (Heyo!!).

Two of the most popular are the Glenfiddich and Glenlivet Distilleries.

Let me tell you, Scotch whisky is worth it.

You won’t regret spending time at any Scottish Distillery.

4. There are Always Exciting Festivals and Events to Celebrate

Scotland is a country that finds any reason at all to celebrate…and what could be more fun than that?

It’s a country full of locals ready to hype up for a great time.

Some of the most popular festivals in the United Kingdom and Scotland draw more than 3 million people from around the world and are fantastic times to visit.

An old gentleman bagpiper dressed in full garb in Scotland.

Try Visiting During These Edinburgh Festivals:

✔ Edinburgh Fringe & Military Tattoo:

Festival Fringe is said to be the largest arts festival in the entire world! During these three weeks in August, Edinburgh comes alive with performers and artists from all over the world.

✔ Edinburgh Book Festival:

A celebration of the written word that brings in hundreds of authors to share the love of reading and writing with people of all ages.

✔ Burns Night:

Scots even spend an entire night in January celebrating the famed poet Robert Burns with a “Burn’s Supper” of haggis, neeps and tatties, and drams of whisky.

5. Harry Potter is Basically Scottish

Where my Harry Potter people at? If you’ve seen a picture of me, you know I must be a Weasley.

I am shameless in saying that I. Am. Here. For. The. Harry. Potter. Which works perfectly since J.K. Rowling wrote much of her famed book series in Edinburgh.

Taylor and a man holding a magic wand up to the camera on Victoria Street, in Edinburgh. — Me with Sam from the Potter Trail on Victoria Street (Diagon Alley!)

In Scotland, it is Worth Taking a Harry Potter Walking Tour?

There are tons of Harry Potter tour options in Edinburgh, and so many sites connected to both the books and the movies.

You can visit the Elephant House Cafe, a place Rowling has said she wrote a lot, pay homage at Tom Riddle’s Tomb in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, and walk Victoria Street, a famous street that supposedly inspired Diagon Alley.

You can even stay at the historic Balmoral hotel in the suite where Rowling famously finished the final book of the series and inscribed her victory on the wall.

Ride the Jacobite Steam Train! (AKA the Hogwarts Express!)

Finally, take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train.

This “greatest railway journey in the world” runs from Fort William to Mallaig.

You’ll feel like you’ve transported yourself right into your own journey to Hogwarts as you ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You’ll definitely recognize this famous place from the movies!

The tomb of Tom Riddle in the graveyard at Greyfriar's Kirkyard in Scotland.

Taking the Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh is a great use of your time if you love the Wizarding World even the least bit.

6. You Can Go Island-Hopping (Over the Sea to Skye!)

Many people don’t associate Scotland with islands.

However, the country boasts more than 900 of them. The Hebrides is a particularly large chain of islands (more than 120 islands- over half of which are uninhabited), and many are only accessible by ferry ride.

Most everyone has heard of the Isle of Skye, but try your hand at some of the lesser-known (and equally as beautiful and welcoming) islands such as Orkney or Islay.

Just make sure you double-check which roads and ferries are operating if you’re traveling in the winter off-season as the weather can be temperamental!

7. Scotland Has Unique Wildlife

I had no idea the first time I visited that Scotland, along with everything else, has the coolest animals to see.

The Cairngorms Reindeer Herd

My favorite experience was visiting the Cairngorms National Park Reindeer Herd.

The Cairngorms Reindeer is a free-range herd of more than 150 reindeer that you can visit with on the hill or in paddocks, and they are so adorable.

Visiting the reindeer feels like you stepped into The Polar Express, except more realistic. Feeding them and doing the reindeer hike was the highlight of my entire last trip t0 Scotland! And the scenery in Cairngorms National Park was incredible. So worth the time!

Taylor feeding a reindeer in a field of dried grass during the winter months.

You’ll Love Highland Cows

The country is also famous for its Heilan Coo (Hairy Coos) which you will see literally everywhere.

No, seriously. On photos, shirts, keychains, greeting cards….you name it, there’s someone who has made it with a hairy coo on it.

These people LOVE their hairy coos…and, I can’t even blame them for it.

You can see for yourself why these guys are so dang popular and visit them.

A Heilan Coo, a cow indigenous to Scotland.

8. It’s Easy To Get Around (Even in the Highlands)

All things considered, Scotland is a pretty easy country to move around in.

This makes it a country worth visiting because you don’t have to stay in one place and can explore Scotland to your heart’s content.

Most visitors fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow, as both are large city hubs. Plus, you can take the train to places like Inverness!

However, renting a car in Scotland is totally doable, and you’ll avoid spending time waiting for public transport.

The roads are well-signed, and the drivers are friendly. Even driving on the right-hand side of the car (if you’re from the US like we are) is manageable.

It just takes a few minutes to get the hang of it.

However, I highly recommend paying a little more to rent an automatic rather than a traditional manual car if you’re already going to be learning to drive on the opposite side.

Learning to shift with the opposite hand while driving on the wrong side of the road for the first time is rather like trying to pat your belly and rub your head at the same time.

If driving isn’t your thing, the network of trains and buses in Scotland is also top-notch and easy to understand.

9. You Can’t Go Wrong With Scottish Food (Yes, Try the Haggis!)

I basically only travel to places to eat their local foods. And, let me tell you, Scotland does not disappoint.

I have never heard anyone screaming from the rooftops about how good traditional Scottish food is, BUT MAYBE THEY SHOULD!

Seriously, Cullen skink, Neeps and Tatties, and deep-fried Mars bars are all incredible reasons to go to Scotland by themselves- lol.

And, people are lying to you. Haggis is freaking delicious.

(Okay, we ate it fried in eggrolls the first time, so you probs couldn’t even taste the haggis, but….whatever).

Cullen Skink, a traditional Scottish food, and local beer at Deacon Brodie's Tavern.

A deep fried Mars bar, a traditional Scottish food.

10. The Bookstores

I am all about the cute bookstores. And Scotland has them in spades.

Is there anything better than a cluttered, disorganized, utterly-charming used bookstore that smells, somehow, like home and an adventure all wrapped into one?

(I’ll have you know that my husband just laughed and said…you mean smells like mothballs).

A sign that reads "Books" outside of Armchair Books, a used bookstore in Edinburgh.

Some of the most traveled ones in Edinburgh, Armchair Books and Edinburgh Books, are fantastic places to step into an older world and find a hidden treasure.

However, one of the largest used bookstores in the United Kingdom, Leakey’s Bookshop, is also worth a visit. It is located in Inverness in an old church and is absolutely stunning.

I visited during the fall on a day when it was positively pouring outside, and, if you’re even a LITTLE bit emo like I am….it was glorious. I ducked inside and tucked away for hours!|

It’s a must-visit!

Urquhart Castle, a castle on the banks of the Loch Ness.

11. Scotland Might As Well Be the Land of the Castles

Scotland has a castle just about everywhere you go.

In fact, it has more than 1500 of them that create some of the most haunting landscapes in Europe.

The most popular castle, Edinburgh Castle, sits overlooking Old Town Edinburgh.

However, other castles such as Inverness Castle in Inverness or Eilean Donan Castle are amazing places to explore as well.

Drive down the road? Castle. Walk the Royal Mile? Castle. Take a cruise on a loch? You guessed it– a castle!

In fact, one of my favorite castles in Scotland, Urquhart Castle, lies on the banks of the famed Loch Ness.

Scotland is worth visiting even if just to tour some of the castles and walk yourself back in time.

⭐ This tour is one of the best things we did while in Scotland.

Take a boat ride on Loch Ness to search for Nessie on the way to Urquhart Castle. Then, explore the castle ruins before you head back onto the boat for your ride home!

12. Afternoon Tea is Where It’s At

Quiche and tea at afternoon tea at Clarinda's Tea Room in Edinburgh, Scotland.

One of the first places I looked up in Scotland was where I could have Afternoon Tea. This is such a typical Scottish (or British) thing to do and FOR GOOD REASON!

My goodness, the tea and scones and pastries are so yummy. If I could, I’d have afternoon tea every dang day.

And in Scotland, perhaps you should.

Read About things to do in Edinburgh, including my Afternoon Tea Recommendations!

13. You Can Hike Scotland!

The wild landscape of Scotland offers so many different hiking experiences.

Want to hike along a Loch? You can do that. Want to hike Ben Nevis? You can do that, too. Want to hike up to Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye? Oh- you can also do that!

Perhaps the best hiking is the Scottish National Trail, a trail that runs the length of Scotland and takes approximately two months to hike!

Men in kilts celebrating a festival in Scotland.

14. You Can Watch the Highland Games

Ya’ll…I know you have images of Scotland in your head.

Images of men throwing long beams or shotput while wearing a kilt as someone plays the bagpipes heartily in the background.

And if that’s what you’re looking for, Scotland will oblige with the Highland Games.

Multiple counties and clans have their own Highland Games. For a small fee, you can watch them in all of their Scottish glory.

Check where the upcoming Highland Games are here.

15. A Road Trip on the NC500 is Spectacular

If you’re looking for a neat experience, you’ll want to grab a rental car and road trip on the NC500.

This 516-mile route, also known as the North Coast 500, begins and ends at Inverness Castle in the Highlands.

This is the best way to see the beautiful coast of Scotland, complete with sandy beaches, off-the-beaten-path gems, and tiny local villages.

Once you’re done there, take a separate road trip to the West coast of Scotland to explore more of this beautiful country and its exquisite architecture found in abbeys, churches, monuments and cathedrals.

A sign outside a pub in Inverness Scotland that reads "A Warm Highland Welcome Awaits Inside."

16. Scottish Music

There is something about the sound of bagpipes that just does it for me. I can immediately picture myself on a hill in the Highlands just taking in the beauty all around me.

Some people find bagpipes irritating (they’re loud, I get it), and others love them. But no matter which side you fall on, bagpipes are a great reason to visit Scotland.

Between bagpipers on the Royal Mile to accordionists in shows, you’re bound to hear some amazing renditions of Scotland the Brave.

Many bars and restaurants in Scotland have live music, too!

17. Kilts & Tartan

I don’t know what it is about the kilts and the tartan…but they are a thing in Scotland.

Scotland is a brilliant place to see locals done up in their full dress kilt and peruse the many tartan items that make this country in the United Kingdom stand out.

Somehow, before you leave, you’ll find yourself suddenly wanting to wear anything and everything plaid you can find (No, just me?).

FAQ: Is Visiting Scotland Worthwhile?

Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions I’m asked regarding visiting Scotland:

How Many Days in Scotland is Enough?

In order to experience the most of Scotland, you’ll need to spend 10 days there. This will ensure that you have time to dive into Edinburgh, but also take some trips outside the city to explore the Scottish Highlands, visit smaller towns like Pitlochry or St. Andrews, and really see the entirety of this amazing country.

Scotland is a beautiful place. It has so many towns and attractions worth seeing all throughout the country.

However, if you’re looking to just get a taste of what it’s like to explore Scotland, you can successfully spend some time in the Highlands and in Edinburgh with four days.

Regardless of how long you plan to be in Scotland, make sure you leave some time to meander around. Don’t schedule yourself running from place to place constantly.

The best part about Scotland is that there are amazingly unique things to experience around every corner. You’ll stumble upon something interesting on each block.

Is Scotland Safe?

Scotland is one of the countries I feel most safe in.

Even as a woman walking alone in the city, I never once felt like I had to look over my shoulder at every turn.

That being said, still use caution, be smart, and travel with others when you can.

Do People In Scotland Speak English?

Yes! English is the main language spoken in Scotland.

In addition to English, many speak people from Scotland speak Scots and Gaelic in their own homes.

I have never come across a person in Scotland who does not speak English, meaning that travel there is quite easy!

Is Scotland a Real Country?

Scotland is a country.

However, although Scotland considers itself a country, it is not an independent country.

This means that according to international law, Scotland is not a sovereign country, but is one of four countries that are collectively part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

All very complicated, really.

Is Scotland or Ireland Better?

Ironically, both times that I’ve been to Scotland, it has been on a trip where I also visited Ireland ON THE SAME ITINERARY! Can you believe it?

Hands down, Scotland is ten times better than Ireland. While there are beautiful sights to see in Ireland and the people are lovely, there is something special about Scotland.

I personally feel this way, and so did ALL 40 people in the last group I traveled with. Not one person liked Ireland more.

Conclusion: Is Scotland Worth Visiting?

There is no doubt that Scotland is worth visiting.

It is one of my favorite places in the world to go– mainly because there is always something new to do, see, or experience. If you have the time, definitely spend some time in Edinburgh and Inverness. Though, in my opinion, you can skip Glasgow.

There’s something about Scotland that just feels like home whenever you visit. I have visited many times and always feel like I can’t wait to get back.

What is so great about Scotland? Take a trip to Scotland yourself and find out- you won’t regret it!

Traveling to Scotland Soon? Check Out These Other Helpful Posts!

✔️ Grab my 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary so you can plan out the BEST days in the city!
✔️ Need a Hotel? Here are ALL of the best places to Stay in Edinburgh.
✔️ AND All of the best Spa Hotels in Edinburgh!
✔️Is Scotland Even WORTH Visiting? Here’s what you need to know.
✔️ Wondering How To Get Around Edinburgh? (Hint: You can use Uber!)
✔️ If You’re Traveling to Inverness, Make sure to Try the BEST Afternoon Tea Spots
✔️And… here’s how you’ll want to get from Inverness to Loch Ness (a can’t miss!)