Scotland Bucket List: 9 Best Things to Do in Scotland

Scotland. The land of dramatic landscapes, mythical creatures, and irresistible accents. But seriously, what do you actually do when you’re faced with ALL of Scotland’s wonders? It’s like trying to pick a dessert from a buffet of chocolate cakes—you kind of want everything.  

Lucky for you, after three trips to Scotland, I’ve rounded up the awesome, the quirky, and the drop-dead-gorgeous best things to do. Whether you’re road-tripping for a week or popping by for a quick weekend getaway, this Scotland bucket list covers it all.   

Buckle up, because Scotland is wild, wonderful, and waiting for you.  

Visit the Scottish Highlands  

If your idea of heaven is an endless stretch of foggy peaks, rolling greenery, and rugged, Insta-worthy landscapes, put the Highlands at the top of your list. This is pure, unfiltered Scotland. You’ll find quaint villages, hidden lochs (that’s lakes, by the way), and winding roads begging for exploration.  

Pro tip? Pack layers. The weather in the Highlands switches moods faster than a reality TV star.  

Must-Sees in the Highlands  

• Glen Coe (it’s as dramatic as it sounds)  
• The North Coast 500 Route (Scotland’s answer to Route 66, but with more sheep)  
• Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest peak  

2 -Take a Boat Tour on Loch Ness (and Keep an Eye Out for Nessie 🐉)  

You can’t mention Scotland without dropping the mythical Nessie. A boat tour on Loch Ness isn’t just a chance to indulge in the Nessie myth—it’s also a front-row seat to the Highlands from the water. Breathtaking? Absolutely. Will Nessie make an appearance? Ah, the mystery lives on.  

Prefer a quieter loch experience? Try Loch Lomond, which is just as stunning (and less Nessie-centric).  

3- Get Spooked in Edinburgh  

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is the perfect blend of history, charm, and ghostly vibes. Old Town is the place to be for cobblestone streets and historic tours, while New Town has shopping and trendy cafés.  

For something unusual, book a ghost tour—because a creepy midnight stroll underground is exactly the vibe you didn’t know you needed.  

Don’t Miss  

• Edinburgh Castle for that medieval fortress aesthetic  
• Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with killer views if you’re up for the hike  
• The Royal Mile, your go-to for kitschy souvenirs (hello, tartan scarves!)  

4 – See the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viaduct and Ride the Hogwarts Express 

Potterheads, this one’s for you! The Glenfinnan Viaduct (aka the bridge the Hogwarts Express chugs along) is a picture-perfect pitstop for your inner wizard.  

Better yet? Make your childhood dreams come true and hop aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, the real-life Hogwarts Express. You’ll glide past jaw-dropping landscapes that feel straight out of a movie.  

It’s pure magic—no wand required.  

5- Tour a Real Scottish Castle (Prepare to Feel Royal)  

You’ve read about them, watched them in movies, and now? It’s time to step into one. Scotland boasts castles galore, and honestly, each one makes you feel like royalty…or at least like you wandered onto a “Game of Thrones” set.  

Some all-time favorites include:  

• Eilean Donan Castle – A picture-perfect castle perched on its own little island  
• Stirling Castle – Full of history and one epic past battlefield  
• Edinburgh Castle – Because, duh, it’s iconic  

1. Explore the Isle of Skye  

No Scotland itinerary is complete without hitting up the Isle of Skye. This magical isle is pure bucket-list gold with rugged landscapes, fairy pools, and a vibe that’s 10/10 ethereal.  

Highlights  

• The Quiraing (the landscapes will blow. your. mind)  
• Fairy Pools – Yes, you’ll feel like you’re wandering through a fairytale  
• Portree – A picture-perfect pastel-colored harbor town  

1. Hunt Down a Highland Cow (Because, Cuteness Overload)  

If you’ve never seen a Highland cow (aka a “coo”), prepare for their majestic, fluffy greatness. These shaggy-haired icons of Scotland are weirdly photogenic and always ready to steal the show.  

You can often find them roaming the Highlands, but some farms offer coo tours where you can meet them up close. Coo selfies? Yes, absolutely.  

6-Wander Through Scottish Glens  

Scotland’s glens (valleys) are like stepping into Mother Nature’s nursery. From Glenfinnan to Glen Coe, each one offers a mix of jaw-dropping views, hiking trails, and a dose of natural therapy.  

For a bit of fantasy, visit The Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye. It’s small (as fairytale spots should be) but utterly enchanting.  

7- Get Your Whiskey Fix  

No trip to Scotland is complete without a proper whiskey tasting. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned whiskey lover, there’s something special about sipping “liquid gold” where it’s made.  

Head to the Speyside region, where distilleries like Glenfiddich and Macallan offer tastings and tours. Or, if you’re short on time, pop into Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience, which will teach you everything you didn’t know about Scotland’s national drink.  

Cheers to that! 🥃  

Wrap Up – Scotland’s Calling. Are You Coming?  

From the windswept Highlands to the magical Isle of Skye, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments waiting for you in Scotland. This list is your go-to guide for ultimate travel inspiration, but trust me, it only scratches the surface.  

Make it your own. Start planning. And don’t forget to revel in the moment once you get there—because Scotland is the kind of place that stays with you long after the trip is over.  

Slàinte!