Scotland, with its breathtaking scenery, offers you a family vacation you’ll cherish forever. The calmness and tranquility have turned it into a favorite romantic getaway for couples.
Scotland is a small country in the north of the United Kingdom, and it has ample fun-filled outdoor adventures to entice visitors. It’s an ideal destination for some priceless captures on your camera, and there’s honestly so much to choose from in here!
To glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and tradition, you must visit the big cities; however, the smaller towns have an equally fascinating history. We have listed the top cities that should feature your itinerary while visiting this charming country, home to the Loch Ness Monster.
Edinburgh
You are spoilt for choice at Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Turn back time at Edinburgh Castle, which has consistently featured as one of the top places to visit in the UK. As you walk along the Royal Mile, the cobblestone pathway starting from the Palace from Holyroodhouse, you’ll love watching the historic buildings and old townhouses.
There are museums here telling you the history of the places and churches as well. Take a break at one of the cozy restaurants or cafes here or shop for some souvenirs. Be a part of the fun and delight at Edinburgh’s festivals, Edinburgh Fringe, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Glasgow
Once an industrial city, Glasgow is today Scotland’s cultural center and a top tourist destination. The places along the banks of the River Clyde have seen a complete transformation after a primary beautification drive. It’s lovely to explore the area on foot, and the Riverside Museum is a must-visit place with its numerous exhibits on transportation.
The modern architecture of the Glasgow Science Centre with a touch of titanium is beautiful. Glasgow’s city center is a lovely place to take a walk, and the top attractions here are the Glasgow Cathedral and George Square. Yes, this is your base to visit Loch Ness and the Loch Lomond, of which stories abound. Recently, the London North Eastern Railway rated the iconic waterway as the most beautiful site in Britain.
Aberdeen
With its many parks and gardens, no wonder Aberdeen is affectionately called “The Flower of Scotland.” A visit to the David Welch Winter Gardens of much international acclaim inside the Duthie Park is mandatory. You’ll love the greenhouses here that are home to some exotic tropical plants and flowers, which are on display all through the year. If you are in Scotland in the summer or spring, don’t miss the ponds and flowerbeds and the outdoor attractions the park offers. You might also be lucky enough to catch a performance at the opera, a popular attraction of the park. Aberdeen’s has earned itself the nickname “Silver City” for its old granite buildings, which sparkle in the night.
Dundee
The river crossings in the city are Dundee’s top attractions, and this charming city is only a day trip away from Edinburgh. You must visit the Tay Rail Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1887, stretching from Dundee right to the Wormit village. The place is a tourist hot spot, and people love to capture it on their cameras, making it a much-photographed place. The train journey over the two-mile steel bridge offers stunning views of Dundee, and it ranks as one of the top rail trips in the world. The beautiful city waterfront is only a short walk away from the bridge, and the Discovery Point, a maritime museum, is a top attraction here. Dundee is home to several historic vessels and a science museum and has recently undergone a significant facelift. Don’t forget the Dundee Law, an old volcano offering breathtaking views and its famous rail bridge.
St. Andrews
This is the Mecca of the golfing world, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in the city established in 1754 is a top attraction. It’s the oldest golf club in the world and also the most prestigious. The British Golf Museum, with its many artifacts, is a golfer’s paradise. The city has more on offer apart from just golf. St. Andrews is a city of academics and is home to the oldest school in the country. It’s also one of the city’s top stay options when the school’s on vacation. St. Andrews also has many beaches, with the West Sands Beach being the most popular.
Final words
While traveling, you might need to connect to the internet using public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are unsecured and often targeted by hackers who use network vulnerabilities to hack into users’ devices. However, a VPN for traveling can protect you against hacking and digital eavesdropping. A VPN establishes an encrypted connection between your device and the server, obscuring your online identity by hiding your IP address. This makes it impossible for cybercriminals to track and steal your sensitive information.
Scotland’s cities, right from its capital Edinburgh to the smaller ones, such as St. Andrews, have one thing in common: places for lovely, relaxing walks. The beautiful parks are perfect for picnics, and the old-world charm that the buildings here exude take you back in time. From medieval castles to exotically beautiful railway journeys, the cities in Scotland make for a memorable holiday.
