Scotland

Things to do in Scotland

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Top 10 attractions in Scotland

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Palace of Holyroodhouse
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

8.8
4.7/5
384 reviews
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Scotland, used for state ceremonies and official entertainment. This palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is deeply intertwined with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the palace includes the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, where many dramatic events occurred during her brief and tumultuous reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio by her husband Lord Darnley. In the palace's State Apartments, visitors can admire the magnificent Great Gallery, where grand balls were held in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie established his Jacobite court at the palace. Today's State Apartments reflect the evolving tastes of successive monarchs, renowned for their exquisite plaster ceilings and an unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. They house a significant portion of the Royal Collection's artworks, many of which have long-standing connections to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scotland. A visit to the palace also includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens, set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat. At the palace café, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from local produce, ranging from light snacks and lunches to afternoon tea.Edinburgh · 997m from Scotland
The Scotch Whisky Experience
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

The Scotch Whisky Experience

7.5
4.4/5
234 reviews
TOURS & TASTINGS Silver Tour – ONE WHISKY – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Ideal for whisky first-timers & families Interactive & fun introduction to Scotch whisky Hosted in English with free audio guides in 21 languages A storytelling adventure for everyone, rich in visuals, aromas and sensory surprises. Discover the origins of whisky, art of whisky making and magic of maturation. Step inside the cask and experience its fiery creation – seen nowhere else in the world! Learn why the angels always take their share. Unlock the contrasting aromas and flavours of Scotland's five whisky regions. Journey across Scotland in our sweeping 180-degree cinema – from the mysterious Loch Ness to the ‘Harry Potter' steam train, past the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, over castles and distilleries. You'll even see Highland cows! Delve into the history and alchemy of creating the perfect blend. Explore the glass-and-marble vault of the world's most popular whisky collection – one of the seven wonders of the Scotch whisky world. Master the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Includes Tutored tasting of one single malt, blend or soft drink – you choose! Gift-boxed original Glencairn crystal whisky glass worth £7.00 to take home (adults only). Special whisky aroma card to take home. Digital tutorial on hosting your own tasting – includes the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Gold Tour – FIVE WHISKIES – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Get a REAL taste for Scotch whisky Ideal for whisky enthusiasts Includes Our SILVER TOUR with one whisky of your choice + all inclusions... PLUS Tutored nosing & tasting of four contrasting regional single malts. From the citrus notes of the Lowlands and fruitiness of Speyside to the heathery Highlands and unmistakable smokiness of Islay, our expert led nosing and tasting offers a complete journey across Scotland's whisky regions. One year membership of the Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society, with discounts in our award-winning specialist whisky bar and shop – home to 600 single malts, blends & Scotch whisky liqueurs.Edinburgh · 690m from Scotland

Experiences you can't miss in Scotland

Featured Culture & history in Scotland

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Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus in the United Kingdom
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4.9/5
· 17 reviews· 958 booked
English
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FromCAD 25.42
Glenfinnan Viaduct + Scottish Highlands 1-day tour|A must-visit for Harry Potter fans
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3.9/5
· 19 reviews· 172 booked
Duration: 9.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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401 travellers saved
FromCAD 110.33
City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free
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4.4/5
· 1.1k reviews· 56 booked
Free cancellation
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FromCAD 38.07
1-day tour to Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe + Loch Ness with Edinburgh round-trip
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 118 booked
Duration: 2.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
90 travellers saved
FromCAD 138.21
Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh
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4.3/5
· 639 reviews· 50 booked
Duration: 60–75 mins
English
Free cancellation
FromCAD 39.97
1-day tour to Isle of Skye + Eilean Donan Castle + Scottish Highlands | Classic loop
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4.8/5
· 9 reviews· 109 booked
Duration: 9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
340 travellers saved
FromCAD 137.39
From Belfast: Giant's Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour
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4.5/5
· 256 reviews· 32 booked
Duration: 8.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 39.93CAD 42.04
The King's Gallery at Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry Ticket
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FromCAD 20.61

Featured Food & drink in Scotland

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90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town
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4.8/5
· 275 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
English
Free cancellation
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64 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 76.13
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh
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Free cancellation
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FromCAD 50.23
Edinburgh: Scottish Cooking Class + Dinner
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Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromCAD 179.83
Edinburgh: Gin Distillation Workshop with Gin Tasting
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 160.45CAD 168.9

Featured Outdoor & sports in Scotland

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Johnston Canyon Icewalk from Banff
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Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromCAD 109.21
St Andrews + Fife Fishing Villages + Falkland Day Tour from Edinburgh, UK - The Home of Golf
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FromCAD 158.70
1-day tour of St Andrews Cathedral + Old Course + Fife Coast | Medieval University Town
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 6.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromCAD 122.81
1-day tour of Scotland's northeast coastline and harbor towns | Comfortable minibus | Round-trip from Aberdeen
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FromCAD 118.65
Glasgow to St Andrews Town & Fife Fishing Village Day Tour - Home of Golf
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FromCAD 158.70
Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk
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Duration: 150 mins
English
Free cancellation
FromCAD 109.21
Edinburgh: Guided Hike to Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
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5.0/5
· 73 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
73 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 42.78CAD 45.04

More things to do

Scotland Cruises

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Group Tours in Scotland

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Free things to do in Scotland

What travellers say about Scotland

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Tania Akter (Sumi)October 29, 2026
5.0
Edinburgh Castle is an absolutely breathtaking historical landmark! ❤️ Perched high on Castle Rock, it offers spectacular views of Edinburgh and the surrounding city. The impressive stone walls, ancient architecture, and rich Scottish history make this place truly special. Walking through the castle feels like stepping back in time, with fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles, and royal traditions waiting to be discovered. I especially love the dramatic setting and the way the castle stands proudly above the city. It’s a perfect destination for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys exploring beautiful historical places. 😊 Definitely a must-visit attraction in Scotland!

Edinburgh Castle

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M AhemMay 3, 2025
5.0
Awesome place! Had an amazing experience—highly recommended for everyone to visit!

Edinburgh Old Town

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Anonymous userSeptember 24, 2026
5.0
Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse was easily one of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh. Located right at the end of the Royal Mile, it offers a fascinating contrast to the medieval drama of Edinburgh Castle, providing a much more intimate glimpse into British and Scottish royal history.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

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D Day TravelNovember 28, 2025
4.0
Very nice experience. You will get a free whisky glass after the wine tasting session. We acquired a lot of whisky knowledge and overall it is very interesting.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

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jackyauJanuary 31, 2023
5.0
I traveled to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in early January. I saw that the souvenirs from the same tour had the appearance of this cow, so I searched where I could see the real thing! This highland cow is really cute The long hair covers both eyes, Taiwanese also call it "Jay Cow" 😂😂

Scottish Highlands

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樂悠遊May 11, 2022
5.0
Princes Street in Edinburgh is the main avenue that separates the old and new cities. Walking on this street, you can not only enjoy the pleasant gardens and the magnificent castle, but also enjoy shopping😁😁

Princes Street

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苏河家园July 26, 2025
5.0
The National Museum of Scotland is a fusion of Victorian architecture and modern design. The exhibits in the museum cover themes such as natural history, science and technology, and world culture, including representative exhibits such as Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils, Iron Age gold ornaments, and cloned sheep Dolly specimens, covering all aspects of social life.

National Museum of Scotland

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YA MEIFebruary 23, 2023
5.0
Starting from the appearance of St. Giles Cathedral, it is so solemn and sacred! Walking into the church is even more awe-inspiring. Its architectural design, sculpture art, and historical traces are all touching and worth your visit!

St Giles' Cathedral

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DDB24August 5, 2026
5.0
Loved doing this hop on and off bus in Edinburgh. It is such a beautiful city and the drivers are so kind and friendly

Edinburgh Bus Tours

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M22***00November 17, 2019
4.0
The cast and special effects in the castle will transport you to the real underground world of ancient Scotland, with extra fun and entertainment

The Edinburgh Dungeon

Trip Moments in Scotland

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Scotland?

Don't miss these attractions in Scotland: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town, and Palace of Holyroodhouse. If you like Culture & history, try Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus in the United Kingdom. If you enjoy Food & drink, try 90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town.

You can give 90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town and Restaurant reservation service for the popular The Dome in Edinburgh, UK a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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