15 destinations across the country were singled out.
Scotland’s top places to visit have been crowned (Image: joe daniel price / Getty Images)
Scotland’s “best places to visit” have been named ahead of autumn. A total of 15 sights across the country were singled out.
On Monday, September 8, Condé Nast Traveler published a list of the top destinations around Scotland. The roundup includes cities, islands, and beauty spots.
According to the experts, the number one place to visit in Scotland is Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is one of just two cities in the country to appear on the list.
Condé Nast Traveler praised Edinburgh for its historic Old Town, as well as neighbourhoods such as Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, and Leith. The city was also noted for attractions such as the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, as well as hotels including The Balmoral and House of Gods.
Condé Nast Traveler wrote: “This heart-thumping capital was built out of fire and stone: around the geological drama of panoramic Arthur’s Seat and the volcanic plug of Castle Rock, where the mightiest fortification in Britain looms like a medieval fantasy.
“Between the two runs the fabulous-but-frenzied Royal Mile, a raked boulevard of lopsided tollbooths, wizard hat spires, quality knitwear shops, pavement artists, and hidden corners that’ll have you ferreting from townhouse museum to historic pub.”
Glasgow placed second on the experts’ list(Image: Chakarin Wattanamongkol)
Following behind in second place on Condé Nast Traveler’s roundup is Glasgow. The largest city in Scotland earned praise for its diverse attractions.
In particular, the experts singled out the Glasgow Necropolis cemetery and the Barrowland Ballroom music venue. Glasgow was also praised for restaurants such as The Gannet and UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers.
Condé Nast Traveler stated: “There used to be a slightly off-putting industrial swagger to Scotland’s largest city, but it’s now the country’s walloping cultural heart and its creative side transcends its reputation for hard drinking, rain, and sectarianism—nowadays, you’re more likely to experience Michelin-star cuisine in the West End, a Zaha Hadid-designed museum, or master works from the likes of Rembrandt and Van Gogh at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
“Perhaps though, it’s the day-glo orange traffic cone that’s repeatedly placed on the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art that best sums up the city; Glasgow is funny, friendly, and nothing without its people.”
Meanwhile, coming in third place on the list is Fife. The council area is home to charming fishing villages, world-famous golf courses, and Scotland’s newest city of Dunfermline.
Condé Nast Traveler applauded Fife for its coastal walks and historic sights such as Dunfermline Abbey and Palace. Other highlights of the region according to the experts are St Andrews and the settlements of Anstruther and Crail.
Fife is known for its charming settlements such as Anstruther(Image: lebeauserge / 500px / Getty Images)
Rounding out the top five on Condé Nast Traveler’s list are the Borders Abbey Towns and Glen Coe. The former includes charming settlements such as Melrose and Dryburgh, while Glen Coe is one of Scotland’s most iconic beauty spots.
Meanwhile, completing the top 10 are Braemar and the Cairngorms, Loch Ness, the Northwest Highlands, the Isle of Skye, and South Harris. The final destinations to appear on the list are Orkney and Islay.
See below for the full list of the best places to visit in Scotland. More information about each one can be found on the Condé Nast Traveler website.
The best places to visit in Scotland
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Fife
- Borders Abbey Towns
- Glen Coe
- Braemar and the Cairngorms
- Loch Ness
- Northwest Highlands
- Isle of Skye
- South Harris
- Orkney
- Islay