12 Places to Build Your Scotland Itinerary Around

Scotland is easy enough to navigate, whether you’re moving through cities by train or by car. The rail system is efficient, and driving gives you access to some of the country’s best scenery.

Some places are ideal for walking and short stays; others make more sense when you slow down and stay put for a night or two.

This list blends a few essential classics with a few coastal islands, historic hotels, and landscapes. Of course, you can’t try to tackle them all in one trip, unless you have several weeks to spare.

But, depending on which corner of the country you have your sights set on, we hope this will help you set the pace for each leg of your journey.

Victoria Street and The Witchery

Victoria Street is one of Edinburgh’s most recognizable streets, but it also works well in practice. The curve naturally slows foot traffic, and the mix of shops and cafés makes it fun to shop (lightly, of course, to protect your bank balance), rather than just a visual experience.

Staying at The Witchery is not only a wonderful indulgence, but also a practical choice. Its location just below the castle means you can walk almost everywhere in Old Town. Dinner, a late night, and a slow morning can all happen in one place, which is helpful if your time in the city is short.

Firth of Forth

The Firth of Forth is easy to reach from Edinburgh and works well as a low-effort coastal stop. Train stops and short drives connect Edinburgh to these open waters, small towns, and long walking paths.

And the area will suit you well if you’d like space to see the sea without committing to a remote itinerary. You can spend an afternoon walking, watching the tide, or stopping in a harbor town without planning too far ahead.

St Andrews

St Andrews makes for a great overnight stop if your time is short because the town is compact. The historic center, university, ruins, and coastline are all walkable, which keeps the day pretty straightforward.

Even outside of golf season, the town remains active, yet the coastal paths near the cathedral will give you enough breathing room when you need it, without having to leave the town entirely.

Braemar and The Fife Arms

Braemar is nestled into the Cairngorms and makes for a nice pause rather than a full stop. The surrounding landscape shapes the pace here, and the evenings are usually quiet.

For a luxurious place to lay your head for the night, see if you can treat yourself to The Fife Arms. You’ll find fine dining, art, and comfortable shared spaces all on site, which is helpful in a small village where your options are limited, especially at night.