Top 5 Favorite Areas to Visit in Scotland

I think we all know that Scotland is a beauty, whether you’ve personally visited or not. Just in case, Scotland is a BEAUTY (I would say stunning but my mom said I use that word “a lot”). After staying there for six weeks, and traveling to and from Edinburgh on weekends, here are my top five favorite areas (that I was able to visit) in this country.

Dunkeld

I truly cannot emphasize how much I loved this wee town. I stayed at the Merryburn Hotel in Birnam - which is also very cute and I highly recommend - and walked to Dunkeld, a quick stroll over the river. It’s a picturesque little village with bakeries, antique shops, art galleries, and more. These are some of my favorite spots:

Going Pottie - You had me at “pottie.” This is a cute pottery studio where you can purchase creations - even order your own gnome - as well as paint your own.
Atholl Gallery - Variety of contemporary art pieces here (for many budgets)
Palmerston’s Cafe - Grabbed a quick bite of soup here as well as a hot tea. What can I say, I was chilly!
The Vintage Shop - A wee little shop with really cool finds packed inside.
Kat ‘n Kat - An artisan workshop with loads of creations from local artists that supports ethical and sustainable work.
Rustic Rose Vintage - Another vintage shop with loads of good finds in a small space.
Aran Bakery - A dream bakery of mine. Not packed with every good imaginable but a simple stop filled with quality, fresh made bakes. Get there early though, as they get lean quickly.
The Lon - A sister store to Aran, acting as somewhat of a boutique grocery but for pantry items.
The Blue Magpie - A lifestyle and gift store in the center of town, just behind the bakery.
Corbenic Shop and Cafe - Stop for some cute odds and ends and even a small bite or drink.
The Scottish Deli - This is an honorable mention. Saw a lot of recommendations for it but didn’t make it during my time in town. Try it and let me know how it is!

2. Stockbridge

If you’re planning on visiting Edinburgh city centre, this was my favorite neighborhood for a stroll. I started off in Dean’s Village before walking along the Water of Leith towards Stockbridge. It has so many amazing book shops, bakeries, cafes, and more, all within a hip happening neighborhood close to so many of Edinburgh’s other attractions.

Lannan Bakery - The cardamom bun, oh em gee. That bread is so soft and perfectly sweetened without being overdone. Another dream bakery with its simple offering while showing customers a peak into the kitchen.
Rare Birds Book Shop - The colorful bookstore of my dreams. This shop operates with the intention of celebrating and promoting women’s writing.
The Howdah Tea and Coffee Company - a family-run shop that’s an easy spot to rest your feet and grab a hot cup of something (plus a treat, of course).
Golden Hare Books - Another dream bookshop. I mean, there is a fireplace inside!
St. Stephen’s Street - After you pick up your next read at Golden Hare, stroll up and down this street as there are a lot of cool spots along it.
Circus Lane - Cute mew-lined street. If you enter from the direction of NW Circus Pl, the “view” is the best.

P.S. if you’re visiting on Sunday, check out the Stockbridge Market. It’s small but packed with local artisans and the dumplings are delicious.

view of portree harbor on isle of skye, scotland — *Portree Harbor on the Isle of Skye, Scotland*

3. Portree

I mean who can resist a colorful, coastal village? Not I (even if the weather was absolute garbage when I visited). Filled with shops, pubs, cobblestone streets and beautiful views, you can’t go wrong with a stop in Portree. It’s also, in my opinion, a great home base to situate yourself when visiting around the Isle of Skye.

I break down my full itinerary here.

4. Glencoe

She is beauty, she is grace, she is magnifiqué! I honestly was constantly wowed driving around Glencoe. The landscape is gorgeous, even in the gloom, and there are so many turn offs and hike options, its beauty is endless. It could do with a few more cafes and bakeries though, just saying. Here were some of my favorite viewpoints:

Three Sister’s Viewpoint - This view and the ones that follow felt like classic Scotland to me. The colors of the landscape really pop here and it feels almost majestic.
The Meeting of Three Waters - I swear fairies swim here. Trust me. The waterfall is impressive to see as is the blue-green of the pool. Just be careful when you get out of your car, as you’ll park on the side of a busy road.
James Bond Skyfall Road - A windy road showcasing dramatic mountainscapes and lots of waterfalls.
Kingshouse Hotel - You’re pretty much guaranteed some kind of animal sighting, and it’s an absolute rush when it happens regardless of how many deer you’ve seen in your lifetime.

5. Glenfinnan Viaduct & Monument

I came for Harry Potter, I left in awe of the landscape. I spent a good ninety minutes here just wandering. You can “hike” up to a birdseye viewpoint of both the viaduct and the monument, just above the visitors center. From there you can walk down to the viaduct through a winding path along the river, as well as go under and above the bridge if you’re looking for a closer capture of the tracks (and the Hogwarts Express).

From there, you can cross the street over to the monument and the most tranquil view over Loch Shiel. I mean if it wasn’t for the occasional truck passing by, I’d say it was the perfect event venue - but for a regular visit, it’s a nice spot to breathe in the moment.

Rent a car, enjoy the landscapes, friendly people, and even the overcast weather. It all adds to the vibe. Personally, I can’t wait to go back - maybe next time in a better weather season (cause I believe such a thing exists in Scotland) - and do even more exploring!

If you’re looking to visit a few places in Scotland, check out the below itineraries for some inspiration for your trips: