It was also praised for its secluded bars.
The “best places to visit” in Scotland have been named by travel experts. Topping the list is a city with “hidden gem” restaurants and bars.
On October 30, Condé Nast Traveller published a roundup of the top travel destinations across Scotland. A total of 12 places around the country are included on the travel magazine’s list.
Topping Condé Nast Traveller’s guide to the best places to visit in Scotland is Edinburgh. The Scottish capital was noted for the ancient extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat that dominates the skyline, as well as its status as one of the UK’s most popular cities.
Among the highlights of Edinburgh according to Condé Nast Traveller are the Royal Mile and the New Town. The former was praised for its pubs and tourist shops, while the latter was noted as the city’s “foodie hub”.
Also singled out was Edinburgh’s many “hidden gems”, including local restaurants and bars tucked away in its side streets.
Small plates specialists Noto on Thistle Street and Pan-Asian eatery Wee Buddha on Jamaica Street are among the many acclaimed restaurants that are hidden away, while top secluded pubs include The Devil’s Advocate on Advocate’s Close and The Tourmalet in Leith.
Condé Nast Traveller wrote: “Start your trip by exploring the Royal Mile, often bustling with crowds and tourists spilling out of knitwear shops, tartan stores and historic pubs.
“You’ll likely stumble upon cobbled alleys that lead to hidden gems—neighbourhood restaurants and quaint bars offering warm respite from the windy streets (the city has a particularly blustery reputation, due to its northerly location and the grid-like layout, meaning wind sweeps along the streets with impressive force).
“Stroll around the Old Town to get a feel for more calm, residential neighbourhoods and cosy cafés, before heading to New Town to immerse yourself in the capital’s foodie hub.
“Edinburgh is home to seven one-Michelin-starred restaurants and six Bib gourmands, with a myriad of casual eateries and locally loved hole-in-the-wall spots to visit—and don’t miss Stockbridge Market on Sundays for stalls laden with some of the city’s tastiest treats.”
Elsewhere, Glasgow was named the second-best place to visit in Scotland. The country’s biggest city was described by Condé Nast Traveller as its “cultural heart”.
The magazine highlighted Glasgow’s mix of “hard-edged industrial vibe” and “artsy” attractions. Among the highlights according to Condé Nast Traveller are the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art.
Following behind in third place on the roundup is Fife, which the magazine described as a “dreamy little spot” perfect for anyone looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. It earned praise for its coastal scenery, historic pubs, and colourful villages.
The fourth-best location in Scotland to visit according to Condé Nast Traveller is the Abbey Towns in the Scottish Borders. In particular, the magazine singled out Melrose, Dryburgh, and Jedburgh.
In fifth place on the roundup is Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands, which earned praise for its breathtaking scenery that has featured in films such as Harry Potter and Skyfall. Condé Nast Traveller recommended the various nearby Munros and valleys as particular beauty spots.
Following behind in sixth, seventh, and eighth place on the magazine’s list are Braemar and the Cairngorms, Loch Ness, and the Northwest Highlands, respectively. Meanwhile, the Isle of Skye, South Harris, and Orkney come in at numbers nine, 10, and 11.
Rounding out the list is the island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides. As reported by the Daily Record, the island was recently crowned top travel destination in Europe for 2026.
The full list of the 12 best places to visit in Scotland can be found below. For more information, visit the Condé Nast Traveller 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
