Scotland bucket list: 8 epic experiences to help you plan the best Scottish vacation
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#1 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an incredible tradition that, as Americans, we knew nothing about until we decided to visit Scotland. The Military Tattoo is a cultural event, a musical event, and a celebration of international talent that I simply cannot compare to anything else.
During the month of August, nighttime performances are held on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle. Some nights include fireworks. I imagine this event feels like the opening of the Olympic games, except more intimate, and with more music. It is an impressive and beautiful event full of emotion. I, for one, teared up as the bagpipers played Scotland the Brave.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo turns 70 in 2020, and, fun fact, Queen Elizabeth II was present at the first even in 1950.
Cost: The tickets are pricy (we spent £160 for 2 people) and you have to purchase months ahead to get a good seat. (We had ours mailed to us.)
#2 Watch Shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh is a must-do for anyone who loves theatre and a lively city atmosphere. Even if for some reason you don't love plays, musicals, or comedic improv, you will enjoy the Fringe. The Royal Mile comes alive with music and performances. (Again, you must visit Edinburgh in August to attend this festival.) From Shakespeare to Harry Potter to current events-- the Edinburgh Fringe has it all! Performances occur all day with more PG-13 shows at night.
We were able to purchase tickets two ways: 1) at a booth in Waverley station and 2) from our phones using the strong WiFi at Starbucks.) Cost depends on what you choose to see, but many shows were £10-£15 per person.
#3 Tour Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle sits high on a hill right in the middle of the city, and it’s one of those places you can’t miss—literally. You walk up through the old stone gates, explore the historic buildings, and take in incredible views of the entire city below.
Inside, you can see the Scottish Crown Jewels, learn about the castle’s military history, and even hear the One O’Clock Gun if you time it right. It feels both grand and surprisingly walkable, making it a great stop even with kids.
Cost: Adults £19.50 / Children £11.40
How to Buy Tickets: We recommend booking tickets online ahead of time through Historic Environment Scotland to avoid long lines, especially in the summer. Timed entry helps keep things moving, and early morning slots are usually the least crowded.
We spent about 2–3 hours exploring, but you could easily stay longer if you enjoy reading all the exhibits. If you’re traveling with family, plan for a snack break—there’s a small café inside, or you can grab food along the Royal Mile right outside the castle gates.
Touring Edinburgh Castle in June
#4 Hike Arthur’s Seat
Hiking Arthur's Seat is one of those experiences that feels like a total escape—even though you’re still right in the city. The trail winds up through grassy hills and rocky paths, and the higher you climb, the better the views get. At the top, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view of Edinburgh, from the castle to the coastline. It’s a bit of a climb, but totally doable for families if you take your time and enjoy the stops along the way.
Cost: Free
How to Access the Trail: There are a few starting points, but we began near Holyrood Park, which has easy paths and plenty of space to spread out. No tickets needed—just show up and start walking. Wear sneakers or hiking shoes, as parts of the trail can get rocky and slippery.
We spent about 1–2 hours hiking up and down, with plenty of breaks to take in the views. If you’re traveling with kids, pack your patience, and snacks and water—it makes the whole experience more enjoyable. For an easier option, you can stick to the lower trails and still get amazing views without going all the way to the top.
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
#5 Visit Eilean Donan Castle
Visiting Eilean Donan Castle feels like stepping straight into a postcard. Set on a small island where three lochs meet, the castle is connected by a stone bridge and surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Highlands. You can walk across the bridge, explore the rooms inside, and learn about the castle’s history, or simply take your time soaking in the views from every angle. It’s not a huge site, which makes it an easy and memorable stop—especially for families.
Cost: Adults £12.50 / Children £6
How to Buy Tickets: Tickets can be purchased on-site at the visitor center when you arrive. We found it quick and easy, even during a busy time of day. There’s also a small café and gift shop if you want to grab a snack or warm up before or after your visit.
We spent about an hour exploring the inside and walking the grounds, but you could easily stay longer just enjoying the scenery and taking photos. If you’re road-tripping through the Highlands, this is a perfect stop to stretch your legs and take in one of Scotland’s most iconic views. We stopped here on our way from the Isle of Skye to Loch Ness.
Eilean Donan Castle
#6 Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Reindeers really exist and they roam in the beautiful Cairngorms. A guide leads you on a hike up to the herd, performs reindeer calls, and then you can feed them and enjoy their company and then walk back down at your own pace. They are sweet and gentle.
Cost: Adults £16/ Children £10
How to Buy Tickets: We purchased tickets at the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Center an hour before we wanted to leave. Tickets are first come, first served. And you can grab lunch at the little cafe next to the visitor center while you wait.
We stayed the night and pitched a tent across the street at Glenmore Campsite, which we also recommend. For more information, check out our detailed trip report.
#7 Hiking on the Isle of Skye
So, the Isle of Skye is not that easy to get to, but, if you have the time, we highly recommend visiting for 2-3 days. More specifically, we recommend The Quiraing Hike on the Trotternish Peninsula. Here's a helpful website that offers details on getting to the trail (we missed the turn for the road up the hill at least 3 times.) Better yet, the cost is free!
We stayed nearby at Shulista Croft Wigwams for 2 nights, and it was our favorite place in Scotland. We hope to return with our daughter and stay for at least a week in the near future.
Quiraing Hike, Trotternish Peninsula, Isle of Skye
The short video below captures a small fragment of the beauty of Skye.
#8: Jump into some Water Sports
I know this is a general bucket list item, but Scotland is surrounded by water and has many beautiful lochs and rivers. So, we recommend getting out on the water- whether its kayaking, whitewater rafting, or abseiling (also known as canyoning)
For this trip, we were able to spend half a day canyoning (abseiling) with G2 Outdoor. They are based near Aviemore, and convenient to other expeditions in Cairngorms National Park.
Cost: We spent £110 for 2 people.
Bonus: The epic photos below were taken by our guide.
Canyoning near Aviemore
Canyoning near Aviemore
We visited Scotland in 2018 and 2025, see what we’ve been up to since then.
Scotland is one of our favorite countries. Our bucket list included the Fringe Festival inEdinburgh and hiking on the Isle of Skye. Read on to help create your Scottish bucket list.