Scotland is a big country with a lot of things to see and do. You can hang out with the Scottish highland cows and enjoy long foot paths and numerous locks in the highlands. Or you can visit the Scotland coast with picturesque views of the ocean, and ruined castles hanging off high cliffs. Or you could visit a bustling city full of museums, easy transportation, and all types of restaurants to choose from. If you choose Edinburgh for your Scotland vacations then here are a few places you must see.

Calton Hill

At the east end of Princesses Street at the top of the hill is a park with a few interesting monuments, including part of what was supposed to be a reproduction of the Parthenon. It wasn’t finished because the money ran out. You also see the Tower of the Nelson, the City Observatory, a few other monuments, and a glorious view of the city. Hike up that hill and check it out.

Museum of Scotland

You will find this attraction on the western end of Chambers Street. The Museum of Scotland is enormous and can be quit intimidating. Luckily you can start on the grown floor with the earliest artifacts and work your way up to the most recent, or go the other way if you would prefer. The entry to this museum is free, so take your time and visit a few times; there is plenty to see to keep you busy for a few days on your Scotland vacation. The building the museum is in is built to be a modern interpretation of a fortification complete with a tower. Look for the Miniature Coffins made from wood that were discovered on Arthur’s Seat in the early 1800s. They have carved faces, feet that stick out, moving joints, and clothes. No one knows exactly why these tiny coffins were made. They do make you wonder there purpose.

 

above photo taken in the Royal Museum of Scotland by Shadowgate

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Many say that Glasgow doesn’t have charm. I strongly disagree; Glasgow has incredible architecture with the dominating color being gray. You can find magnificent buildings that can rival Barcelona and Paris. Glasgow has truly impressive galleries and museums to enjoy and inspire. This bustling city is the home to quite a few museums that you must add to you itinerary, here are two to get you started.

Burrell Collection

In 1944 Sir William Burrell gave the city of Glasgow a priceless collection of over 9,000 of pieces of art from all over the world. The museum was created to show off the collection that you can go see today. The Burrell Collection is something you absolutely must see. The outside of the museum is quit simple, but what it houses is fantastic. You will find priceless paintings, crafts, and decorative arts such as medieval tapestries. This museum will keep you on your toes with temporary exhibits coming in all the time. 

People’s Palace

This is not a palace of queens and kings or other types of royals. The People’s Palace is a museum all about Glasgow and the history of its people. You won’t get bored by this type of history. The story it tells is about the character and wit of Glasgow’s residents through its history. There is a wonderful section dedicated to famous people that came from Glasgow. The People’s Palace can be found on the Glasgow Green in a red sandstone building built in the late 1800s. Even if you are just passing though Glasgow to get to other parts of Scotland or plan to visit for a week this city will entertain, enlighten, and inspire you. If you choose to add Glasgow to your Scotland vacations itinerary visit some good museums and you won’t be sorry.

 

Above photo of Mungo Museum in Glasgow Scotland by lyng883

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When you think of visiting a metropolitan area on you Scotland vacations you might not think of Glasgow, think again. The beginnings of Glasgow dates back to the early 1100s. First as a religious community, then a university came along in the mid 1400s. Sea bourn trade started in the early 1600s with England and then beyond. During the late 1700s the industrial revolution started, which is when Glasgow’s most interesting history started. There were a lot of jobs to fill, so Glasgow filled up and became affluent which is obvious from the expensive architecture from the area. In the mid 20th century the industry left and so did the wealth, leaving a dying city. In the 1980s Glasgow turned itself around. Today Glasgow is a vibrant city with numerous high quality museums and galleries. This is a city that you simply must see on your Scotland vacations.

The Tenement House

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in a Glasgow Scotland in the early 1900s? Most people in Glasgow lived in tenement houses that were like apartment buildings or flats. The residents shared washrooms, but had a few rooms of there own. Once upon a time a spinster named Agnas Toward. Agnas was considered on of the little better off as she worked as a shorthand typist. She didn’t throw anything out, so when she died in 1975 her home was a perfect time capsule of this era. You can visit this Tenement to see exactly how she and those like lived.  

St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

This museum isn’t exactly what you might think. This building is not an ancient church, it is new construction filled with religious art from all over the world. Many religions are represented with there different types of art along with a hands on description of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism for kids.

Visiting Glasgow during your Scotland vacations is definitely worth you time.

 

Above photo of St. Enoch’s Station, Glasgow Scotland from the Library of Congress

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Why would you want to spend your Scotland vacations in Glasgow? This is a city with high quality museums and galleries, an incredible nightlife, and friendly locals. Glasgow is also said to have buildings that rival Barcelona and Paris. Glasgow is definitely worthy of your Scotland vacations. If you have the time it would be fun to walk all over Glasgow to really see it, but if you don’t want to do that, then you can take a bus or subway to just about anywhere you want to go. There is a long list of attractions that you might want to visit on your Scotland vacation to Glasgow. Here are just two to get you started.

Gallery of Modern Art

I bet you knew about Scotland’s long history with tons of art to fill each decade, but did you know that there is a vibrant modern art movement too? This modern art gallery is controversial in its humorous interpretation of itself and of Scotland. This is a constantly changing exhibition, so even if you visited a few years of even six months ago you would still see something different today. You will also find a café and a public library to round out your experience.

The Mackintosh Trail

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was an architect that was popular in the early twentieth century. He was born in Glasgow in 1868. Mackintosh along with his wife and his wife’s sister and husband dominated Glasgow style for a while. If you enjoy his style of architecture than there are several building to see around Glasgow. For example; Glasgow School of Art, Willow Tearooms, Mackintosh House, Scotland Street School, and St. Matthew’s Free Church. Many of these buildings are close enough together to walk.

 

Above photo of University, Glasgow, Scotland from the Library of Congress

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Glasgow is the perfect place to spend your Scotland vacations. This large Scotland city is full of history, friendly people, and quirky museums. If you are looking for fun things to see on your Scotland vacations then visit these museums in Glasgow. 

House for Art Lovers

This museum was designed by Charles Rennie Macintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald but not built until 1996. This is a dream home set in the Bellhouston Park for all to see. On Sunday afternoon the music room is used for recitals.

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

This is the oldest public museum in Scotland and it is the home of a wonderful scientific collection that was donated by a Glasgow-trained physician in 1807. You will find a wonderful coin collection as well as geology and archeology. Across university avenue is the art collection.

Museum of Piping

This is the National Piping Centre. That means bag pipes of coerce. People come from all over the planet to learn bag piping here. In this centre is where the National Museum of Scotland has a small museum dedicated just to the highland bagpipe. There is also an auditorium for concerts, and a sound archives in the building.

Museum of Transport

The Museum of Transport has an impressive collection of historic vehicles such as steam powered trains, horse drawn trams, fire engines, motorbikes, and model ships.

These only scratch the surface of what you can see and do on your Scotland vacations in Glasgow.

To find out what other things you can do on your Scotland vacations in Glasgow and all over visit scotlanddreaming.com

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Edinburgh is the perfect place to spend your Scotland vacations. This is the capital of Scotland and is full things to see and do. There is a wonderful tour buss system in Edinburgh that allows you to buy a ticket and then jump on and off the buss all day. What must you see in Edinburgh? Here are two of the many attractions that you must see on your Scotland vacations in Edinburgh. 

Edinburgh Castle

From June to October you can see an amazing festival in front of Edinburgh on the Esplanade. Even if don’t visit during this time this castle on a volcano is worth the trip. First visit the oldest structure in the castle is St. Margaret’s Chapel that is still sometimes used for weddings. Second you can see the Scottish National War Memorial which was built in 1923 to honor those that dies in World War 2. Make sure you get to see the Crown Room on the first floor. The crown, sceptre, and sward are usually on display there. A Scottish National War Museum is also on site a worth a look. Wish such a brutal war history in Scotland this museum is definitely not to be missed.

New Town

Edinburgh’s New Town isn’t new in the terms we are used to. The first part of New Town was built in the mid to late 1700s and the second part was built in the early 1800s. Covering about one square mile this was a wonderful neighborhood built with wide streets and nice squares at each end. Near by you will find the mound which is a causeway that is the home to the national museum of Scotland. Also visit Stockbridge which is a Bohemian artisan’s corner. 

Above photo of Princess Street and castle from Scott’s Monument from the Library of Congress

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There are so many things to do and see in Edinburgh on your Scotland Vacations you could easily spend a week and not see it all. So what do you fit into your itinerary? That is a question that only you can answer, but here is a list of sights to get you started. You might just want to see it all, so start planning now for future Scotland vacations. Check back for detailed pages describing each sight.

Arthur’s Seat

The remains of an ancient volcano, Arthur’s Seat is a green hill with several smaller hills and locks around it. Part of it is the ridge of Old Town and leads up to The Castle mound of Edinburgh Castle.

Calton Hill

You can get a wonderful view on this hill to the east of Princess Street. Calton Hill is the home to the Old Observatory, new Observatory, Dugald Stewert Memorial, the unfinished National Monument, and the Nelson Monument.

Camera Obscura and World Illusions

Both exhibits about Edinburgh and Panoramic Projections of Edinburgh can be seen at Camera Obscura. You can find it at the top of the royal mile in the Outlook Tower.

Canongate Kirk

Canongate Kirk is a church that has a graveyard where a few famous people were put to rest, such as Robert Burns and David Rizzio.

Canongate Tolbooth/ The People’s Story Museum

Located up the hill from Conongate Kirk is the home of the Peoples Museum. This is a museum of the life and times of the people of Edinburgh from the 18th century forward.

City Art Centre

Edinburgh’s own art Gallery displays changing exhibits and a wonderful collection of Scottish paintings.

Craigmiller Castle

Found southeast of the city centre Craigmiller Castle is full of history. You can visit the site that both Mary Queen of Scott’s husband’s murder was planed and the place that she escaped to on a few occasions.

Cramond

Near Queensferry Lies a village called Cramond which was one had a strong water-powered industry. This is a perfect place for an evening stroll or you can catch a ferry to Dalmeny.

Dynamic Earth

Conveniently located near the new Scottish Parliament building is a High-Tec imagery trip back through time to the creation of the earth.

Edinburgh Castle

You can easily find this land mark on Castle Mound as it is very large. You can take tours of many of the castles buildings and if you time it right enjoy the festival.

Edinburgh Zoo

The Edinburgh Zoo is located at corstorphine on the side of a steep hill. You can enjoy seeing the animals with Edinburgh Castle in the background.

Fruitmarket Gallery

This is a Gallery of high-profile arts venues of contemporary art and design. You can find it behind Waverly Station across from the City Art Centre.

Georgiam House

At No.7 Charlotte Square in New Town you will find a recreated 1796 home to show how the better half lived.

Gladstone’s Land

This is an example of a tenement-house in Old Town dating back to the 17th century. Again this is an example of how the eras well to do lived.

Grassmarket

Located below the Castle Rock Grassmarket has served quit a few purposes over its history including the location of executions until the late 1700s. Now it is full of nice shops, restaurants, and pubs to visit.

Grayfriers Kirkyard

Grayfriers Kirkyard has a long important history to Scotland. Now you can see several memorials and the grave of William Adam.

John Knox House

John Knox was the founder of the Church of Scotland. The John Knox House is where he preached out a window in his early years. There is an exhibit about him in the house to see.

Lauriston Castle

An avid collector of fine furniture owned and then donated this castle along with his collection to Edinburgh for all to see.

This is a town with many fashionable restaurants. The Edinburgh River runs though the center of town and it has a nice walk.

Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood is a collection of exhibits about childhood not and exhibits for children. Although this would be a fascinating place to children it is full of things children experienced and played with in the past.

Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh houses a historical collection that will take you though the centuries. You can easily find it across the road from the Canongate Tolbooth.

Museum of Scotland

This is not a museum that you can see all at once, the Museum of Scotland is spread out on several levels that start on the first floor with the earliest beginnings and work up though time. This is a modern interpretation of an ancient fortification and is easily found on the western end of Chambers Street.

National Gallery of Scotland

You can find works of some of the best old masters in the UK along with distinctly Scottish artwork. The National Gallery of Scotland can be found on the mound.

New Town

To the North of Princess Street sits the so-called New Town. This New Town actually dates back to the late 1700s this is mostly Victorian architecture.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Still officially the home of Scotland’s royalty. It has a long history that is worth exploring. This is a tourist attraction only when a Royal isn’t visiting.

Princes Street Gardens

Between Castle Rock and Princess Street lies a strip of park called Princess Street Gardens. Look for the clock made of flowers with moving hands.

The Real Mary King’s Close

Every 20 minutes a tour can take you though this now underground close where you can see what it was like to be one of Edinburgh poor. Find it in old town under ground.

Royal Botanic Garden

To find the Royal Botanic Garden by crossing the Stockbridge on Princess Street. You will see several rock gardens, lots of Rhododendrons, squirrels, and tons more.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the almost straight road that links the Edinburgh Castle with Holyroodhouse through the Old Town.

Royal Yacht Britannia

This Royal Yacht served the Royal family for over 40 years. You can see its story in the visitors center a tour the Yacht for yourself. You will find it at Edinburgh’s port of Leith.

Scotch whisky Heritage Centre

This Heritage center can be found at the top of the Royal Mile. Ride in a hollowed out beret through the center and learning about the Scotch whisky making process.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is a collection of portraits of famous and not so famous people that shaped Scotland. You will also find the national photo collection too.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Located on the grounds of an old school this gallery displays works by famous artist such as Picasso, Hirst, Fergusson, Giacometti, and so much more.

Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre

You can find out everything about the Scottish Parliament from its history to its importance here. Get a tour of parts of the new parliament, but make reservations first.

St. Giles Cathedral: The High Kirk of Edinburgh

Found near the top of the Royal Mile, you can’t miss this imposing structure. Parts of this church dates back to the 15th century.

Writers’ Museum

The Writers’ Museum is dedicated to Scotland’s own famous writers. You can learn more about Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

 

Above photo of Edinburgh Princess street by Express000

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