Edinburgh is the capital city, and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The Old and New Towns of the city constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Edinburgh is the largest tourist destination in Scotland, and the second largest in the United Kingdom after London. The cities' major tourist attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Dynamic Earth and the Royal Mile. It has several universities including the well established the University of Edinburgh founded in 1583.

Glasgow is the largest city in the country, and the second largest tourist destination in Scotland after Edinburgh. It's attractions include the Burrell Collection, Glasgow Cathedral, the Glasgow Science Centre and the Kelvingrove Museum. In addition to this many tourists come to Glasgow for its renowned Victorian and Gothic Architecture as well as its shopping. The city has several well-established universities.

Stirling is a historic town in Central Scotland, some 30 miles to the north-west of Edinburgh and is generally known as the "Gateway to the Highlands", due to its geographical position between upland and lowland Scotland. Amongst its attractions are castle and the National Wallace Monument, as well as a newly established university.

Aberdeen has a well established university.

St. Andrews is a small, but busy town in North-East Fife. The town's economy is centred around the Golf industry, with St Andrews being regarded as the home of the modern game. The well established University of St Andrews (the oldest in Scotland has colleges located throughout the town.

Dundee has a well established university.

Perth is a small but historic town on the east coast.

Inverness is the administrative centre for the Highlands
Other areas which are popular for tourists include the Highlands and islands, such as the Isle of Skye. Perthshire, the Scottish Borders and Orkney and Shetland are also popular tourism destinations.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, but there are a number of other significant mountains in Scotland, though by international standards all the mountains are relatively small. The Cuillin on the Isle of Skye does offer some challenging climbs, such as the Inaccessible Pinnacle.

Scotland also has a number of lochs, including Loch Lomond, and Loch Ness, which is considered by some to be the home of the Loch Ness monster. There are also many rivers, which are good for salmon and fly fishing. These include the River Tay, Tweed, Don, and Dee.

Scotland is generally thought to be good for hunting, especially deer stalking and grouse shooting.

Scotland is also the home of golf, with many historic and famous courses including, St. Andrews, Gleneagles, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, and Muirfield. There are hundreds of other less famous courses in the country.