"If Scotland has an equivalent of the Magna Carta or the U.S. Declaration of Independence, it’s the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath—a letter sent by nobles to the pope swearing their independence from England. The document was signed here in this magnificent abbey, founded by William the Lion in 1178 in memory of the martyr Thomas Becket. Complete with a stunning, twin-towered church facade, the abbey remained one of Scotland’s grandest monasteries for nearly 400 years. Today, travelers can visit to soak up the atmosphere of a site long associated with Scotland’s sense of independence. Step inside one of the most complete abbot’s residences in Britain, then gaze up at local landmark the “Round O,” a circular window that was lit nightly to guide mariners home. Also keep an eye out for the impressive marble effigy, thought to depict William the Lion."

"Discovery Point An award-winning attraction, Discovery Point tells the story of the Royal Research Ship Discovery , from her beginnings in Dundee to her Antarctic expedition with Captain Robert F. Scott and her subsequent voyages. Here, visitors can step aboard the actual ship and follow in the footsteps of Scott’s crew, learning how they lived, what they ate, and how they survived numerous hardships. Explore the crew’s quarters and the Officers’ Wardroom, then check out the unique design features of the first ship ever built for scientific research in Antarctica."

"An internationally renowned center for contemporary art, DCA was key to Dundee’s comeback as a cultural hub in northeast Scotland . Set on the harbor, the center features two large-scale gallery spaces, two movie theaters, and a print studio, plus an award-winning learning program and a packed schedule of events, workshops, classes, and activities. Typical exhibitions range from an immersive installation by photographer Margaret Salmon to prints and sculptures by multimedia artist Lorna Macintyre, while films include both Hollywood and art-house pictures."

"Dundee is experiencing a renaissance of late, this international center of design being the most recent addition. The first-ever dedicated design museum in Scotland—and the only other V&A museum outside of London—V&A Dundee presents “the brilliance of Scottish creativity and the best of design from around the world.” The building, designed by Kengo Kuma with extraordinary horizontal bands, is worth a visit on its own, but inside you’ll find highlights like a 15th-century illuminated manuscript and various examples of 20th-century haute couture. Also on view are rotating exhibitions covering everything from ocean liners to graphic designer Maeve Redmond."

"Located near Dundee’s now-thriving waterfront, the Michelin-starred Castlehill Restaurant serves sophisticated Scottish cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. In the elegant dining room, guests enjoy a seasonally changing menu of modern dishes, like Scrabster hake with roasted garlic purée, and pork belly with chorizo, butternut squash, and crispy monkfish cheek. A wine list curated by specialist merchants rounds out the offerings, providing the perfect complement to Scotland’s natural larder."

"After opening in 2012, Collinsons quickly became a favorite in the fashionable village of Broughty Ferry, just three miles east of Dundee. Here, high-quality dishes feature seasonal produce and local ingredients. Choose from options like pan-roasted deer loin and fried guinea fowl, perfect for pairing with a reasonably priced selection of house wine. Diners can choose from two- or three-course menus, but will want the latter for such decadent desserts as sticky date-and-ginger pudding with toffee-pecan sauce and vanilla ice cream."

"A former Scots Baronial mansion, Taypark House was built in 1863 on serene garden grounds. The panoramic views across the Dundee Botanic Garden remain, but now the property also features 14 individually designed rooms, many with exposed stone walls, tartan armchairs, and freestanding bath tubs. The original library and drawing room have become an impressive café and restaurant, serving fresh fare, gourmet sandwiches, and homemade baked goods, while the old dining room functions as a fashionable gin bar, complete with craft cocktails and a roaring log fire. Just a mile outside the city, Taypark House offers the quiet of the countryside within walking distance of downtown. Thanks to its gorgeous gardens, it’s also a popular spot for weddings year-round."

"Scotland is the birthplace of golf, and no fairway is more legendary than the Old Course in Fife. Frequent host of the Open Championship, the Old Course at St Andrews is actually the oldest golf course in the world, iconic for its Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker. Despite its grand status, it remains a public course, open to all. Golf isn’t played on Sundays, however, so take advantage of the empty links and stroll from hole to hole, posing for a selfie on the half-century-old stone footbridge."

"A St Andrews standby for several years, this glass box of a restaurant overlooks the sea, where many of the kitchen’s ingredients are sourced. The menu leans Italian, with dishes like wild mushroom risotto, pumpkin agnolotti, and monkfish with truffle gnocchi, but also includes a selection of local seafood, from Cumbrae oysters to Shetland mussels. Come for the delicious fare, stay for the panoramic views over St Andrews Bay and West Sands Beach."

"The doyen of St Andrews hotels, this classic property borders the renowned 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, overlooking the famous links and West Sand Beach. Still, you needn’t play golf to appreciate the Old Course Hotel, especially its Kohler Waters Spa, complete with bathing experiences, a 65-foot indoor swimming pool, a rooftop garden with a hot tub, and more. In the 144 rooms—including 35 suites—guests enjoy elegant yet contemporary interiors, many created by French designer Jacques Garcia. Also on-site are six distinct dining and drinking options, from Sands (a brasserie emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients) and the Jigger Inn (offering home-cooked food and a selection of Scottish beers) to the Road Hole Bar (famous for having more than 250 whiskies)."

"The coastal town of Anstruther has a few fine eateries, but The Cellar has been a standout since opening in 1982. Current head chef and owner Billy Boyter comes from just up the road in Cellardyke and did his training in Edinburgh’s finest restaurants. At this Michelin-starred spot, he offers a single tasting menu, inspired by seasonal Scottish produce and locally foraged ingredients. Expect dishes such as North Sea halibut with onion-and-garlic-shoot broth, and Gartmorn Farm duck with pear and Jerusalem artichokes, served in a cozy space with exposed beams and stone walls."

"Built in 1500 by King James IV as a royal hunting lodge, this Renaissance palace was a favorite residence of Mary Queen of Scots, who took advantage of the vast estate to pursue falconry and play games of tennis on what is now Britain’s oldest court. Tour the palace to view intricate wood paneling, impressive painted ceilings, and beautifully carved furniture, then head to the south wing, where you’ll find twin, three-story gate towers with a unique mix of Gothic, Corinthian, and Palladian architecture. Visitors can also stroll through the formal gardens and orchard, complete with a living willow labyrinth."

"Peat Inn Around since the mid-1700s, the Peat Inn has gone from a coaching inn to a pub to a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms. Regardless of its format, however, it’s always offered superior hospitality—a tradition that owners Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle carry on to this day. In The Residence, guests find eight beautifully appointed suites, seven of which feature a split-level design with a bedroom and bathroom on the lower floor and a separate living room on the mezzanine level. Next door is the Michelin-starred restaurant, which serves modern Scottish cuisine prepared with local ingredients and classic techniques. To pair with the exquisite fare, there’s a wine list with more than 400 bottles, from classic Burgundys and Bordeaux to small, lesser-known varieties from Spain, Italy, Germany, the U.S., South Africa, and Australia. When you’re ready to venture out, the inn is conveniently located near St Andrews Links, West Sands Beach, and the city of Dundee."

"Founded as a priory by Queen Margaret in the 11th century, Dunfermline was turned into an abbey by David I and later became a royal mausoleum. It’s believed that Robert the Bruce is buried here, along with seven other Scottish kings. Following the Protestant Reformation of 1560, Queen Anna of Denmark built an imposing palace on the site, with the abbey complex at its center. It was here that Charles I—the last Scottish-born British king—was delivered in 1600. Today, visitors can explore the abbey remains, admiring the impressive nave and towering monks’ refectory. You can also wander through the palace, checking out the refectory floor and kitchen area, before heading outside to admire the breathtaking views across the glen."

"Culross is Scotland ’s most complete example of a 17th-century burgh, featuring white-harled houses, cobbled streets, a hilltop abbey, and an ocher-colored palace. Visitors can wander along the charming streets, once filled with the hustle and bustle of a thriving port on the River Forth, then explore Culross Palace, with its tiny rooms, connecting passageways, and painted ceilings. You can even buy freshly grown herbs, fruits, and vegetables from the organic palace garden while visiting with the rare Scots Dumpy hens. One of the most picturesque villages in Scotland, Culross has served as a regular shooting location for the TV series Outlander ."

"Across the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh, in the town of North Queensferry, the Wee Restaurant has remained a Fife standout for more than a decade. As its name implies, it’s a small spot with just 40 seats, but the close quarters create a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Here, husband-and-wife team Craig and Vikki Wood offer simple food like char-grilled sirloin steak and smoked haddock with potatoes alongside a carefully considered selection of wines. In addition to à la carte dishes, the restaurant serves a seasonal “Menu du Jour” at lunchtime Tuesday through Saturday and in the evening from Tuesday through Thursday. It’s perfect for lighter appetites and offers great value, with two courses for £16 (around $21) or three for just £20 ($26)."