Ultimate Things to Do in Scotland You Shouldn’t Miss!
SIGHTSEEING
Starts your country exploration around Scotland from the city of Edinburgh. This city offers so many interesting places that you should check at, one of the cities on the list is the iconic Edinburgh Castle that you cannot miss. Edinburgh Castle is an 11th-century castle and barracks located in Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom. Go visit Edinburgh Castle and experience the greatness of Scottish building in the area of Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle opens for tourists to visit from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM every day. Upon your arrival at this castle, you need to book tickets online in advance.
The next fun activity to do around the city of Edinburgh is called as Rabbie's Edinburgh City Tours. Join the fun tours around the city of Edinburgh and experience the city tours that will satisfy your sightseeing needs on your Scotland trip. There are interesting day tours that they offer for the guests such as A Taste of Scotland's Craft Beer & Whisky, Outlander Adventure, Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands, and more on the lists. You can choose the tours that you like to join. We recommend you to take the Scottish Castles Experience that will take you to explore the majesty of castles located around Scotland on a 4-day tour. Joining the tour is the best option for you that is a first-timer visitor in this country. The other option of sightseeing around the area of Edinburgh is visiting the Edinburgh City Center and have a romantic stroll along the Water of Leith. Several places around Scotland are free in admission including City Art Center, The People's Story Museum, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and more.
Another place that deserves a visit is Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. founded in 1670 and considered one of the best gardens in the world, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers 72 hectares of peace and quiet and is just a stone's throw from the bustling city center. This is a very pleasant place to walk around. There is a lot to see and lots of chairs where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings. There is also a shop and cafe with plenty of outdoor seating.
Edinburgh Castle
Rabbie's Edinburgh City Tours
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
CULTURE
Scotland is a country that is full of history and culture. If you love to learn about cultures, then visiting Scotland is the best choice for your holiday trip. From traditional cuisines to the historical buildings and museums, Scotland has it all for you. Scotland's traditional cuisines are known as Scottish cuisine that has distinctive features and recipes that make it different from most European Cuisine. The famous carbonated soft drink of Scotland is called Irn-Bru that is also described as Scotland's other national drink after whiskey. Other than the excellent Scottish cuisines, Scotland also features some historical museum where you can learn more about its people, history, and also about the country itself. For the history learning process of Scotland, you can head to the National Museum of Scotland that is located at Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom. You will be able to see the exhibitions of industrial history relics and also the natural history of Scotland in this museum. Not only great for sightseeing, but the National Museum of Scotland also features a cafe that is suitable for a leisure conversation with your friends or family around the city of Edinburgh.
Scotland's artistic and cultural offering is much more than tartans, bagpipes, and thistles. If you want to immerse yourself at Scotland culture, you can go to Scottish National Gallery. The National Gallery of Scotland is one of Scotland's best free visitor attractions. It boasts the Scottish national fine art collection from the early Renaissance to the late nineteenth century.
Spend an hour walking around this tranquil place and you will discover masterpieces from Velázquez, Raphael, and Vermeer to Monet, Cézanne and Van Gogh.
National Museum of Scotland
Scottish National Gallery
BEST TIME TO VISIT
To let you have the best experience of Scotland Exploration, we recommend you visit this country in Spring which falls in late March to May and also in Fall season which will be around September to November every year. During the spring season, the weather around cities in Scotland tends to be warmer, which ranges from 6°C-15°C. Around that time, you will be able to perform the highest fun of strolling around the cities in Scotland with your family and friends.
DO'S AND DON'TS
If you are visiting Scotland please do visit museums and theatres in the major cities of Scotland. There are so many great places around Scotland that are worth your visit. Do visit the countryside of Scotland, you should be exploring every bit of Scotland, and not only the city life. The suburban life around Scotland is also worth to check. Thus, Scotland is famous for the quality od whiskey, we do recommend you try the malt whiskey in moderation.
Do not confuse Scotland with England, they are two different countries in Great Britain. People of Scotland will not be pleased if you referred to them as England. The next thing that you should not do in Scotland is addressing the people of Scotland as Scotch. The correct term is Scottish or Scots. The word Scotch is used for food only, i.e. Scotch egg.
LANDMARKS
As a country that is full of history, Scotland also features some amazing landmarks that will make you think of this country when you find this term. They are Scott Monument and James Clerk Maxwell Statue. If you are visiting the city of Edinburgh, you should check the famous city's landmark called the Scott Monument. It is a spirelike Victoria memorial that was built in honor if Sirt Walter Scott, a Scottish writer. This place features 287 steps that will lead you to the top. From the top of Scott Monument, you will be able to see the stunning view of Edinburgh city. If you are interested in visiting Scott Monument, you should prepare the admission fee that will cost around £8.00 Concession for adults, £6.00 for OAP / Child / Student, and £20 for Family ticket that will include 2 adult & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children. This place is the perfect one to enjoy the whole city view from their viewing platform.
The next iconic landmark of Scotland is James Clerk Maxwell statue that is located at 22-26 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ, United Kingdom. This statue complex is built after the famous Scottish physicist, James Clerk Maxwell. Aside from the history and the greatness of James Clerk Maxwell, the place itself, where the statue of Maxwell was built is a great place to hang out with your family and friends. If you are interested in science and want to know more about Maxwell, this place is worth to visit on your Scotland trip.
Visit Edinburgh Castle, one of the most interesting historic sites in Western Europe. Have a great experience here. You are able to gain more knowledge about Edinburg history. Enjoy great and breathtaking views of the city. A really must visit place when you are in Scotland.
Go back in time as you stroll through the fourteenth and fifteenth century structures and yards that Scottish kings, queens, nobility and soldiers once called home. History enthusiasts will love Stirling Castle, home to various great occasions. It was here that James V and Mary Queen of Scots were crowned and the first tried flight occurred in 1507 after John Damian flung himself from the battlements of the castle wearing a couple of feathered wings.
During your visit, you'll experience the stronghold's interiors, Great Hall, kitchens, Chapel Royal and picturesque gardens that have scenic views for miles.
Edinburgh Castle
Scott Monument
James Clerk Maxwell statue
Stirling Castle
POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Speaking of tourist destinations, Scotland has it all covered for you and your whole family. From the beauty nature of highland to the amazing sight of the beach, all are present in this country. Situated in the capital city of Edinburgh, Portobello Beach considered one of the places that you should be included in your Scotland bucket list. Portobello Beach features a sandy beach with a fresh seaside breeze that will make your visit to Edinburgh more pleasant and unforgettable. The amazing overlooking Forth will await your visit to this amazing beach. All public amenities that are available in this beach is also good for kids. Portobello Beach opens 24 hours all year round for the beach-goers so they can enjoy their visit to the beach at all times.
The next popular tourist attraction in Scotland is called Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy a walk with your loved one, then this park is a suitable place for you. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh covers a total of 70-acre gardens with a palm house and temporary exhibitions around it. Kids; events, tours, and also cafes are available on-site for the visitors. This garden is free for anyone who wants to visit. Thus, to be able to visit Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, you need to pre-book the tickets beforehand. If you need a quiet place in the city of Edinburgh, you should go and visit this garden.
One of the most famed tourist destinations is Edinburgh Zoo. With more than 1,000 animals from every corner of the world, including the giant panda, a visit to the Edinburgh Zoo is a great family day out. Meet penguins at the well-known Penguin Parade and get closer to chimps than ever on the Budongo Trail.
Visit the Glasgow West End to find an oasis of beautiful green space in the city's Botanic Gardens. Don't miss the Kibble Palace, a very beautiful Victorian greenhouse. Overall, this botanic garden is a beautiful place to spend time with your family. You can see a great variety of flowers and plants. Totally recommended to visit.
Portobello Beach
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Edinburgh Zoo
BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS
Stay overnights around the area of Scotland will give you a one-of-a-kind experience that you will remember from your Scotland trip. If you need a place to stay around the city of Edinburgh, you can head to The Balmoral. Check their amazing Victorian building that is situated close to the Edinburgh Castle. The Balmoral is located an only 12-minute walk to the iconic Edinburgh Castle and an only 2-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station. The Balmoral features contemporary rooms that are equipped with marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and more. In some suite rooms, there is a living space available in the room. Some package in The Balmoral also includes free complimentary breakfast. Besides the comfortable stay in their luxurious rooms, you can also try the fine dining experience on their French-influenced brasserie restaurants. There is also a lounge that serves afternoon tea for the guests. The other amenities that are available in The Balmoral including an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, a bar that serves regional whiskeys, and more.
The next upscaling 4-star hotel that will be serving you with comfortable and luxurious stay around the area of Edinburgh is called Cheval The Edinburgh Grand that is located at 42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD, United Kingdom. This hotel provides selections of rooms ranges from studio to 3-bedrooms for the guests. All rooms at Cheval The Edinburgh Grand features free Wi-Fi connection, flat-screen TVs, kitchens coffee machines, and also designer toiletries. Fireplaces and also dining areas are available at some apartments in the Cheval The Edinburgh Grand. Posh Penthouse apartment with a private rooftop terrace is also available in this hotel. You can choose the type of rooms that you like at Cheval The Edinburgh Grand. This hotel is also equipped with some refined amenities as well as restaurants, bar/lounge, and also a coffee shop available for the guest. If you are looking for a place to spend amazing nights around Edinburgh, you can head to this hotel.
Meanwhile, Dakota Edinburgh offers excellent service and ultimate accommodation with an award-winning bar and grill. With the helpful and best hospitality, you will feel like at home.
The Balmoral
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
Dakota Edinburgh
BEST RESTAURANTS
For a fine dining experience around the place, you can head to The Dome that is located at 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, United Kingdom. The Dome serving a variety of menu that is great for breakfast, lunch, as well as dinner. They also offer wine, beer, late-night food, organic dishes, and vegetarian options. Desserts and cookies are amazing in this restaurant. The Dome also offers great cocktails for the guest. The Dome features several rooms for different dining purposes including The Grill Room, Georgian Tea Room, and also The Club Room. The Dome opens 7 days from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. If you feel like have fancy dining in Scotland, please visit The Dome for it.
Contini George Street is the next restaurant that you should visit in Scotland. This Italian restaurant serves a variety of foods made from good ingredients only. The top food at Contini George Street is called Cover Charge that includes homemade kitchen garden rosemary focaccia combined with little taste of Italian I'ciacca Evoo. You can get a special menu for £2. Contini George Street also serves a wide variety of foods on their menu such as Arancini, Mozzarella E Speck, Zucchini, Burrata, and many more. A La Carte, Breakfast, Kids' Menu, and also Wine list is available at Contini George Street. Been serving the customers since 2004, Contini George Street committed to serving seasonal and authentic Italian cooking for the people in Scotland.
Looking for the best Michelin-Star restaurants? Well, you can go to Number One Restaurant. Located in the Balmoral Hotel, you can feel like an A-Lister when you dine in here. There is a wide range of dishes you can choose from. Totally excellent and worth it.
Another recommended restaurant you should visit is Ubiquitous Chip. This restaurant has a fun and relaxed atmosphere with lots of events. As you eat their cuisine, you will instantly give 10/10 for this restaurant! Really impressive!
The Dome Edinburgh
Contini George Street
Ubiquitous Chip
Number One Edinburgh
BEST SOUVENIR SHOPS
Gift and accessories hunting in Scotland can be done at the shop of Bonkers Gift Shop Edinburgh. Wide selections of gifts from accessories, collection of sunglasses, lights and lamps, games & toys, to craft items and greetings cards available on their cute little shop that is situated at 54 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 2DX, United Kingdom. Excellent quality of gifts, as well as friendly and helpful staff, will welcome you at the Bonkers Gift Shop Edinburgh.
Castle Gift Shop shouldn’t be missed when you visit Edinburgh Castle. Located next to the ticket office, they offer tempting souvenirs such as exclusive Edinburgh Castle merchandise as well as Scottish crafts.
If you want to shop gifts whether it is for yourself or your loved one, you can get it all at Bonkers Gift Shop Edinburgh. If you need more gifts to get from Scotland, you can head over to the place called Liquorice Tree Gifts Edinburgh. They will make your gift-shopping activity in Scotland will become more enjoyable with great selections of gifts starts from baby & kids, as well as beauty and wellness. Liquorice Tree Gifts Edinburgh offers specific items that you will only find in Scotland including Harris Tweed, Scottish Bath & Beauty, Scottish Homeware, and more. Happy gift-shopping, everyone!
Bonkers Gift Shop Edinburgh
Liquorice Tree Gifts Edinburgh
Castle Gift Shop
