Scotland Travel Guide
When our souls burn with curiosity and our hearts long for adventure, we set out on a course to explore the many wonders this world has to offer. Traveling to great lands to experience out of this world sights, events, food, and culture. Our travels take us to the great and lush land of Scotland, and here in this article we have laid out the perfect guide to experiencing it to its fullest. Here is your one stop shop for everything you need to know before going to Scotland. We have taken the time to find the most raved about hotels that exceed all prior hotels you have ever experienced, sights that only this country has to offer that will take your breath away, restaurants that are cherished by the locals, and must know facts about the land that will help you traverse it with ease and knowledge. Feel free to sit back, relax, and soak in this information we have supplied here. Follow the links for further information, and as always, safe travels.
Know Before You Go, Scotland
When visiting foreign lands, it is of utmost importance to do some research beforehand so that you don’t stick out like a tourist. Let’s be honest, no one wants to stand out like a sore thumb, and sometimes all you need to do to not look like a tourist is to do some simple research about the culture, weather patterns, and rules of conduct before you go. However, who really has the time to do that? Therefore, we have done the research for you and have laid out some very simple facts, tips, and tricks to help you know a little more about Scotland before you visit.
Culture Tips
Every country you visit has its own way of doing things and it is important to respect it. Scotland is no different, and their culture is highly praised, so let’s do our best to know these things before you go.
1.) Scottish people do not like to be stereotyped as English people. While their country resides very close to Great Britain, the people of Scotland have their own heritage and find it very disrespectful when people assume they are English.
2.) Scottish people speak English, but their accents are very thick sometimes. Be courteous and try your best to learn their mannerisms and speaking habits. Do not be afraid to ask someone to repeat themselves and they will more than likely be happy to slow down and repeat their statement.
3.) Pubs are a huge outlet for locals, and it is very important to be courteous when someone buys you a drink. If someone buys you a drink, make sure to do the same for them and return the favor. The locals are generous and would love to buy you a drink and spark up a conversation. Be polite, be social, and this should win you the approval of the locals.
Weather
Bring warm clothes for all seasons of the year. The locals like to say that you can experience all four seasons in one day, and this statement couldn’t be truer. If you wish to not look like a tourist then make sure to pack accordingly. The weather is very finicky and even on a warm sunny day it can quickly turn into cold and wet. Pack a raincoat—even in the summer—and if you are visiting during the winter months be sure to pack some heavy layer clothing to stay warm and comfortable. Bringing extra clothes just in case is never a bad thing when visiting Scotland. Do not be the underprepared and underdressed tourist.
May through September you will be looking at weather that ranges from 67 degrees Fahrenheit to 42 degrees. These are considered the warmer months and as you can see the weather is still on the chilly side, so bring warm clothes no matter the month.
Best Time to Visit
If you were looking for the cheapest time to visit Scotland, then you will have to deal with a little colder weather. During the cold months, tourism goes down and so do the prices of everything. If the cold isn’t something that will scare you away, and you are looking to experience the country without having to break the bank, then anytime November through December is a great time to visit.
If you wish to experience the nicer and warmer weather of Scotland, then we highly recommend visiting during the spring. Preferably March through May is perfect for those wishing to have better weather. However, with the better weather comes higher prices and more tourism, so be prepared for that.
Best Places to Stay, Scotland
Now that we have covered all the little need to know facts about Scotland, we can make our way to more important matters. Finding the perfect hotel for your stay is always such a hassle. When looking for a hotel it is difficult to tell which one will do the trick. Luckily for you we have done our due diligence and have found three of the top locations in the country. Each hotel is in a different city within the country that are all must visit worthy. Make sure to follow the links provided and further your search for the perfect stay in Scotland. Each hotel has the best amenities, top of the line comfort, great accessibility to the attractions, and great prices.
Gifford House (B&B), Edinburgh Scotland
A stone Victorian Terrace hotel with some of the best aesthetically pleasing architecture and fun things to do both in and around this hotel. This hotel is stationed in one of the most popular cities within Scotland, so staying here will ensure that you are well connected to all the greatest things to do and see while in Scotland. The hotel is clean, full of charm, and the breakfast is something that will prepare you for excellence throughout the day. Not only are you staying at a beautiful hotel, but you are just a walking distance away from some of the most popular tourist attractions within the city, such as the Edinburgh Castle that is full of insane beauty and history, the Royal Mile which is a popular strand of streets that are full of beautiful and historic sights, and Portobello Beach which is one of the popular sandy beaches in Edinburgh.
Alamo Guest House, Glasgow Scotland
Yet another must-visit city within Scotland is Glasgow. This city is one of the top ranked cities in the country and finding a hotel in this city is a must if you wish to experience Scotland to its fullest. Here in the city of Glasgow resides a humble and family-run operation that supplies some of the best hotel experiences in the country. The hotel radiates beauty and luxury, but at a very fair price. If you were looking for a place to experience the finer things in life without breaking the bank, then this is by far the best option for you. Staying at this hotel will ensure you are just a stone’s throw away from some of the greatest attractions in Glasgow, such as the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Finnieston Argyle Street, Glasgow University, and so much more that will keep you entertained and captivated for the entirety of your trip.
Marks @ The Manor Luxury Apartments, Aberdeen Scotland
Looking for a homier type of stay while in the great Aberdeen city of Scotland? Aberdeen is an amazing city and is one of the top-ranked, must-visit cities in Scotland. Staying within this city will keep you busy with all things to do and see. Marks @ The Manor Luxury Apartments is a five-star hotel and rightfully so. The rooms are more than luxurious, the privacy is excellent, and the proximity to fun things to do is superb. The hotel connects you to all the greatest attractions, such as Duthie Park which is an out-of-this-world park experience with some of the most beautiful plant life and sights, Union Square, which is a popular shopping experience for all, and so much more that will keep your itinerary full of fun things to do and see in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Best Restaurants in Scotland
Now that we have covered the best hotels in Scotland, it is time to take our attention elsewhere. What good would a travel experience be without some insane, mouth-watering food? That’s right, it would be nothing to write home about. Food is what makes the world go round, and here in Scotland there are some incredible flavors to experience. Please feel free to follow the links provided to find more information and plan your trip in advance.
From nature to plate is this restaurant’s motto. Every menu is seasonal which allows each plate to be specifically cultivated to enhance all flavors and freshness. This restaurant is a Michelin-starred establishment and rightfully so. The Kitchin serves modern British cuisine that is a representation of Chef Tom’s training and lifelong experience under some of the world’s best chefs and establishments. Like stated above, the menus are seasonal, so it changes frequently and offers top of the line freshness and flavor all year round. If you were looking for one of the fanciest eating experiences, a fancy and romantic date destination, or just some really good food, then this is the spot for you.
A fine dining experience that is not only favored by tourists, but also by the locals as well, you don’t want to miss The Gannet in Glasgow. The chefs combine some of the finest seasonal flavors with their love and passion for cooking into every meal. If you were looking for a fancy destination for a romantic date, then this is by far the best option that will supply one of the most robust eating experiences in Scotland. The menu creates a great experience where you can order samples of all kinds of foods. The sampling method allows you flavors that range from oysters to pig’s head.
Yet another restaurant that uses the seasons, farmers, and local ingredients to its advantage, The Cellar provides an eating experience that is unlike anything you have ever tried. The menu consists of tasting plates that allow you and a group to order multiple plates that are shareable and offer a variety of flavors all across the board.
If you just so happen to try one of these restaurants listed above, then you are sure to enjoy food like never before. With these recommendations you really cannot go wrong. Be sure to search more for places that are outside of these recommendations because there is a very significantly long list of great Scottish restaurants that all exceed expectations and take flavor to a whole new level.
Must See, Must Do, Scotland
What good is a travel experience without a planned itinerary of some of the best attractions and sights around the country? Whether it's nature walks that take you to some of the most beautiful sights ever known to man, art galleries that hold such priceless value in art, cities that are full of history and social events, or simply a great bar to socialize and relax. Scotland has a wide variety of must do and must-see things and events. So, here we will be listing all the major things to do and see while in Scotland. The hard part has already been done, and all that is left for you to do is write this down in your to-do list and experience the beauty and fun for yourself.
The Edinburgh Castle is one of the top visited tourist attractions in Scotland. If you were looking for a historic adventure that has many fun and exciting things to do, then this is the destination for you. Explore the historic grounds, take in beautiful sights, take wonderful pictures, and at the end of your exploration eat at one of the tea rooms stationed in the castle. When visiting Scotland, it is always important to explore some historic and beautiful grounds.
Loch Ness
Home of the legendary and mythical Loch Ness Monster, one of the biggest lochs in the country, and perhaps some of the most beautiful sights in all of Scotland, is the Loch Ness. You cannot visit Scotland without taking a visit to this famous lake. Bring some warm clothes, pack a picnic lunch, and travel with great company to enjoy one of the most beautiful nature sights in all of the country. Be sure to bring a camera and keep your eyes peeled because you never know if you will be the one that sees Nessie peak its head above the surface of the water.
Princes Street
If you were looking for an iconic shopping district in Scotland, then look no further. Princes Street is home to so many retailers and famous shopping destinations. It is always nice to have a stroll down these famous and well-known streets and do a bit of shopping.
Arthur’s Seat
One of the most popular hiking destinations on the map of Scotland is Arthur’s Seat. A good travel experience is nothing without a great hiking destination to visit. Pack some great walking shoes, some warm clothes, and bring along a great hiking buddy to fill your day with joy and adventure. Once you reach the top you will be greeted with panoramic views of the city of Edinburgh. The sights are truly incredible and the hike itself is a great breath of fresh air to anyone that is wishing to ditch the busy city and relieve some stress.
Balmoral Castle
Scotland is home to so many historic castles that have stood strong and proud for centuries. Take a day to explore the grounds of breathtaking Balmoral Castle. The castle resides within the Cairngorms National Park and has over 50,000 acres of farmland, wildlife, and castle to explore. This is a great destination to enjoy history, take wonderful pictures to bring home and show the family, and take in some of the country’s most beautiful sights.
Travel to Scotland and have one of the best travel experiences of your life.
