8+ Avoidable Tourist Mistakes Americans Make in Scotland

Wondering how to avoid common tourist mistakes in Scotland? Pour yourself a single malt whisky and check out these easy tips from your favorite Europe travel guide who loves nothing more than a good trip to Scotland.

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Planning a trip to Scotland?

View of downtown Edinburgh (SPC)

Loch Ness (JSB)

With very good reason, Scotland, particularly Edinburgh, is near the top of the tourist's "must-see in Europe" list.

Excellent whisky, stunning landscapes, great music, friendly locals, well-preserved historic sites, and a romantic history all make for an attractive enticement for visitors.

While I'd argue that a visit to Scotland is one of the easiest you'll undertake in Europe (small country, no language barrier, welcoming to Americans), Scotland does welcome more than three million tourists every year, so it's important to be thoughtful about planning your trip.

​Additionally, though the U.K. does offer excellent rail connectivity in general, many parts of Scotland are remote, and even the larger cities aren't that large, and have fairly limited public transit. (I'm from Indianapolis - not throwing shade AT ALL - just preparing tourists that they won't have The Tube in St Andrews).

Glamis Castle, the ancestral home of the Queen Mum (SPC)

Never fear! You've come to the right place. I love nothing more than helping Americans prepare for their first (or tenth!) trip "across the pond." No paywalls, no gimmicks - just free advice from your friendly American lawyer mom who loves European adventures.

So pour that whiskey (yes, I've mentioned it twice - it's simply the best way to prepare yourself for Scotland), and let's dive right in!

8+ Avoidable Tourist Mistakes Americans Make in Scotland

Eilean Donan (SPC)

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Packing the wrong clothes for that unpredictable Scottish weather

St Andrews Castle, Scotland

Scottish weather can be unpredictable. And rarely what I'd consider "warm."

Especially if you're visiting in the colder months, you need to be prepared for unexpected and frequent showers. That said, when things go well, that Scottish sunshine can't be beat! As always with European tourism: prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Waterproof shoes, a small umbrella, that classic Barbour coat, and you're ready to go.

For the full guide, check out What to Wear in Scotland

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not brushing up on your Scottish history

Culloden Moor

Scottish history reads like a thrilling (and often depressing/disheartening) tale of love, intrigue, romance, big dreams, ambition, and, ultimately, frequent loss.

But you won't be able to appreciate it, or what you'll be seeing and touring in Scotland, if you don't know it.

Make at least some effort to learn the basic timeline of Scottish history, so that you can place the sites you visit within a framework. I promise, it'll make your experience more rewarding. If you're looking for a less academic, and more thematic experience, check out my 11+ Epic Movies and Shows about Scotland to Watch Before you Visit.

Songs, books, & movies about Scotland in Why You'll Love Scotland

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not taking enough day trips

"The Hogwarts Express" from West Coast Railways (SPC)

It's surprisingly easy to Explore the UK by Train.

No matter where you make your home base in Scotland (I'd very strongly recommend Edinburgh), be sure to get out and see the rest of this gorgeous country, even without a car. Seeing just one or two major cities will not be sufficient to immerse you in Scottish history and culture.

Some of my favorite day trips from Edinburgh:
A Day Trip to St Andrews from Edinburgh
A Day Trip to Stirling from Edinburgh
Craigmillar Castle & The Sheep Heid Inn

Craigmillar Castle (JSB)

Craigmillar Castle (JSB)

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not discovering the whisky

Scotch whisky and a tartan coaster - what more could you want! (stock)

Need I say more?

A lot of us who aren't necessarily dedicated straight liquor drinkers (I include myself in this) might shy away from whisky in our day-to-day bar order, but when you're in Scotland, you simply must 'give it a go.'

​Learn as much as you can during your stay, and if you can, take a distillery tour.

​Visit Scotland has an excellent Whisky Distillery Tour Map.

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not making it to The Scottish Highlands

Loch Ness (SPC)

The Scottish Highlands are unimaginably gorgeous.

The "capital" of the Scottish Highlands at Inverness is home to the legendary Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle, which we greatly enjoyed during our visit.

But, as much as many tourists who want to visit learn the hard way, The Highlands can be hard to explore, especially without renting a car. That doesn't mean you should skip them. If at all possible, make an effort to get up to the Highlands. Check out my Tips for Visiting Inverness, Culloden, and Nessie: A Trip to the Scottish Highlands without a Car.

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness (JSB)

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not leaving Edinburgh's Royal Mile

Dean's Village, Edinburgh (SPC)

When exploring Edinburgh, many tourists, only in town for a short time, fail to venture off of The Royal Mile.

While impressive, home to Edinburgh Castle, incredibly preserved buildings, and seemingly a million pubs, The Royal Mile is also wildly touristy.

So don't forget to venture off the Mile, and explore all that Edinburgh has to offer.

​We chose to make nearby (walkable) New Town our home base, with a stay at InterContinental Edinburgh, The George.

Don't forget to explore Holyrood House - The Queen's residence in Edinburgh!

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
Thinking there isn't great shopping

New Town, Edinburgh (SPC)

Edinburgh offers several *superb* shopping streets, especially in New Town. It's not all tartan scarves (though, let's be real - those are super fun and we absolutely bought several).

Edinburgh is a world class city, with luxury shopping to be had in abundance.

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Expecting bad food

British food doesn't have the best reputation, but do not expect to be disappointed. Scotland has lots of delicious food to offer.

High-end restaurants abound in the larger cities.

Check out 1780, a personal favorite of mine in Edinburgh. Or dine at any of the 34 Michelin-stared restaurants in the Edinburgh area.

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not appreciating pubs

Classic pint at a pub (stock)

Moving in roughly the opposite direction...

There's nothing quite like "posting up" at a pub - any time of day.

Be sure to dedicate a good portion of your trip to getting a sense of Scottish culture "down the pub." Need the bathroom? Stop at the pub. Need lunch? Pub. Bored mid-afternoon? Pub. Quick dinner? Pub. After dinner entertainment? Pub.

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
Not reading up on Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling wrote her indomitable, unique Harry Potter novels right here in Edinburgh.

From The Elephant House cafe, where some of the actual writing occurred, to strolling in Greyfriars Kirkyard, where you'll see some very familiar names, be sure to brush up on your Harry Potter knowledge before you visit the birthplace of Harry Potter.

The Elephant House, Edinburgh.

Riddell's Grave, Edinburgh.

And if you love all things British, check out my Cozy British Mystery Novels, Available as Audiobooks!

Thanks for stopping by!

Edinburgh Castle (SPC)

I hope you have the most phenomenal trip to Scotland. Enjoy a whisky, tour some castles, & take in the romantic atmosphere of this stunning country.

​And while you're here, I hope you'll take a while to explore the many, many free resources I've created over the years to help Americans plan and prepare for trips to Europe. I love nothing more than making sure everyone feels prepared and comfortable during their time "across the pond." 

​Bon voyage!

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