Tourist Mistakes in Scotland

Wondering how to avoid common tourist mistakes in Scotland? Grab yourself a whisky and check out these easy tips!

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Concerned about making tourist mistakes
​in Scotland?

View of downtown Edinburgh (stock)

Loch Ness

​For good reason, Scotland, particularly Edinburgh, is near the top of the tourist's "must-see" list. Excellent Scotch, stunning landscapes, and a romantic history all make for an attractive enticement for visitors.

Alas, that also means that you need to be smart about planning your trip, to avoid common tourist mistakes in Scotland!

Glamis Castle (home of the Queen Mum) Stock

If you need convincing, check out my 5 Reasons You'll Love Scotland

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Bringing the wrong clothes

St Andrews Castle, Scotland

Scottish weather can be all over the place - but rarely what I'd consider "warm." Especially if you're visiting in the spring, or really any time, you need to be prepared for unexpected showers. But, when things go well, that Scottish sunshine can't be beat!

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

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not learning the history

Culloden Moor

Scottish history reads like a thrilling (and often depressing) tale of love, intrigue, ambition, and 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!

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

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not taking enough day trips

It's wonderfully easy to Explore the UK by Train. No matter where you make your home base in Scotland (I'd recommend Edinburgh), be sure to get out and see the rest of this gorgeous country!

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

Craigmillar Castle

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not trying the Scotch

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

Need I say more? A lot of us who aren't necessarily 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 Highlands

Loch Ness (stock)

The Scottish Highlands are gorgeous. Its "capital" at Inverness is home to the legendary Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle, which we greatly enjoyed during our visit. But, as much as many tourists want to visit, The Highlands can be hard to explore, especially without renting a car.  But that doesn't mean you should skip them!

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

Check out my tips on Visiting Inverness, Loch Ness, & Culloden Moor!

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

Dean's Village, Edinburgh (stock)

When exploring Edinburgh, some tourists, only in town for a short time, don't manage to venture off of The Royal Mile. While incredible, and home to Edinburgh Castle, incredibly preserved buildings, and seemingly a million pubs, it's 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.

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

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Forgetting about shopping

New Town, Edinburgh (stock)

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!)

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Expecting bad food

British food does get a bad rep, but 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! If you're in the mood for tea, The Colonnades at the Signet Library is a must-see!

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
​Not appreciating pubs

Classic pint at a pub (stock)

There's nothing quite like "posting up" at a pub - any time of day, really! Be sure to dedicate a good portion of your trip to getting a sense of Scottish culture "down the pub!"

Tourist Mistake in Scotland:
Not reading up on Harry Potter

JK Rowling wrote her amazing 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 go! 

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 (stock)

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!

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