Why Edinburgh, Scotland is the Best European City for First-Time American Travelers

Wondering which European city is best for your first trip to Europe? For me, you can't beat the historic sights and sounds of Scotland's stunning capital, Edinburgh. Learn why!

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First trip to Europe?

So you're interested in going across the pond? Congratulations! Planning your first trip to Europe is a monuments occasion and I'm so glad you've dropped by to learn a little more about it!

Though I consider myself a fairly seasoned traveler at this point, I actually didn't take my first trip to Europe until I was in my mid-20's. While I enjoyed the Europe travel planning immensely, I was also pretty overwhelmed.
Which city should we visit?
Where were the "best" hotels?
How would I find the "best" restaurants?
Oh wait, how would I even survive the 8 hour flight across the Atlantic????

For more general tips on your first trip to Europe, check out: What You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Europe

But first things first!
​Which city should I visit?

I find that most Americans' instinct on a first trip to Europe is to "see as much as possible." This tends to lead us to do a whirlwind London, Paris, Rome tour in 10 days and a call it quits.

While I completely understand the impulse ("What if this is the only time I visit!"), I would encourage you to have exactly the opposite mindset.

​Be easy on yourself the first time you travel to Europe. Don't expect to see too much, and give yourself time to enjoy the place you've spent all this money to see. You'll be back.

So, I'd say pick one city/country and dive in. Learn everything you can in advance, and do a deep dive. How do we pick the first city you should see in Europe?

A few considerations when you're selecting your European city destination:

While you know I'm going to recommend Edinburgh, I'd offer a few topics to consider when you're selecting the destination that's right for you:

Budget

Obviously, any lengthy vacation has budgetary considerations. Be realistic about your budget, with plenty of "wiggle room" for panicked expensive water bottle buying you can never plan for. You don't need to stay at the world's nicest hotel on your first trip to Europe, but make sure you're prepared for the unexpected.

Your budget will generally stretch farther in less "touristy" places with lower mark-ups, in less wealthy countries, and where our currency is strong.

Frequency of travel

Is this the only time you're planning to visit Europe, or is this the beginning of a beautiful friendship? I hope the latter. There's far, far, far too much to see in a single visit, no matter how long. But, if you are hoping to only go across the pond once, obviously your destination considerations will be "hit the highlights."

Transportation and Mobility

How do you plan to get around? Are you comfortable renting a car, or would you rather rely on public transport? Focusing on a single, larger city is going to allow you plenty of public transport opportunities, which is my recommendation for any trip to Europe, particularly a first visit.

Group composition

Who's going to be joining you on this trip? Kiddos? Older travelers? People with mobility limitations? Think critically about how you'll actually want to spend your days, rather than what looks fancy on Instagram.

Interests

History buffs? Art aficionados? Pub fiends?

Flexibility

Be honest with yourself about your willingness to go outside of your comfort zone. If you know you're going to want daily "American coffee," you won't want to stray too far off the beaten tourist path.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Alright, let's get down to business and discuss one of my favorite cities in Europe for first-time American travelers! For me, there's no better destination for a first trip to Europe than enchantingly historic Edinburgh, Scotland. And here's why:

Greyfriars Bobby statue, Edinburgh

Getting there- The easiest airport in Europe

One of the most daunting parts of a first trip to Europe is the lengthy flight across the Atlantic Ocean. You'll manage it just fine, but when it's over, you're going to a bit disoriented. 

Landing in Edinburgh Airport, the city's almost unbelievably manageable airport, you'll feel like you're in any major American city. Easily find the taxi rank and grab a quick cab ride into downtown. It's that easy.

Manageable city size

With around a half million residents, Edinburgh just simply isn't that large. The historic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle (the main tourist spots) and surrounding environs are extremely walkable and you will not get lost or ever feel overwhelmed. It's just not large enough.

Public transit

Edinburgh is served by an efficient bus and light rail system, which is affordable, efficient, safe, and clean. You'll feel perfectly comfortable grabbing public transport, should you need it

Additionally, the similarly reliable train system can get you anywhere else you'd reasonably expect to see in Scotland and even down to England. And, no, unfortunately all of their trains don't look like the Hogwarts Express.

5 Reasons to Love the Scottish Highlands

It's all English

While the charming Scots accent can be a bit difficult to discern at first (especially if your ear clogged on the plane...), have faith we're all speaking the same language.

​On a first trip to Europe, not having to deal with a language barrier really makes things easier. Yes, in Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin you'll find English speakers in any tourist area, it can still often be a slight challenge to obtain what you seek, and a bit stressful if you're nervous or flustered (or just got motion sick on a high speed train- maybe speaking from experience here once again).

What to Wear in Scotland

Cultural considerations

While one of the exciting parts of any foreign travel is learning about a new culture, it can be overwhelming to make decisions on the fly.

​You'll find more cultural differences between the US and the UK than you might be expecting, but overall, you'll be easily able to navigate cultural issues. If you're in need of a quick bite to eat, you'll be able to easily find a restaurant an ascertain whether it's high-end, a tourist trap, a quick sandwich joint, or a place for a pint.

Tourist Mistakes in Scotland

Day Trips from Edinburgh

Day trips from Edinburgh to many places in Scotland are incredibly easy. A week-long sojourn in Edinburgh with a couple days exploring the countryside/other cities in Scotland makes for a perfect first trip to Europe.

Visiting the UK by Train

Taking it all in

At the end of a trip to Edinburgh, you'll feel like you've done most of what the city has to offer (though I'm always willing to return!) and certainly fallen in love with the Scottish capital. You'll come away from the trip humming bagpipe tunes, craving a freshly pulled pint, and feeling like you've learned a bit about the romantic (and brutal) history of this rugged country.

10+ Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you enjoy your first trip to Europe, no matter which city you select. Please take some time to explore the many resources on the blog for first timers and seasoned travelers, alike. If you do select Scotland, I've got quite a bit for you!!

Bon voyage!