46 Essential Scotland Travel Tips For An Unforgettable Trip

If I had to collect every minute thing I learned while traveling in Scotland, it would be this round-up of my best Scotland travel tips. 

The country has its own quirks apart from the national animal being the unicorn, and in this blog, I’m dishing out everything you’ll want to know for your trip. 

Haven’t started planning? This is for you. In the middle of planning? This is for you. Are you there right now? This is definitely for you.

These are all of my valuable tips for traveling in Scotland that include general travel advice and tips for planning, currency, accommodation, food and drink, and culture.

Thugainn! (That’s “let’s go” in Scottish Gaelic).

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Things You Should Know Before Visiting Scotland

If all these tips were served in the form of a formal dinner, these tips below would be the bread and butter of our meal. The entrees and dessert are coming, but know these things first:

1. Before you arrive, you need a U.K. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

As of January 2025, the United Kingdom implemented a new digital document (ETA) that is required for most visitors traveling to the UK, which includes Scotland. This applies to all countries within the UK.

The electric authorization basically gives you “permission” to enter the country. What they did was make the visa on arrival a digital process, so the authorization is linked to your passport. It’s not an extensive application process and most are approved within 3 days, so you need to apply before you leave to go to Scotland.

The ETA costs £16 ($21) and lets you travel around the United Kingdom for tourism purposes for up to 6 months. Get all the information you need on the Gov.uk website.

2. Scotland isn’t England, but it is part of the U.K.

The last thing you want to do is say someone from Scotland is English. That won’t go over well. Or worse, call Scotland, England. Yikes!

Despite being part of the United Kingdom, Scotland has a very independent mindset, and so it’s important to know that distinction before you go traveling around.

3. English is widely spoken, but you may not be able to understand some of it

There were times when I needed to ask people to repeat things because I didn’t understand them the first time. And then there were others where I wasn’t even sure they were even speaking English.

You’ll likely encounter both during your trip, with the latter being in more remote areas of the country. You wouldn’t think you’d have a language barrier with your own native tongue, but a heavy accent will put things to the test.

4. Get to know the history (and the folklore)

Scotland can turn anyone into a history novice the second they touch down at the airport. Virtually anything you look at in this country has either a rich history behind it or folklore that has been passed down for thousands of years.

That’s (part of the reason) why people say this country is so magical.

Scotland has an indignant, grueling, and inspirational past that moves people to tears when they set foot on places like Culloden Battlefield, where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising took place.

Once you set your itinerary of the places you’re going, I encourage you to research a wee bit further to see what will move you in the same way. For the curious travelers, start with this YouTube video about the entire history of Scotland.

5. Have some fun with a little Gaelic

Knowing that in America, they’re called a line, and in Scotland, it’s called a queue, will help you more than you think while you’re traveling.

Here are some more Gaelic or slang words you’ll commonly hear:

“Aye” = yes

“Wee bit” = a little bit

“Bevvy” = a drink

“Ah dinnae kin” = I don’t know

“Pint” = a quart

“Dram” = a small pour of whisky (usually)

“Braw” = good

“Tatties” = potatoes

Scotland Travel Planning Tips

If you’re traveling to Scotland next year, next month, or in the next five years, you need to know these travel tips.

6. Book everything in advance

These days, planning travel in advance is a no-brainer, but it is especially true in Scotland.

People start booking their trips to Scotland up to a year (or more) in advance of their target travel dates. So summer trips are booked by January of the same year, and Christmas trips are booked by the summer of the same year as well.

Luxury of choice is a big deal if you’re on a tight budget, so the further out you book, the better accommodations you can book and the more flexibility you have.

You don’t need to have your itinerary planned down to the minute, but all the big things like rentals, big tours, and accommodation need to be booked ahead of time.

7. Stay connected with a local SIM card

Staying connected while traveling is as easy as ever with the introduction of eSIMs over the past few years. Many different companies offer eSIMs for Scotland, but the best is Yesim. 

It gives you coverage from four different UK telephone providers and will automatically connect you to the one with the strongest signal. Also, all of their data plans are unlimited, so you only pay for the number of days you need a signal.

Just remember that with electronic SIM cards, they have to be installed on your phone before you arrive in the country. 

8. Give yourself plenty of time

There’s so much to see in Scotland that it’s almost impossible not to jam-pack your Scotland itinerary full of must-see cities and places.

My trip was 10 days, and that felt fast, so I recommend 14 (or more!) if you can swing it. Otherwise, don’t overplan and go deeper into what you can see, rather than wider, and only dip your toe in.

9. Get outside the cities

Scotland’s wild nature should be an undeniable addition to your itinerary. Most people who come to Scotland wish they had spent more time in the nature areas by the time their trip is over.

You don’t have to hike dozens of miles or do anything truly grueling to see something memorable, and luckily, there are many places you can visit in Scotland that will get you out there in whatever way you like to show up.

Notable places around the country are the Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and the Isles in the Hebrides.

Some can be day trips while others are best experienced on a multi-day tour. Either way, make sure they’re penciled in somewhere between your visits to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, or all three.

Packing Tips For Scotland

While there are only a handful of mistakes you can make while packing for your Scotland trip, they can make or break how comfortable you’ll be in Scotland. Here’s what you want to do:

10. Pack comfortable shoes

Prioritizing cute footwear over practical is a big mistake a lot of visitors make when they visit Scotland. When you’re walking across uneven cobblestone all day, it does a number on your back.

Sneakers or whatever shoes you know you have no problem walking miles in is what you want to go with.

11. Bring layers

Locals will tell you in Scotland that if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute (because it will change). It’s true!

Edinburgh alone is a city built on seven hills, so having layers throughout the day will help you regulate your temperature according to the conditions. It’s very valuable to have a sweater or a jacket you can put on or take off throughout the day.

12. Don’t rely on an umbrella to keep you dry

Your best defense against the Scottish rain is a proper rain jacket.

Not all of them are created equal, so make sure you have a good one. I have this rain jacket, and it’s the perfect balance between style and functionality. Don’t even think about getting one of those plastic ponchos. You’ll be a soggy mess in minutes.

If you’re spending all of your time in urban areas, you won’t need waterproof pants, but if you plan to hike, then you should consider.

Fun fact: the rain jacket was invented in Scotland!

13. You still need sun protection

Scotland isn’t particularly known for sporting sunny days with high UV indexes; however, if you’re not careful, the sun can still do a number on your skin.

Remember to wear a daily SPF, sunglasses, and consider bringing a hat of any kind to shield your face.

14. Try to prioritize natural, quick-drying fabrics

Fabrics like wool, cotton, linen, and silk are all quick to dry if you get caught in a bout of rain.

Choosing these fabrics over synthetic ones like nylon and polyester will make a huge difference in how fast your garments dry and how comfortable you’ll be throughout the day.

15. Don’t overthink it

Scotland has a casual, but slightly elevated sense of style in the major cities, but is quite practical everywhere else.

People aren’t dressed to the nines, but you can tell there is thought in what they’re wearing and how they’re wearing it. Remember that overseas, wearing casual athletic wear is not as common, so if you bring that, you will stick out, but that’s not something to be worried about.

You honestly don’t need anything special. A rain jacket may be the only thing if you don’t already own that. I break down what to wear and what not to wear in my detailed Scotland Packing List guide.

Currency & Money in Scotland

By the time you leave Scotland, you’ll be well acquainted with the British pound.

16. Scotland uses the pound Sterling, which is the official currency across the entire United Kingdom

The Scottish notes do have their own design, but they can be used interchangeably across the U.K.

17. Know the current exchange rates

The exchange rate between British Pounds and US Dollars is always changing, so it’s important to know how the two compare when you get there.

At the time of writing this, the US dollar is not strong against the British pound: 1 USD is equal to 0.75 GBP. So for every US dollar you have, you have 25% less money when you exchange it in Scotland.

This rate fluctuates daily, and you don’t need to check it that often, but you should know what it is when you arrive, so you don’t spend more money than you want.

18. Cards are widely accepted, but…

Keep cash and coins on you if you’re traveling in remote areas. Redundancy is key when it comes to traveling outside of the major cities in Scotland.

19. Tipping is customary in Scotland, but only 10%

Finally, we Americans can get a breather.

20. Public transit is a cheap and accessible way to get around

Scottish cities are highly walkable, but in case you need to go further, there are efficient bus and train systems able to take you all across the country.

21. Sales tax is included in all the prices you see

A good reminder if you’re coming from a place that doesn’t include tax in the listed prices at shops, supermarkets, and elsewhere. What you see is what you pay.

If you’re on a budget, I have 32 more tips for traveling in Scotland on a budget, and I think you’ll find them useful.

Food & Drink Culture in Scotland

Most associate Scotland with whisky, and very rightfully so, but they miss the rest of the drinks and plates that create the fabric of the country’s cuisine.

These are all my tips (and things to try) so that you expand your palette, don’t miss out, and avoid getting disappointed.

22. Try the local Scottish food and drinks

Scottish cuisine is comforting, hearty, and downright delicious. Here’s everything you’ll want to try while you’re in Scotland.

Haggis: Try it, then ask what it is.

Black pudding: A blood sausage that is a staple of the Outer Hebrides regional cuisine.

Cullen sink: This is a hearty soup made with haddock, onion, and potato that’s perfect on a rainy day.

Full Scottish breakfast: A breakfast plate that includes eggs, sausage, tomatoes, beans, toast, and mushrooms, all served interchangeably depending on where you go.

Scotch pies: The same concept as a pot pie, except the Scottish version is made with ground beef, sometimes lamb, potatoes, and various vegetables.

Caranachan: Known as the king of Scottish dessert, this is made with fresh raspberries, following the harvest, oats, cream, and whisky. It’s kinda like an upgraded parfait (but don’t tell them I said that HAH).

Fish n’ chips: This is a staple takeaway food across the entire United Kingdom.

Seafood from the coasts: Keep an eye out for haddock, oysters, scallops, salmon, and mussels on dining menus.

Sticky toffee pudding: There’s always room for this moist sponge cake with toffee sauce served with vanilla custard.

Scone with jam and clotted cream: The order in which you apply jam and clotted cream to a scone is up for debate, but the Scots do jam first, then cream.

Scotch whisky: A must if you’re not alcohol-free. There are plenty of places around to try one of Scotland’s most coveted drinks. Remember, don’t order it as a “shot” of whisky— order it as a “dram” of whisky. And you certainly don’t want to take it like you would a shot. Sip and savor it.

Irn Bru: This soda flows through Scotland perhaps just as much as all the country’s natural waterways. It’s a bright orange soda that has a flavor that’s a tad hard to describe. It’s a quintessentially Scottish drink that you have to try.

23. Take advantage of meal deals

Meal deals are the backbone of cheap dining across the United Kingdom.

At supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury, they offer meal deals where you get a sandwich, side, and a drink for just £3.50 (they used to be £3, but inflation).

The combos are endless with all the different crisps, sandwiches and drinks you can get. You could eat a meal deal every day during your trip (although I don’t recommend it) and never get through all the possible combinations.

24. Picnic when possible

It’s not always the restaurants with all the best dining views in Scotland. There are many grocery stores around Scotland you can pop in and grab all sorts of ingredients and things for picnics.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Aldi, Lidl, and M&S are the most common. Co-op stores are in most towns and villages and are similar to a 7/11 or cornerstore.

25. Almost all restaurants in Scotland have inclusive menus for veggie/GF folks

You don’t need to worry about finding a good meal in Scotland if you have dietary restrictions. They’re already ahead of the curve.

26. You don’t need to reserve all restaurants in advance, but…

Depending on when and where you’re traveling, you may need to make some dinner reservations ahead of time.

You need to make advanced restaurant reservations for weekends in major cities during the summer, in the Isle of Skye from May to September, and small villages that only offer a few restaurants.

You can occasionally get around needing a reservation by eating outside of peak mealtimes. Here are some good rules to follow so you’re not disappointed:

Brunch/lunch at 10-11:30 a.m.

Lunch at 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Dinner at 4-6 p.m.

Although I wouldn’t rely on this for any important or anticipated dinner plans. Always try to reserve first.

Driving & Transportation in Scotland

Many small quirks to driving in Scotland go beyond just driving on the left. If it’s your first time renting a car in Scotland, this is what you should know.

27. Petrol is expensive

The average price of petrol (gas) in Scotland is around 140 pence per liter right now, which is roughly $7 per gallon. If you live in California, congrats! No change! But for the rest of us, make sure your rental car is fuel-efficient.

28. You can rent a car without an IDP (International Driver’s Permit)

Some countries require you to have an International Driver’s Permit to rent a car, but Scotland usually accepts valid licenses from your country of residence.

Most of the time in Scotland, you won’t need an IDP, but if your license isn’t in English, you may have to apply for one or have an English translation with you.

The British government has a handy quiz here you can take to see if you can drive in Scotland using your current license.

29. Don’t speed

All throughout Scotland there are “safety cameras” plotted along major roadways. They were implemented in areas where the highest road collisions happen, and so they track your speed, and if you’re speeding you get fined.

The cameras are clearly signed along the roads (and there’s even a map), but for everyone’s safety just don’t speed. 

30. Don’t stop in the middle of the road for photos

Don’t do this anywhere, but especially not on the Isle of Skye. There are usually parking lots or small areas on the side of the road where you can pull over and grab those memorable photos safely.

31. Know the local liquor laws

The legal alcohol limit for driving in Scotland is 0.05% BAC (blood alcohol content), which is the strictest in Europe. For reference, the legal limit is 0.08% BAC in the US.

How does that compare? In the US, you could average around 2 beers in 2 hours and reach the legal limit, but that’s reduced to 1 in Scotland for the average person.

So a casual beer at lunch can put you over this limit depending on how your body metabolizes alcohol. It’s best to avoid drinking until dinner, or when you know you’ll be off the road for the day. 

32. Google Maps is great for navigation

Google Maps is the most popular way tourists get navigation while roadtripping in Scotland.

It’s widely used, but it’s best to give yourself more time than what the app quotes to get from one place to another. This is especially true if you’re making stops around a particular route, like driving from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye.

33. Remember, keep left

Wouldn’t want to forget this one and end up in a sticky situation.

34. Watch out for sheep and other animals crossing in rural areas

Sheepies, coos, and other farm animals frequent roads, so make sure you’re going at or under the speed limit to avoid colliding with them.

35. Many roads in the highlands are one track

Not only are some roads one-way, but they’re also much narrower than the roads in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

There are pull-offs through the single-track roads that allow someone to pass you. The courtesy is that you should pull into the passing place if it’s on your left. If it’s on your right, stop next to it and let the other car pass by, driving around you.

Always exercise increased caution when driving on these roads and don’t speed so that you can avoid an accident of any kind.

Tips For Visiting Edinburgh

Edinburgh is famously known for being a city built on seven hills. That’s the first thing you should know. Here’s the rest: 

36. It’s pronounced Ed-in-burr-uhh, not Ed-in-burg

There is no hard g sound, which is the mistake I made the first time I visited. Also, among locals, Edinburgh is often reduced to “Embra”.

37. If it’s your first time, stay somewhere central

Old Town and New Town are both within walking distance of all the main things to do in Edinburgh. If it’s your first trip to Edinburgh, these are the ideal neighborhoods to base yourself.

When you choose accommodation further out from this area, like in Stockbridge or Fountainbridge, you won’t be able to walk to everything like you would in the other areas. This means you could have to rely more on transport like the bus or rideshare to get around if you’re not willing to walk further distances.

What tempts people to these areas is the cheaper accommodation prices (and very adorable flats you can rent out), but if you’re traveling on a budget or looking to see all the main things, it can be more of a headache than it’s worth.

Always compare which option is the best fit for your trip.

38. Avoid August

Unless you’re specifically in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival, it’s best to avoid the city this month.

Edinburgh Fringe is a month-long celebration of arts and culture in Edinburgh (and it is the largest celebration of its kind in the world). The price of everything is inflated at this time: accommodation, tours, and the crowds.

If you’re not here specifically for it, it can absolutely put a damper on your plans. If you’re planning a trip to Scotland for 2026, the festival will take place from August 7th to the 31st.

Read more about when to plan your trip in my guide, The Best Time To Visit Scotland.

39. Take the stairs

There are many “closes”, random stairways, and other corridors that are begging for people to come and get lost in (in a good way).

If you see a small alleyway or staircase going down somewhere, GO! It is going to lead you to some awesome, hidden and beautiful parts of the city you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

40. Orient yourself with a free walking tour

Everywhere you go along the Royal Mile, you’ll see local guides beckoning people to join their free walking tours. It’s unabashedly touristy, but if it’s your first time in the city, it’s an invaluable way to get your bearings and learn a little bit of the city’s history in the process.

Sandemans is the original free walking tour in Edinburgh. Their classic tour goes for 2.5 hours and yes it’s free, but they encourage you to tip the guide if you enjoyed the tour or found it useful for your trip.

41. Don’t fall for the tacky tourist shops

There’s a ton of tacky junk being sold at most tourist shops on the Royal Mile. 

Practically all of it is mass-produced crap that will end up collecting dust in your home or apartment over the years. Instead of wandering these places, it’s best to look for independent shops that sell goods from local producers. 

The Witchery Shop is a great place to start and it’s right next to Edinburgh Castle. They stock a ton of handmade items from local brands and other designers in the UK. Two Skies has beautiful jewelry (they were just a pop-up when I was in Scotland and now they have their own brick-and-mortar shop!). Skíō Pottery is another good one on Skye.

42. Stay for more than one day

It can be tempting to blaze through Scotland’s major cities to squeeze in as much as possible into your itinerary, but by doing that, you’re going to miss out on a lot of places.

Three days in Edinburgh is the perfect amount of time to see all the major sites while still exploring some other areas. Give yourself plenty of time.

How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Scotland

We all want to avoid looking or being called a tourist. Here are some ways to be a mindful traveler in Scotland and avoid standing out as an American while you’re there.

43. Don’t make assumptions

Not everyone in Scotland wears kilts, drinks whisky, speaks Gaelic, and plays the bagpipes down at the local pub. These are the most common assumptions people make when they travel to Scotland.

The country embraces tradition and modernity, which makes for a fascinating trip should you choose to be open-minded. Also, many Scots are proud of their history and heritage, and will be excited to speak with you about it in the right setting. 

As an American, people assume I eat McDonald’s every morning for breakfast, wake up to the sound of bald eagles screeching, and live to work (just to name a few). Think about stereotypes like that from your own country and you can see why a Scot wouldn’t be enthused to hear you ask them if they know how to play the bagpipes.

They are right that I only speak English, though… BUT I’m learning German, okay?!

44. Be aware of your surroundings

The first time you see Edinburgh Castle towering above the Royal Mile like the 12th century marvel it is, it will stop you dead in your tracks. 

Just— you know— hopefully not when you’re in the middle of the sidewalk and blocking a bunch of people from their morning commute.

If you want to grab a photo of something or stare in awe at another, just be mindful of the people (and locals) around you. It goes a long way in places that experience high levels of tourism, which is much of Scotland.

45. Don’t claim to be Scottish

My family history goes back generations in Scotland, but most Scots don’t care that you’re related to John Napier, the famous Scottish mathmetician and physicist, or really any major figure in the country’s history— like Mary Queen of Scots or Bonnie Prince Charlie.

It’s not to deter you from being excited about your ancestry, but rather to give an explanation why a local may not be excited about it the same way that you are. If you weren’t born and raised in the country, Scots don’t like it if you try and claim you’re Scottish.

Passion for ancestry is a huge reason why a lot of people come to Scotland, so do let that fuel your trip, but just know not everyone will care to hear about it.

46. Learn the rough pronunciations of Scottish places you’re visiting

One of the most common mistakes first-timers make in Scotland is mispronouncing words and names wrong, because they try to read them like how they look in English. Most often you can be right with that method, but there are times it’s way wrong.

It happens to everyone, so while it’s not something to beat yourself up over, a little effort goes a long way when it comes to knowing how to pronounce different places.

We already touched on Edinburgh, but here are some other common ones:

Glasgow = “Glaz-go” not “Glass-G’ow”

Culross = “Coo-Ris” not “Cull-Ross”

Eilean Donan = “Eh-lan Don-an” not “Eye-lean Don-an”

Cockburn Street = “Coburn” not “Cock-Burn”

Glenfinnan Viaduct = “GLEN-fin-an VY-uh-duct”

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If you have any other questions about visiting Scotland, please feel free to reach out! Otherwise, have a look at my other Scotland guides to help you plan your trip:

Best Time To Visit Scotland

Scotland Packing List

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Tips For Traveling Scotland On A Budget

Isle of Skye Itinerary

How To Get From Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye

Old Man Of Storr Hiking Guide

Edinburgh Itinerary

Best Day Trips From Edinburgh

Best Hostels In Edinburgh

Best Coffee Shops In Edinburgh

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