Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96-mile border with England.
Rugged, colourful, and feisty, Scotland stands apart. From its stony architecture to its beautiful landscape, to the proud nature of its people, and their fondness for haggis. Scotland is distinctly not England.
A proud identity unites the sparsely populated country, all the way from the southern lowlands, which border England just north of Hadrian’s Wall, up to the rocky Highlands and remote islands. Outside its main cities, Scotland’s sights are subtle, but the misty glens, countryside castles, and warm culture are engaging. It’s easy to fall in love with the irrepressible spirit and beautiful landscape of this faraway corner of Britain.
Edinburgh, the countries capital is where you should always start in Scotland.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Scottish Highlands is June to August, when summer brings mild temperatures and long days. While highs in August rarely exceed 70°F, the extended daylight allows for outdoor adventures, including midnight golf in northern Scotland.
November marks the start of winter, with short, dark days and the first snowfalls. December to January offers the best chance for snow and an uncrowded, budget-friendly trip, with lower room rates and airfare. However, some attractions and accommodations may close during winter, so plan accordingly.
For a month by month look click here
What To Expect
Capital: Edinburgh
Language: English is the main language spoken in Scotland and has been the since the 18th Century. However, there are a wide range of different languages, accents and dialects spoken across the country.
Currency: The official currency of Scotland is Pound Sterling (GBP). $1 USD is equivalent to 0.72 GBP. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: It’s always best to carry a mix of cash and cards in Edinburgh. Most big retailers and restaurants accept cards, but you will also still want cash on hand for small purchases or tips. If coming from England, you can still use English pounds. Most places will also accept contactless payments, like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Plugs: In Scotland the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Same type as England. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: OVERALL RISK : LOW. As a whole, Scotland is a relatively safe country to visit, but as with any place, you have to be careful in certain areas and situations.
Tips: Tap water is safe to drink and delicious.
Do’s and dont’s: Do try the malt whiskies (in moderation!). Do visit museums and theatres in the major cities. Don’t think of Scottish people as being mean, wearing kilts, eating haggis, and playing the bagpipes.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Scotland and reasons to visit Scotland
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, presents a harmonious blend of history and modernity. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, with the iconic Royal Mile leading from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, is a maze of cobbled streets, hidden closes, and centuries-old buildings. Nearby, the Georgian splendour of the New Town offers grand squares and elegant terraces. Whether attending the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, exploring the atmospheric Edinburgh Castle, or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant café culture, Edinburgh captivates at every turn.
Scotland’s Highlands are a vast, rugged expanse of majestic mountains, deep blue lochs, and remote glens. Among its many wonders, Loch Ness holds a special place, known not just for its breathtaking beauty but also for the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of ‘Nessie’ or just enjoy the serene landscape, a boat trip on Loch Ness is a must. The nearby Urquhart Castle offers panoramic views of the loch and a deep dive into the region’s turbulent history.
For an unforgettable journey through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes, board the Jacobite Steam Train. This historic train, which fans might recognise from the Harry Potter films, travels from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct en route. The scenic route offers views of Ben Nevis, shimmering lochs, and rugged coastlines. The journey, often touted as one of the world’s most scenic train rides, provides a nostalgic and romantic way to experience the heart of the Highlands.
For those with a penchant for fine spirits, a trip to the Isle of Islay is a pilgrimage. Known as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, Islay boasts eight working distilleries, each producing its distinct flavour of whisky, from smoky and peaty to light and floral. Join a guided tour to learn about the centuries-old tradition of whisky-making, from mashing and fermenting to distilling and ageing. Of course, no visit would be complete without tasting sessions, where you can savour the rich, complex flavours that have made Islay whiskies world-renowned.
The Culloden Battlefield, located near Inverness, is a poignant site where the Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end in 1746. This climactic battle saw the Jacobite forces, supporting Charles Edward Stuart’s claim to the British throne, face off against the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. The resulting defeat had profound implications for Highland culture, including the infamous Highland Clearances. Today, visitors can walk the battlefield, view interactive displays at the visitor centre, and pay their respects at the memorial cairn, commemorating the thousands who fell on that fateful day.
Scotland Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – £20–40 / $25–50 / €23–47
- Hostel Private Rooms – £50–90 / $63–113 / €58–105
- Budget Hotels – £70–120 / $88–150 / €81–140
- Airbnb Private Rooms – £40–80 / $50–100 / €47–93
- Airbnb Apartments – £90+ / $113+ / €105+
- Campsites – £10–25 / $13–31 / €12–29
Transportation
- Local Bus or Tram Ride – £1.80–2.50 / $2.30–3.10 / €2.10–2.90
- Day Pass for Public Transport – £4–6 / $5–8 / €4.70–7
- Train (Edinburgh to Glasgow) – £15–30 / $19–38 / €17–35 (1 hour)
- Intercity Bus (Edinburgh to Inverness) – £15–25 / $19–31 / €17–29 (3.5 hours)
- Taxi (per km) – £1.50–2.50 / $1.90–3.10 / €1.75–2.90
- Car Rental (per day) – £40–80 / $50–100 / €47–93
Food
- Budget Meal (Pub or Café) – £5–10 / $6–13 / €6–12
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – £15–30 / $19–38 / €17–35
- Coffee – £2.50–4 / $3–5 / €3–4.70
- Beer (Pint) – £4–6 / $5–8 / €4.70–7
Activities
- Museum Entry – Free–£15 / $0–19 / €0–17 (Most museums in Scotland are free)
- Guided Tours – £30–80 / $38–100 / €35–93
- Whisky Distillery Tour – £10–25 / $13–31 / €12–29
- Boat Tours (Loch Ness, Isles, etc.) – £30–60 / $38–75 / €35–70
- Guided Hiking Tours – £40–100 / $50–125 / €47–117
Scotland Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – £50–70 per day / $63–88 / €58–81
A backpacking budget allows you to stay in a hostel dorm, cook some of your meals, and use public transportation. You can enjoy free activities like hiking in the Highlands, visiting museums (most are free), and joining free walking tours in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
If you plan to drink, add an extra £5–10 per day for alcohol expenses. To save even more, opt for budget supermarkets(Lidl, Aldi) and use Scotland’s extensive bus network.
Midrange – £100–180 per day / $125–225 / €117–210
A mid-range budget offers the comfort of a private room in a hostel, guesthouse, or Airbnb. You’ll have the flexibility to eat out at pubs, enjoy a few drinks, and explore Scotland’s castles, distilleries, and cultural landmarks.
This budget also covers a couple of day trips, occasional taxi rides, and paid tours such as Loch Ness boat trips or whisky tastings. Expect a balance of convenience and leisure while staying within budget.
Upscale – £250+ per day / $310+ / €290+
A luxury budget ensures a stay in boutique hotels, high-end Airbnbs, or castle hotels. You can dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, indulge in whisky tastings, and explore Scotland through private guided tours and exclusive experiences.
This budget also covers seamless transportation, including first-class train travel, private drivers, or rental cars for exploring the Scottish Highlands and islands. Expect an unforgettable experience with no compromises.
Scotland Money-Saving Tips
1 – Take advantage of free attractions – Most of Scotland’s museums and galleries are free, including the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow. Walking tours, hiking trails, and historical sites like the Royal Mile or Arthur’s Seat are also free to explore.
2 – Use public transport instead of taxis – Scotland has an extensive bus and train network, which is much cheaper than taking taxis. Citylink and Megabus offer affordable long-distance coach travel, while Lothian Buses in Edinburgh and First Bus in Glasgow provide day tickets to save on multiple rides.
3 – Buy a rail or bus travel pass – If you’re traveling around the country, a ScotRail Travel Pass or Scottish Citylink Explorer Pass offers discounted unlimited travel for a set period. Booking train tickets in advance through ScotRail can also save a significant amount.
4 – Stay in hostels or budget accommodation – Scotland has affordable hostels from Hostelworld in cities and rural areas, as well as budget-friendly B&Bs. Websites like Hostelworld or Budget Backpacker Hostels Scotland help find the best deals. Couchsurfing is also an option for free stays with locals. Use Booking.com for hotels.
5 – Eat at pubs and supermarkets – Dining out in Scotland can be expensive, but pub meals often offer great value for money, especially lunch specials. Supermarkets like Tesco, Lidl, and Aldi sell affordable groceries, and meal deals can save you money when on the go.
6 – Enjoy the outdoors for free – Scotland is famous for its stunning landscapes, and hiking is free! Walk the West Highland Way, explore Isle of Skye’s Fairy Pools, or go wild camping in the Highlands, which is legal under Scotland’s Right to Roam laws.
7 – Visit castles with a pass – Many castles have entrance fees, but the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass or National Trust for Scotland Membership allows free or discounted entry to multiple castles and heritage sites across the country.
8 – Avoid peak tourist season – July and August are the busiest (and priciest) months. Traveling in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) means cheaper hotels, fewer crowds, and lower flight costs.
9 – Bring a reusable water bottle – Scottish tap water is safe and high quality, so skip the bottled water and refill your own at cafés, restaurants, or public refill stations.
10 – Use free walking tours in cities – Cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness offer free walking tours, where you can learn about history, myths, and culture for just a small tip to the guide.
How to Get Around in Scotland
Walking
Most Scottish cities and towns, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, are highly walkable. Historic centres like the Royal Mile in Edinburgh or Stirling’s Old Town are best explored on foot. In the Highlands and islands, scenic walks are a great way to experience nature, but in more rural areas, footpaths may be limited.
Public Transportation
Scotland has an efficient bus and train network. Local bus services run in all major towns and cities, with day tickets available for unlimited travel. Edinburgh and Glasgow have extensive public transport networks, including trams (Edinburgh) and subway services (Glasgow). Long-distance buses, such as Citylink and Megabus, connect most major towns and are usually cheaper than trains.
Airport Transfers
Scotland’s main airports—Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness—are well-connected to city centres. The Edinburgh Airlink 100 and Glasgow Airport Express 500 are quick and affordable bus options. Taxis and airport transfers are also available but are more expensive.
Recommended Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups
Taxis
Taxis in Scotland can be pricey, but they are reliable and widely available in cities and towns. In Edinburgh and Glasgow, black cabs use meters and accept card payments. Pre-booked minicabs can be more affordable. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in major cities.
Trains and Intercity Travel
Scotland’s rail network connects major cities and tourist destinations, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William. The ScotRail Travel Pass offers unlimited travel within a set period. Booking train tickets in advance can save money, and scenic rail routes like the West Highland Line offer breathtaking views.
Car Rental
Renting a car is ideal for exploring the Highlands, islands, and remote countryside. Car hire prices vary but start at around £30 per day. Scotland drives on the left, and rural roads can be narrow and winding, so caution is advised. A UK or international driving license is required.
Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars Scotland
Ferries
Ferries are essential for reaching Scotland’s islands, such as the Isle of Skye, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) and NorthLink Ferries operate routes. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak season. Some islands, like Skye, also have a bridge connection.
Cycling
Scotland is a fantastic place for cycling, with designated cycle routes, especially in cities and along the National Cycle Network. Popular routes include the North Coast 500 and the Hebridean Way. Bike rental is available in most major towns and cities.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is legal in Scotland and generally safe, particularly in rural areas. However, it is less common than in other parts of Europe. It’s easiest to get a ride on quieter country roads rather than busy motorways.
Scotland’s diverse transport options make it easy to explore, whether you’re hopping between cities, taking a scenic train journey, or venturing into the wild Highlands!
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