Scotland - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Scotland is in the rugged north of Britain, famed for its dramatic scenery of misty mountains, vast glens, and ornate gothic architecture. The capital city, Edinburgh, is particularly beautiful with a cityscape so stylish it looks like a movie set. Head up the ancient Royal Mile and feel a part of Scotland’s long history. For adventure seekers, Scotland is an epic playground. The Cairngorms mountain range offers climbing, hiking and even skiing, while the 790 islands around the coast are rich with wildlife and secluded beaches. If you’re a golf fan, head to the pretty town of St. Andrew’s to play a round on the world’s first course.

Scots are a typically a loud and sociable bunch, with a Celtic culture all their own. When visiting Scotland, you should embrace the unique elements that makes it so interesting and fun: the sound of bagpipes, the taste of haggis, and as much whisky as your temperament will allow.

Top destinations in Scotland

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Edinburgh
Edinburgh enchants first-time visitors with its effortless old-world elegance. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre is a beguiling maze of winding alleys, the skyline dominated by the regal crown steeple of St Giles Cathedral and the imposing turrets of Edinburgh Castle. But scratch beneath this grandiose and historical surface and you'll discover a down-to-earth, modern capital city. Edinburgh is packed with laid-back bars,...
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Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, a cosmopolitan and modern metropolis with an ornate historical facade. It's an architecture buff's dream,...
Inverness
Inverness lies at the end of the Great Glen and is used as the gateway to the mighty Highlands. It's...
Aberdeen
Aberdeen's stark Victorian granite architecture has created one of Scotland's most distinct cities. You can wander down the elegant tree-lined...
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a place of brooding beauty where epic natural vistas and a proud history combine. The...
Scottish Islands
The Scottish Islands include the Shetlands, Orkneys and the Inner and Outer Hebrides, all adding up to over 900 islands...
Dundee
Dundee is a charming Scottish city on the north bank of the Firth of Tay where travellers can enjoy an...

What to see & do in Scotland

Featured stories & fun stuff

12 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
The list of the best things to do in Edinburgh generally starts with enjoying the city’s remarkable sights. The stunning architecture, the grand Gothic landmarks and cobbled streets in the Old Town make Scotland’s capital a strong contender for prettiest...
9 Best Things to Do in Inverness
The best things to do in Inverness range from exploring its majestic natural landscapes and quaint towns to discovering medieval...
12 Best Islands in Scotland
Most of the best islands in Scotland are just a ferry ride out from the mainland and offer an exciting...
9 Best Things to Do in Aberdeen
Delving into the rich history and lively cultural scene is among the best things to do in Aberdeen. As Scotland's...
10 Best Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands offers majestic and wild scenery and blissful seclusion amid lochs and mountains. This northern part of Scotland...
10 Best Road Trips Near Edinburgh
These best road trips near Edinburgh are catered to those craving for adventures away from the Scottish capital. Edinburgh might...
10 Best Things to Do in Glasgow
Glasgow, with its eclectic mix of trendy shopping malls, gothic architecture, and concert halls, gives you plenty of memorable experiences...
10 Most Haunted Places in Glasgow
Haunted places abound in Glasgow, Scotland's most populous city. While it buzzes with life and brims with bars and shops,...
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Glasgow
Romantic things to do in Glasgow allow a couple to experience a whirlwind of passion, romance and history combined with...

Where & what to eat in Scotland

10 Best Restaurants in Inverness
Restaurants in Inverness range from modern eateries with creative menus that highlight local ingredients to traditional bistros serving international cuisine. Since the city centre is so compact, you can find these restaurants within walking distance of the River Ness. Many...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Aberdeen
Aberdeen's position on the edge of the North Sea gives its local food scene a distinctly oceanic flavour, with lots...
5 Best Local Dishes From Edinburgh
The best local dishes in Edinburgh are among the world's most unique culinary inventions, so you'll probably have a lot...

Where to shop & what to buy in Scotland

14 Best Places to Go Shopping in Edinburgh
The best places to go shopping in Edinburgh range from eclectic shopping streets with independent boutiques to luxury thoroughfares with designer brands. You can find everything from artisan foods to paintings from local artists to vintage records, perfect for souvenirs...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Glasgow
Glasgow is one of the best shopping destinations in the UK. Whether you're after big-brand names, luxury outlets or independent...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Inverness
Inverness as the bustling cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands is a unique shopping destination where you can become lost...

Where to go & what to do at night in Scotland

5 Things to Do For New Year's Eve in Edinburgh
New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh is one of the best times to visit Scotland's capital. It's a top destination for celebrating the end of December and the start of January. Combine the nation’s famous hospitality with historic traditions and you...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Inverness
Inverness is known as the centre of culture of the Scottish Highlands and offers a good variety of things do...
10 Best Nightlife Experiences in Glasgow
Nightlife in Glasgow is mostly made up of underground rock gigs, cosmopolitan café culture, and theatres showcasing traditional Celtic music....

Useful information

5 Things to Do For New Year's Eve in Edinburgh
New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh is one of the best times to visit Scotland's capital. It's a top destination for celebrating the end of December and the start of January. Combine the nation’s famous hospitality with historic traditions and you...
6 Creepy Stories From Edinburgh to Freak You Out
Edinburgh has a long and macabre history, filled with creepy stories to freak you out. Ghost hunters and psychics often...
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Edinburgh
Steeped in history and culture, Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit, but its distinctiveness also presents a lot of...

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Where to stay in Scotland

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