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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Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders region is a picturesque combination of breathtaking natural features and historic abbeys, homes and castles, melding natural beauty with historic charm. The rolling hills of the countryside offer vibrant green landscapes that are filled with hiking and biking trails, making it easy to explore the natural splendour. Travellers looking for more thrilling adventures among the countryside will...
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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,...
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...
Inverness
Inverness lies at the end of the Great Glen and is used as the gateway to the mighty Highlands. It's...
Edinburgh
Edinburgh enchants first-time visitors with its effortless old-world elegance. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre is a beguiling maze of winding alleys,...
Highland
The Scottish Highlands are synonymous with rugged, unspoilt landscapes, the infamous Loch Ness Monster and some of Britain’s most impressive...

What to see & do in Scotland

Featured stories & fun stuff

9 Best Things to Do in Inverness
Inverness attracts visitors from across the world for its natural landscapes, quaint towns, medieval ruins, and prehistoric sites. Located in the Scottish Highlands, it’s a great place for nature lovers looking to explore its vast landscape. Among the best things...
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...
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...
9 Best Things to Do in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is historically known for its strong ties with the North Sea. Boasting notable fishing and shipping industries as well...
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...
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...
11 Best Natural Wonders in the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are full of breathtaking natural wonders, from rugged peaks and white beaches to mysterious lochs and lush...
11 Iconic Buildings and Places in Edinburgh
Iconic buildings and places in Edinburgh range from medieval gallows to a floating royal holiday home, all of which offer...
10 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a magical destination of misty, mountainous landscapes and miles of rugged coastline to explore. Scotland’s...

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 Glasgow
Wondering where to find Glasgow's best local food scenes? Let us provide you with a few good pointers, below. Glasgow...
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...

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 Pubs in Edinburgh
Pubs in Edinburgh give you the true Scottish experience, and you’ll find all sorts of modern bars, breweries and brewpubs,...
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...

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...
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Edinburgh
Steeped in history and culture, Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit. However, its distinctiveness also means that it presents...
6 Creepy Stories from Edinburgh to Freak You Out
Edinburgh has a long and macabre history. Ghost hunters and psychics often tout the Scottish capital as a one of...

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Where to stay in Scotland

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