Guide to Scotland: Edinburgh & Beyond

Fun occasions for visiting Scotland

• Hogmanay (Dec 30–Jan 1), a New Year's festival that puts New York’s Times Square to shame

• Jazz & Blues Festival (July)

• The Open Championship of Golf (July)

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, and Edinburgh International Film Festival (August)

• The Highland Games (throughout the summer)

• The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (October)

• Edinburgh Christmas markets (November and December)

Best day trips from Edinburgh

• The Highlands: Multiple tour providers will take you on guided day trips to different parts of the great Scottish Highlands. This is the glorious green land where the Loch Ness monster may or may not live, where the English royals go on their hunting trips, where Braveheart was brave, and where a lot of golf is played. You’ll find castles like Dunrobin, whisky distilleries like Blair Athol, cashmere mills like Lochcarron of Scotland, lots of wildlife, and some truly gorgeous landscapes. No stay in Scotland is complete without at least one day trip to this part of the land to learn about Scottish history and see how some beloved Scottish goods are made. A good private or group tour provider can pick you up in Edinburgh and take you on a Highlands experience customized to your interests.

• Glasgow: Boasting the fun vibe of a college town, the city of Glasgow is about an hour's drive from Edinburgh. (There’s also train and bus service between cities.) The city is a nice mix of youthful energy and Scottish history. Architectural gems to visit include the University of Glasgow, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and Glasgow City Chambers—be sure to go inside! Music Mile in the city center is the best place for pub hopping and live music, while Buchanan Street/Princes Square is where to go to shop till you drop.

Where to shop in Edinburgh

• Souvenirs: Unlike souvenir shops in some cities, Edinburgh’s shops are awesome. I love them because the high-quality products that fill up the city’s many souvenir shops happen to be useful in everyday life back home (e.g., wool sweaters, rain gear, fudge). Scottish souvenir shops are low on useless plastic knick-knacks and high on items that reflect the local culture. Start your souvenir shopping on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a bustling street that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace—the shops are full of Tartan scarves and blankets, whisky, argyle socks, fudge, kilts, and other locally produced Scottish goods.

• Cashmere: Scotland is famous for its cashmere, and the finest made-in-Scotland cashmere products you’ll find are at Johnston’s of Elgin. Products are on the pricey side because of their superb quality. But these are sweaters, coats, scarves, and blankets that will last for life.

• Harris tweed: Scotland is also well known for its tweed. In Edinburgh, you’ll find fab selections of tweed jackets, blazers, caps, handbags, and more at Tweeds of Scotland.

• Fair Isle: Always on trend and always practical, Fair Isle sweaters come from this part of the world. Ragamuffin is the best place for Fair Isle sweaters and cardigans in beautiful colors, all made from fine British wool.

• Cable-knit sweaters: The Aran Store has great chunky cable-knit sweaters for men and women. Ideal for getting you through the winter.

• Blankets and throws: The Scottish Textiles Showcase has a wide selection of beautiful high-quality plaid and tartan blankets, throws, and homeware.

• Rain gear: For Wellington boots, raincoats, and umbrellas that know how to survive, along with everything else you need for the UK outdoors, head to Cotswold Outdoor.

• Scotch whisky tasting: Head to The Bow Bar on charming West Bow to taste all the Scotch your heart desires.

• Breakfast fry-up: Greenwoods does a proper don’t-forget-your-cholesterol-medicine breakfast fry-up that’ll keep you energized all day.

• Fish and chips: Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips gets it done just right.

• Fudge and chocolate: Spend an afternoon at Fudge Kitchen Ltd and the nearby Chocolatarium and you’ll practically walk out with a degree in the chocolate making. A must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.

• Smoked salmon: A very traditional Scottish food, smoked salmon is served almost everywhere in Scotland. A cozy place to enjoy some (and other traditional Scottish food) is Hot Toddy in Old Town.