You’ve probably heard many times that Scottish whisky is the best in the world and perhaps there’s nothing better than a shot of it in a humid and rainy country to warm up, but Scotland is much more than whisky and men dressed in kilts playing bagpipes and golf, so here we’ll present an itinerary in the main cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, to make your trip even more incredible.
We started our trip in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and very famous for its hills and castles.
We chose to stay in the city center, so that we could explore the city on foot. Our accommodation of choice was the 3-star Cairn Hotel, very comfortable, with a bar and restaurant, additional breakfast (if requered) and luggage storage.
If you choose accommodation without breakfast included, we recommend The Square café, which is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. With a super cozy atmosphere, breakfast, brunch and lunch served daily. Our recommendation is the avocado toast with Scottish salmon.
Edinburgh Castle, the first attraction on the itinerary, is less than 20 minutes’ walk from the café. Considered the most attacked castle in the United Kingdom, and the most sought-after attraction among tourists, it was built over 1,100 years ago on top of an extinct volcano, known as Castle Rock and has been occupied since the Iron Age.
To enter the castle, you must purchase a ticket in advance. In addition to the regular tickets, you can purchase guided tours and some may include additional experiences such as afternoon tea.
With 03 museums, 02 prisons, 01 dog cemetery and panoramic views, embark on a journey through time in the home of Queen Mary of Scots, where in addition to her crown and scepter, the royal jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny, an important symbol, are housed in this room, since it was where the kings were crowned.
Every day, except Sundays, at 1:00 pm, there is an explosion of one of the castle’s largest cannons, the Mons Meg, which is located near the chapel of Saint Margaret, the oldest in Scotland.
And the war museum tells the story of modern war,and also the first and second one. It contains military artifacts and many mementos of battles, heroes and also the lives that were lost.
Our next suggestion is the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, located very close to Edinburgh Castle, in the Outlook Tower.
Considered one of the most magical and illusionist experiences in Edinburgh, it has 5 floors, more than 100 exhibits (many of them interactive) and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views. This is a great family outing and for those who enjoy fun and knowledge.
Due to the high demand, especially at certain times of the year, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance on the website.
Another tip is for Harry Potter lovers, who can combine the walking tour that tells the origins of his story and the world of illusions on the same day.
Edinburgh: Harry Potter Tour & Amazing Illusions Experience | GetYourGuide
Across from the Camera Obscura is the Whisky Museum, and of course this attraction is a must-see on your itinerary.
With over 30 years of operation, this tour is a great immersion into the history of Scotland and its whisky. The tour presents the origins, processes and maturation of the most varied types, as well as a demonstration and tasting of whiskies that are prepared in five different regions, thus having a great influence on aroma and flavor.
The tour is very interactive, fun and with a lot of knowledge about this drink that is so famous in the country.
In addition to the tour, you can enjoy the restaurant and bar that has modern Scottish cuisine.
Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting | GetYourGuide
Other very interesting points for those who appreciate history is the Cathedral of St. Giles, the city’s patron saint, which has been in operation since the 11th century. The cathedral is beautiful with a wealth of architectural details.
Another popular castle is Holyrood Palace, which has served as the main residence of many kings and queens since the 15th century.
Edinburgh: Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Ticket | GetYourGuide
Less than an hour by train from Edinburgh is Glasgow, another city that is very popular with tourists.
We once again chose to stay in the city center and the hotel we chose was Point A, a 3-star hotel with a very modern design, very well located and close to the city’s most famous tourist attractions.
We were able to visit all the points on foot and some of the highlights are:
George Square, one of Glasgow’s six squares, and it is the main one.
The square was designed in 1781, but it took more than 20 years to begin development. Named after King George III, it has very important buildings around it, such as the city and municipal chambers. It also has statues and monuments that pay homage to great figures in history such as James Watt and Walter Scott.
Glasgow Cathedral, considered the oldest in mainland Scotland and the oldest building in Glasgow, began construction in 1136 and took 350 years to complete. It was dedicated to St Kentigern (or St Mungo), a 6th century missionary, whose tomb has attracted pilgrims who believe it to be a sacred monument.
The Necropolis, the Victorian cemetery, is located on a hill and is the burial place of over 50,000 individuals. It has over 3,500 monuments designed by important architects and sculptors and includes tombs and statues of important figures such as Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Built in the mid-14th century, the Tolbooth Steeple was the first tollbooth erected at Glasgow Cross.
It was a municipal structure and its main block was the meeting point of the Royal Burgh. In 1921, it was demolished, leaving only the tower.
The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are a must-see museum rich in culture and history. Opened in 1898 by the Earl of Rosebery and considered the city’s social museum since 1940, it tells the story of the people and the city from 1750 to the present day. In the exhibition rooms we can experience what homes, work and leisure were like in the most varied eras.
The McLennan Arch is a beautiful monument that stands at the entrance to Glasgow Green, the oldest park in the city. It was originally built in 1796 to serve as the entrance to the Assembly Hall, where social gatherings of high society individuals were held at the end of the 18th century. After the Assembly Halls were demolished in the 19th century, the arch was preserved because of its artistic value.
And speaking of parks, Kelvingrove Park is worth a visit. The park is huge, has statues, historical monuments, picnic tables and in addition to being perfect for relaxing, you can also enjoy the architecture of the Museum and Art Gallery and the University of Glasgow, which are located between it.
If you want to end your trip in a very lively and relaxed way, the Drygate Brewing Co brewery is a great option. In addition to the range of craft beers, the bar serves food and offers some nights with cultural games and music shows.
Scotland is undoubtedly a destination that will fascinate you, with a wealth of culture and history, natural beauty and stunning landscapes.
You will fall in love with every experience it has to offer.
