A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Scotland: Edinburgh, The Highlands & Loch Ness
- briannalacaze22
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Scotland has been on our bucket list for ages—and now that we’ve finally been, we can confidently say: it’s every bit as magical as it looks in the photos. From the winding cobbled streets of Edinburgh to the misty mountains of the Highlands and the mystery of Loch Ness, this place stole our hearts.
If you’re planning your first trip to Scotland, here’s everything we learned—from must-see spots to travel tips that’ll help you make the most of your adventure.
1. Start in Edinburgh: Charm, Castles & Cobblestones
We kicked things off in Edinburgh, and wow—this city is straight out of a fairytale. Think gothic architecture, cozy pubs, and hidden alleyways full of character.
What not to miss:
• Edinburgh Castle: Perched dramatically on Castle Rock, this is a great place to start your trip (and soak in the views!).
• The Royal Mile: This historic street connects the castle to Holyrood Palace and is packed with cute shops, street performers, and great places to grab a bite.
• Arthur’s Seat: Yes, it’s a bit of a climb—but totally worth it for sweeping views of the city.
• Ghost tours: We did a haunted vaults tour, and it was spooky in the best way.
• Scottish breakfast: Haggis, black pudding, and a lot of carbs—don’t knock it till you try it!
Pro tip: Stay somewhere in or near the Old Town so you can walk almost everywhere. Edinburgh is very pedestrian-friendly.
2. Escape to the Highlands: Scotland’s Wild Side
After a few city days, we rented a car and headed north to the Scottish Highlands—a total 180 from the city vibe, and honestly? Breathtaking.
Rolling hills, jagged peaks, and roads that made us want to pull over every five minutes to snap a photo.
Our favorite spots:
• Glencoe: Moody, misty, and incredibly beautiful. Even if you don’t hike, just driving through is an experience.
• Cairngorms National Park: Great for wildlife spotting, forest walks, and cozy whisky distilleries.
• West Highland Line: We didn’t ride the train this time, but it’s on our list for next trip. It’s said to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world!
Pro tip: The weather can change a lot—we had sunshine, fog, and rainbows all in the same day. Pack layers and always bring a rain jacket.
3. Chasing Legends at Loch Ness
Let’s be real—who doesn’t want to see Nessie?
We stopped by Loch Ness on our way through the Highlands, and even if you’re skeptical about monsters, it’s absolutely worth the visit.
Things to do:
• Urquhart Castle: These ancient ruins right on the water are super photogenic—and the perfect Nessie-watching spot.
• Loch Ness boat tour: We did a one-hour cruise with some fun local folklore thrown in. Peaceful, scenic, and who knows… maybe you’ll spot something mysterious?
• Nessie Museum: Cheesy? A little. Fun? Definitely.
We stayed overnight in Inverness, a charming little city nearby that’s a great base for exploring this part of the country.
Helpful Travel Tips for Scotland
Here are a few things we wish we’d known before going:
• When to go: May through early October gives you the best shot at decent weather and long daylight hours.
• How to get around: Rent a car for the Highlands—it gives you total freedom. In the cities, you’ll be fine on foot or using public transport.
• What to eat: Try the haggis (seriously), plus Cullen skink (a creamy smoked fish soup), shortbread, and as much local whisky as you can responsibly enjoy.
• Money stuff: Scotland uses British pounds. Most places take cards, but it’s handy to carry a little cash in smaller towns.
Final Thoughts:
Scotland was everything we hoped it would be—romantic, wild, historic, and full of surprises. Whether you’re wandering through Edinburgh’s haunted alleyways, hiking in the Highlands, or scanning Loch Ness for monsters, there’s a kind of magic here that’s hard to describe.
But once you experience it… you’ll want to come back again and again.
Have questions about planning your trip to Scotland? Drop them in the comments below.
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