Scotland is a beautiful country full of history and adventure. From stunning mountains and lakes to old castles and lively cities, there is something exciting for every traveler. Keep reading to learn more about some of the highlights of my trip to Scotland! I loved exploring the cities, the stunning surroundings and enjoying the local foods and drinks!
Edinburgh: the beautiful and timeless capital
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and, as the capital of Scotland, it’s also one of the most popular destinations in the country. It is a relatively small city, so it’s actually possible to fit in quite a lot, even during a short visit. If you want to make the most out of your Scottish adventure and also plan to visit other destinations, spending two days in the capital will definitely give you a great primer for discovering the town and all it has to offer. For instance, the Edinburgh Castle, the park surrounding it, and the beautiful promenades in the area are an absolute must for anyone visiting the city. Fans of horror literature will certainly recognize Edinburgh as the setting for legendary novels such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. If you want to experience the spooky side of the city, there’s a fantastic tour service called the Edinburgh Ghost Tour. It’s a bus ride that takes you all over town, with a special focus on the occult, paranormal events, ghost stories, and other noir narratives that are deeply rooted in Scottish lore and Edinburgh in particular.
Scotland’s food scene blends traditional flavors with global influences and creative techniques, offering a diverse and ever-evolving culinary experience. Dishoom Edinburgh offers one of the best Indian food experiences in the UK, with a charming setting and a unique Scottish lamb curry exclusive to this location, blending local flavors and Indian spices in a way that celebrates Scotland’s classic flavors. while paying tribute to Bombay’s classic dishes.
Glasgow: where old-school vibes meet innovative twists!
Glasgow is another city worth visiting, and it’s just about an hour away from Edinburgh, conveniently connected by train. Transit is incredibly easy and straightforward, and also fairly affordable. The city has a remarkably different vibe from Edinburgh, and although they are so close, their spirit is quite distinct, which makes it well worth experiencing both if you have the time. While Edinburgh is more picturesque and storybook-like, Glasgow feels like a culturally diverse and modern city with a very exciting arts and culture scene. It’s the place to be for live music events, exciting food, and beautiful historic pubs with a more authentic, local flair. Many people are beginning to take note of Scotland’s amazing food scene, which will definitely reward those who are a little more adventurous. Haggis is a beloved Scottish classic, and while the idea of eating a dish made with offal might seem a bit off-putting at first, if you can get past that, you’ll discover an incredibly flavorful meal. Haggis is more than just a traditional dish at this point. You’ll find that many pubs, restaurants, and eateries are using it in creative ways. For example, it’s not uncommon to find places serving fries loaded with haggis and cheese, burgers topped with haggis, and even haggis pizza. This is just one of the many Scottish delicacies that are definitely worth trying. If you’re looking for other options, Glasgow also stands out for its multicultural food scene. You’ll find amazing Vietnamese and Asian restaurants, as well as classic British fare like fish and chips and pubs serving local beer and traditional pub eats. One of the city’s most interesting restaurants is “5 March,” a standout culinary hub that combines local traditions with modern cooking techniques, using seasonal and inventive ingredients to create dishes that are both rooted in heritage and refreshingly creative, offering diners an elevated yet comforting experience that reflects the vibrant and evolving food scene in Glasgow today.
Dunoon: a charming old-fashioned beach town
Dunoon is a small village not too far from Glasgow and is accessible by ferry. This is a little-known tourist destination that was extremely popular in the 1930s and 40s because of its beautiful beach. However, as travel to foreign countries like Italy and Spain became more affordable for locals, people started to prefer warmer climates. As a result, Dunoon and many other beach resort towns in the UK became a lot less popular. Today, however, many people are rightfully rediscovering their incredible charm. Simply put, this town feels like a movie set. It’s perfectly located in a beautiful bay and is home to breathtaking views, along with cozy cafes and restaurants offering classic local cuisine, such as fish and chips by the sea. There are many amazing local spots, but we loved Lorenzo’s, a small family-run fish and chips (or as the locals say, “chippie”) Every dish is cooked to order, and while there might be a bit of a wait, it’s well worth it!
To conclude, Dunoon is a true hidden gem and a little-known secret that only locals and a few lucky tourists appreciate. So you should definitely get in on the action before the hype catches up!
This article only scratches the surface: Scotland is a beautiful country, not only for its people and traditions but also for the breathtaking nature. If you’re into outdoor excursions, a trip to Scotland is highly recommended, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, exploring the wilderness or the wonderful coast lines. The highlands need to introduction: they are one of Scotland’s most famous and stunning regions. With tall mountains, deep lakes, and quiet valleys, and a landscape that feels like a painting!
Author bio
Andrea Caccese is an Italian-born writer, musician, traveler and producer. He spent the last 15 years traveling throughout the world not only to make music with international collaborators and renowned artists, but also to explore, share and write about his extensive travel experience.