Category: Scotland Travel Tips

Edinburgh Travel Guide: What to See, Do & Know Before You Go

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys
Edinburgh Castle sitting on the rocks high above Princes Park.

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Scotland’s capital is compact, walkable, and packed with history, making it one of the best city breaks in the UK. A top must-visit destination.

From iconic landmarks to quiet hidden corners, here’s a practical guide to help you plan your visit.

Top Things to See in Edinburgh

1. Edinburgh Castle

Perched high on Castle Rock, this is Edinburgh’s most famous landmark — and for good reason. Silently, watching over the city, it presents a formidable and protective silhouette. Providing breathtaking, panoramic views of the city below.

Why visit:

  • Scotland’s Crown Jewels (The Honours of Scotland)
  • The Stone of Destiny
  • Panoramic city views
  • Military history exhibitions
  • The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival (takes place on the Castle grounds in August). A must if you love to hear the pipers.

Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially during summer and festival season. Visit early in the day for fewer crowds. It can get a little tight inside some of the viewing areas, with long-winding lines.

2. Royal Mile

Stretching from the castle to Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is the historic backbone of the Old Town.

St. Giles' Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile
St. Giles Cathedral

What to do here:

  • Explore hidden closes (alleyways). You never know what you’ll find down them. If you’re interested in what lies beneath the Royal Mile, the Real Mary King’s Close is a must. They take you on a tour beneath the city and tell the tales of the people that lived there. Edinburgh’s dark past comes alive.
  • Visit St Giles’ Cathedral – a beautiful cathedral, open to all for worship, quiet reflection, or to simply experience the history within its walls.
  • Browse independent shops – who doesn’t love to shop. Note, a mass of tourist shops have popped up on the Royal Mile, do your research and support local, independent shops.
  • Stop in traditional pubs. There is no shortage of them to choose from.
  • Immerse yourselves in Scottish history by strolling the entire Royal Mile. From the commanding heights of Edinburgh Castle to the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, this iconic route is a treasure trove of stories, narrow closes, and stunning architecture

Tip: It’s busiest mid-day. Early morning or evening offers a quieter experience.

3. Arthur’s Seat

An extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat offers one of the best views in Scotland.

Arthur's Seat is a 251-meter (823-foot) high dormant volcano located in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
Arthur’s Seat

Good to know:

  • Allow 1–2 hours for the walk depending on your fitness level. It is considered of moderate difficulty with steep, rocky and muddy areas.
  • There are two routes. The most straightforward, and popular path, starts near Holyrood Palace (east end of the Royal Mile). Another less steep option, starts from the south at Dunsapie Loch.
  • Wear sturdy footwear
  • Wind can be strong at the summit
  • Bring water. No facilities at the top.

This is a must if you enjoy a bit of outdoor adventure alongside city sightseeing. Great for working off that pub lunch.

4. Victoria Street

A curved, colourful street in the Old Town known for its character and independent shops. It’s one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. And the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Victoria Street, Edinburgh. Famous, curved, and steeply sloped street in Edinburgh's Old Town. Renowned for its colorful 17th-century buildings, boutique shops, and cafes.
Victoria Street, Edinburgh’s Old Town

Great for:

  • Unique souvenirs
  • Coffee stops
  • Atmosphere and photos

5. Dean Village

A peaceful, residential neighborhood in Edinburgh that began as a milling hamlet in the 12th century. It lies along the Water of Leith, just a short walk from the city centre. A fairy-tale like, picturesque village that provides a quieter break from the Royal Mile crowds.

6. Explore Edinburgh’s New Town

Edinburgh isn’t just medieval Old Town. The Georgian architecture of New Town offers wide streets, elegant squares, and shopping along Princes Street. The area is packed with cafes, cocktail bars, and restaurants. If you’ve had enough of pub food, and want something a little higher end or trendy, you’ll find it in this area.

It’s a completely different feel — and worth exploring to understand the city’s full character. Edinburgh is an amazing adventure of exploration.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

  • Spring (April–June): Mild weather, fewer crowds
  • Summer (July–August): Festival season, very busy but electric atmosphere
  • Autumn (September–October): Quieter and atmospheric
  • Winter: Festive markets and dramatic skies

If you prefer a slower pace, avoid August when the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes over the city.

Our favourite time to explore is early May before the summer crowds, or mid-September when things have quieted down a bit. That being said, Edinburgh thrives all year round and there is always something to enjoy.

We’ve also enjoyed visiting at the end of November, when the Christmas festivities begin (markets, outdoor skating, Christmas light shows, and more). It’s less busy at this time than closer to Christmas.

How Many Days Do You Need?

2 days: Main highlights (Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat).

If you need a break from the walking, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a great way to see all the sights in a shorter time. You can hop-on and off wherever you like, or stay on board for a full circuit to see the sights and decide what you’d like to explore further.

3 days: Add museums, Dean Village, and relaxed exploring

4+ days: Day trips (e.g., Highlands, St Andrews, or the Borders).

If you’re exploring beyond the city, consider visiting Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven – one of Scotland’s most dramatic cliffside castles. The train from Edinburgh Waverley to Stonehaven takes just under three hours. The walk from Stonehaven to Dunnottar castle is approximately 45 minutes.

Many visitors combine Edinburgh with a trip to the Isle of Skye for dramatic landscapes and Highland scenery.

For ancient history lovers, the Orkney Islands offer some of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe.

Why not join a tour from Edinburgh and leave the driving to them. One of our favourite small group tour operators is Rabbies. We’ve had some amazing adventures with them. Perfect for when you want to make the most of your time.

Where to Stay

  • Old Town: Close to major attractions, historic atmosphere
  • New Town: Elegant, central, and slightly quieter
  • Leith: Trendy waterfront area with excellent restaurants

Choose accommodation within walking distance of the Royal Mile if it’s your first visit. Edinburgh is very walkable. We like to stay close to the Waverley Train Station, as it’s central and easy when traveling around Scotland by train. .

Getting Around

  • The city centre is highly walkable
  • Buses are reliable and affordable
  • The Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a great way to see the sights, and save the feet.
  • Edinburgh Airport has a direct tram connection to the city centre

You likely won’t need a car unless planning day trips outside the city.

Practical Travel Tips for Edinburgh

  • Book castle tickets in advance
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes (cobbles + hills!)
  • Bring layers — weather changes quickly
  • Plan early starts for popular sites
  • Leave space in your itinerary for wandering
  • Choose the sights that are most important to you. Don’t try to do everything at once.
  • And Most Important – Enjoy!

Edinburgh is best experienced slowly.

Planning a wider trip? Don’t miss our complete Scotland travel tips guide to help you prepare.

Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. No matter how many times we’ve visited, Edinburgh is still a favourite stop. The starting point for many of our Scotland adventures.

Few cities combine dramatic landscapes, medieval architecture, royal history, and walkability as seamlessly as Edinburgh. Whether it’s your first time in Scotland or a return visit, it’s a destination that rewards curiosity.

Travel Tips for Scotland: A Practical Guide for First-Time Visitors

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys
A Travelling Wilbys Guide to Making the Most of Your Trip

Living on Vancouver Island, we’re surrounded by wild coastline, moody skies, and dramatic natural beauty. It’s home — and we love it deeply.

But Scotland? Scotland feels like a kindred spirit. A Home away from Home.

The rugged cliffs, the ancient castles, the sea air, the quiet villages — it reminds us of the raw beauty we know here on the West Coast of Canada, but layered with thousands of years of history. As self-proclaimed history lovers (and slightly introverted adventurers), Scotland feels like it was made for us. The history is like nothing we have seen before. Leaving us in a continual sense of awe. A place we could explore every inch of, and still want more.

Over the years, we’ve learned that travelling around Scotland is equal parts magic and smart planning. It’s romantic and rugged — but also practical. So if you’re dreaming of your own Scottish adventure, here are our favourite travel tips to help you experience it fully — and intentionally.

1. Don’t Rush It

One of the biggest lessons we learned early on? Scotland is not a checklist destination. Leave time for the unexpected, as the unexpected will happen.

When we first mapped out routes between Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye, it looked manageable. However, Scotland has a way of slowing you down — in the best possible way.

Glen Coe

You’ll stop for:

  • Unexpected viewpoints
  • Castle ruins you hadn’t planned for
  • Coastal walks that call your name
  • Tiny cafés tucked into villages
  • One or two of the many 30,000 freshwater lochs throughout Scotland. Perhaps, you’ve spotted Nessie.
  • The perfect photo . Heaven knows, I can’t pass up a Hairy Coo (Highland Cow).

The magic is often between the destinations. Never knowing what might present itself before you. You’re on an adventure, let it unfold.

2. Rent a Car for Freedom

While trains connect major cities like Glasgow and Inverness, the places that steal your heart are often off the main routes.

Some of our most memorable moments happened because we had the freedom to pull over and explore.

If you’re dreaming of:

  • The Highlands
  • Coastal cliffside castles
  • Island hopping
  • Remote glens

A car makes all the difference.

3. Book a Tour

If you’re not into doing the driving, especially on the opposite side of the road, then book a tour. We have had many incredible trips where we booked a portion of it as a guided tour. We are especially partial to the smaller group tours.

Best Part:

Sit back and relax. No worries about driving on the opposite side of the road, navigating traffic, or finding parking. Your only job is to enjoy the sights before you.

Knowledgeable guides. Trained local guides are able to provide the history and stories that go far beyond the guidebooks. They are able to take you off the beaten path, and their love for their country shines through. We have had some amazing small group tours with Rabbies. This is one we highly recommend.

Time Efficiency. If you’re short on time, a tour is the perfect way to see more. We are always amazed by how much ground we are able to cover in a day, without feeling overwhelmed. Everything is taken care of for you!

Interact with like-minded travelers.

Exclusive Access at popular attractions. No lining up for tickets. Most tours will take care of this for you by pre-purchasing your tickets to sights and booking times ahead. We did this for many of the Neolithic sights on Orkney. All we had to do was get off the bus and go.

Safety and Security. While this isn’t one we really worry about in Scotland, it is nice to know that you have a local guide who is able to answer questions and help in a pinch.

4. Pack for Changing Weather (Always)

If Vancouver Island has taught us anything, it’s that coastal weather has a personality of its own — and Scotland’s is even more dramatic.

Standing Stones Stenness

We’ve experienced sunshine, mist, wind, and rain all in one afternoon.

Our must-pack list:
  • Waterproof jacket/rainpants
  • Hat/Gloves
  • Layers – always layers, easy to take on and off when the weather changes
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots if you plan to hit the trails
  • A scarf. You never know when a cold wind will blow through.
  • Sunblock – Yes, we have learned that Scotland weather is not always what you think. Last time we were over, Edinburgh was having summer-like weather in early May.

The ever-changing skies are part of what Scotland feel cinematic and unforgettable.

5. Book Early — Especially in Peak Season

Scotland is no longer a hidden gem — and rightly so.

If you’re visiting between May and September, or during events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or Tattoo, accommodation fills quickly. The earlier you book, the better.

The same goes for smaller areas like:

Charming, intimate stays are part of Scotland’s appeal — but they’re limited. And it seems everyone wants to visit. If at all possible, book off season not prime tourist season. But even those times can book fast.

6. Go Beyond the Obvious

Yes, Edinburgh is stunning. Yes, Glasgow has incredible culture and energy.

But some of our favourite memories have been in quieter corners — standing alone along a windswept coastline, exploring Neolithic sites in Orkney, or walking from Stonehaven to Dunnottar with barely another soul in sight.

Dunnottar Castle

Scotland rewards curiosity. And there is much to be curious about.

7. Respect the Landscape

As travellers who come from another rugged coastal region, we deeply value protecting wild places. They are to be enjoyed, not spoiled.

Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code:
  • Leave no trace
  • Close gates
  • Respect livestock
  • Park responsibly

Scotland’s landscapes have endured for millennia. It’s a privilege to walk them. May they stay protected for a very long time.

8. Make Time for History

This is the part that always gets us.

You can wander medieval closes in Edinburgh, stand atop the cliffs at Dunnottar Castle, or explore Neolithic wonders in the Orkney Islands — and feel genuinely connected to the past.

History in Scotland isn’t polished or distant.

It’s raw. It’s layered. It’s emotional.

9. Embrace the Quiet

As introverts who still crave adventure, Scotland feels like balance.

  • Early morning castle walks.
  • Windy cliffside pauses.
  • Moments of stillness in the Highlands.
  • A stolen moment on a windswept, deserted beach.

You don’t have to chase the loudest experiences to feel something profound here.

Sometimes it’s just you, the wind, and centuries of stories.

Final Thoughts from Vancouver Island to Scotland

Even though we call Vancouver Island home, a piece of our hearts always feels pulled toward Scotland.

Maybe it’s the shared coastal wildness. Maybe it’s the history. Maybe it’s that sense of romantic solitude.

Whatever it is, it has us hooked!

If you’re planning your own Scotland adventure, we hope these tips help you travel slower, deeper, and more intentionally.

However, if you’re not planning one yet… consider this your sign 🤍

✈The Introvert’s Guide to Stress-Free Travel

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys

Travel is one of our greatest joys, but as two introverts with a love for exploring, we’ve learned that it can also feel overwhelming if we’re not mindful. Crowded airports, busy cities, and jam-packed itineraries can quickly drain our energy. Over the years, we’ve discovered small but powerful ways to make travel more enjoyable—and yes, even peaceful.

Whether we’re wandering along a quiet beach on Vancouver Island or catching a train through the English countryside, these are the introvert-friendly travel tips we swear by.

🌎 Planning with Peace of Mind

For us, a stress-free trip starts before we even leave home. Particularly, as one of us has anxiety when it comes to being late for anything, and the other is a little too laid back – “no hurry, no worry”. Arrgghhh. Needless to say, we’ve learned to work within each others parameters.

  • Book ahead when you can. Flights, trains, and accommodations always feel calmer when sorted in advance. We love knowing we don’t have to scramble last minute. While it’s nice to wing it once in awhile, or go with the flow, having a flexible or solid booking is peace of mind.
  • Choose quieter areas. In London, for example, we’ll stay in a neighborhood just outside the hustle. On Vancouver Island, we often escape to smaller towns or peaceful beaches. No matter where you are, you can always find a little out of the way place to escape for a few minutes, or as long as you need.
  • Schedule downtime. Our itineraries always include “nothing” time. A slow morning with coffee or an evening walk makes a world of difference.

✈ Airports & Transport Without the Overwhelm

Airports and train stations are some of the most stressful spots, but we’ve found a few introvert-friendly travel tricks:

  • Arrive early. It gives us time to breathe, people-watch, and not feel rushed. For anxiety, it’s a lifesaver! Take a minute for yourself if needed to bring things back under control. It’s worth the time taken.
  • Noise-canceling headphones are our best travel investment—they create an instant calm bubble. Cut out the noise and hopefully allow for a little sleep on a long international flight.
  • Apps save the day. Online check-ins, mobile boarding passes, and train ticket apps mean fewer lines and less small talk. It seems there is an app for everything nowadays, and we’ve found them to be a lifesaver at times. A few of the apps we use – British Airways (or whatever airline we are flying), BritRail (for our train pass), LNER (to make quick seat reservations on the train), Trainline (to check train schedules), Premier Inn (or any other hotel), and so many others. It is a techie world out there, if you’re comfortable with it, use it to your advantage!

We’ve found a similar rhythm on Vancouver Island ferries:

  • arriving early, grabbing a quiet seat, and settling in with a book makes the journey part of the adventure. Feeling a little more adventurous – walking the outside deck, breathing in the sea air, and whale watching are great ways to relax. Travelling with BC Ferries, save your peace of mind and reserve in advance. Nothing worse than sitting in line at the ferry terminal watching it sail without you.

🍃 Finding Quiet Moments in Busy Destinations

Even the most popular places have their hidden calm.

  • Go early or late. Visiting museums first thing in the morning is a game changer. We prefer early morning for the more popular places.
  • Seek out the quieter corners. Parks, libraries, and tucked-away cafés or pubs are perfect escapes.
  • Travel off-season. Scotland in autumn and the Island in spring are magical—beautiful weather, fewer people.

One of our favorite peaceful moments was standing at the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney with hardly anyone else around. A thing of beauty, with an amazing mystical quality. At home, it’s walking along a secluded beach at low tide, where the only sound is the sea. A sound which lightens our souls – islanders at heart. There are so many beautiful beaches on Vancouver Island.

🤝🏼 Socializing Without the Burnout

Travel can bring wonderful connections, but for introverts, it’s often about quality over quantity.

  • Stay in smaller B&Bs or Guest Houses. They’re friendlier without being overwhelming. And most serve up the most delicious breakfast. YUM!
  • Join small group tours. Instead of being in a crowd of 40, we prefer groups of 8–10 for a more personal experience. In Scotland, we’ve joined smaller coach tours with a maximum of 16 people, and they are perfect (especially when not full).
  • Pick your moments. A meaningful chat with a local barista or bartender, beats trying to talk to everyone all day.

🎒 Our “Comfort Kit” for Every Journey

We never travel without a few essentials that make us feel grounded:

  • Snacks & water (because being “hangry” is real). And travelling with a diabetic means being prepared for anything.
  • A book or e-reader for quiet downtime. One of us loves to read, while the other prefers to listen to music they have downloaded before the trip.
  • Offline maps & playlists, ready for when Wi-Fi disappears. Always a need for a back up plan, especially when you travel with someone with anxiety.
  • A cozy scarf or hoodie that feels like home on the go. Sometimes you just want to snuggle in, shut everything out, and enjoy.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Being introverts doesn’t mean we can’t love travel. It just means we experience it a little differently. By planning thoughtfully, building in quiet time, and carrying small comforts, we’ve learned to travel without feeling drained. That being said, sometimes we are looking for that more extroverted adventure. We are definitely not looking to miss out on anything!

Travel doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be deeply peaceful, restorative, and full of wonder. It all depends what you are looking for.

Are you an introverted traveler too? We’d love to hear your tips for stress-free travel! Leave a comment below or join us on Instagram @travellingwilbys.

  • Loch Lomond, Scotland
  • Ireland