“In Scotland, there is no such thing as bad weather – Only the wrong clothes.” ~ Billy Connolly.
Ever wondered what the secret is to having the most enjoyable trip possible? Welcome to my “Be Invisible” series – your ultimate guide for how to avoid looking like a tourist on your next adventure and guaranteed to boost your entire travel experience.
Bursting with helpful tips and tricks, I’ve asked locals from particular cities around the world to share their insider knowledge on the best ways travellers can become “invisible” when visiting their city and enjoy it like a local. If you’re ready to challenge travel stereotypes, overcome language barriers and embrace what I like to call invisible tourism, you’ve come to the right place!
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20 Scotland travel tips to help you NOT look like a tourist
Travelling to Scotland for the first time? Want to know how to not look like a tourist? There are some simple do’s and don’ts for visiting Scotland that everyone should keep in mind. If you want to familiarise yourself with life in this beautiful country, you need to delve deeper into the history and culture while enjoying all that stunning scenery.
Having been adopted as an American expat in Scotland, I try to help my fellow foreigners learn about and fall in love with this vibrant country. Scotland is more than just the Loch Ness Monster and cheap tartan!
To have the best possible trip, here’s some common tourist mistakes in Scotland and what to do instead…
Don’t buy the Scotland tourist outfit
One of the biggest Scotland travel tips is to avoid shopping at tacky souvenir shops that sell imported stuff. You’ll find polyester tartan, cheap plastic toys, and a whole plethora of clichés. These shops are plentiful, especially on and around the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. While the prices might be appealing, these souvenirs will not last long.
Tourists in Scotland can be easily identified by their improper wearing of a kilt, any shirt with a Scottish location emblazoned upon it, and – of course – the tacky tourist hats with built-in wild red hair. Just, please, don’t.
Instead, do save up before you visit Scotland
Invest in a quality item, such as the famous Harris tweed or fine woollen clothes. If you want to remember your trip to Scotland forever, these are the types of souvenirs that will last your entire lifetime! Also remember to leave space in your luggage for such a quality item.
Don’t want to spend that much? No worries, you can still shop locally in Scotland and bring home quality souvenirs to remember your trip. Generally, locally-owned, small stores tend to sell local products while the massive chain stores import.
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and St Andrews will all have small local shops that sell locally made products. In smaller villages and more remote areas, just ask if there’s a local artist or designer who sells products locally.
TOP TIP: In Edinburgh, Armstrong’s Vintage is a second-hand shop located right in the Grassmarket. You can find excellent quality kilts and woollen items there at a fraction of the price!
READ MORE:
Secrets of Castle Tioram Revealed by a Highlander Clan Ancestor
A Local’s Guide to London for First Time Visitors
How to NOT Look Like a Tourist in London, UK
How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Ireland
13 Vienna Travel Tips: Do’s & Don’ts to Not Look Like a Tourist
Don’t take shots of whisky
The quickest way to look like a tourist in Scotland is to order a “scotch” at the bar and take it as a shot. Don’t do this!
First of all, it’s called whisky. And when you order whisky, you order a dram – not a shot.
Instead, do savour each drop
A dram is meant to be appreciated, sipped, savoured. If you want to try a local whisky, be sure to ask the bartender for recommendations based on your taste preferences. Listen carefully to those recommendations and be respectful of the depth of history and culture intertwined with whisky production in Scotland.
TOP TIP: Don’t expect a bartender to stand there offering you detailed whisky advice on a busy Saturday night. Ask for recommendations during a slow afternoon instead.
If you really want to learn about whisky, do a few distillery tours during your travels. There are well over 100 distilleries in Scotland, so you can take your pick! Even within the cities, you can take tours and learn more about how whisky is made, what it means to Scotland, and how you can better appreciate the Water of Life.
Don’t be dumbstruck on the sidewalk
When walking around our city streets, please don’t just stop suddenly to take photos (this is really a universal thing). The views are incredible – we know – but please step aside to admire the many, many stunning views Scotland has to offer!
In Edinburgh, especially, the sidewalks (referred to as pavements here) can get quite busy during the summer festival season. Don’t forget that there are locals who are en route to work or home; they need to use these same sidewalks and don’t appreciate having to dance around the tourists.
Instead, do be aware of your surroundings
Enjoy those stunning views politely. You should absolutely stop and enjoy them, just do so with others in mind!
Look up and look down to find hidden gems all around Edinburgh. Keep your eyes up to spot beautiful castle views between buildings and unicorns all around; look underfoot to spot the Heart of Midlothian and JK Rowling’s handprints. Taking your time and enjoying these small moments is a wonderful part of touring around Edinburgh – as long as you do so respectfully.
In Glasgow, be sure to enjoy the spectacular architecture and famous street art. Do stop and take photos and appreciate all of these fabulous views! But do so politely so others can continue on their way.
This is just part of being a good tourist in Scotland (and beyond)!
Don’t overwhelm the Highlands and islands
Scotland’s highlands and islands are famous the world over. We love to see people admiring and appreciating the natural beauty of Scotland. However, please don’t take a giant tour bus to the highlands and islands.
On a large coach bus, you will not be able to safely access the more remote and more beautiful places. You also aren’t making the locals love you – those big buses can do some serious damage to the limited infrastructure in our beloved remote areas.
And large groups of people tend to entirely forget how to behave and act responsibly.
Instead, do take a small group tour
Be a better tourist in Scotland and take a small group tour. There are plenty of options for small groups (up to only 16 people) from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness. You can explore Scotland’s stunning scenery and you’ll be regaled with wonderful stories from Scottish lore. You’ll have a guide to answer your questions and you can rest assured that this smaller group leaves a smaller impact on the environment and local resources.
Or, responsibly drive around Scotland independently
It might seem more responsible to take your own car, but the driving in these remote areas can confound many an international tourist. If you do opt to rent a car, one of the most important Scotland travel tips is you must understand and acknowledge local driving laws and standards.
This means properly using single-track lanes, understanding passing places, and respecting the environment. If you rent a campervan (RV), do not dump your waste inappropriately! If you are driving in a rural area, remember that locals are also using those single-track lanes to get to work, so you must drive at regular speeds or allow them to pass. Do not park overnight in lay-bys and do not drive off-road.
Places like the Isle of Skye and the Northcoast 500 are experiencing major challenges with their infrastructure due to increased popularity. If you visit these places – and especially if you opt to drive yourself – learn the local laws and obey all of them to avoid overwhelming local communities.
TOP TIP: The Isle of Skye and NC500 are beautiful, but there are many alternative spots you could visit instead! Consider visiting the Isle of Arran to get all the highlights of Scotland on a conveniently located island – even standing stones! If you do visit Skye or drive the NC500, try to visit in the off-season instead of contributing to the tourist overcrowding of peak season.
Don’t claim to be Scottish
This is a tough one of many Scotland travel tips, especially for Americans! Please, don’t pretend you know all about Scotland because you once had a distant relative who might have possibly lived here. No matter how much family research you have done, please don’t visit Scotland and claim to know more about its history, culture, and politics than a local who actually lives here.
Instead, do bring your curiosity
Bring your curiosity! Ask questions, show interest, and learn about this incredible country’s past, present, and future. The Scots are a massively proud people who love to share their history and culture with anyone who wants to learn. They also love to talk about the present and future of their country – so don’t just focus on the past!
Asking questions and showing a sincere interest in this culturally rich nation will offer you better insight than strutting in to declare yourself laird of some castle.
Don’t go to Loch Ness
Yes, the Loch Ness Monster is such an enticing story to pursue here in Scotland. But Loch Ness is not necessarily the most beautiful loch here in Scotland. It is popular, to be sure! Which is why you should visit a different loch (or several) to instead enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of the highlands and glens.
Instead, do seek out alternative things to do
There are many castles you can stay in, hills you can walk, wildlife you can spot, and lochs you can enjoy throughout the highlands. Get off that typical tourist trail at Loch Ness and, instead, head to Cairngorms National Park or Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park for epic views and outdoor adventures.
We have so many lochs that are beautiful, picturesque, pristine, breathtaking… find one of those and rest a while. Stop at Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel, Loch Tay, or Loch Lubnaig; the options are endless!
Find a quiet spot, bring a picnic, and rest a while. Being still might allow the red squirrels or noble stags to comfortably saunter by. And you’ll not soon forget that feeling of sitting in the Scottish highlands with nothing but the rolling hills, lochs, glens, and wild animals around you.
EDITOR’S NOTE: As suggested by local readers, ensure to bring some sort of insect repellant with you when hiking around bodies of water, especially along the west coast of Scotland. Nasty little midges enjoy having a nibble of sightseers!
Don’t complain about bad weather
Scotland is a bonnie country for one main reason: It rains… a lot. Therefore this stunning land is lush and vibrant all year-round. Even in the depths of winter when the grass and leaves all die elsewhere, Scotland remains green.
So don’t be surprised when it rains during your vacation. When – not if.
TOP TIP: The umbrella is, unfortunately, a fairly useless item here in Scotland, as rain is often accompanied by a strong wind. It’s still a good idea to carry one in case of a light drizzle, but a waterproof jacket with a hood will more often serve you better.
Instead, do pack layers
One of the most essential Scotland travel tips is to pack layers, especially a top layer that’s also waterproof. The Scots are particularly fond of that old saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.”
You might have days when you get all 4 seasons in a few hours! Be prepared for anything and don’t complain that your holiday is ruined by a few raindrops. Layer up, expect poor weather, and then you might be pleasantly surprised if you’re lucky and get some sunshine!
TOP TIP: Even if you’re visiting Scotland in the summer, pack layers! Layers are the best attire year-round. The famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place most evenings in August each year. And – every year – you can spot the tourists who didn’t realise how cold it gets atop a dormant volcano near the sea at this latitude. Ditch the flip-flops and tank tops, bring the socks and scarves!
| Amanda is an American expat living in Scotland. She’s lived in 7 countries and loves helping people discover slow travel on her blog AmandaWalkins.com. You can follow her adventures on Facebook and Twitter! |
Now you know the common tourist mistakes in Scotland, are you ready to be invisible?
Now you’ve discovered the mistakes to avoid in Scotland from a local, perhaps you’re ready to make the trip! Why not take a look at the latest Edinburgh hotel deals? Or if you’d like some more travel ideas and inspiration, here’s all my articles about UK & Europe to get you started.
Do you have any extra Scotland travel tips to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below. I hope you enjoyed this instalment of my Be Invisible series! If you found this helpful, please share it or follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok or Instagram for more!
Until next time,
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Featured image & pin image credit: Pixabay; Last image credit: Pixabay; Second pin image credit: Pixabay; All other images credit to Amanda Walkins. This post about Scotland travel tips contains some affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase and if you do, thanks for your support! This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. As always, I only recommend a product or service that I genuinely love and use myself!
Hello, my husband and I will be traveling to Scotland in November for our first visit. Any suggestions of non tourist places to enjoy as we only have 3 days before going to Ireland. I just want to enjoy the time we have there. Your article was very informative – but I would like to enjoy the local experience and community. We will arrive in Edinburgh. Thank you.
Hi Sarah, thanks for reading!
Are you planning on spending your entire time in Edinburgh, or wanting to explore lesser-known places elsewhere in the country?
You can take a look at these lesser-known spots in Scotland or this is a great resource, too!
Alyse,
Please know that I found your blog quite enlightening and of course everything spoken or written are ideas and suggestions meant to help someone along their way. We all have opinions, right! I find it amusing that people are so ready to get offended by everyone and everything. I am planning a trip for 2025 as part of my bucket list and simply want to soak up every idea and bit of knowledge that is blessedly offered.
Once again, thank you for your insight and pleasant tone in response to nay-sayers.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Teresa! I appreciate that 😊
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, I hope you have a wonderful time in Scotland!
Hey there EVERYONE!
Thx for the tips.
I m going to Scotland ( and England/ Wales) in late Sept ( my dream trip to myself after retiring)
Any suggestions on who makes waterproof walking ( stylish) shoes?
Also how cold might it get that time of year?
I m very excited!!
I may have been born in Alabama but my family is Scottish and has not been in the states long! I have cousins in Scotland and will be meeting up with them when we finally make it there. I’m from the Clans McLeod/Brown and my husband is from the Clan Campbell. My great grandmother spoke Gaelic. While I will not be protesting any vast knowledge of the country, telling people with close ties to Scotland not to say they are Scottish is kind of insulting. I actually speak to my Scottish cousins often. I plan on visiting Skye and Loch Ness also. We will be doing a lot of genealogy while they’re for both our families. Yes, my husband is distantly related to the Duke of Argyll. My family lives in Ayr and Cumnock and has for centuries. My Aunt Annie still played the bagpipes until her passing. Like I said, I have a recent family history from Scotland and only plan on learning much more about my family and culture when we visit. My Uncle has been there multiple times and has not said the locals are anywhere like what this article makes them sound and he says they love having people from the US (especially southern accents) in their country to visit. How am I supposed to figure out more about my family history and culture if I pretend I’m not a tourist?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sherri!
This article is light-hearted in nature and aims to help visitors better “blend in.”
The part you’re referring to is more aimed at people who would have very distant ancestors claiming they’re Scottish; it’s obvious you have very close, current ties, which is wonderful.
I hope you have a fantastic time in Scotland with your family, thanks for reading!
Wow! A lot of information–all interesting! We will travel this June to Scotland/Ireland. I won’t take as many pictures as I used to take when traveling abroad. The photos never look like what my mind remembers, so I will have enough of wonderful visions in my head. Thanks for the info!
So glad you found it helpful, Angela!
Enjoy your time in Scotland, I’m sure you’ll love it 😊
I wish I hadn’t stumbled on this negative article. You make it sound like Scottish citizens hate tourists. You know what I did in Scotland? I went to the first souvenir shop and bought a cheap purse that said “Scotland” all over it. I ordered the food and drinks I wanted to enjoy. I wore a plaid skirt that looked nothing like a kilt when we went on a day trip. I shopped at Asda which is basically Walmart, along with the little shops. I had fun, people loved my American accent. Not one person could care less that I was on vacation from another country.
Glad to hear you had a positive experience in Scotland, Ashley! Sorry you interpreted the article that way, that is not its intention. As mentioned in a previous comment, the tone is lighthearted and meant to be fun 😉
In case you haven’t seen the entirely of this website, every article is about helping visitors know a little bit about culture and etiquette before their trips to help them better “blend in”. If you are interested, my article about how to be a responsible tourist explains how buying cheap imported souvenirs doesn’t actually help locals at the destination. Overall though, the most important thing is visitors being respectful to locals. Thanks for reading!
I’m Scottish and as with most Scots we love tourists. why would you want to blend in?
I was disapointed too in the way my country has been portrayed here.
we’re not easily offended, only if you call us english or British, lol. you can complain all you like about our weather, we do too and appreciate the sun when it makes ame wee appearance.
we also know that tourist prob know more about our history than we do, we dont mind if you educate us a wee bit. I think its lovely when an American states theyre scottish lol.
I must say that I do feel a bit embarrassed and insulted with those “craft shops” that sell cheap imported junk at high prices when there are local craft folk, selling amazing genuine hand crafted scottish products. uch well the main thing is you enjoy yer self.
we love american and Canadian people and could listen to theirthe braw accents all day.
Come and visit us, be yerself and dont try to blend in.
Thanks for sharing your perspective, McDonald!
As mentioned in my comments above, this article has a light-hearted intention. Every article on my blog is about helping visitors to better understand cultural differences and customs. I always like to say, no one likes an annoying tourist. But everyone loves a tourist who is respectful and has an open mind 😊
I was born in Alabama US but my great grandparents were born in Scotland and I still have cousins in Ayr and Cumnock that I talk to regularly. They say they love the southern US accent and can’t wait for my visit!! I am from the Clans McLeod and Brown and my husband is from the Clan Campbell. We hope to visit next year and enjoy listening to you guys talk!!
Nobody in Scotland cares about clans. Trust me on this. I’m half-Scottish – Dad was from Greenock – and I never once heard him or any of his family mention clans, and no Scottish person I’ve ever met has talked about what clan they’re from. I don’t know what clan I’m descended from and honestly, I don’t care because a lot of it was romanticised nonsense made up in the 19th century.
I just returned from a 3 week visit to attend my daughter’s wedding near Stirling. Although not much was open, and there was a 10 day quarantine period when I arrived and the area went into stage four shortly after that, we were able to go on some beautiful walks. My best advice to anyone visiting is to bring a couple pairs of good walking shoes. At least one waterproof pair and both pairs supportive for everything from cobblestones in the city to hill walks. There is so much to see without going inside. A long, hooded, waterproof coat (warm for winter, large enough for layering in the summer) is also a necessity. LOVE Scotland. Glad I will be able to return many times.
I’m so glad to hear you were able to make the most of your situation despite the restrictions, Becky! That’s wonderful to hear and I completely agree about there being so much beautiful scenery in Scotland. Thank you so much for sharing your tips with my readers! Congratulations on your daughter’s marriage, how exciting for your family 😃
I beg to differ about the bad behavior of tourists on large coach buses. My first trip to Scotland was with a large tour on a large coach bus. I take offense at being included in the generalization of large groups equal bad behavior. Not one of us 50 tourists ever got out of line or became disrespectful to Scottish people, landscapes, landmarks, accommodations or the like. I hear what Amanda was trying to say about deterioration of infrastructure and the land that comes with large amounts if tourism; but, perhaps she could have found a better way to say it without insulting a majority of the tourists.
There are always exceptions, Troy, and it definitely sounds like you’re one of them 😊 I’m glad to hear your large group of tourists were always respectful. Generally speaking, we’ve seen how mass tourism can harm the environment, infrastructure and impact locals’ lives negatively so I do agree (and highly encourage) smaller group tours here on my blog.
Sometimes it can depend on the age and demographic of the tourists as well, some (not all) young folk can be rowdy and forget their holiday destination is someone else’s home. This article was written in a lighthearted tone with good intentions, sorry to hear you took offense. Maybe you’ve always been an Invisible Tourist and not realised before, then this article isn’t aimed at you 😉 thanks for taking part in the discussion!
I really love the ultimate concept of your website “being invisible” during strolling a foreign city. This is the best way to enjoy a trip abroad when you do not behave like a tourist at all. Not only it helps witnessing the local life but also make your holidays more special!!!
Thanks Alexander, it’s a very unique idea and something I’m very passionate about!
Thanks for this helpful information. Love your approach to “invisible” travel. That’s always been my attitude when traveling although I never realized there was a hip term for it. 🙂 Sláinte!
Hehe thank you so much for your comment, Michelle! I’m glad you think being “invisible” a hip term and that you’re so like-minded about this! Thanks for reading 🙂
Half my lifetime ago I bicycled around Scotland with a friend for a few weeks. I learned that having a 10-speed Raleigh went unseen, but a Peugeot bicycle drew insults from every nut and granny! It was impossible to get repaired, too, since no shops stock parts for them. I had a meal with a German cyclist who was waiting days and days for a part for his Peugeot and he was confounded by the local reaction. I found that hilarious. I rode a dilapidated 10-yr old Raleigh that I paid $15 for at a yard sale. A fancy new Peugeot would have cost 10X that or more and ruined my trip.
My favorite memory from that trip was when my friend and I were cycling back to our campsite near midnight and we were each wearing headlamps to see. A pick-up truck filled with what seemed like a dozen drunks passed us and yelled, “Look at the f#*kin’ coal miners!” We learned just how hard it is to NOT fall off your bike when you are overcome by heaving laughter!!! We absolutely loved every day of that trip. I still have the wool socks, sweater (aka jumper) and rain coat I bought there.
One of my most beloved possessions is the journal I kept on that trip. HINT: keep a daily journal when you’re traveling. Bring tape or paste to include receipts, notes, etc.
Sounds like you had an absolute blast in Scotland, Sarah! Thanks so much for the giggle and sharing your great experience!
Thanks for all the tips. I really should visit scotland more – it looks just beautiful! And you’re so right about the weather, layering up and expectations.
It really is stunning, Hannah! So much history and culture to enjoy. I’m so glad my guest author Amanda here captured the essence of Scotland so perfectly! Thanks for your comment 🙂
I have friend from Scotland and he always asks me to come and visit him, and visit Scotland and to know his country and enjoy the charming countryside and its beautiful landscapes. This post is very helpful and it contains a good tips and helpful tricks thank you so much for this post
So glad you found this helpful, Hassan. I hope you enjoy Scotland when you go!
I so agree with not claiming to be Scottish – being Scottish is about so much more than ancestry!!
That was a good one, right Kathi? Where we grow up an spend most of our time makes us who we are. Even though I got to visit my ancestor’s castle (Castle Tioram), I personally would never claim to be Scottish, haha. While I love my Scottish heritage, I’m Australian first and foremost! 😊
It certainly feels like such an American thing to do! We claim to be wherever our ancestors came from – nearly ignoring the whole American identity itself. It’s interesting, and also a bit insulting.
Alyse, just a thought. Don’t forget to mention the midges that are abundant when you get near any body of water. Make sure to take mosquito cream with you when you go walking. They are particularly abundant on the west coast of Scotland
Thanks so much for the tip, Karen! I’ve added an editor’s note to help out fellow readers 😊
Another alternative to Skye and Loch Ness? Southwest Scotland, including and especially Dumfries and Galloway. The SWC300 is a marvelous route and includes all the things you mentioned about Skye and Arran…with slightly warmer weather and FAR fewer tourists and tour buses. It’s also a good way to acclimate to driving if you’re doing so the first time (as I was last year).
Southwest Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway are far too often overlooked, with as much beauty, history, and awe-inspiring places as any other area.
They sound like wonderful suggestions, Jason! Thanks for letting us know, I’ll have to pay Southwest Scotland a visit on my next trip 😊
Such a great tip, Jason! SW Scotland and also the NE250 around Aberdeen is another alternative that’s been overlooked by many tourists. Thanks for adding that suggestion!!