Edinburgh is one of the most architecturally brooding and stunning cities in the world, with something new to discover around every corner. I’ve been fortunate to visit Edinburgh several times, and here is a list of the biggest mistakes I see tourists make when visiting the Scottish capital...
Not bringing a raincoat
Scottish weather is famously unpredictable. They say you can’t rely on clear skies or cloudy ones because the weather can change in an instant. Even during Edinburgh's peak summer season, it's wise to bring a sturdy waterproof raincoat to avoid getting drenched. An umbrella won’t be much help, as the frequent strong winds can easily render it useless.
Buying your family’s tartan
Many shops boldly claim to stock tartans from hundreds of different clans. Regardless of how far you live from Scotland, there’s likely a tartan bearing your family name. However, the reality is that only a few Highland clans had their own authentic patterns; most others are invented to boost sales.
Not using the buses
Lothian Buses are Edinburgh’s local municipal bus service, and are an affordable way of getting around the city (seriously, you’ll save so much money getting the bus rather than getting an Uber or a taxi!) You can even use the app to plan your route and buy your tickets.
Not planning ahead for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Fringe is one of the world's largest cultural festivals. If you're looking for a simple, quiet visit to the city in the summer, August is not the time to come. During this month, you can expect the streets, hotels, public transport, theatres, and bars to be bustling every day. However, if the festival is your main attraction, be prepared for its immense scale.
With over 53,000 performances across 300 venues, it's impossible to see everything. Therefore, plan ahead and choose your priorities wisely to make the most of your experience.