edinburgh tourist traps

Edinburgh location named biggest 'tourist trap' according to disgruntled reviews

New research has revealed the biggest tourist traps in the UK, and a popular Scottish destination has come in at number one —beating out the London Eye and Covent Garden.

• 11:35, 13 APR 2023

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A famous Edinburgh landmark has just been dubbed the biggest 'tourist trap' in the UK.

A study by holiday specialists and short-term rentals site Casago revealed the places that attract many tourists and where food, drink, and entertainment are typically more expensive than normal.

And when it comes to the UK, there was a clear winner – and it was Edinburgh's Royal Mile which takes the crown.

It beat out other popular spots such as the London Eye, Land's End Landmark in Cornwall, and Shambles in York.

The Royal Mile, in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, is the capital's most iconic street and runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In 2019, the Edinburgh World Heritage charity warned that the historic road was "losing its local character", with many of its attractions today primarily catering towards visitors.

READ NEXT: Elijah Wood coming to Edinburgh after being announced as surprise Comic Con guest

To find the top 5 in the UK, the team at Casago took to TripAdvisor to count the number of reviews that mention the phrase 'tourist trap'.

The Royal Mile was found to be way out in front with 505 mentions, while the London Eye and Covent Garden in second and third place were found to have 334 and 156 mentions respectively.

One visitor took to the travel website to write: "As expected, this is a tourist trap mile trying not to swallow the history where it sits. Take time to identify the 'local' shop owners and historical connections."

Meanwhile, a more positive review stated: "An absolute must-do in Edinburgh. A bit of a tourist trap, but it is so quaint and historic, you can forgive the fact that it is replete with tourists and pricey souvenir shops.

"Souvenir shops are so numerous that it feels as if you can pick up just about any momento of your visit to Scotland. If you're lucky enough to be there while the Fringe Festival is going on, there are lots of street performances to watch. Really fun atmosphere."

Casago also shared suggestions on how to avoid tourist traps, including shopping around for discounts and researching the quietest times to go, and avoiding places with long lines, crowded areas and gift shops, and attractions that are popular on Instagram.

The team also recommended steering clear of restaurants with employees outside trying to draw you in, and stated that the best way to have an authentic experience is by going off the beaten track and taking suggestions from locals.

The top five biggest UK tourist traps according to Casago

• Royal Mile, Edinburgh — 505 'tourist trap' mentions
• London Eye, London —334 'tourist trap' mentions
• Covent Garden, London — 156 'tourist trap' mentions
• Land's End Landmark, Cornwall — 140 'tourist trap' mentions
• Shambles, York — 120 'tourist trap' mentions

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Royal Mile Shops: Good buys or Tourist traps in Edinburgh, Scotland?

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The Royal Mile– a walk through Edinburgh’s history

While we may try to avoid a town’s busy high street (and its touristy shops) when we travel, sometimes the high street itself is the prime attraction. The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is not a typical high street– it’s an ancient set of connecting roads cutting directly through the heart of Edinburgh’s historic district (called the “Old Town”).

18th century map of the Royal Mile

This historic stretch of streets (made up of Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand) is thought to have its origins in the twelfth century.

The Royal Mile– Shopping and Sightseeing made easy

Royal Mile’s Clan souvenirs

Clan items are big sellers in Royal Mile shops. If you know your clan name, chances are excellent you will find the matching tartan plaid here. Since I don’t have a drop of Scottish blood in me, I skipped over these shops. If I wanted to pick a clan just for fun, though, I would definitely go with the Princess Diana tartan plaid.

The Royal Mile’s Cashmere and Woolens Shops

But unlike souvenir shops in other cities that hawk local-looking stuff that is actually made in China, the souvenir shops along the Royal Mile all sell the real thing. All of the cashmere items we saw were made in local Scottish mills.

I recognized some of brand names along the the Royal Mile, like this Elgin shop.

But you’ll finder cheaper cashmere at some of the “no name” shops.

I bought this very scarf nearly ten years ago along the Royal Mile– it still looks and feels brand new and has kept me warm through many frigid winters.

I ended up doing my shopping at a very touristy looking shop along the Royal Mile– the kind I usually avoid. Although the items at this shop were all made in Scotland, there were definitely no local artisans on hand and I wouldn’t exactly call it an authentic shopping “experience,” (more like a transaction). But I did get come home with a great buy– I pulled this bright pink cashmere scarf out of one of the bargain bins and it has turned out to be one of my best purchases yet.

As I was having great luck with the shopping, I continued on and found another one of my favorite souvenir buys a little farther down the road.

Royal Mile Shops: Antiques

As you can see from the photo, my jugs made it home just fine.

If you like British antiques, you might be surprised at how much cheaper they are in the UK than back in the US. At the very back of an antique/knickknack shop on the Royal Mile, I unearthed a pile of these Victorian era jugs from the Orkney Isles. Price? A quid per jug.

I wouldn’t ordinarily bring home five breakable and heavy jugs , but at £5 for the lot, I figured it was worth the risk.

Have you brought back any great finds from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile? Or have you uncovered great finds at a shop meant for tourists only? Share in the comments below!

Thanks to my fab friend Emma Spires who just came back from Edinburgh and snapped the Royal Mile Shop photos. Check out Emma’s fabulous site Ladies with Luggage , where Emma reviews the best new travel products for women. Also check out Emma’s fun new Travel Community on Facebook, World Travel Addicts , for anyone who is addicted to traveling and daydreams about undiscovered lands!

Photo credits: Royal Mile Map, in public domain. Royal Mile Street via Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_High_Street,_Edinburgh.JPG / CC BY-SA 3.0 Shop photos Copyright 2014, Emma Spires, Ladies with Luggage. Pink Scarf and Victorian Jugs, Copyright 2014, Souvenir Finder.

Lorna Watson.

Wednesday 27th of June 2018

For local or artisan shops try Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, the West End or Morningside all areas not too far from the city centre.

Kristin Francis

Friday 26th of October 2018

Lorna, thanks so much for sharing your tips!! I will definitely try to get out there when I make it back!

Tuesday 7th of June 2016

Which is the best shop in Edinburgh, Scotland to purchase a fancy Spurtle and horn egg spoon?

Tammy Droste

Saturday 16th of April 2016

what are the best shops on the Royal Mile for local Scotland wares - what I've read says alot of them are 'made in China' ugh - looking for the best for authentic

Jeffrey Scot

Thursday 14th of April 2016

Will be visiting Edinburgh for the first time this July. I'd love to purchase some cufflinks while there. Any recommendations as to where?

Jan Nesbitt

Sunday 14th of June 2015

Heading that way in about 3 weeks. Which is the best priced shops for cashmere scarves? I love yours!

Scotland's biggest 'tourist trap' revealed according to disgruntled reviews

New research has revealed the biggest tourist traps in the UK, and a popular Scottish destination has come in at number one —beating out the London Eye and Covent Garden.

• 10:41, 13 APR 2023

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A list of the five biggest tourist traps in the UK has been revealed, and a popular spot in Edinburgh has taken the top spot.

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is the biggest tourist trap in the UK, according to research carried out by vacation and short-term rental site Casago . It beat out other popular spots such as the London Eye, Land's End Landmark in Cornwall, and Shambles in York.

A tourist trap refers to a place that attracts many tourists where food, drink, and entertainment are typically more expensive than normal. They are usually located at or near famous landmarks.

The Royal Mile, based in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, is the capital's most iconic street, and runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In 2019, the Edinburgh World Heritage charity warned that the historic road was "losing its local character", with many of its attractions today primarily catering towards visitors.

To rank the biggest tourist traps in the UK, Casago took to TripAdvisor to count the number of reviews that mention the phrase 'tourist trap'. The Royal Mile was found to have 505 mentions, while the London Eye and Covent Garden in second and third place were found to have 334 and 156 mentions respectively.

One visitor took to the travel website to write: "As expected, this is a tourist trap mile trying not to swallow the history where it sits. Take time to identify the "local" shop owners and historical connections."

Meanwhile, a more positive review stated: "An absolute must-do in Edinburgh. A bit of a tourist trap, but it is so quaint and historic, you can forgive the fact that it is replete with tourists and pricey souvenir shops.

"Souvenir shops are so numerous that it feels as if you can pick up just about any momento of your visit to Scotland. If you're lucky enough to be there while the Fringe Festival is going on, there are lots of street performances to watch. Really fun atmosphere."

Casago also shared suggestions on how to avoid tourist traps, including shopping around for discounts and researching the quietest times to go, and avoiding places with long lines, crowded areas and gift shops, and attractions that are popular on Instagram.

The team also recommended steering clear of restaurants with employees outside trying to draw you in, and stated that the best way to have an authentic experience is by going off the beaten track and taking suggestions from locals.

This week's top Scotland Now stories

The top five biggest UK tourist traps according to Casago

• Royal Mile, Edinburgh — 505 'tourist trap' mentions
• London Eye, London —334 'tourist trap' mentions
• Covent Garden, London — 156 'tourist trap' mentions
• Land's End Landmark, Cornwall — 140 'tourist trap' mentions
• Shambles, York — 120 'tourist trap' mentions

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Edinburgh's Royal Mile named the UK's biggest tourist trap

A new report from casago has listed the world's biggest tourist traps, including the top 10 in britain - compiled using reviews on tripadvisor.

The biggest tourist traps in the UK have been named - and Edinburgh 's famous Royal Mile tops the list.

A new report from Casago has listed the world's biggest tourist traps, including the top 10 in Britain - compiled using reviews on TripAdvisor to discover how many times visitors referred to places or attractions as "tourist traps".

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, a series of streets in the city's Old Town with Edinburgh Castle at one end and Holyrood at the other, contained 502 mentions of the phrase "tourist trap" - far outstripping any other place in the UK for the number one spot.

On Trip Advisor review of the area from April 2023 was simply titled "tourist trap". It said: "Except for the castle, the Royal Mile was mostly shops and restaurants offering the same overpriced souvenirs and food. It was crowded and dirty. Edinburgh was much better outside of this area. Would not recommend devoting much time there."

Another added: "The royal mile is an underwhelming tourist trap. All the stores sell the same thing, over and over wool, cashmere and shortbread... same products, no character. Overrated and it’s too bad because Edinburgh is a great city."

However, some visitors described it as "beautiful" and "historic", with one review stating: "Fantastic Architecture, clean and well kept. Lots of bars, cafes and places to eat - maybe a few too many tartan and gift shops all selling the same things, but worth a walk from the castle down to the parliament buildings."

Just behind the Royal Mile in second place was the London Eye, with 334 mentions of it being a "tourist trap" and some of the more scathing reviews describing it as overcrowded and expensive, as well as having long queues.

"So many people were in each pod that sometimes it was hard to enjoy the view as some patrons dominated windows and didn’t move," one review said, while another added: "Felt like herded cattle! They crammed about 30-40 people in our pod so you couldn’t move."

Coming in third place was London 's Covent Garden, which 156 people described as a tourist trap, followed by Cornwall's Land's End landmark (140), York's Shambles (120), The Needles in Totland (97), Stonehenge (96), The Cavern Club in Liverpool (96), The Witchery by The Castle in Edinburgh (95) and in tenth place Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House and Museum in Bath.

Casago's global report suggested the number one tourist trap in the world was Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, which had more mentions of the phrase than anywhere else rated by TripAdvisor, with a total of 1,049 mentions of the attraction being a tourist trap.

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This Edinburgh Street Was Named The UK’s Worst Tourist Trap

Move over, Covent Garden and Stonehenge, the Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town is officially the UK's worst tourist trap.

Edinburgh old town is gorgeous, and the Royal Mile is its crown jewel. It is exactly one Scottish mile long, which is 1.6 kilometres . While the Royal Mile was named one of the most beautiful streets in the world this year: understandably, stunning streets like this attract myriads of tourists every month, making it the worst tourist trap in the UK .

Holiday rental company Casago has conducted a study revealing the UK’s worst tourist traps , and the Royal Mile took the top spot. The said study went on a deep dive of TripAdvisor’s reviews, uncovering which UK hotspots offer the most overpriced souvenirs, overpriced restaurants and heaps of people crammed in one place.

Unsurprisingly, Edinburgh Old Town is packed with crowds of art lovers all through August for the Edinburgh Fringe , making it the worst month for tourist traps as well.

The reviews themselves that were revealed said it all: one person named our wee Royal Mile a “tourist trap of world-leading proportions’. Another traveller awarded the street two stars with a review saying: “overcrowded and vulgar, the street has been given over to commercialism and has lost its soul”.

What is more, the Royal Mile was not the only Edinburgh tourist trap mentioned within the list. The Witchery by the Castle took the ninth place on the list: London was the only other city that had two locations on the top ten list.

Things to do on Royal Mile

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gordon’s Trattoria (@gordonstrattoria)

However, we all know that our Royal Mile is not all doom and gloom, to avoid the tourist traps, try Gordon’s Trattoria for some delicious Italian food, Piggs for some Spanish tapas and wine or head to the speakeasy bar Eve just around the corner from the street to escape the crowds.

The UK’s Worst Tourist Traps list

1. Royal Mile, Edinburgh

2. London Eye, London

3. Covent Garden, London

4. Land’s End Landmark, Cornwall

5. Shambles, York

6. The Needles, Totland

7. Stonehenge, Salisbury

8. The Cavern Club, Liverpool

9. The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh

10. Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum, Bath

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A local’s guide: Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Welcome to my new travel series where local’s share their tips and advice about their hometowns. In this guide, you’ll learn what to see, where to eat and drink, what to buy and all the information needed to make your holidays unforgettable.

On this post, Kate shares her tips on traveling to Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Table of Contents

Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

I’m Smidge (or Kate to my friends) a 30-something who fell in love with Edinburgh when I moved here 20 years ago. I love my adopted hometown; it’s a constantly changing, growing and evolving city – with a huge life of its own. The Scottish spirit is amazing and you can see it come to life in its capital city. Despite living in this beautiful city, I would still call myself a country girl, I like nothing more than pulling on my hiking boots, grabbing my camera and heading out into the world, and blogging all about it on my Scotland Travel Blog , Love From Scotland.

Top 5 things to do in Edinburgh

• Watch the penguin parade at Edinburgh Zoo – Every day at around 2 pm the penguins take a walk around the zoo – it’s so cute. Plus the zoo has the only pandas in the UK.
• Visit the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – for the month of August the city comes alive with 1000s of comedy, theatre, music and dance shows, plus pop-up bars to drink in until the small hours.
• Climb Edinburgh’s volcano – for a fantastic bird’s eye view of the city. It only takes around 30 minutes, but bring some good walking shoes.
• Take a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens – It is one of the most peaceful places in the city and the Victorian glasshouses are beautiful.
• Go to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions – From mirrors to mazes, to optical illusions, Camera Obscura is five floors of silly fun – plus a great view of the Castle.

Two off the beaten path things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is made up of a series of villages, and two of my favourites are not often visited by tourists.

• Swanston Village, with its thatched cottages, sits at the foot of the Pentland Hills Regional Park and is a gorgeous place for a wander, you might even spot a Highland Coo!
• Closer to the city centre is Dean Village, which is set deep in the Water of Leith river valley, I suggest having lunch in fashionable Stockbridge and then exploring.

Top 3 restaurants to eat in Edinburgh

• Luxury – The Table is a unique dining experience, ten guests, two chefs and one chef’s table. The food is not cheap but it is extraordinary.
• Mid Range – I love the funky atmosphere of Leith Chop House. With two branches in Edinburgh, they do the best steak in the city – by a mile!
• Budget – Bodega on Leith Walk does fantastic Scottish/Australia/California style tacos in a cool space, plus it’s BYOB.

Top 3 bars to drink in Edinburgh

• The Bon Vivant – sultry & sexy and a past winner of the Best International Restaurant Bar at the Spirited Awards, they do a mean cocktail.
• Bramble – a tiny hidden underground bar that you have to find – with an excellent music policy, this is the original Edinburgh speakeasy.
• The Bow Bar – if you fancy a whisky & a pint of Scottish Ale, this is the bar to visit. Busy and boisterous, and on Edinburgh’s prettiest street in the heart of the old town.

The best area to stay in Edinburgh

I would suggest getting a real feel for Edinburgh as a local and staying in Stockbridge or Bruntsfield. You will be just a 15-minute walk into town, but with local bars and restaurants to enjoy, a world away from the busy Royal Mile.

Traditional dishes to try in Edinburgh

I cannot say no to haggis! You will probably find it on menus served with neeps (turnip) and tatties (mashed potato) but look out for it in burritos or as haggis bon bons served with whisky sauce – my favourite.

The best way to get around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a tiny city, so walking is easy, however, be careful, a lot of the city centre is cobbled so bring some good walking shoes. The buses are consistently voted the best in Scotland, you can travel anywhere in the city (one journey for £1.60)

The best spot to see Edinburgh from above

Climbing the Scott Monument (or Edinburgh’s Rocket) on Princes Street is a must – unless you are scared of heights and tight spaces. Otherwise, climb Calton Hill for an incredible view of the city centre

The best souvenirs to buy from Edinburgh

Whisky! There are hundreds of different kinds of malt whisky, so you are sure to find one you like. The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile does tastings to help you find out.

The best day trips from Edinburgh

It has got to be a castle! My favourite is Blackness Castle in West Lothian, which stood in for Fort William in the Outlander TV series. Otherwise, jump on the train to the seaside town of North Berwick for lobster & chips on the beach.

Tourist traps to avoid in Edinburgh

Honestly, Edinburgh is pretty tourist trap free, although be careful with the ‘tartan tat’ shops on the Royal Mile, make sure what you buy really is made in Scotland, and have the correct money for the buses – they do not give change!

Check out my guide: How to spend 3 days in Edinburgh . 

Have you been to Edinburgh?

What did you enjoy the most?

Kate is the author of Love From Scotland . You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

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The Travel Hack’s Guide to Edinburgh

By: Author Amy Stewart

Categories UK

Not many places do the whole “old meets new” vibe better than Edinburgh. There’s so much to love about this city: gothic glamour, friendly locals and all the major landmarks in walking distance. A thriving culture and arts scene explodes in August in time for the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the urban centre is punctuated by gorgeous green spaces.

Here at The Travel Hack, we’re huge fans of Edinburgh’s quirky yet elegant, cosmopolitan yet distinctively Scottish style.

Image credit: Indrik Myneur via Flickr

Why everyone should visit Edinburgh

If you find London a bit too sprawling and chaotic, you’ll love that Edinburgh offers all of the benefits of a capital city, just on a smaller, more peaceful scale (and with an unmistakeable Scottish twist). The centre and surrounding areas are all easily walkable, but are also connected by cheap and frequent buses and (much-debated) trams.

You’ll still find the odd bagpiper and kilt shop, but for the most part Edinburgh is a modern and innovative city that celebrates its cosmopolitan vibe. There’s culture in abundance; some of the best free art galleries and exhibitions in the UK are here. It’s also got fascinating history – from the legendary ghost tours exploring the gory past of Edinburgh’s Old Town, to the fortress that peers down onto Prince’s Street.

The bar and club scene is second to none, and the Scots really know how to have a good time! If you want to see the city at its spirited, fun-loving best, visit in August (the Fringe) or Hogmanay for New Year’s Celebrations.

Top things to do in Edinburgh

The tourist traps, while busy and a little overpriced, are still worth doing. Edinburgh castle  sits at the top of the quaint and traditional Royal Mile. It costs £16.50, but you can easily spend an afternoon exploring ancient walls, prisons and battlements. Just brace yourself for the cannon, which fires at 1pm daily.

The legendary ghost tours  take you deep underground and into the lost labyrinth of streets frozen in time since the 17 th Century. It’s actually scarier than you think – so don’t go alone! Tours take place every 15 minutes from £13.95.

Unusual things to do in Edinburgh

Peer behind the Edinburgh’s tourist façade and you’ll find loads of hidden gems and unusual quirks. It’s also home to Scotland’s first cat café – for £7 you can head over to Maison de Moggy and enjoy some tea and cake for an hour in the company of some pampered felines.

Harry Potter fan? Head to the Elephant House café  on George IV Bridge. Proudly calling itself “the birthplace of Harry Potter”, it’s reportedly where J K Rowling wrote the first chapters of the Harry Potter series. Even if you’re not a fan, don’t miss the amazing bagels and hilarious Harry Potter themed graffiti gracing the toilets.

For a leisurely stroll away from the tourist masses, head to Leith, a short walk from the east end of Princes Street. A few years ago I’d be warning you away, but the lively area has cleaned up its act of late. It’s where you’ll find some of the best local pubs, tasty treats at Mimi’s Bakehouse and you’ll also have the chance to step aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia , home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family on sea voyages for 40 years. Walk in the opposite direction and you’ll end up in Morningside, a quaint area home to cute trinket shops and the Dominion cinema  – open since 1938, you sip on your choice of drink in a comfy leather arm chair while watching the film.

Finally, only in Edinburgh are you offered a shot of vodka while having your haircut at cult favourite hairdressers  Sip and Snip  (at least if you’re not keen on the cut, there’s something to ease the pain)!

Free things to do in Edinburgh

Most of the art galleries and museums don’t have an admission fee, such as the Scottish National Portrait Gallery , National Museum of Scotland  and National Gallery of Scotland .

Fancy a bit of fresh air? Princes Street Gardens are parallel to Edinburgh’s main shopping street and are free to enter, well-tended and pretty big, so don’t get overcrowded.

If you’re feeling more energetic, get your walking shoes on and hike Arthur’s Seat, a short ten minute walk from the centre of town There’s a number of different routes you can take to the top, and the views are amazing. Try it at dusk to avoid the crowds and catch the sunset. At the foot of Arthur’s Seat, you’ll also find the Scottish Parliament building, which is definitely worth a look.

Where to eat in Edinburgh

Thanks to its cosmopolitan outlook, Edinburgh offers a hugely diverse menu of restaurants. At The Travel Hack, here are our five favourites:

Thai Lemongrass , 40-41 Bruntsfield Place

Gorgeous authentic Thai food in the peaceful area of Bruntsfield, just 10 minutes’ walk from Princes Street. It’s reasonably priced and I’ve never tasted a better Tom Kha Gai. The Monkfish curry is unmissable, too.

Wildfire , 192 Rose Street

Nowhere does locally sourced seafood and steak better than this inconspicuous-looking bistro on Rose Street, parallel to Princes Street. The atmosphere is cosy and warm, the staff friendly and most importantly, the food is rich and delicious. You can get two courses at lunchtime for just £12.95.

The Mosque Kitchen , 50 Potterow

This low-key Indian restaurant has been a student favourite for years thanks to its generously-portioned lunches which also provide change from a fiver. Perfect for filling your stomach and saving cash for cocktails and sightseeing.

The Witchery , Castehill

If you’re visiting Edinburgh for a special occasion, The Witchery is a must. Yes, it’s pricey – but the sumptuous, gothic décor and incredible food make it a real treat. It’s situated next to Edinburgh castle and has style and atmosphere in abundance.

Scran and Scallie, 1 Comely Bank Road 

Owned by the Michelin-starred Tom Kitchin (you might recognise him from Masterchef), Scran and Scallie is a local’s favourite and has a relaxed, gastropub atmosphere. It’s rustic, and very, very Scottish.

Where to drink in Edinburgh

Holyrood 9A

You can find this sophisticated pub close to Arthur’s Seat and the Parliament. It’s all dark wood and plush leather and specialises in local craft beer. It’s the perfect place to rest your feet after a long walk, and they do a pretty mean burger, too.

Dragonfly Cocktail Bar

Independent, 1920’s-themed and award-winning, Dragonfly is where Edinburgh locals go for unique and classy cocktails.

Bailie’s

A traditional Scottish pub in the heart of leafy Stockbridge, this cosy pub is cheap, cheerful and a great place to catch sport games.

The best cafes in Edinburgh

Fancy a cup of coffee? You’re spoilt for choice. Here’s three of our favourite places to get a caffeine fix.

Looking Glass Books

In the modern new housing development of Quartermile near The Meadows, you’ll find Looking Glass books, an independent bookshop and coffee shop. Peruse beautiful editions of a carefully curated book selection as you sip your coffee. Try the vegan flapjack too, it’s delicious.

Southern Cross Café  

This little place is always heaving, thanks to its Scottish breakfasts and friendly staff. It’s at the top of Cockburn Street near the Royal Mile, and as well as good coffee it’s the perfect place for a budget-friendly lunch.

Wellington Coffee  

Hidden underneath Penhaligon’s on the sophisticated George Street, Wellington Coffee is small but perfectly formed. The steamed-up windows and wooded interior makes it feel like a Canadian log-cabin (as do the bearded baristas) and, of course, the coffee is amazing.

Where to shop in Edinburgh

Princes Street is the main shopping area in Edinburgh, and offers typical High Street fare. George Street is Princes Street’s more sophisticated (and more expensive) older sibling, where you’ll find the more premium shops. Multrees Walk is the place to go for real luxury, while you should head to Victoria Street, Cockburn Street and the Grassmarket to find the more unusual and independent places.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

If you’re looking for… affordable luxury: Tigerlily

This boutique hotel is small yet stylish. It’s situated right in the centre of town and Classic Double rooms are available from £160 per night.

If you’re looking for… Mid-range: The George

You need to book in advance to get the best rates, but you can’t beat The George for location – aptly, you’ll find it on George Street. Stalwarts of Edinburgh history Robert Burns and Walter Scott were both said to be regulars. Double room from £85 a night.

If you’re looking for… a room on a budget: Castle Rock Hostel

Situated just one minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile, this pleasant hostel is the perfect budget option. It’s full of character and the interiors are a cut above your average hostel. Double rooms are available for £45 a night, and you can get a bed in a dorm from just £11.

Day trips outside the city

Edinburgh is the perfect base for exploring Scotland. Nearby highlights include Cramond, a pretty coastal village on Edinburgh’s suburbs. If the tide is out, take the ¾ mile walk along the tidal causeway to Cramond Island. But pay attention to the safe crossing warnings – if the tide comes in you’ll be stranded!

St Andrews is also just an hour away by car, and is a picturesque university seaside town. It’s famous for its golf heritage – the British Open is often held here. Get into the spirit and try your hand at the pitch and putt golf course, and top off the day with some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever taste (we recommend The Tailend ).

What to pack

It’s not a myth that Scotland is a wee bit chilly, so make sure to pack some layers. Here’s what we recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes for hill walks and exploring
• Gloves, hats and scarves in winter
• Flats (cobbles play havoc with heels!)
• Something waterproof
• Mary Kay emollient night cream – for soothing wind-chapped hands and nose
• Your camera!

Have you been to Edinburgh? What did you think? Let us know!

Great Britain Bucket List: England, Scotland and Wales || The Travel Tester

Friday 31st of August 2018

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Instagram spots in Edinburgh

Monday 14th of May 2018

[…] The Travel Hack’s Guide to Edinburgh […]

Monday 4th of July 2016

I'm off to Edinburgh for the first time in August and your post is so helpful in recommendations! Will be checking out many places from your guide, thank you :)

TheTravelHack

Tuesday 5th of July 2016

We hope you have a great time Debbie!

Tuesday 21st of July 2015

I fell in love with Edinburgh at first sight (well actually, I fell in love with Scotland in general)! It's such a great city :) I'd recommend Clarinda's Tea Room on Canongate for breakfast, it's so quaint and welcoming!

Sunday 19th of July 2015

I thought Edinburgh was really pretty when we visited and I loved walking around the city, but boy you are right - it was so chilly. We went in May and it was so cold, I definitely wished I took more layers!

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Is there anything that should be skipped in favor of something else? Any places off the beaten track that you could recommend. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Here are some great places of interest to visit within Edinburgh which are free of charge:

* The Scottish Parliament – http://www.scottish.parliament.uk (take bus 36 from the city centre)

* National Galleries of Scotland – http://www.nationalgalleries.org

* National Museum of Scotland – http://www.nms.ac.uk

* St Giles’ Cathedral – http://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk

* Royal Botanic Garden – http://www.rbge.org.uk (bus 23 from the city centre)

* City of Edinburgh museums – http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk (then click on Leisure) – includes the Museum of Edinburgh, the People’s Story, the Museum of Childhood and the Writers’ Museum

These charge for admission:

* The Royal Yacht Britannia – http://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

* Palace of Holyroodhouse – http://www.royalcollection.org.uk (bus 36 from the city centre)

* Edinburgh Castle – http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

* Edinburgh Zoo – http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk (buses 26 and 31 from the city centre)

There are numerous open-top tour buses, see http://www.edinburghtour.com

A day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh is very easy by train. ScotRail Express trains depart from Edinburgh’s Waverley and Haymarket stations every 15 minutes and arrive approximately 50 minutes later at Glasgow Queen Street station. See http://www.scotrail.co.uk

Glasgow has several excellent museums which are free of charge. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum ranks amongst the best in Europe; take the Glasgow Subway (underground railway) to Kelvin Hall station. See http://www.glasgowmuseums.com

I also recommend a day trip by train from Edinburgh to North Berwick. North Berwick is a very attractive little town on the coast about 30 km east of Edinburgh. Many local people enjoy going there for a walk on the beach.

Bad restaurants that are tourist traps:

Tippoo Sahib

Passage to India

I see others got here ahead of me, as I immediately though "any shop that sells tartans" I didn't realise they had a nickname, LOL.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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The Biggest Tourist Traps Worldwide (2023 Data)

If you’ve ever been on vacation, you’ve likely found yourself compelled by travel books, tour guides or even a bucket list to check out a popular or world-famous attraction. But some of the most popular attractions in a tourism hotspot are known as ‘ tourist traps ’ — establishments that target tourists with overpriced experiences and souvenirs.

With a notorious reputation for long lines, colossal crowds and bank-breaking gift shops, one survey revealed that two in three American travelers will avoid visiting attractions known as tourist traps. Those that have visited one can be left feeling underwhelmed, as the same survey revealed that 67% of travelers have experienced tourist traps that led to an inauthentic experience.

But with so many sights to see and so little vacation time, how can we tell which attractions might not be worth the visit after all? To find out, our analysts at Casago figured there was no better place to turn than TripAdvisor, where we scoured thousands of reviews left for attractions in the U.S. and all over the world for the opinions of visitors gone before. Read on to discover what we found out…

We Found the Biggest Tourist Trap in Every Country and State

We searched for the phrase ‘tourist trap’ on TripAdvisor (with no location filter applied) to find the global attractions with the most mentions of ‘tourist trap’ in accompanying reviews. We then searched for the biggest tourist traps in each country and U.S. state by customizing the location settings and carrying out the same search, ranking the attractions by the number of ‘tourist trap’ mentions.

Key Findings

• Four of the top 10 biggest tourist traps in the world are located in the U.S.
• Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is the biggest tourist trap in the U.S. and the world , counting 1,049 mentions of the phrase ‘tourist trap’ in reviews
• Edinburgh’s Royal Mile beats out top London attractions to be the UK’s most notorious tourist trap (with 505 mentions )
• Barcelona’s Las Ramblas street ( 793 mentions ) is the second-biggest tourist trap in the world, followed by Hawaii’s Dole Plantation ( 708 mentions )

Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco Is the Biggest Tourist Trap in the World

Our map reveals the biggest tourist trap in every country, based on the number of times the phrase ‘tourist trap’ is mentioned in accompanying TripAdvisor reviews. Attractions range from restaurants and markets to geological features and world-famous landmarks. Still, the biggest of all is Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, California, which counts more ‘tourist trap’ mentions (1,049) than any other attraction in the world.

Situated on the northern waterfront of San Francisco, the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood is home to souvenir shops, restaurants and attractions. It receives around 12 million visitors annually as one of the city’s top tourist destinations. But not only do the locals steer clear, with SFGate calling it “the most universally derided neighborhood in all of San Francisco,” it also attracts the ire of tourists online.

Click here to view full-size image

Reviews mentioning the phrase ‘tourist trap’ highlight the district’s “​ ​overpriced restaurants​ ​” and “​ ​tacky touristy tat​ ​,” while others take issue with the local wildlife (“​ ​a desperate seagull attacked my fried calamari​ ​”). On the plus side, some reviewers interpret the phrase ‘​ ​tourist trap’ positively​ ​.

Meanwhile, the “ soooo crowded ” Eiffel Tower comes up top in France, as does Niagara Falls in Canada, where one reviewer complained that “ every attraction dumped you into a gift shop .” The Trevi Fountain in Italy’s capital also takes the tourist trap title, with write-ups describing the crowds and expensive shops and restaurants nearby.

The Biggest Tourist Trap in Every U.S. State, According to Reviews

You may associate tourist traps with bustling city centers, but the U.S. has a long history of unusual roadside attractions all over the country designed to tempt drivers off the road and into the gift shop. If you’ve driven across America, you may have encountered the ‘world’s biggest’ monuments or attractions that stoke your curiosity with endless billboards. We’ve mapped the biggest tourist trap in each U.S. state according to TripAdvisor reviews.

Among the tourist traps with the most mentions are restaurants, monuments, museums, marketplaces and malls. Some attractions are entire streets or districts, like Times Square in New York, the Albuquerque Old Town in Albuquerque, and the Historic River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Two Elvis Presley-related attractions also feature on our map: the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum in Mississippi and Graceland in Tennessee, with one reviewer leaving the following message about the latter on TripAdvisor: “ Say no to Graceland the tourist trap from hell. ”

San Francisco, Barcelona and Hawaii Home to the World’s Most Notorious Tourist Traps

Our data reveals the top 10 biggest tourist traps in the world, ranked by the number of mentions of the phrase ‘tourist trap’ in accompanying TripAdvisor reviews. Four of the top 10 tourist traps can be found in the U.S., among them the world’s biggest ( Fisherman’s Wharf ) and the Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans.

In second place after Fisherman’s Wharf comes Las Ramblas ( 793 mentions ), a bustling boulevard in Barcelona that sees more than 200,000 people walk it every day. One TripAdvisor reviewer called it “crowded with tourists and vendors selling cheap trinkets … and pickpockets,” no doubt referencing that the street is Europe’s worst pickpocketing hotspot . According to one expat blog, locals avoid this street “ like the plague .”

Dublin’s popular Temple Bar ranks fourth, attracting TripAdvisor reviews with titles like “ The Tourist Trap to kill all Tourist Traps ” and scathing write-ups of the district’s “ overpriced, terrible Guinness .” Two German attractions also appear: Berlin’s historic Checkpoint Charlie and the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, where one reviewer experienced long waiting times and expensive food.

Times Square and the Hollywood Walk of Fame Among the Biggest Tourist Traps in the U.S.

We know by now that Fisherman’s Wharf is the most notorious tourist trap in the U.S. and the world at large, but which other attractions rank as the biggest tourist traps in America? Our analysis reveals that after Fisherman’s Wharf comes the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa, Hawaii, counting 708 mentions of the phrase ‘tourist trap’ in TripAdvisor reviews.

This historic pineapple plantation boasts its own Pineapple Express miniature railway and one of the world’s largest mazes. Still, the attraction left a bitter taste in many reviewers’ mouths, with one labeling it “ the worst attraction in Hawaii ” and another deeming it “ shlock-city, one overpriced touristy item after another .”

Among the other top 10 biggest tourist traps in the U.S. are New York’s world-famous Times Square , which sees 330,000 people pass through every day, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame , which a 2019 study named the worst tourist attraction in the world . One underwhelmed visitor to LA’s most iconic sidewalk warned : “if there aren’t lots of tourists in the way, there’ll be people trying to make you part ways with your money.”

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Top London Attractions Rated Biggest Tourist Traps

Counting 505 mentions of the phrase ‘tourist trap’ in reviews, our research reveals that the biggest tourist trap in the UK is the Royal Mile , a stretch of cobbled road in Edinburgh spanning 1.81 km (or one Scots Mile ). Connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, two of the Scottish capital’s top tourist destinations , it’s no wonder this street receives a footfall of over four million people every year.

With great footfall, however, comes a great many souvenir shops, and the Royal Mile is lined with them — much to the chagrin of the Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) trust, which in 2019 warned that the historic road was in danger of becoming a “ tourist ghetto .”

The next two attractions in our ranking are both in London: the London Eye and Covent Garden . Drawing 3.75 million visitors annually, the London Eye is one of the city’s most popular attractions, despite being an “ overpriced tourist trap ,” according to one review. Meanwhile, the famous shopping district Covent Garden is labeled a “ tourist trap of expensive designer outlets ” on TripAdvisor.

The Biggest Tourist Traps in Every Country and State

If you’re planning a trip and have a particular attraction on your itinerary, use our interactive table below to find out whether it ranks as one of the biggest tourist traps in the country or U.S. state based on the opinions of tourists gone before.

How to Not Fall Into a Tourist Trap

Our analysis reveals that some of the world’s biggest tourist traps, according to reviewers, are also among the world’s most iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, which some tourists may center their entire trip around visiting. Others are popular points on the bucket list , like Niagara Falls or the Taj Mahal.

If you’re heading to one of these must-see places, shop around for discounts if there’s a steep ticket price and research the quietest times to go (tickets may be cheaper for off-peak periods). See if you can buy a ticket in advance as well to save on long lines and crowds at the ticket booth.

To avoid tourist traps altogether, Insider recommends avoiding places with long lines, crowded areas and gift shops, and attractions that are popular on Instagram and have their hashtag (e.g., #LondonEye). When it comes to getting something to eat, you should steer clear of restaurants with employees outside trying to draw you in.

One of the best ways to have an authentic experience of a new place is to go off the beaten track, dining where the locals recommend and taking a scenic walk through quieter streets. If you’re on the lookout for a souvenir, consider skipping the keychain and scoping out locally made crafts instead.

Methodology & Sources

To find the biggest tourist traps in the world, we first searched for the phrase ‘tourist trap’ on TripAdvisor without setting a location filter, which defaults the search setting to ‘worldwide.’ We were then able to gather the names of attractions/places, addresses and the number of mentions of the phrase ‘tourist trap’ in accompanying reviews. The world’s top 10 biggest tourist traps are those with the highest number of mentions of the phrase ‘tourist trap’ in reviews.

We then repeated this process by changing the location filter on TripAdvisor for each country and each U.S. state. We removed entries that indicated that the attraction/place was not a tourist trap, e.g., if the review contained word combinations such as ‘not a trap,’ ‘not a tourist trap,’ ‘not tourist trap,’ ‘not trap,’ ‘wasn’t a trap’ etc.

For our world analysis, we set a minimum threshold of 10 mentions of the phrase ‘tourist trap.’ For each country and U.S. state, the threshold was set at five or more mentions.

Please note that tourist traps can refer to a range of experiences and impressions about a place, including how it looks, where it’s located, the general atmosphere or the style of the service. Not all mentions of ‘tourist trap’ necessarily equate to a poor experience from the person who reviewed the attraction.

The data was collected in January 2023.

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NYC’s Times Square tops shameful survey of world’s worst tourist traps: ‘Crowded, grimy and overrated’

They wouldn’t give it the Times of day.

A reported 64.5 million tourists are expected to pour into NYC by 2024’s end — just a couple million shy of 2019’s record 66.6m, with almost all of them guaranteed to at least stroll through Times Square .

According to a new survey, they’re going to hate it.

Preply , an online language learning platform, analyzed scores of visitor reviews for 81 iconic locations around the globe — to find out how much each one was either loved or reviled.

The Big Apple’s beating heart performed worse than all of them, earning the neighborhood the embarrassing designation of ‘most overrated tourist trap’ in the world.

The study drew on two popular review platforms, selecting a long list of attractions and narrowing down their choices to those that received more than 1,000 reviews. The reviews were then analyzed for negative words like “underwhelming,” “overrated” and “tourist trap.”

Times Square, often called the planet’s most-visited attraction with 50 million gawkers (give or take) per year, was a shoo-in, according to researchers.

Reviewers complained about the crowds, and called the LED-lit locality dirty and boring.

“Way too busy, impossible to get around. Too stressful to enjoy,” one reviewer moaned.

“High hopes and expectations and high disappointment,” carped another.

The boobie prize comes as the area has experienced an unsettling spate of street crime , along with a pandemic-induced retail slump that appear to be threatening the neighborhood’s hard-won modern reputation as a safe and vibrant destination.

Other spots that disappointed visitors were Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles and the Las Ramblas pedestrian zone in Barcelona — even Iceland’s beautiful Blue Lagoon scored poorly in the rankings.

Preply expert Sylvia Johnson shared how knowing a bit of the local lingo can help you avoid ending up in all the wrong places.

“While you don’t need to be fluent, learning a few basic phrases in the local language can significantly improve your travel experience,” Johnson said.

“Even a simple “hello,” “thank you,” or “please” can go a long way in showing respect and establishing a connection with the locals.”

And while you’re at it, teach yourself a bit about the local culture before you hop on the plane.

“Research your destination thoroughly – learn about local customs, dress codes, and social etiquette,” the pro encouraged.

“Understanding the culture will not only prevent any faux pas, but also allow you to immerse yourself more deeply and appreciate the nuances of the place you’re visiting.”

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11 Best Scottish Highlands Tours from Edinburgh in 2024 (local approved)

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Ready to take on the absolutely gorgeous Scottish Highlands on a Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh?

You’re in for a treat, as we’re going to explore the best 11 Scottish Highlands tours that depart from Edinburgh to make sure that you’re choosing the right one for you and your travel style.

Bonus: you’ll skip the tourist traps and the tours that aren’t worth your time or money.

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

The best Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh is this Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Scottish Highlands Complete Tour.

It has about 1,800 amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

From the sweeping vistas to the gorgeous waterfalls to the adorable wildlife (Highland Coo, anyone?), this is one of the must-see parts of the UK and it’s really difficult to tour the Highlands from Edinburgh on your own without a tour as a visitor to Scotland.

If you want to see the full list of options, here are 10 more tours from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands that are worth it.

Let’s get into the list so you can book it already!

PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended so you don’t miss out.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best option is this Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Scottish Highlands complete tour.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh Picks

11 best scottish highlands tours from edinburgh, 1. loch ness, glencoe, and scottish highlands complete tour.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 1800+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Round-trip transportation from Edinburgh
• A friendly driver guide with plenty of stories
• Option for a Loch Ness cruise
• Stops in Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry

If you want the highest rated and most complete Scottish Highlands day trip from Edinburgh, then this one is for you.

You’ll start in the beautiful town of Callander, the “Gateway to the Highlands,” where you’ll have some time to explore and take a comfort break. Along the way, your guide will dazzle you with stories of Scottish heroes and myths, as well as pointing out famous landmarks like Stirling Castle and the Kelpies.

Then it’s off to Glencoe, which has some of the most picturesque scenery in all of Scotland.

The main event, Fort Augustus Abbey, is situated on the shores of Loch Ness, and you can have the option of taking a 1 hour cruise along Loch Ness or you can explore the beautiful village and the canal lock system.

You’ll also enjoy such beautiful stops like the Commando Monument, Loch Lomond, and Forth Bridge.

Pitlochry is the final stop before you return to Edinburgh, where you’ll enjoy gorgeous surrounding hills and mountain views. Don’t forget to buy some shortbread – a must in the Highlands!

The tour guides are always friendly and welcoming, the Scottish Highlands are always worth the trip, and past visitors can’t find enough good things to say about this tour.

2. Scottish Highlands and Hogwarts Express Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 300+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  13 hours, 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express!
• Stops in Pitlochry, Glenfinnan, Mallaig, and Glencoe
• Plenty of Scottish stories and Harry Potter behind-the-scenes info!

If you’ve got a Harry Potter fan in tow, then this tour is your best bet for a Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh.

Not only does it include some absolutely stunning stops in the Scottish Highlands, like Pitlochry (known for its gorgeous high street and stunning hillside views) and Mallaig, an adorable fishing town, but there’s one thing this tour has that the first one doesn’t.

A ride on the Hogwarts Express.

Of course, it’s not the real Hogwarts Express – it’s really known as the Jacobite Steam Train, but this was used as the Hogwarts Express in the movie.

Any exterior shot where you see the train “heading to Hogwarts” – yeah, that’s the real life Jacobite Steam Train.

This particular tour also includes lots of Harry Potter filming locations and behind-the-scenes information, but not exclusively – so you’ll satisfy both fans and non-fans as you explore the Highlands.

The transportation to and from Edinburgh is a comfortable coach and you won’t have to do any of the logistics – just let yourself enjoy as you’re picked up and whisked away and then returned safely to Edinburgh at the end of the day.

3. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 487+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 days | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• 2 nights and 3 days of guided adventure around the Scottish Highlands
• Hotel or bed-and-breakfast for 2 nights
• Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands stops
• Ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, known for being the Hogwarts Express

If you’ve got some time in your schedule, this 3-day tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh is the best way to pack in as much as possible.

You’ll still get round trip transportation from Edinburgh included, but with 2 nights of hotel or bed and breakfast in between.

You’ll get to stay on the Isle of Skye, using this as your base, and along the way you’ll wander through the Highlands with your expert guide as you see everything from the mythical Old Man of Storr to Dunkeld Cathedral and Eilean Donan Castle.

You’ll also experience Loch Ness, and on the final day you’ll take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, better known to Harry Potter fans as the Hogwarts Express.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the best of the Highlands – with a 3 Day Highlands tour from Edinburgh, you’ll see more than what you can see on a single day tour.

4. Day Trip to Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness with Lunch

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1,312+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• A picnic lunch
• Stops in Callandar, Fort Augustus/Loch Ness, and Pitlochry
• Optional boat cruise on Loch Ness, searching for Nessie
• Friendly driver-guide who won’t let you miss a moment of fun

If you want a day tour of the Scottish Highlands with lunch included, this tour is for you!

You’ll enjoy the gorgeous village of Callandar, the gateway to the Highlands, and then you’ll carry on north as you explore Fort Augustus Abbey, on the shores of Loch Ness.

Once there, you can enjoy your included picnic lunch and you can also take an optional boat tour of Loch Ness before the tour departs again.

Enjoy the stop at Pitlochry, where you should definitely check out the gift shops and buy some authentic Scottish souvenirs like shortbread or “tablet” (basically pure sugar – yes, please).

You’ll also get to drive through Glencoe as well as passing by famous Scottish Highlands landmarks like Ben Nevis (a mountain) and Stirling Castle (which seriously has to be seen to believe how magical it looks from below).

Tour the Highlands from Edinburgh in style and with total confidence with this tour!

5. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Day Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1420+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Visit to the stunning Urquhart Castle, overlooking Loch Ness
• Time to take an optional Loch Ness cruise
• Stops in charming Highlands villages like Pitlochry
• Expert, friendly guide
• Round trip transportation from Edinburgh

Including Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Pitlochry, this tour , a Scottish Highlands day tour from Edinburgh, is a fascinating day trip from Edinburgh compete with the option to see Urquhart Castle, a gorgeous castle on the shores of Loch Ness.

There is also time for an optional boat tour on Loch Ness, as well as plenty of photo pit stops along the way to make sure you capture all of the best memories.

The guides for this tour are exceptional, highly rated for their friendliness and enthusiasm, and just all-around fun.

If you want to include a castle in your Scottish Highlands day trip, then definitely choose this one.

6. Loch Ness and Glencoe Tour from Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 650+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR , one of the best one day Highlands tours from Edinburgh

• On-board commentary
• Boat tour of Loch Ness
• Time for lunch in a charming Scottish Highlands village
• Expert, friendly guide and multiple pick-up points

Another Scottish Highlands day trip option is this one with Gray Line Scotland , who will whisk you through all of the major sites and make sure that you’ve got the full scoop on Scottish lore.

The guides are known for being incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, and past visitors appreciated the storytelling and interesting facts they have to share.

See the picturesque vistas at Glencoe, known for being used as a scene setting in plenty of famous TV shows and movies, and enjoy your time in charming Scottish villages and towns like Pitlochry, a Victorian resort town.

Children over the age of 6 are more than welcome on board, so plan a day out with the whole family as you tour the Highlands together.

7. Scottish Highland Games Day Trip from Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 to 12 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Day spent at one of the Highland Games (runs late May to September)
• Expert, friendly guide to tell you more about the Games and the Highlands
• Gorgeous views on your ride to and from the games

There’s something incredibly magical about the Scottish Highlands games that take place in various villages and towns in the summer months.

Getting to them on your own as a visitor would be almost impossible in many locations without a car, so book onto this tour to experience the fun for yourself without having to worry about the logistics.

With so many Highland coach tours from Edinburgh to choose from, this one is truly unique.

Not only will you pass by gorgeous Scottish Highlands scenery with a chance for a photo or two en route, but you’ll get to spend the day at the Scottish Highlands Games, taking in local culture and appreciating this authentic Scottish thing to do!

Your expert and friendly guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Games and you’ll get to have what is, for many visitors, a once-in-a-lifetime Scottish Highlands experience.

8. Scottish Highlands Luxury Private Tour with Local

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private tour of the Scottish Highlands with no other passengers
• Fully customizable experience (or let the guide pick the best spots!)
• Pick-up service from wherever you are in Edinburgh
• Plenty of time for sightseeing

Want to see the Scottish Highlands in the ultimate comfort and luxury?

Hop into your private Mercedes-Benz and let your private chauffer take you all around the Scottish Highlands on this incredible private tour .

You can use their existing route, selected to show off the absolute best of the Highlands, or you can work with them to customize your experience.

Better yet, while on this Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh, you can ask to stop wherever you want – this is your tour, after all, and as long as it fits into the day you have, there’s no worries if you want to stop and get out and take a picture, use the bathrooms, or stop at scenic viewpoints to admire the view a while longer.

You’ll get door-to-door service, picking you up and dropping you off from your hotel or accommodation, and you’ll make incredible family memories that will most definitely last a lifetime.

9. Small Group 3-Day Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 960+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 days | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR , one of the best Highlands tours from Edinburgh

• 2 nights in Portree on the Isle of Skye with breakfast included
• Small group for a more intimate experience (16 people or less)
• A combination of guided tours plus leisure time to explore on your own

Another option for those having a little bit longer to see the Highlands, this 3-day Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh is a small group version, meaning you won’t be traveling with more than 16 people total on your tour.

You’ll get 2 nights of accommodation in a hotel or B&B in Portree, on the Isle of Skye, and you’ll use this as your base as you travel around the Highlands for three full days.

Enjoy the stunning beauty of Loch Ness and keep an eye out for Nessie, explore the enchanting vistas of Glencoe, and enjoy free time in the Highlands to visit distilleries, breweries, gift shops and so much more.

You’ll depart and return back to Edinburgh, so you don’t have to worry about any of the logistics and can get to know your friendly guide as they tell you all of the stories of the Highlands over your 3-day experience.

Truly, if you have the time – do it. Book it right now.

These are some of the best Highlands tours around and the extra couple of days mean you can fit in so much more.

10. Private Full Day Highlands Tour with Hairy Coo Meeting

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 38+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Completely private guided tour of the Scottish Highlands
• A dedicated stop to get to see the iconic Highland Coos or Hairy Coos (those adorable cows!)
• Dedicated driver and guide with as much local knowledge as you can possibly handle
• Organic tea or coffee, shortbread, and a nip of Scottish whiskey!

Another private tour of the Scottish Highlands, this one specifically includes the chance to get up close to the famous Highland Coos, a type of cow that you’ll instantly recognize once you see them with their adorable shaggy hair!

Let your private guide whisk you around and show you all of the local sites without any other visitors to compete with – no worrying about whether you can hear the guide, no problems waiting for people at stops.

It’s just you and your travel party, an expert Scottish local guide and driver, and the chance to live out your Highlands dreams as you travel throughout this gorgeous part of the country.

11. Brilliant Scottish Highlands e-Bike Tour from Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars, 9+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Bike or e-Bike for the day
• Relaxing bike rides through the Highlands, as well as hiking opportunities
• Time for lunch and sightseeing

A unique option for taking a tour of the Highlands from Edinburgh is this bike tour of the Highlands!

No, you’re not riding your bike all the way there, don’t worry. It’s also a Highlands bus tour from Edinburgh.

You’ll be picked up in a coach/bus and then be driven to the Highlands, where you’ll get to go on an easy bike tour (you can choose an electric bike if you feel that is a better option for your fitness level) around destinations in the Highlands.

There’s plenty of time for lunch, and some hiking options during the day to make sure that you fit it all in and enjoy an active day out.

This is a great option for families with teenagers or those who want a bit of a different way to see the Highlands instead of just sitting in the bus all day.

The guides are top notch and the path for the bikes is easy enough that you don’t need to be some sort of cycle guru to enjoy yourself and take part.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

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• 5 Best Open Top London Bus Tours in 2023
• 9 Best Outlander Tours in Scotland
• 9 Best Spooky Oxford Ghost Tours (ranked!)
• 5 Best Oxford Bus Tours (ranked!)
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 5 Best Ghost Tours in Bath, England
• 9 Best Day Tours to Oxford from London
• 7 Best Stonehenge Tours from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 5 Best Tours of York, England
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 21 Best London Walking Tours
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• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
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• 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
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UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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Don’t Miss These! 15 Tourist Traps That Are Worth the Visit

Posted: May 7, 2024 | Last updated: May 7, 2024

Tourist traps are pretty self-explanatory. They’re places that attract many visitors where prices are often unreasonably high. The transformation of an attraction from “off the beaten path” to a “tourist trap” is also interesting.

Some sites have become so commercialized the experience feels tainted. However, there are still those that retain their original charm. If they weren’t remarkable, they wouldn’t be so popular.

1. Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Nowhere else does nature like Costa Rica. It’s the first country in the world to reverse deforestation. Hence, Manuel Antonio may be a tourist trap, but there are plenty of measures to keep visitors in check. Several of the trails also lead away from the crowds. Whether your time is limited or you’re desperate to see some tropical wildlife, give this National Park a chance.

2. Cinque Terre, Italy

Thanks to its striking coastal position, Cinque Terre attracts swarms of bus and boat tours. But it’s still possible to enjoy these centuries-old villages. The best way to savor the authentic seaside vibe is to stay overnight. This way, you can experience the rugged towns before and after the day trippers arrive.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

This world wonder is at the top of many bucket lists, but is it worth it? It was to me. I recommend doing the Inca Trail during your visit, after which you end up at this glorious, ancient site.

4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Almost all backpackers traveling through Cambodia head to Angkor Wat. It’s a Buddhist temple complex and the largest religious structure on the planet, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

5. Golden Circle, Iceland

The Golden Circle consists of Iceland’s three most popular natural wonders: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Each attraction is breathtaking, and you can rent a car to visit them to avoid the crowded tours.

6. The Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is in northern Arizona and boasts a width of 18 miles. Certain viewpoints that are good for photo ops get crowded with tourists, but you can start your adventure earlier to avoid this or turn your focus to other points around the canyon.

7. La Sagrada Familia, Spain

This cathedral in Barcelona is one of Spain’s most iconic treasures, an architectural masterpiece, and Antonio Gaudi’s brainchild. It does get busy, especially in the summer, with most tourists flocking to the cathedral. However, given the landmark’s history, unique shape, and ongoing construction, can you blame them?

8. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

You can’t go to Egypt and not see the pyramids. It can be really busy, and beware of the opportunists trying to scam you left, right, and center. But these remarkable stone formations still manage to steal the show.

9. Wadi Rum, Jordan

If you go to Wadi Rum, you’ll probably be there with busloads of tourists, but that certainly doesn’t have to take away from its charm. Indeed, this lunar-like landscape will leave you breathless. The scenery is otherworldly and an absolute dream.

10. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle near Schwangau sits proudly atop a peak along the foothills of the German Alps. It’s a 19th-century palace that is said to be the inspiration behind many iconic Disney castles. The vistas that encircle it are also pretty grand.

11. The Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum is Rome’s most popular attraction. It’s an ancient amphitheater and the largest in the world. In its prime, almost 2,000 years old, this is where blood sports like gladiator combat took place. Understandably, it attracts a crowd, so try to avoid the peak summer season. I went in November, and the experience was divine.

12. The Acropolis of Athens

I went to Athens in January. The Acropolis was still busy but not crammed with people. This hilltop citadel was once the heart of Ancient Greece. It took some patience, but we were able to get photos without anyone in the background. Even tourist traps can feel intimate if you time your trip well.

13. Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

You don’t have to be a Game of Thrones fan to appreciate Dubrovnik, though there’s a good reason why it became King’s Landing. The Old Town is simply marvelous. It’s a cluster of limestone pathways huddled between towering city walls.

We first visited in May, when the crowds were still somewhat manageable. The second time, during the pandemic, was in 2020. Although it was interesting to witness the contrast, the difference in the vibe was rather eerie. I’d take the hustle and bustle any day.

14. Kotor Old City, Montenegro

When we visited Kotor, there were still pandemic restrictions, and many cafes and restaurants were closed. As a result, the Old Town was pretty empty. It was an interesting experience, but I missed the atmosphere of the town in full swing.

15. St Michael’s Mount, UK

Perched along England’s southwest coast, St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island. The causeway connecting the mount to the mainland is submerged underwater throughout the day. You now have to purchase a ticket to enter, which is a shame, but it’s still an epic land feature from a geographic point of view.

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Some of our favorite films are the ones we went into with no expectations. Despite this, they blew us away from start to finish.

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Thankfully, many of these 80s movies still hold up today. I regularly find myself watching these beloved 80s movies more often than modern cinema.

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