Discount Code: Avantur15

Recommended Stay Time

The recommended stay time is for around a week.

Edinburgh: 2 nights and 3 days

Glasgow: 1 night and 1 day

Aberdeen: 2 nights and 2 days

Edinburgh: 1 night

Currency (GDP)

The currency in Scotland is GDP (Great Britain Pounds / Sterling Pound).

Transport

I think the best way to get around and make it affordable is to rent a car, specially if you are travelling with more than one person. Cars are around 50£ a day, but you could always go for a cheaper car option and maybe manage to find something for under that price. You must note though, that in the United Kingdom they drive on the left side of the road, as opposed to most countries, which drive on the right, so you must be careful when renting a car.

If you are travelling from outside the UK, I recommend that you fly in and out from Edinburgh, as it is the biggest airport and with the most flights on a daily basis. Regardless, this is still a small airport. The route created is to start and finish in Edinburgh, for commodity purposes. The longest distance to do is from Glasgow to Aberdeen, with a total time of 3h47m.

Once you are in the cities, I recommend to move around walking or by bus, since the public transport is generally very good, and that way you can save up on gas.

Accommodation

Edinburgh is divided into the Old Town and the New Town. I would suggest that you stay in the New Town, as hostels and accommodations will be nicer. I pinpointed the street are were I stayed (George Street). My friends and I stayed in a lovely hotel, very cheap, but had the sense of a Bed & Breakfast, because people were very nice and welcoming. It was right off George Street in the next alley. I think this is the best place to stay because it is very safe, and at night time there is very good ambiance.

In Glasgow I personally did not like were we stayed. It was very old and dirty, and the reception people were not nice, and totally unhelpful. I therefore found this other hotel (Ibis) in the city center. I have stayed with this hotel chain before and have never had a problem. It is very affordable and a very good student-friendly environment. Either way, I recommend to just say one night in Glasgow, so if you want to spend a bit more on a nicer hotel, I think that is up to you.

In Aberdeen to be honest, anywhere you stay around Union Street is good, because it is a small city. Either way, I believe this suggested hotel is very good because you are still in the city center, but 5 minutes away walking from the ambiance, meaning you will not have any sound disturbance. I recommended a Hotel form the Radisson Chain called “Park Inn”. It is a very nice hotel, and very affordable. I did not pay for breakfast, because around time there are very good places to eat, which I think are better than hotel food.

Activities

Edinburgh: There are many things to do in Edinburgh, but the most important and beautiful (in my opinion) is the Edinburgh Castle. This is situated in the Old Town, but it is walking distance from anywhere. I did not go in as I found it a bit expensive, but it is situated in a hill and you have amazing views from all Edinburgh from there.

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Another thing to do in Edinburgh is, if you are a Harry Potter fan, to go to the cemetery were J.K. Rowling got inspired to write all the character names. There is a cafeteria which overlooks the cemetery and has inspired drinks from the movies and books. I went here with my friends and eventhough it was a bit expensive, I loved it.

Glasgow: In Glasgow there is not much to do as it is a small city, but apart from that it is also very industrialized. If you want to go shopping, then this is your city. Regardless, if you find yourself in Glasgow you MUST go to visit the Glasgow University. It is a beautiful old building which resembles the Hogwarts castle, and was actually one of the main inspirations for the emblematic movie building. A friend of mine studies there so he gave us a tour, but it is open to the public and people are very welcoming to visitors.

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Aberdeen: Aberdeen itself is not a big city, but it has amazingly beautiful parks, so if it is a sunny day I would recommend you go on a picnic to Duthie Park. If you’d rather eat in a restaurant, the park has one restaurant and a cafeteria within a greenhouse, which must be seen. Even if it rains, you can go inside the green house all year round. Another recommendation is to actually go to the beach, because there is an amusement park, and the beach itself is very pretty and you can walk on the rocky and, and take really nice pictures.

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Another final must see place is another town like 30 minutes away from Aberdeen, but accesible by car or train. It is called Stonehaven, and it has a beautiful castle after a long walk, or you can also get there by car if you do not feel like walking.

Food Tips

Fish and Chips: Buttered Cod very typical from the country, and then with chips. This dish tends to be served along with peas and vegetables as well. It is very common, and very fast to prepare, so you will find it at any time of the day, even if it is 3am.

Scottish Breakfast: Similar to the English Breakfast, except this dish is served with haggis and hash brows (which are essentially fried potatoes in a triangle shape). As you can see in the picture, the breakfast will also include mushrooms, tomatoes, an egg, and of course bacon and beans.

Pulled Pork: The pulled pork is a very typical food amongst students, it is similar to a hamburger, but without the actual beef meet. It will normally be served with barbecue sauce and cabbage.

Sunday Roast: Sunday roasts are a must when in Scotland. This is more of a family-gathering food, but it can also be found in restaurants or pubs. It will mainly consist of turkey or chicken, with vegetables on the side, and most likely some sort of potato form (mashed, boiled or hash brow).

Packing List

The best packing advice for Scotland is to take something to cover you from the rain. I would say comfortable shoes to walk in the rain, maybe not necessarily rain boots, as this can be uncomfortable after a while. I would suggest you get a raincoat rather than an umbrella, that way you do not have to carry it around. Also, check the weather before going, specially for the temperatures as they can Sometimes go really cold, and other times with a light jacket you will be okay.

Written by Elena Lamana Aristegui