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Planning a trip to Scotland and not sure where to start?
If you’re basing yourself in Edinburgh (which I highly recommend), you’re in the perfect position to explore some of the best places in the country—without constantly packing up and moving hotels.
In this Scotland travel guide, I’m sharing everything you need to plan your trip—from the best things to do in Edinburgh to the most popular and easy day trips you can take from the city.
Whether you want to wander historic streets, take in dramatic landscapes, or visit charming coastal towns, this guide will help you map out a trip that actually feels doable (and not overwhelming).
Explore Edinburgh
If it’s your first time in Scotland, you’ll likely be starting in Edinburgh—and there’s plenty to keep you busy before you even think about leaving the city.
From historic landmarks and scenic viewpoints to great food and unique local experiences, Edinburgh is one of those cities where you can easily fill a few days without getting bored.
Start with these guides:
- The Best Places to Visit in and Around Edinburgh
- The Best Bars and Restaurants in Edinburgh for Summer
- Two Fun (and Free) Walking Tours in Edinburgh
These will help you get a feel for the city, plan your days, and experience some of the highlights before heading out on any day trips.
Best Day Trips from Edinburgh
One of the best things about staying in Edinburgh is how easy it is to explore beyond the city.
You can see some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes and destinations in just a day—and be back in the city by dinner.
If you’re short on time, this is the easiest way to experience more of Scotland without planning a full road trip.
Here are two of the best day trips you can take from Edinburgh:
A Great Day Trip to St Andrews
If you’re looking for a mix of history, coastal views, and small-town charm, a visit to St Andrews is a perfect choice.
Known as the “home of golf,” St Andrews is also home to stunning cathedral ruins, a historic university, and a beautiful seaside setting.
👉 Read the full guide: A Great Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews
An Awesome Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands
If dramatic landscapes are what you’re after, you can’t skip a trip into the Scottish Highlands.
This day trip typically includes stops at places like Loch Ness and Glencoe—making it one of the most scenic and memorable experiences you can have in Scotland.
👉 Read the full guide: An Awesome Day Trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands
If you’re deciding between planning these trips yourself or booking a tour, I’ve shared exactly what we did (and would recommend) in each guide.
In general, if you want a stress-free experience and the ability to see multiple places in one day, guided tours are usually the easiest option.
Planning Your Scotland Itinerary
If you only have a few days in Scotland, the easiest way to plan your trip is to base yourself in Edinburgh and combine city exploration with one or two day trips.
For example:
- 3 days in Scotland → Focus on Edinburgh + one day trip
- 4–5 days in Scotland → Add both St Andrews and a Highlands tour
- Longer trips → Consider adding overnight stays in other regions
This approach lets you experience a mix of:
- City culture
- Historic landmarks
- Natural landscapes
…without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
How to Get Around Scotland
There are a few different ways to get around Scotland, and the best option depends on your travel style.
Guided Tours (Easiest Option)
If you don’t want to worry about transportation, logistics, or planning, guided tours are by far the simplest option—especially for day trips from Edinburgh.
This is what we did for both St Andrews and the Highlands, and it made the entire experience feel seamless.
This is especially helpful if it’s your first time in Scotland or you’re short on time.
Public Transportation
Scotland has a reliable network of trains and buses that can get you to most major destinations.
This is a good option if you’re comfortable planning routes and sticking to schedules—but it can take a bit more coordination, especially for multi-stop days.
Renting a Car
If you want maximum flexibility, renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace.
That said, for shorter trips (like 3–5 days), many travelers find that basing themselves in Edinburgh and taking day tours is easier and less stressful.
Start Planning Your Scotland Trip
Scotland is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype—whether you’re exploring historic cities, standing in front of ancient ruins, or driving through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
If you’re in the early stages of planning, start with Edinburgh, then choose one or two day trips based on your interests—and you’ll have a well-balanced Scotland itinerary without overplanning.
You can use the guides below to build your itinerary:
- The Best Places to Visit in and Around Edinburgh
- The Best Bars and Restaurants in Edinburgh for Summer
- Two Fun and Free Walking Tours in Edinburgh
- A Great Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews
- An Awesome Day Trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands
With just a few days and the right plan, you can experience a surprisingly large (and unforgettable) part of Scotland.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads