Practical information : Sightseeing Scotland
Timetable
Most museums and castles open between 9 and 10 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. (4 p.m. in winter). Pubs close between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. and often serve food until 9 p.m. In summer, attraction opening times tend to be longer.
To be booked
Reservations are rarely necessary, but if you want to be sure of access to a guided tour, want to take part in a special tasting at a distillery or eat at a Michelin-starred or trendy restaurant, it may be best to make a reservation. Reservations can usually be made via the establishment's website. If you're not comfortable making phone calls, remember to ask your hosts(B&B, guest house, hotel...), who will always be happy to oblige.
Budget & Tips
Very tight budget to low budget: you can travel between £50 and £60 per day if you stay in a youth hostel, eat sandwiches, visit free attractions and limit yourself to one drink in the evening.
Average budget: between £100 and £150 with one night in an entry-level establishment, two meals in small restaurants, one drink in the evening and a few extra expenses (transport, sightseeing, etc.).
Big budget: from £180 upwards, you can start to aim for real comfort (night in a charming hotel or B&B, two meals in good restaurants, more expensive activities and visits, etc.).
Main events
Among the major events that drive up the price of accommodation and holidays in Scotland, Hogmanay, the celebration of the passage from one year to the next, is in the trifecta. Celebrating New Year's Eve in Edinburgh, and more widely in Scotland, is guaranteed to make for an exceptional New Year's Eve, with several days of festivities, street shows and fireworks, but it also represents a significant cost to be recouped by staying for several days. And just as well, Scotland has plenty of charm in winter too! The Edinburgh Festival, held in August, is another must-see, but as with Hogmanay, you'll need to book your stay well in advance. Finally, the Highland Games run from mid-May to the third weekend in September, with more activity in July and August. They're one of the must-see events when traveling in Scotland at this time of year.
Guided tours
There are many and varied possibilities for guided tours in Scotland. In castles and museums, they can be offered at no extra charge. In major cities, tours can be themed and personalized. Distilleries offer guided tours of their sites, often ending with a tasting session. It's also possible to take a guided nature tour, similar to a local wildlife safari. Guided excursions are also available by boat, 4x4 or other vehicle, depending on the location. Most museums, castles and distilleries, if they don't offer guided tours in French, have either audioguides or translated paper documents. Guided tours in French can also be booked with an independent French-speaking guide.
