Visiting Edinburgh & Glasgow

Yuri · #1 Posted **Jun 16, 2026, 8:38 PM**

I'm on vacation! Within few hours I'll take a flight to London, sleep there and take a train to Edinburgh Thursday morning.

I'll return on Sunday (28th June). Leave Glasgw by train, sleep in London and take the flight back to São Paulo.

Once agaun, I opened to thread to share my thoughts, hear people that visited or want to visit it. And also, for people who has been there: tips please!

Docere · #2 Posted **Jun 16, 2026, 9:17 PM**

Look forward to hearing more. Traveled to Scotland about a decade ago. Glasgow isn't on many people's "must visit" list but I did like quite like the Kelvingrove Museum there.

Steely Dan · #3 Posted **Jun 16, 2026, 9:18 PM**

Scotch.

Yuri · #4 Posted **Jun 16, 2026, 9:56 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Docere

Look forward to hearing more. Traveled to Scotland about a decade ago. Glasgow isn't on many people's "must visit" list but I did like quite like the Kelvingrove Museum there.

I’ll actually spend 5 days there and 4 in Edinburgh. I like this rough, rest belt vibe. I think I’ll enjoy it. But yeah, Edinburgh seems to be out of a fairy tale.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

Scotch.

Not a big fan… I’ll stick with cider.

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BTW, Montreal and Toronto were my first choice but I dropped them few weeks ago.

Steely Dan · #5 Posted **Jun 16, 2026, 10:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yuri

Not a big fan.

Now is the time to become one.

Straight from the scotchy fucking source!

Crawford · #6 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 12:57 AM**

I really like Edinburgh, but Glasgow isn't worth a huge amount of time. I'd rent a car and drive into the Scottish Highlands, which are gorgeous. The lochs and the craggy landscapes are magical.

muppet · #7 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 8:46 AM**

must do's in Scotland are Glencoe

^Glencoe is a haunting beauty spot, where an infamous massacre of 30 Scottish villagers by another clan (under the authority of the English) sowed the animosity between the Campbells and McDonalds. No one knows the specific site still.

and Isle of Skye

For urban areas Edinburgh -craggy, dark, Gothic

Glasgow - big city Scotland, grandeur and grit:

(Milngavie is just outside Glasgow too):

St Andrews:

niwell · #8 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 11:31 AM**

Anecdotal, but I know multiple people who've lived in both cities (some who still do) and Glasgow comes out on top in most of their views. Much more robust cultural/arts/music/nightlife scene is the big factor, even though it may not be as aesthetically pretty.

MolsonExport · #9 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 1:40 PM**

Stirling is worth a visit.

Edinburgh is very pretty with lots to see and do (Arthur's seat, Golden mile, Holyrood, Edinburgh castle, St. Mary's Close, etc.). Check out the Firth of Forth bridge nearby.

I liked Glasgow too. Very different feel. Great Cathedral and adjacent graveyard overlooking the city. Tiny metro (underground rail).

Oh yeah, and a few tipples of stuff like this:

sentinel · #10 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 2:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yuri

I'm on vacation! Within few hours I'll take a flight to London, sleep there and take a train to Edinburgh Thursday morning.

I'll return on Sunday (28th June). Leave Glasgw by train, sleep in London and take the flight back to São Paulo.

Once agaun, I opened to thread to share my thoughts, hear people that visited or want to visit it. And also, for people who has been there: tips please!

- Visit Stirling castle and Loch Lomond

- There's a Highlands tour that goes to Loch Ness (take a boat tour while you're there for that too). The tour culminates in a visit to an art school and gallery that has a gift shop....the gift shop sells every single brand of scotch produced in the country. With free samples!

- Visit Arthur's Seat at the top of Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. Great views of the city.

- Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland are really nice.

- Argyll Arcade and anything along Buchanan street in Glasgow are always lovely.

Yuri · #11 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 2:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by niwell

Anecdotal, but I know multiple people who've lived in both cities (some who still do) and Glasgow comes out on top in most of their views. Much more robust cultural/arts/music/nightlife scene is the big factor, even though it may not be as aesthetically pretty.

I didn’t want to research to much for not spoiling the surprise. Only enough to make sure I’ll see everything. Said that, I’m pretty sure I’ll like Glasgow even better.

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- I’m an Elizabeth Line halfway to centre. 30 min ago I was getting out of the plane. I’m fast. No minute to waste.

- The UK Border agent was this young lady with a full black chador, no accent and quite inquisitive. Far right wing Brazilians would have melted down.

Yuri · #12 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 2:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by sentinel

- Visit Stirling castle and Loch Lomond

- There's a Highlands tour that goes to Loch Ness (take a boat tour while you're there for that too). The tour culminates in a visit to an art school and gallery that has a gift shop....the gift shop sells every single brand of scotch produced in the country. With free samples!

- Visit Arthur's Seat at the top of Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. Great views of the city.

- Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland are really nice.

- Argyll Arcade and anything along Buchanan street in Glasgow are always lovely.

Loch Lomond will be my Highlands. I was thinking of Orban but it’s too far away. Only 9 overnights in Scotland. I’ll try to extract most of the two cities. But I’m very excited about the loch. I’ll do a cruise, hiking on the castle park. In the pics it will be Highlands.

Crawford · #13 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 2:55 PM**

Urban nerds visiting Glasgow might enjoy exploring the Gorbals, which was one of the most infamous urban neighborhoods on the planet in the early 20th century. It was considered a poor, diseased, dangerous slum. Urban renewal destroyed much of it and now it's somewhat gentrified, I think.

If you're headed to the Highlands, use Sixt. Don't use Europacar or any of those cheaper options. Rail doesn't work for the Highlands.

Yuri · #14 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 4:09 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crawford

Urban nerds visiting Glasgow might enjoy exploring the Gorbals, which was one of the most infamous urban neighborhoods on the planet in the early 20th century. It was considered a poor, diseased, dangerous slum. Urban renewal destroyed much of it and now it's somewhat gentrified, I think.

If you're headed to the Highlands, use Sixt. Don't use Europacar or any of those cheaper options. Rail doesn't work for the Highlands.

Yes. And I know I won’t see those majestic old industrial buildings like in Hamburg or even in some pockets of London. No modern shipping installations either like the massive port in Hamburg.

I’m aware it’s a distinct style of industrial gritty, less imposing, more empty. My expectations are adjusted.

And I learned about this Mackintosh guy, an 19th century architect. Lots of interesting stuff made by him around the city.

As a plus, I’ll get to see two World Cup matches with Scotland, one against Brazil. I’m pretty sure they’re excited. Yet another plus: Edinburgh will hold their Pride Parade on Saturday. I attended São Paulo’s 10 days ago. It will be fun.

Wigs · #15 Posted **Jun 17, 2026, 6:34 PM**

Make sure you ride Glasgow's quirky Metro/Subway!
They dug the tunnels so long ago the trains are tiny

Are you alone or with Hubbs?
Enjoy yourself, we want lots of photos

downtownpdx · #16 Posted **Yesterday, 4:04 AM**

I also took a train from London to Edinburgh, in early May for a 2-day visit. Wiah we could've stayed longer. It's such a beautiful ride, especially along the coast.
The first thing that comes to mind is Victoria Street - apparently the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. One of the most beautiful streets I've ever seen.
For coffee we went to Milkman both mornings, great place with friendly service, delicious pastries and a sidewalk bench while you wait and people-watch on a lively street and listen to the nearby bagpipe players.
Nelson Monument has great views of the entire city and the sea in the distance.
Valvona & Crolla is an amazing Italian market with a great restaurant hidden around the back.
Have a great time!

IMG_7123 by Ryan Miller, on Flickr

Screenshot 2026-06-17 at 8.30.26 PM by Ryan Miller, on Flickr

IMG_7142 by Ryan Miller, on Flickr

UrbanImpact · #17 Posted **Yesterday, 12:08 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by downtownpdx

I also took a train from London to Edinburgh, in early May for a 2-day visit. Wiah we could've stayed longer. It's such a beautiful ride, especially along the coast.
The first thing that comes to mind is Victoria Street - apparently the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. One of the most beautiful streets I've ever seen.

That terrace above the street is very unique and beautiful! https://maps.app.goo.gl/NJbgVVMnRnrpGuHf7

fern · #18 Posted **Yesterday, 2:58 PM**

Edinburgh is undoubtedly beautiful but can get very crowded I prefer Glasgow.
Interesting day trips from either city are
Linlithgow Palacehttps://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/
the falkirk wheel and the kelpies https://www.thehelix.co.uk/
rosslyn chapel da vinci code location https://www.rosslynchapel.com/about/the-da-vinci-code-at-rosslyn/
culross https://www.scotsmagazine.com/articles/culross/
No Scotland no party

fern · #19 Posted **Yesterday, 3:14 PM**

Almost forgot about this place as well
Jupiter Artland is really cool https://www.jupiterartland.org/

hipster duck · #20 Posted **Yesterday, 3:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by niwell

Anecdotal, but I know multiple people who've lived in both cities (some who still do) and Glasgow comes out on top in most of their views. Much more robust cultural/arts/music/nightlife scene is the big factor, even though it may not be as aesthetically pretty.

I almost liked Glasgow more than Edinburgh because I came in with lower expectations.

Glasgow is also 2-3X larger than Edinburgh, and that difference in population can be felt. The neighbourhoods to the west of Glasgow's city centre are a treat to walk around.

It's not a perfect example, but Glasgow-Edinburgh reminds me a bit of Montreal-Quebec City.

Quebec City/Edinburgh is the ancient capital with the dramatic natural backdrop (it has some other similarities) and Montreal/Glasgow is the city defined by 19th century commerce and industry.

Of course, Glasgow is much smaller than Montreal and less cosmopolitan, and Edinburgh is a bit bigger than QC and has a bit more to it than tourism and government jobs.