What's on and tourist advice thread - week beginning October 11, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to the weekly what's on and tourist advice thread!

* Do you know of any local events taking place this week that other redditors might be interested in?

* Are you planning a trip to Scotland and need some advice on what to see or where to go?

This is the thread for you - post away!

These threads are refreshed weekly on Mondays. To see earlier threads and soak in the sage advice of yesteryear, Click here.

[u/Amazing_Society_2784]

Hi all!

I am planning to visit Edinburgh for two weeks in mid-late November. I know it’ll be quite rainy, windy, and cold.

I bought a pair of Chelsea boots for the super rainy days and plan to bring a pair of sneakers as well. I was wondering if I could get away with my knock-off adidas sambas which I believe are suede or suedette. I’d spray them heavily with waterproofing spray just in case there’s rain on a day I’m not expecting it, but otherwise would use them mostly on dry days.

Is the weather too unpredictable for that? Should I just buy some waterproof sneakers to bring instead? Trying not to buy TOO many new things so I can spend more while I actually there 😅 But I’ve heard it’s mostly rainy during the time I’ll be there.

[u/YS54321 → u/Amazing_Society_2784]

You should be fine if you're staying in the city, most people you see will be in trainers. The buses are good so you can usually avoid any particularly long walks.

[u/FilmBuffGrabiec]

My coach arrives in Edinburgh at 5:15pm on Thursday and I’ll probably want to go straight to my hotel when I arrive. Saturday and Sunday I’m at Comic Con Scotland, but wondering what to do on the Friday and before I get my coach on Monday night (9:10pm).

I’m looking to visit the Scott Monument, and potentially other locations used for filming, but wondering if anyone has additional suggestions?

[u/JakeD4CAD]

Traveling from Boston to Glasgow and Edinburgh for the first time after having so much fun during the World Cup. Only here for a few days but I’d love to hear some top things to do while in the area! Most fun pubs, good restaurants that aren’t tourist traps, and what the best attractions are. Thank you!

[u/sorcererinslytherin]

Hi everyone. Don't know if this is the best thread, but I'd appreciate the assistance. My partner and I are visiting Edinburgh from the US and have tickets for Samhainn on Calton Hill this Halloween (Oct 31). I've wanted to attend for years, so I'm very excited.

I'm hoping to hear from anyone who attended the 2025 festival at Calton Hill, or anyone who performed or volunteered there. While 2024 Holyrood is helpful, this is a different venue.

I'm very short, so visibility is my largest concern. I also don't do particularly well in packed crowds. I'm thinking our best strategy may to find a good position near the central performance area and stay there instead of trying to chase every performance. Does anyone have any advice on where to position ourselves, or if there's any more elevated viewing areas, or how early we should arrive?

I've reached out to the society itself but I'd love to hear firsthand experiences. Thanks!

[u/PORK_DOGS]

Hey all. My partner and I are from Canada and are thinking about moving to scotland for a year maybe more and we're wondering if anybody has any tips where to live. I heard edinburgh is very touristy, but i love the vibe of it. Is it affordable and where IN edinburgh would be ideal to live.

I've also heard Glascow is nice. Lmk! thanks!

[u/ialtag-bheag → u/[deleted]]

The 919 runs all year, though less frequently over winter. Ember buses are often a more useful service anyway.