The Ultimate Eurotrip: Best Things To Do In London, Edinburgh, Glasgow & Dublin
Let’s face it: there’s something romantic about the idea of hopping across the UK and Ireland on a whirlwind Eurotrip. Maybe it’s the misty cobblestone streets, the centuries-old pubs, or the fact that everything feels both familiar and foreign. But if you’re planning a trip that passes through London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dublin, you’re in for a rare mix of old-world charm, cheeky modern vibes, and landscapes that’ll ruin every desktop wallpaper you've ever downloaded.
This guide walks you through the best things to do in each city, with tips designed for fall and early winter travel (October to December). That means festive markets, dramatic autumn scenery, fewer crowds, and plenty of cozy pub stops to keep the chill out of your bones.
Let’s map out the magic, city by city.
First Stop: London – The Modern Monarch of Cool
Why start in London?
It’s the easiest international hub to fly into, especially from North America or mainland Europe. Heathrow and Gatwick are both well-connected, and Eurostar makes it easy if you're coming from Paris or Brussels.
Best Things to Do in London
1. Wander Southbank and See the City in Layers
London reveals itself slowly. Start with a stroll along the Southbank—you’ll pass the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and unbeatable views of Big Ben and Parliament. Grab a hot chocolate from one of the riverside vendors and let the Thames guide you.
2. Lose Time in the British Museum (and It's Free!)
Not just for history buffs. The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and the Elgin Marbles are more epic in person than any YouTube documentary will ever show. Bonus: it’s free and warm, perfect for cooler fall days.
3. Catch a West End Show Without Breaking the Bank
Same vibe as Broadway, but British. Check the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for last-minute tickets. From gritty dramas to glittering musicals, there's always something on.
4. Day Trip to Windsor or Oxford
With an Oyster Card and a bit of planning, you can escape the city for a day. Windsor Castle brings the royal energy, while Oxford is like walking through the pages of a fantasy novel.
5. Seasonal Bonus: Christmas Markets & Lights
From Covent Garden’s over-the-top decorations to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London knows how to do festive right. Even the pubs start feeling like Hallmark movie sets by mid-November.
Where to Stay in London
Stay near King’s Cross for easy train travel north, or Shoreditch if you want that artsy, indie energy. For rentals, check out Karta.com—especially for cozy flats with kitchenettes.
Next Stop: Edinburgh – Gothic Drama Meets Whisky Dreams
How to get there:
Hop on a train from London to Edinburgh Waverley (about 4.5 hours). The scenery alone—rolling hills, misty pastures—is worth the ticket.
Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
1. Walk the Royal Mile (with a Detour to Mary King’s Close)
From Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile is the city’s historic backbone. Don’t miss The Real Mary King’s Close, an eerie underground tour that shows what life was like in plague-era Edinburgh.
2. Climb Arthur’s Seat at Sunrise
It’s not exactly Everest, but the 45-minute hike rewards you with panoramic views over the city. Early autumn mornings? Expect misty magic and fiery-orange foliage.
3. Warm Up with a Dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience
This isn’t just a tourist trap—it's a crash course in how whisky flavors change by region. Book the ‘Gold Tour’ and taste your way through Scotland without leaving the city.
4. Take a Literary Pub Tour
Follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns, J.K. Rowling, and Irvine Welsh with this cheeky pub crawl-slash-theatre show that dives into Edinburgh’s literary legacy.
5. Seasonal Bonus: Samhuinn Fire Festival (Oct 31)
Forget Halloween—Samhuinn is Edinburgh’s ancient, pagan-inspired festival. Expect fire, drumming, and dramatic street performances on Calton Hill.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Stay in Old Town for cobblestone romance or New Town for Georgian elegance. Karta.com has flats in both areas—many with views of the castle or Arthur’s Seat.
Then to Glasgow – Grit, Art, and Unfiltered Soul
How to get there:
Just an hour’s train ride from Edinburgh. Easy, cheap, and frequent.
Best Things to Do in Glasgow
1. Explore the West End & Kelvingrove Museum
Bohemian vibes, vintage shops, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery (where Salvador Dalí’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross quietly stuns). Entry? Free.
2. Catch Live Music on Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music for good reason. Check out venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, where Oasis was discovered, or The Barrowlands for edgier acts.
3. Take a Street Art Tour
The city’s murals are more than just pretty—they tell stories of protest, culture, and community. Perfect for Instagram and your conscience.
4. Wander the Necropolis
Not as spooky as it sounds. This Victorian-era cemetery overlooks the city and has angelic statues, gothic mausoleums, and incredible views of the cathedral.
5. Seasonal Bonus: Glasgow Christmas Market
Located in George Square, the market is smaller than London’s but packed with character. Try a hot toddy or some buttery tablet (Scottish fudge) as you browse the stalls.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Glasgow
Merchant City is central and lively, while Finnieston is full of hipster cafés and design-forward rentals. Again, browse Karta.com for stylish flats that won’t crush your budget.
Final Stop: Dublin – Craic, Culture, and Cliffs
How to get there:
From Glasgow, take a short flight (under 1 hour) or opt for the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast, then train or bus to Dublin. Time-consuming, but scenic.
Best Things to Do in Dublin
1. Tour the Guinness Storehouse (Yes, It’s Worth It)
Over-touristed? Maybe. But sipping a pint at the Gravity Bar with panoramic city views? That’s the kind of moment you toast twice.
2. Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Old books never looked so good. The Long Room Library is what every fantasy movie tries to recreate—and usually fails.
3. Pub Crawl Through Temple Bar (Just One or Two)
Yes, it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but skip the overpriced spots and look for local legends like The Cobblestone or O’Donoghue’s, where the music happens organically.
4. Take a Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher or Howth
If you’ve got time, the Cliffs of Moher are dramatic, otherworldly, and absolutely worth the 3-hour bus ride. Closer to Dublin? Head to Howth for seafood, seals, and sea air.
5. Seasonal Bonus: Bram Stoker Festival (Late October)
A gothic, theatrical Halloween alternative that honors the Dracula author with night-time performances, horror-themed events, and vampire vibes all over town.
Where to Stay in Dublin
Stay near St. Stephen’s Green or Portobello for quiet charm and easy walking access. Use Karta.com to find a warm, character-filled rental that feels like home after a long day of adventuring.
Final Travel Tips for a UK-Ireland Eurotrip
Use a Rail Pass: If you're sticking to trains in the UK, the BritRail Pass can save you money and time.
Pack for All Weather: Autumn means sun, rain, wind, and maybe even a snowflake—sometimes all in one afternoon.
Plug Adapter: The UK and Ireland use different plugs than those in mainland Europe. Get a universal adapter with USB ports.
Mind the Visa Rules: UK and Ireland aren’t part of the Schengen Zone, so check entry requirements carefully, especially if you're planning a longer Eurotrip.
Ready to Plan Your UK-Ireland Adventure?
This four-city itinerary offers the perfect blend of culture, history, live music, literary ghosts, and legendary landscapes. It’s ideal for travelers who like their trips with a bit of edge, plenty of heart, and enough cozy moments to balance the adventure.
Whether you're sipping whisky in a stone-walled Edinburgh pub or watching street musicians under the London Eye, your Eurotrip through London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dublin is bound to be unforgettable—especially in the rich, golden light of fall.
FAQs
1. How far is London from Edinburgh?
By train, it’s around 4.5 hours. Flights are faster but add airport time. Trains are scenic and drop you right in the city center.
2. What is Edinburgh known for?
Its castle, festivals (like the Fringe), gothic architecture, and whisky culture. Also a UNESCO City of Literature.
3. Is Glasgow worth visiting?
Absolutely. It’s less touristy than Edinburgh but has better live music, a fierce art scene, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll meet.
4. What’s the best time to visit Dublin?
Late September to early December offers smaller crowds, mild weather, and unique events like the Bram Stoker Festival and early holiday markets.
5. What's the weather like in fall in the UK and Ireland?
Expect temps from 8°C to 15°C (46°F–59°F). Rain is common, so bring waterproof layers and comfortable walking shoes.
