Oh, Edinburgh! The cobblestone charm, the castle views, the whisky… and the tourists who just can’t seem to follow certain unspoken rules! As someone who’s swapped office chairs for adventures across the globe, I’ve learned a thing or two about respecting local customs.
Remember when I was sipping that crisp California wine at a hidden pub in Old Town? The bartender couldn’t stop lamenting about one particular tourist habit driving locals absolutely mad. Want to know what it is?
Rubbing the nose of Greyfriars Bobby’s statue for “luck.”
This small bronze dog statue commemorates a loyal Skye Terrier who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years. Touching doesn’t bring good fortune! Instead, it’s wearing away the bronze—plus, locals consider it disrespectful to the memorial’s meaning.
My passion for discovering hidden gems often leads me to places like Edinburgh. Last summer, while exploring the Royal Mile (after unwinding in a luxurious hotel infinity pool with my novel), I noticed crowds gathering around poor Bobby’s statue. The local shop owner nearby rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck!
“Josh,” she said when I asked about it, “tell your travel blog readers this needs to stop!”
So that’s exactly what I’m doing.
But why are tourists so drawn to this habit? Perhaps it’s TripAdvisor reviews suggesting it brings luck. Maybe it’s the allure of following tradition. Either way, locals find it frustrating.
The city council has tried putting up signs. Tour guides mention it. Even so, Bobby’s nose keeps getting shinier!
While dancing tango in Buenos Aires or slurping noodles in Tokyo prepared me for many cultural differences, even I nearly fell into this tourist trap. Thankfully, focusing on local advice saved me from committing this faux pas.
What can you do instead?
- Take photos (without flash) of the statue
- Learn about the real story of Greyfriars Bobby
- Visit his grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Make a donation to local dog shelters
The best adventures respect local wishes, right? During my travels covering fashion and interior design treasures across Scotland, I’ve learned that authentic experiences come from blending in, not standing out for the wrong reasons.
Next time you’re in Edinburgh, skip the nose rub. Grab a dram of whisky at a local pub, chat with residents about their beautiful city, and create memories that don’t involve damaging beloved monuments.
Have you ever accidentally done something that annoyed locals while traveling? We’ve all been there! Share your story in the comments. Also, any questions about my Edinburgh recommendations? I’m always ready to share tips – because the best adventures are the ones we share!
