5-Day Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh traveling east to Aberdeen

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Holyrood Park. Previous visitors have rated this archaeological site an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 12,119 reviews.

Holyrood Palace is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This official residence is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,746 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Scottish National Gallery. This art museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,079 reviews. Every year, around 660,741 travelers visit this site to discover its unique features.

Camera Obscura is another outstanding experience in Edinburgh. Around 13,536 travelers have rated this visitor centre an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you long for more, Edinburgh Castle is not far away. This castle is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 90,949 reviews.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Edinburgh. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Heron, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Condita is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Edinburgh. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at The Kitchin. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Hoot The Redeemer, known for its lively atmosphere. Albanach is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, The Bow Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Scotland!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Edinburgh. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Aberdeen, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Royal Mile. This popular point of interest has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,405 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is The Real Mary King's Close. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,638 visitors, this sightseeing destination deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to National Museum Of Scotland. This national museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 45,476 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Hmy Britannia. This royal yacht and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,023 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 travelers, this botanical garden is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Edinburgh.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Aberdeen. Aberdeen offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Aberdeen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Make sure to reserve a table at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, an iconic dining spot in Aberdeen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Mi Amore, a popular restaurant in Aberdeen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Foodstory, a hidden gem nestled in Aberdeen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Northern Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Grill is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Old Blackfriars also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Scotland!

On day 4 of your road trip in Scotland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Stonehaven, and Dundee. In the evening, you’ll end up in Edinburgh, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Aberdeen and set your GPS to Stonehaven. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 24 min. Upon reaching Stonehaven, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take the opportunity to see Stonehaven Harbour. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,510 visitors.

Dunnottar Castle is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This rock castle has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,220 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Dundee. This drive usually takes around 55 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Baxter Park. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,306 visitors.

Next, make your way to The Mcmanus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,551 reviews.

While in Dundee, we also recommend a visit to Rrs Discovery. This barque has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,529 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Edinburgh, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Edinburgh. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor the flavors at The Kitchin, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The Witchery by the Castle beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Whiski Bar & Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Edinburgh tonight.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!