6-Day Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh traveling west to Inverness and Glasgow

Your road trip adventure in Scotland begins as soon as you reach Edinburgh and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Royal Mile or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Edinburgh. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Scotland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Heron in Edinburgh by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Heron delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Condita, acclaimed for its delectable modern specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at The Kitchin, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated , it's a top choice for modern cuisine in the city.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Panda & Sons after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Cafe Royal, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Ensign Ewart also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Scotland!

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Edinburgh for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This extraordinary botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,765 visitors.

Next, make your way to Scottish National Gallery. This top attraction is an art museum with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,079 visitors. Scottish National Gallery welcomes 660,741 yearly visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Camera Obscura. This visitor centre is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,536 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Holyrood Palace. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,746 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Holyrood Park. This archaeological site is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,119 travelers.

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.

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

Dine in style at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Cafe Andaluz boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Edinburgh.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Hoot The Redeemer, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Albanach provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Bow Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Scotland!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you will explore Edinburgh, Larbert, and Skinflats, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Inverness. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Make National Museum of Scotland one of your first sightseeing stops in Edinburgh. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Edinburgh Castle is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This castle is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 90,949 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Edinburgh, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Larbert. This drive usually takes around 50 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Falkirk Wheel. This boat lift is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 15,951 reviews.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Kingsmills Hotel, a highly-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're eager to try something different, consider MacGregor's, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The White House. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Gunsmiths Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Malt Room, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, MacCallums Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Scotland.

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Inverness, Cambuskenneth, and Stirling. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Glasgow, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cambuskenneth, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Stirling may take around 11 min. Upon your arrival in Stirling, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Wallace Monument one of your first sightseeing stops in Cambuskenneth. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,772 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Glasgow, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Glasgow.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Glasgow by reserving a table at Ox and Finch. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional mediterranean menu. For a different taste experience, head to Cail Bruich, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Unalome by Graeme Cheevers, a local favorite known for its delightful modern british cuisine in Glasgow. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern british foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Gallery Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Bar 91 is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Glasgow. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Edinburgh, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Make George Square your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,066 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Kelvingrove Park. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,336 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This botanical garden has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,594 visitors.

When you’re finished at Glasgow Botanic Gardens, the perfect next stop is Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,580 reviews. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum attracts approximately 1,037,594 visitors annually.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Riverside Museum. This museum is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,799 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 you explore more of Edinburgh, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Dine in style at The Kitchin, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The Witchery by the Castle boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Whiski Bar & Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Edinburgh.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Scotland!

Day 6 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Edinburgh before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Scotland, take time to indulge in shopping at Edinburgh’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Scotland. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Scotland forever.

Kick off the day at Dean Village, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This village is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,727 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Edinburgh.

If you're eager to try something different, consider The Dome, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Edinburgh. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Scotland!