Relaxed 7-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen to Edinburgh

Day 2 of your self-drive tour in Scotland is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 4 nights. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Scotland.

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and historic treasures. Start at the frequently visited Aberdeen Maritime Museum, a heritage-rich maritime museum in Aberdeen. Next, go to Donmouth Local Nature Reserve.

After visiting Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Donmouth Local Nature Reserve, have a stroll along Aberdeen's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Hazlehead Park. This picturesque park offers a unique experience. Johnston Gardens is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Duthie Park, one of the most mesmerizing places to visit in Aberdeen.

In the city of Edinburgh, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Scotland.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Edinburgh has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

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.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Edinburgh and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Nightcap - Cocktail Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Juniper Edinburgh offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Panda & Sons, another top-rated bar in the area.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip through Scotland means 24 hours of making the best memories in Edinburgh. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Edinburgh. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Edinburgh!

Immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Hmy Britannia. This stunning historic ship is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the heritage-rich features of Scottish National Gallery, a must-visit art gallery in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Camera Obscura, a popular museum. For a change of scene, check out Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, known for its instagrammable features. We also recommend visiting Edinburgh Castle. This castle is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Scotland more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Edinburgh offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Edinburgh, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Novotel Edinburgh Centre offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Tigerlily. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Edinburgh.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Cafe Royal, known for its inviting atmosphere. The Ensign Ewart is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Tonic provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Scotland!

Day 4 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Edinburgh, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Scotland are extraordinary.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Edinburgh. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! National Museum Of Scotland is the perfect place to start. This museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Edinburgh. Next, head to St Giles' Cathedral, an up-and-coming church, known for its stunning features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to The Real Mary King's Close. This historic museum is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Royal Mile and Calton Hill. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Scotland. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

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

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Hoot The Redeemer, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Albanach. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Thistle Street Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Edinburgh as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Scotland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Scotland, you’ll go deep into Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Edinburgh, and meet locals along the way!

Get ready for an exciting day in Edinburgh. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a zoo, a historical landmark, a botanical garden, a palace, a park and much more! Begin your adventure at Edinburgh Zoo. This is a well-known zoo you should not miss. Another must-see is Dean Village, a notable historical landmark in Edinburgh.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Holyrood Palace, another of the city’s interesting attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Holyrood Park, a serene place of interest in the city.

Scotland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Scotland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Scotland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Edinburgh, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Have a fantastic dining experience at The Angels Share Hotel and Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, The Newsroom Bar & Eatery offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Edinburgh.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Edinburgh. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Waverley Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Royal Oak offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Oxford Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Scotland!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Scotland will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Scotland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Whether you decide to explore Edinburgh on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. The Kelpies is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this noteworthy art installation before continuing your journey. Callendar Park is your next stop. This curiosity-inducing park is one of the best-rated sights in Edinburgh.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Falkirk Wheel. This symbolic monument is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Aberdeen. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Aberdeen, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Foodstory, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Ninety-Nine offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Miller & Carter Aberdeen. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Aberdeen.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Aberdeen and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. St. Machar Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Old Blackfriars, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Krakatoa. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Skinflats can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Scotland!