Relaxed 7-Day Scotland Road Trip Starting from Edinburgh to Glasgow

On day 2 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!

Make Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this botanical garden an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,765 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Scottish National Gallery. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,079 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this art museum every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 660,741 annual visitors.

Camera Obscura is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This visitor centre has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,536 visitors.

When you’re finished at Camera Obscura, the perfect next stop is Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,926 reviews. Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre attracts approximately 238,542 visitors annually.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This castle is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 90,949 reviews.

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.

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.

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.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Edinburgh. The bars in Edinburgh make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

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 The Bow Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

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

On day 3 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Scotland. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Scotland.

When you're ready to see some sights, Royal Mile is a great place to start. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,405 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is The Real Mary King's Close. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,638 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at National Museum Of Scotland. The national museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Holyrood Palace. This official residence is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,746 reviews.

Holyrood Park is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this archaeological site, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 12,119 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

In the city of Glasgow, 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.

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 Glasgow, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Ox and Finch in Glasgow by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Ox and Finch delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious mediterranean cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Cail Bruich, 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 Unalome by Graeme Cheevers, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern british cuisine in the city.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Glasgow and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Gallery Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar 91 offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Scotland.

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Glasgow and visit amazing attractions in Cambuskenneth, and Stirling destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 2 nights left in Glasgow. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Set your GPS to Cambuskenneth and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 39 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cambuskenneth beckons with new experiences!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Wallace Monument. This monument is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,772 reviews.

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.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Stirling Castle, a remarkable castle where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,632 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Stirling Old Town Jail. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 913 travelers.

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum is another must-visit attraction. This renowned art gallery offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 567 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Blair Drummond Safari And Adventure Park. This well-loved zoo boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 7,922 reviews.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Glasgow.

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 Glasgow, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Scotland.

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

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Glasgow, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Scotland are extraordinary.

Make Glasgow Botanic Gardens one of your first sightseeing stops in Glasgow. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,594 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Kelvingrove Park is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,336 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum. This art museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,580 visitors. Up to 1,037,594 people travel to this site annually.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Riverside Museum. A trip to this popular museum is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 16,799 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Pollok Country Park. This park enjoys an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,112 local and international travelers.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Willow Tea Rooms, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Òran Mór? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Stereo as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Glasgow.

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

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Scotland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Glasgow. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Edinburgh, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is George Square. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,066 reviews.

Continue your journey at Glasgow Cathedral. This cathedral is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,737 travelers from near and far.

Glasgow is also the home of Glasgow Green. This stadium has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,762 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Larbert. This drive usually takes around 37 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Falkirk Wheel, a remarkable boat lift where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 15,951 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Larbert, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Skinflats may take around 15 min. Upon your arrival in Skinflats, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned The Kelpies. This popular sculpture has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,904 visitors.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Scotland at Edinburgh. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Kitchin, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Witchery by the Castle, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Whiski Bar & Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Scotland.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Scotland.