One-Week Relaxed Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh to Aberdeen

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Edinburgh, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Scotland are extraordinary.

Edinburgh Castle is must-visit castle and a great option for a daytime tour of the area. Continue your journey to Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, a curiosity-inducing distillery, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Camera Obscura, a breathtaking museum, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Edinburgh. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the well-known Scottish National Gallery. If you’re looking for more, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is also a popular attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Edinburgh by reserving a table at Heron. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. For a different taste experience, head to Condita, 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 The Kitchin, a local favorite known for its delightful modern cuisine in Edinburgh. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Cafe Royal is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Ensign Ewart, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Tonic. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

On day 3 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 a stop at Holyrood Park. This well-known park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Holyrood Palace located in Edinburgh for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Royal Mile. Its enchanting features will captivate you. After the street, continue your tour of the city with a visit to The Real Mary King's Close. Visitors usually appreciate the instagrammable features of this museum. Next up is National Museum Of Scotland, a highly recommended museum.

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.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Angels with Bagpipes, a highly-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're eager to try something different, consider Rabble Taphouse and Grill, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Black Ivy. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Edinburgh.

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, Thistle Street Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Day 4 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Scotland lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. Begin by exploring the best sights in Dunfermline. By evening, drive toward the Aberdeen, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Dunfermline, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Crosshill. Your travel time is around 25 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Pittencrieff Park, a frequently visited park that everyone visiting Dunfermline should see.

When you’ve had your share of Dunfermline, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Crosshill. Your travel time is around 25 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Lochore Meadows, an increasingly popular park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Falkland, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Crosshill to Falkland may take around 26 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Falkland, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Falkland Palace & Garden, an often recommended palace known for its visually striking features.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Aberdeen. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, a popular restaurant in Aberdeen. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Aberdeen at Mi Amore, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated The Tippling House. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Aberdeen tonight.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Aberdeen.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Slains Castle, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Northern Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out The Grill. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

Your relaxed road trip in Scotland continues on day 5 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Scotland better by exploring the top attractions of Aberdeen and beyond. With 2 nights left in Aberdeen, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

St Cyrus is brimming with adventures.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Stonehaven may take around 23 min. Upon your arrival in Stonehaven, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering St Cyrus National Nature Reserve - Viewpoint, an up-and-coming nature reserve known for its mesmerizing features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Stonehaven, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from St Cyrus to Stonehaven may take around 23 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Stonehaven, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Dunnottar Castle, a notable castle that everyone visiting Stonehaven should see. Next, head to Stonehaven War Memorial. This breathtaking war memorial is one of the most locally appreciated attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Stonehaven Harbour, a gorgeous marina popular among locals as well as travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Aberdeen and your accommodation.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Foodstory, a top-rated dining destination in Aberdeen. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ninety-Nine, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Miller & Carter Aberdeen. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Aberdeen this evening.

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.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at St. Machar Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Old Blackfriars, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Krakatoa provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip through Scotland means 24 hours of making the best memories in Aberdeen. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen!

One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Union Street. Allow yourself some time to explore this street and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Hazlehead Park is an ideal stop early in the day. This intriguing park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Duthie Park, which may be one of the most awe-inspiring places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Aberdeen on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Aberdeen Maritime Museum, an often recommended maritime museum in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Seaton Park.

Scotland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. 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.

Dine in style at The City Bar and Diner, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Maggie's Grill boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Malmaison Aberdeen. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Aberdeen.

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.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Prince Of Wales, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Scotland!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in 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!

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Edinburgh. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 19 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Dundee is The Mcmanus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum, a frequently visited museum that draws attention for its heritage-rich features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Slessor Gardens, a picture-perfect park that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Rrs Discovery, a beloved museum that offers a unique experience.

In Edinburgh, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Scotland.

Exploring the food culture in Edinburgh offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Angels Share Hotel and Bar, 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 The Newsroom Bar & Eatery, 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 Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel, a hidden gem nestled in Edinburgh. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

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

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!