7-Day Scotland Road Trip from Glasgow traveling east to Edinburgh, and Inverness

Your road trip adventure in Scotland begins as soon as you reach Glasgow and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Glasgow 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.

Glasgow 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 George Square 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 Glasgow. 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 Glasgow. 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.

Make sure to book a table at The Piper Whisky Bar, a popular restaurant in Glasgow. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Glasgow at Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Glaschu Restaurant & Bar. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Glasgow tonight.

Keep the evening going at The Gallery Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Bar 91, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Scotland!

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

When you're ready to see some sights, Pollok Country Park is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,112 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Glasgow Science Centre. This skyscraper has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,454 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Riverside Museum. The museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,799 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,594 reviews.

Seven Lochs Wetland Park is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this park, rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,044 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

Your discoveries in Glasgow do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Glasgow on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Glasgow's best restaurants.

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.

Head back to your accommodation in Glasgow and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Scotland!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Glasgow, Larbert, and Skinflats. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Edinburgh, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Kelvingrove Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,336 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum. This art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,580 travelers. Given the site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 1,037,594 people visit it every year.

Glasgow Cathedral is another must-visit attraction. This renowned cathedral offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,737 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Larbert’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Glasgow behind. This drive usually takes around 31 min. Larbert welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Falkirk Wheel. This extraordinary boat lift is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,951 visitors.

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

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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Heron, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Condita, known for its delicious modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Edinburgh is The Kitchin, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious modern menu.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Panda & Sons, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Cafe Royal offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Ensign Ewart provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Scotland.

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Edinburgh has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Edinburgh by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a remarkable botanical garden where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,765 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Scottish National Gallery. This art museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,079 travelers. Given the site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 660,741 people visit it every year.

Camera Obscura is another must-visit attraction. This renowned visitor centre offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,536 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 Holyrood Palace. This well-loved official residence boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 17,746 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Holyrood Park awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing an archaeological site, this is a top pick rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,119 previous visitors.

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 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 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.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Hoot The Redeemer after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Albanach for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Bow Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road 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 Edinburgh. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Inverness, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Make Royal Mile your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,405 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at National Museum Of Scotland. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this national museum every year.

Edinburgh Castle is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 90,949 visitors.

When you’re finished at Edinburgh Castle, the perfect next stop is Dean Village. This village is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,727 reviews.

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 Inverness. Inverness 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.

As you explore more of Inverness, 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Kingsmills Hotel, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try MacGregor's? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The White House as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Inverness.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Gunsmiths Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Malt Room, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Maccallums Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!

On day 6 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 Inverness, Cambuskenneth, and Stirling. In the evening, you’ll end up in Glasgow, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Inverness’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cambuskenneth. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 5 min. When you arrive in Cambuskenneth, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Wallace Monument. This much-appreciated monument is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,772 reviews.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Glasgow's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at The Willow Tea Rooms, a top-rated dining destination in Glasgow. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Òran Mór, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Stereo. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Glasgow this evening.

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

Day 7 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Glasgow before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Glasgow’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Scotland.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Glasgow Green. This extraordinary stadium is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,762 visitors.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Glasgow. 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!