In this guide, I’ll cover the very best 5-day Scotland itinerary so you know exactly how to plan your trip based on my experience there as there’s a lot to see in Scotland! With this itinerary, you’ll visit some of the top attractions in Scotland including Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, and Glencoe Valley on a 5 day Scotland road trip!
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and enchanting castles, Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Whether you’re an adventure lover or you’re simply interested in the local culture, this country has something for everyone so let’s get into how to spend your 5 days in Scotland!
5 Days In Scotland Itinerary
When it comes to planning your Scotland 5-day itinerary, it’s important to consider the season and your travel preferences. For those who are planning to visit in the peak season (June-August), I’d recommend booking your accommodation and popular activities in advance as things can book up fast!
5 Day Scotland Itinerary Map
All of the locations recommended in this itinerary are pinned on the map to help you plan your trip!
Day 1: Explore Edinburgh Old Town
Be sure to wake up early and get exploring the city before all the tourists crowds do!
Morning:
To start off your 5 days in Scotland, it’s time to grab some breakfast. Some of my favourite spots include the Edinburgh Larder and The City Cafe, as they serve traditional Scottish foods.
Your first attraction of the day is Edinburgh Castle which generally opens from 9:30 am. Parts of this iconic landmark date back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest fortified places in Europe.
For the best experience, opt for this guided tour which includes your entrance ticket. It lasts for 1.5 hours and an expert guide will discuss the castle’s history and mystery!
After exploring the castle, take some time to wander around Princes Street Gardens. These gardens separate the Old Town and New Town and date back to 1820.
To see the best of Edinburgh with a guide in an easy way, check out these tours on offer:
Afternoon:
You’ll want to spend the afternoon exploring more of the Old Town. Boasting jaw-dropping architecture and over 1,000 years of history, this part of Edinburgh has a lot to offer.
First of all, take some time to wander along the Royal Mile, which connects Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, you’ll encounter other fantastic attractions including St Giles’ Cathedral and The Real Mary King’s Close.
If you have time, The National Museum of Scotland is another great place to visit. It’s one of the United Kingdom’s top attractions and is free to visit.
Finally, watch the sunset at Calton Hill, an area which is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll also get panoramic views of Edinburgh from here!
Evening:
After spending a full day exploring Scotland’s capital, it’s time to grab some food. Although there are plenty of funky restaurants in the city, I love the traditional pubs here, so that’s where I’d recommend going.
Many of the best options are found in and around the Old Town, with Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar being a fantastic choice. Other popular pubs include The World’s End, The White Hart, and The Last Drop.
Afterwards, why not head out for a drink? I’d recommend Frankenstein’s Edinburgh, one of the city’s most unique bars! It focuses on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and is famous for its spooky decor, pub quiz, and monster show.
Where to stay?
My top pick is Native Edinburgh. Found along Queen Street, this place offers serviced apartments that sleep 2-3 people.
For a more detailed itinerary, check out my one day in Edinburgh itinerary!
Day 2: Explore More of Edinburgh
There are so many things to see in Edinburgh, two days is recommended to explore!
Morning:
For a more relaxed vibe, head to Edinburgh’s coastal suburb of Portobello. Known for its fantastic beach, Victorian architecture, and ice cream shops, it’s the perfect place to kick back for a few hours.
Of course, you’ll want to spend some time walking along the beach but there’s more on offer. In this area, there are some fantastic shops and eateries, as well as a Victorian swimming pool. Why not try and time your visit with The Big Beach Busk too – a popular music event.
If you’re visiting between Friday to Sunday, head to Civerinos Portobello which opens at noon on the weekend. I absolutely love the pizza here and you can either order by the slice or opt for a whole takeout pizza to enjoy on the beach.
RELATED POST: 14 GREAT DAY TRIPS FROM EDINBURGH!
Afternoon:
Another popular spot in Edinburgh is Arthur’s Seat. It’s the highest point in Holyrood Park; a royal park covering over 635 acres.
Sitting 251 metres above sea level, Arthur’s Seat is actually an ancient volcano. It offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the coast, making it a must-visit. There are several hiking routes to the top and you’ll want to allow around 1.5 hours for a round trip.
Arthurs’s Seat will likely take up the majority of your afternoon. If you do have more time, then head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse which is nearby. It’s the King’s official residence in Scotland and has links to other historical figures including Mary, Queen of Scots.
Evening:
Edinburgh has some fantastic ghost tours and no trip to the city is complete without going on one!
You can shop around for the best options or check out this Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour. This awesome tour lasts for 1.5 hours and will see you learn all about the city’s spooky legends, hauntings, and notorious criminals.
Then it’s time to curb your hunger at Edinburgh Street Food. Located along Leith Street, this place is made up of 10 traders and 3 bars and is typically open until 11 pm. Here, you can choose from a range of delicious cuisines, including Mexican, Peruvian, European, and Japanese.
Don’t visit Edinburgh and miss out on a ghost tour!
Day 3: The Scottish Highlands – The Cairngorms National Park and Loch Ness
Let’s leave Edinburgh behind and head into the highlands!
Morning:
To make the most of this Scotland itinerary, you’ll want to leave Edinburgh early. It’s just over a 1.5-hour drive to reach the Cairngorms, and you’ll want to spend a good few hours here.
Covering an impressive 1,748 sq miles, the Cairngorms is the largest national park in the United Kingdom. It’s home to some of the country’s highest mountains, a wide variety of wildlife (including beavers), and some excellent hiking trails.
There are also some fantastic attractions in this national park including the Highland Wildlife Park, the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, the Highland Folk Museum, and Landmark Forest Adventure Park. Of course, you’ll likely only have time to visit one of these, so prioritise where you’d like to go.
Afternoon:
Loch Ness is under an hour’s drive away from the Cairngorms. Although this area is beautiful, the loch is most famous for its legendary monster, the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ or ‘Nessie’.
To learn all about this legend, I’d suggest heading to The Loch Ness Centre. Located in Drumnadrochit, this awesome tourist attraction offers boat tours like this and deep scan cruises of the loch, where the boats use sonar to search below the depths.
Another place to board a boat and find famous Nessie from is the pretty village of Fort Augustus which is set up for Loch Ness tourism!
Urquhart Castle is another popular spot along Loch Ness. It’s one of the largest castles in Scotland and has over 1,000 years of history. As you explore, you’ll have an audio guide so you can learn more about this incredible place.
There are some gorgeous walks in the surrounding area of Loch Ness too.
Book your Loch Ness Boat Tour in advance so you don’t miss out!
Evening:
You won’t be short of dining options in this area, no matter whether you’re basing yourself in Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus. The Boathouse is a popular option as it’s located right alongside Loch Ness and offers outside dining.
After dinner, you’ll want to appreciate the area’s dark skies. Thanks to the lack of light pollution, Loch Ness (and the Scottish Highlands in general) offers fantastic stargazing opportunities. You might even be treated to breathtaking views of the Milky Way.
Depending on the time of year, the sunset can be as late as nearly 10 pm (during the summer), so just keep that in mind.
Where to stay?
For Loch Ness, the best places to stay are Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus. The Loch Ness Inn is located just outside Drumnadrochit and is beautifully decorated. In terms of Fort Augustus, check out the Lock Chambers within the Caledonian Canal Centre.
Day 4: The Scottish Highlands – Fort William, Glencoe Valley and Loch Lomond
Drive further into the highlands today on your 5 days in Scotland to visit some of Scotlands top attractions!
Morning:
Fort William is less than an hour’s drive from Loch Ness. This charming town is located along the scenic Loch Linnhe and is close to Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom at 1,345 metres high.
Dubbed as the UK’s outdoor capital, there’s a wealth of activities on offer in and around Fort William. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities, but you can also go mountain biking, try out canoeing, or go gorge walking among others.
You’ll find some great attractions in this area too including the West Highland Museum, Ben Nevis Distillery, Neptune’s Staircase, and Old Inverlochy Castle. Again, you won’t have time to do everything so I’ve just given a quick overview of what’s on offer and you can see what takes your fancy.
Afternoon:
After leaving Fort William, you’ll be travelling through Glencoe Valley. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in all of Scotland and shouldn’t be missed.
If you travel along the A82 to Loch Lomond, there are some fantastic viewpoints where you’ll want to stop off. Loch Tulla Viewpoint is one of my favourites as you’ve got a great chance of spotting deer from here.
There’s also the Glencoe Visitor Centre and Glencoe Mountain Resort, among other attractions.
Alternatively, you can choose to spend more time near Loch Lomond instead, as there’s a lot to do in this area. Loch cruises are very popular and there’s Queen Elizabeth Forest Park which is home to various wildlife species, including red squirrels and deer.
Evening:
You’ll be spending the evening in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park before you head onward to Glasgow in the morning. After a full day of exploring, it’s time to grab something to eat.
Now, dining options along the lake are pretty limited but there are a few fantastic options where you can grab some food. Two popular restaurants include Colquhoun’s Restaurant (located in The Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel) and The Village Rest. Both of these options offer traditional Scottish cuisine including haggis.
Where to stay?
The Lodge On Loch Lomond Hotel is a fantastic option, boasting an award-winning restaurant, spa, and more!
Day 5: Glasgow
After the highlands, with 5 days in Scotland its a good idea to head back down into Scotlands second most popular city!
Morning:
To fuel a full day of exploring, you’ll want to visit one of Glasgow’s quirky coffee shops. The Papercup Coffee Company, Old Salty’s, and Urban West are some of my top options, as they’re located near Glasgow Botanic Gardens – our next stop.
The city’s Botanical Garden is home to over 20 hectares of landscaped grounds, numerous glasshouses, and over 9,000 plants so there’s a lot to see. All areas are free to visit and the gardens are open all year round.
Before you head for lunch, visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum if you have time. It’s another free attraction and is home to 22 state-of-the-art galleries, ranging from natural history to Ancient Egypt. There are 8,000 objects in this museum so don’t rush your visit.
Afternoon:
After enjoying some lunch in Glasgow, it’s time to explore more of the city. George Square is a great place to include on your itinerary as the architecture in this area is incredible. In the winter, the Christmas Market is often held here too.
No trip to Glasgow is complete without walking part of the Mural Trail either. The majority of these murals are found in and around Merchant City, and there are over 25 in total. Highlights include St Mungo, The World’s Most Economical Taxi, and Thomas Muir.
If you feel like you have extra time, then this Music Mile Walking Tour offers the chance to learn all about Glasgow’s music history, including the famous bands who played in this area.
Evening:
After spending a day exploring Glasgow, I recommend enjoying your last evening in Merchant City. It’s one of the city’s oldest and most stylish districts and is known for its variety of dining options and bars.
Merchant Square is a great place to visit, as there are several restaurants and bars here, including O’Neill’s and Bar Soba. Other popular options nearby include Brewdog, Amore Ristorante Pizzeria, and Browns Glasgow.
Where to stay?
Check out Motel One Glasgow. This gorgeous hotel is located right in the city centre and boasts modern rooms and excellent facilities.
Alternative Day: Isle of Skye
For those who have longer than 5 days in Scotland, or wish to remove a day in Edinburgh or Glasgow from this itinerary, I recommend spending a day exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye. This island is just over an hour’s drive from Loch Ness and is home to some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.
A highlight of any trip to Skye is Neist Point. It’s one of Scotland’s most iconic lighthouses and is set on the island’s most westerly headland. If you’re lucky, you might get to spot marine life in this area including basking sharks and minke whales.
Other popular spots on the Isle of Skye include the capital of Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Sligachan, the Fairy Pools, and the Fairy Glen. Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to see everything in a day.
Hiring a Car
This itinerary is based on you driving around Scotland. Below, I have given tours you can join if you aren’t driving. For car hire in Scotland, check out Rental Cars who search all the top car hire companies for the best deal!
I’ve included some accommodation recommendations at the bottom of this article and other helpful information such as how to get to Scotland and the best time to visit Scotland.. as this IS important!
Arriving in Scotland
When it comes to arriving in Scotland, there are a few different options. If you’re already in the United Kingdom, it’s possible to catch a coach or train over the border from England.
Search train times and tickets on The Train Line here which is what I always use to book my tickets!
For those in Northern Ireland, several ferry routes run to Scotland. The majority dock in Cairnryan, a small village that’s located under a 2-hour drive from Glasgow.
However, the most popular way to arrive in the country is by air. Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport and serves over 12 million people every year.
There are direct routes from Canada (Toronto) and the United States (Chicago and New York), as well as various European destinations so you won’t be short of options. Of course, you can also fly domestically from other cities in the United Kingdom.
Search for cheap flights to Scotland on Skyscanner here!
As this Scotland itinerary starts in Edinburgh, flying is super convenient. Alternatively, you can fly to Glasgow and reverse this itinerary.
How to Get Around Scotland
Here are the primary modes of transport when it comes to getting around Scotland:
By Car/Campervan
The best way to travel around this beautiful country is by car. This will give you the ultimate flexibility when planning your trip, and there are plenty of car rentals at Edinburgh Airport to choose from.
Alternatively, you can opt for a campervan so your accommodation will be covered. Thanks to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, wild camping is legal too.
I always use Rental Cars to search for the best car rental companies. Click here for Scotland car hire!
By Public Transport
There are some great bus and train routes throughout Scotland, especially if departing from Edinburgh or Glasgow. However, I wouldn’t recommend public transport when it comes to exploring the Scottish Highlands as services can be infrequent.
If you plan to include the additional day on this itinerary, there are no train services on the Isle of Skye and very limited bus routes too.
By Tour
For those who don’t feel confident driving in Scotland, there are some fantastic tour options. The majority of these depart from Edinburgh too, so you’ll have a couple of days to explore the capital first.
I recommend Rabbies Tours who I’ve travelled to the Isle of Skye and the Lake District with and they are perfect for a range of ages, abilities and interests!
Where to Stay in Scotland
When it comes to accommodation in Scotland, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you’re following this itinerary, then you’ll be staying overnight in Edinburgh, Glasgow, along Loch Ness, and in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
When it comes to Edinburgh, my top pick would be Native Edinburgh. Found along Queen Street, this place offers serviced apartments that sleep 2-3 people.
For Glasgow, check out Motel One Glasgow. This gorgeous hotel is located right in the city centre and boasts modern rooms and excellent facilities.
For Loch Ness, the best places to stay are Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus. The Loch Ness Inn is located just outside Drumnadrochit and is beautifully decorated. In terms of Fort Augustus, check out the Lock Chambers within the Caledonian Canal Centre.
Finally, The Lodge On Loch Lomond Hotel is a fantastic option, boasting an award-winning restaurant, spa, and more!
Best Time to Visit Scotland
Although Scotland is a great destination any time of year, the weather can be a challenge during the winter months, so May to September is considered the best time to visit. During this time, you can spot a variety of marine life too!
The months of July and August are by far the busiest, as this is when UK schools are off for the summer. This means there’s a big increase in local tourism so the country can get busy, especially in the Highlands.
The months of June and September will be much quieter and temperatures will still be relatively warm so this is another great time to visit.
If you’d prefer to visit in Spring, then accommodation may be cheaper. The weather will likely be much more unpredictable though, so I’d recommend visiting in May, rather than earlier on in the year.
Best Weather in Scotland
If you don’t mind the crowds, then summer is the best time of year to visit Scotland for the weather. July and August are the warmest months, with the average maximum temperature ranging from 15°C – 17°C.
If you get a good spell, temperatures can be much higher too, reaching over 20°C. Just keep in mind that no matter when you visit, the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, especially in the Highlands.
You can also expect rainfall throughout the summer.
I hope this helps your plan your 5 day Scotland itinerary!
- For more of my posts see:
- One Day in Edinburgh itinerary!
- 14 Day Trips from Edinburgh with something for everyone!
- AMAZING 3 Day Isle of Skye Tour with Rabbies | Review!
- 10 Easy Lake District Walks! Beginner, Short, Flat and Circular Walks!
- 23+ Fun Family Days Out NEAR Manchester!
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