If you love the idea of frolicking through old-world cities, taking train rides across countryside vistas, and seeing historic castles set by calm lochs, a 1 week Scotland itinerary is probably your dream vacation.
Get to know this charming northern gem by spending one in Scotland by train. This itinerary requires no car rental. Instead, you’ll explore by train with the option of hopping on day tours to see more of the country.
As a Scottish citizen and long-time explorer, here’s how to spend one week in Scotland.
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About this 1 Week Scotland Itinerary
This itinerary is perfect for anyone who wants to explore Scotland’s cities, travel through the Highlands, see castles, visit whisky distilleries, and indulge in adventure and cultural experiences.
This Scotland itinerary covers 7 days with no car and is easily tweaked to fit your travel style. You’ll get to see some of the most popular places in Scotland while also visiting some of my personal recommendations – or hidden gems, I suppose.
The price point of 1 week in Scotland depends on the hotels you book and the places you dine at. The tours I’ve included in this guide are budget-friendly and suitable for many types for travelers.
Here’s a breakdown of how the week will go.
Day 1: Edinburgh
2: Edinburgh
3: Glasgow (via train)
4: Glasgow (Highlands Day Trip)
5: Inverness (via train)
6: Inverness (Isle of Skye Day Trip)
Day 7: Edinburgh (via train)
Is one week enough time to properly visit Scotland?
One week is an excellent amount for any first timer planning a trip to Scotland. The country is smaller in size, meaning you can cover a lot of ground in a shorter amount of time.
You won’t feel rushed, though you’ll probably leave wishing you had more time (but it’s Scotland, so c’mon it’s inevitable to feel that way.)
This itinerary includes some of the country’s most iconic places like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Inverness, and even the Isle of Skye.
What to Wear in Scotland
What to wear in Scotland largely depends on the time of year and weather of the hour; Scottish weather has a mind of its own so it can go from sunny and warm to downright dreary within the same hour/day.
That’s why I always recommend layers and bringing an extra layer while you’re out exploring.
For my absolute best packing tips, see my posts on what to wear in Scotland in summer and Scotland outfits guide for every season for the most relevant information.
However, some of my go-to Scotland packing essentials include:
- My Olympus camera for photos
- A Columbia rain jacket; I’ve had this one since 2015 and it’s in fantastic condition!
- A thin but warm later like this 100% merino wool top; wool is excellent because it wicks away moisture and is a Scottish staple fabric
- Jacket suitable for the season
- Quality, water-resistant booties
- Neutral color tops and bottoms suitable for the season
- Optional hiking boots; I prefer these Columbia boots
1 Week in Scotland Itinerary
I recommend flying into Edinburgh for this itinerary. If you have to arrive in Glasgow, that’s fine too! The cities are only an hour train ride apart. Meaning, you can still travel to Edinburgh on day 1 OR you can flip the days around.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Gleneagles Townhouses in Edinburgh: Gorgeous and bright 5-star hotel in New Town
Motel One Edinburgh Royal: 3-star, budget-friendly hotel in Edinburgh, right in Old Town
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh: 5-star hotel on Princes Street with amazing views
CoDE Pod – THE CoURT: Budget-friendly hostel with pod beds on The Royal Mile
House of Gods: Romantic, sexy, and dark-toned hotel on the Royal Mile
How to Get From Edinburgh Airport to City Centre
Plan your time efficiently by knowing how to get to the city centre in advance.
My personal favorite way is by tram. The tram ride is beautiful and you’ll get a pleasant introduction to Edinburgh and its outskirts. You’ll even pass sheep! The tram is around £6.50.
The other best way is by bus using the Airlink 100 (average journey time of 30 minutes) or the Airport Express (average journey time of 25-30 minutes). These cost around £5 for a single ticket.
See this guide on getting from the Edinburgh airport to the city centre.
Day 1: Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and arguably one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It’s compact and bustling with lots of things to do. Luckily, you’ll get to spend 2 days here and you’ll come back on your final day.
If you want an in-depth Edinburgh itinerary, see my guide on spending 2 days in Edinburgh here.
Day 1 Morning
Check into your hotel: See my hotel recommendations above.
Princes Street Gardens & Ross Fountain: This is a central garden, right off Old Town and the main train station, where locals come for walks and picnics. Ross Fountain is located here, and it’s one of my favorite photo spots in Edinburgh. Behind it, you’ll have a killer backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Scott Monument: A monument beside Princes Street Gardens dedicated to the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. It’s right on Princes Street.
Coffee at The Milkman: Don’t know about you, but I love a coffee break. The Milkman on Cockburn Street is the way to go. Unfortunate street name, but very charming spot road that leads up to the Royal Mile. Plus, the coffee there is a local favorite.
Tip! This Edinburgh Royal Mile walking tour will take you to the best spots and idyllic closes (narrow alleys) and give you a fun little rundown on the area’s history.
The Royal Mile: Perhaps the most touristic spot in the city. You’ll see bagpipe players, tartan shops, souvenir stores, and street performers lining the Royal Mile that leads up to the castle.
Edinburgh Castle: A historic, 11th-century castle with killer city views. Castle tours/tickets are available here.
Day 1 Afternoon
Grassmarket: Located at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket is a vibrant square with shops, restaurants, vendors, and a popular place for events. The weekly market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lunch in Grassmarket: Enjoy the first meal of your 1 week Scotland itinerary at Grassmarket. These are Scottish picks, but don’t worry, you’ll be visiting a traditional pub for dinner. Check out O’Oliviero for Italian cuisine or Petit Paris for a French bistro.
Vennel Viewpoint: This is one of the most famous photo points in Edinburgh. It’s a sandstone staircase just outside of Grassmarket right here. There are buildings on either side and a historic street lamp in the middle, and it is quite picturesque.
Victoria Street: Meander your way down the colorful Victoria Street which is unique for having a second-story sidewalk/walkway. Go up the stairs and enjoy views from the second level.
National Museum of Scotland: Free to enter, full of history, and things to do. There’s a nice rooftop with views of the city as well. Open until 5 p.m.
Day 1 Evening
Dinner at Piper’s Rest: Head to dinner at The Piper’s Rest. It’s a really lovely, traditional Scottish restaurant with classic pub dishes like Haggis neeps n’ tatties (haggis with mashed potatoes and swede). They also have veggie haggis! Stick around for live folk music.
Whisky at Sandy Bell’s: The night is still young! Feel free to do a little whisky experience at Sandy Bell’s, which usually has live folk music as well.
If you like a peaty/smoky flavor, try a Caol Ila 12 year, a Laphroaig 10 year, or an Ardbeg 10 year. However, if you’re not really into whisky but still want to try it in Scotland, something lighter you can try Glenmorangie 10-Year-Old or Monkey Shoulder.
Day 2: Edinburgh
On your day 2 of your 2 week Scotland itinerary, you’ll get to know Edinburgh a bit more. Here’s what to look forward to.
Day 2 Morning
Dean Village: Grab a coffee/light breakfast at a cozy spot near your accommodation. Edinburgh is full of cafes and brunch spots so you’ll have no trouble finding something. Then, visit Dean Village, just a few minutes from Princes Street. It’s known for its 19th-century Bucolic buildings nestled between the water with gardens and a museum available.
Circus Lane: This is a lovely cobbled street in a residential area full of flower-covered terraces.
Day 2 Afternoon
Lunch: If you’re getting hungry, stop for lunch at The Pantry. They serve all-day brunch (French toast, eggs benedict, etc) and lunch (soups, savory tarts, halloumi dishes, etc) and are open until 4 p.m. most days. They also serve coffee, cocktails, and smoothies.
George St/Hanover St: George Street is cute with lots of architectural gems as well as shops, both boutique and big name. Enjoy a casual walk stopping in to find souvenirs or just enjoying a slow travel moment. Hanover Street crosses with George Street. It actually offers views of the sea so it’s well worth checking out.
National Galleries of Scotland – Portrait or National: Since you went to a science and history museum yesterday, today I recommend checking out the National or Portrait Gallery.
The Scottish National Gallery is located at the edge of Princes Street Gardens and the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street. Both are beautiful if you like to look at painting, but I personally vibe with the Portrait more. The building is really beautiful with an old-world mural and is full of portraits of Scots.
Topping & Company Bookshop: For my fellow book lovers, I adore Topping & Company near Calton Hill, around the popular shopping streets. It’s a beautiful 2-story bookstore with an AMAZING selection of books as well as a Scottish selection if you’re looking for a more cultural souvenir.
Day 2 Evening
Dinner: In relation to your next stop, Monteiths is a nice spot for upscale Scottish cuisine, Ka Pao Edinburgh is an amazing Thai restaurant, and Berties Proper Fish & Chips is one of the best places to have a cheap dinner and classic fish & chips – they even have a vegan fish and chips!
Calton Hill for sunset: Sunset isn’t until Edinburgh until well past 9 p.m. during the summer months. Of course, if you’re visiting in the shoulder season or winter, you’ll might want to switch dinner and Calton Hill around.
Anywho, Calton Hill offers some of the best views of Edinburgh and the surrounding landscapes. It’s been a focal point of Edinburgh’s landscape for centuries.
As you explore Calton Hill, you’ll also encounter the City Observatory, once a center for astronomical research and now a fascinating museum with insights into Edinburgh’s scientific heritage. You can come up here and bring a bottle of wine and take in the 360-degree views with an evening picnic, or simply enjoy a walk around the monuments and setting sun.
(And if you’re confused, Edinburgh allows drinking in public areas – unlike in Glasgow.)
Day 3: Glasgow
Today you get to take the Scotrail train to Glasgow. I had the pleasure of living here for a year and a half, and it’s a place that will always be dear to me. I’m excited to show it to you!
You’ll only have 1 full day in Glasgow during this one week in Scotland by train itinerary, so make it count. Glasgow may not be as charming as Edinburgh at first glance, but it’s a very lively city with a fun energy and unique places.
Where to Stay in Glasgow
The Z Hotel in Glasgow: My go-to in Glasgow; it’s budget-friendly and centrally located
Motel One Glasgow: Trendy, modern hotel by the Glasgow Central Station
Point A Hotel Glasgow: At the heart of Glasgow with functional, compact rooms
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa: Elegant, 5-star hotel with views
Day 3 Morning
Arrive in Glasgow: The train takes about an hour from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street Station.
Check into hotel/drop bags: You might not be able to check-in until 3 or 4 p.m. However, if you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll be able to drop your bags and go explore.
Buchanan Street: Picturesque street with beautiful views from the top. Lots of high street shops and the Princes Square shopping centre with a lovely cocktail bar on top.
George Square: 18th century public square near Queen Street Station with views of Glasgow City Chambers.
GOMA + Duke of Wellington Statue: If you have time you can pop into the Gallery of Modern Art. More importantly, I want you to see the cultural artifact that is the Duke of Wellington Statue with an orange traffic cone placed on its head. Glasgow humor at its best.
Coffee at Laboratorio Espresso: If you need a coffee fix, Laboratorio Espresso is my favorite in the city centre. They also have Italian-style pastries.
Day 3 Afternoon
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum: One of my all-time favorite museums. Walk or take the subway from Buchanan Street to Kelvinhall Station. Free to enter!
Lunch: It’s so hard to choose a recommendation! Brewdog, a famous Scottish brewery, is across the street from the museum. They have a great variety of craft beers and a pub menu. Otherwise, Old Salty’s on Byres Road for fish & chips or Little Italy Pizzeria for laidback Italian are perfect.
University of Glasgow: Pop by UofG during your 1 week Scotland itinerary. It inspired Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. Check out the university’s self-guided tour to know what to see. Either way, don’t miss The Cloisters.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens: One of the loveliest places to unwind on a pleasant day in Glasgow.
Day 3 Evening
Dinner and drinks: Òran Mór is a historic West End gem for pints and good food in a scenic, authentic setting.
More drinks?: Like I’ve said, Glasgow is a fun city to visit during your 1 week Scotland itinerary. So, you might find yourself going for more drinks. Some cool places to check out are Lebowski’s and its famous White Russians, Nice N’ Sleazy for a cool grungy vibe, and Waxy O’Connor’s Glasgow for one of the coolest pubs in Scotland (it’s like a treehouse).
Day 4: Day Trip from Glasgow
On day 4, I’m giving you a couple of options because no one 1 week Scotland itinerary by train fits all.
Option 1 – Loch Lomond & Conic Hill
If you are into hiking and want a nice day out, take the Scotrail train to Balloch, right at the bottom of Loch Lomond – a must see during your trip.
The town is cute and warrants a wee wander, but you’re mainly here to enjoy a nice hike to Conic Hill with its gorgeous views overlooking Loch Lomond and its islands.
To get there, take a bus outside the train station, on Tullichewan Road. It’s the 309 McGills bus service to Balmaha, which takes 30 minutes.
When I did Conic Hill, I hiked all the way from Balloch. It took a lot longer but it was peaceful. However, I was a bit tired by the time I got to Conic Hill.
You can then take the same bus back to Balloch and return to Glasgow by train. There are also some cute places for a late lunch/early dinner in Balloch.
While Conic Hill is delightful, if you want to cover more ground during your 7 days in Scotland, I highly recommend doing this day tour from Glasgow.
It’s hosted by one of the country’s very best tour operators and takes you to Glencoe, one of the most popular places to see in the Highlands, and small towns and cultural highlights.
For me, it’s one of the very best day trips from Glasgow. The tour goes to some of my absolute favorite places, like Inverarary and Oban, and shows you idyllic landscapes like the Rest and Be Thankful.
I love that it’s a little bit off-the-beaten path compared to some of the some stereotypical places to see in Scotland.
It’s also a really good deal price-wise. For more info on the itinerary and availability, check out this day tour from Glasgow.
If you prefer not to do a tour for whatever reason, you might consider the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Oban. However, this takes a lot longer and isn’t recommended as a day trip.
Day 4 Evening
Once you’re back, feel free to go out for a drink or head to The Stand, Glasgow’s favorite comedy club. There’s always something going on, and Scottish humor is a cultural experience in itself. A fun way to spice up your 1 week Scotland itinerary!
Day 5: Inverness
Another travel day! Today you will enjoy a nice train ride through the lush Scottish countryside to reach Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. The land here has been inhabited for some 8,000 years, according to archeologists.
It sits at the top of Loch Ness with the River Ness running through it. Overall, the city is small with a laidback, friendly feel to it. Spending 2 nights here offers a fantastic base for exploring the Highlands.
Also, during the train ride, you’ll pass the Cairngorms National Park, which is full of gorgeous scenery and wildlife like Highland cows. Keep an eye out!
The train goes from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Inverness. Get the morning train service. The duration is roughly 3 hours and some minutes. You’ll want to secure your tickets in advance here.
Where to Stay in Inverness
Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness: 5-star hotel on the river with dining experience
Blackfriars Inverness: lovely 4-star hotel in a historic townhouse
Inverness Youth Hostel: Budget-friendly hostel in a social space
Day 5 Morning
Train to Inverness: Check out of your Glasgow hotel and take the morning train service to Inverness.
Check into your new hotel: Now check-in to your Inverness hotel and/or drop your bags off.
Day 5 Afternoon
Walk around: I recommend a little wander through the centre of Inverness. See the picturesque views by the river, with the backdrop of Inverness’s old-world architecture.
Leakey’s Bookshop: Gotta love visiting a new bookshop when traveling! This is a famous Scottish bookshop that sells second-hand reads, maps, and other relics. It’s centrally located, so you can stop by during your walk.
Ness Islands: For a lovely walk in Inverness, visit the Ness Islands. It has a serene feel, pretty bridges, and birdwatching.
Culloden: If you’re into Scottish history (or you’re an Outlander fan), you’ll definitely want to hop over to the Culloden Battlefield, fought as part of the Jacobite Rebellion in 1746. It’s a half hour bus ride if you take the 1 or 11 bus service. Or if you can get the 300A bus it will only take 14 minutes.
I also wrote about visiting the Culloden Battlefield and its history.
Day 5 Evening
Dinner: The WaterFront is a popular dinner spot with nice views of River Ness.
Hootananny: Lively place for live music and a weekly ceilidh. I go here every time I’m in Inverness – I love it!
Day 6: Day Trip from Inverness to Skye
I figured we might as well save one of the best days of your trip for last. Today, you’ll get to travel to Isle of Skye, one of the most picturesque of the Scottish isles.
I recommend doing a day trip with a tour operator, as there are no trains on the isle and no efficient public transportation options to get to Skye. I’ve personally done ab Isle of Skye day trip from Inverness and I had an absolute blast.
As with tours, no one fits all travel styles. So, I’m giving you two options. One is more in-depth on Isle of Skye and one covers more places on the mainland, like Loch Ness and the Urquhart Castle.
If you want to head straight to Isle of Skye, this award-wining tour of Skye is going to show you a lot of the isle in 12 wonderful hours.
Your guide will share stories and historic fun facts as you wind your way past the Eilean Donan Castle for a visit and then onto Skye.
From there, you’re in for a real treat. Have lunch in the colorful village of Portree before enjoying views of the legnedary Old Man of Storr and the folklore that comes with that visit.
You’ll also see Kilt Rock and its wondrous waterfall followed by Lochcarron with views of Strome Castle.
Pros: See Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and Strome Castle
Cons: No Fairy Pools
On this Inverness to Skye Tour, you’ll wake up early and meet your tour guide. It’s a small group tour and there’s plenty to see, as you’ll be spending 12 hours away.
This Isle of Skye tour will first take you to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. It’s this gorgeous castle in ruins overlooking the loch. Plus, you’ll get to see the legendary Loch Ness!
Then, stop by the Eilean Donan Castle, located right before you cross over to the Isle of Skye. It’s located at the intersection of three lochs – Loch Alsh, Loch Long, and Loch Duich – and dates back to the 11th century.
Finally, you’ll spend the rest of the day on the Isle of Skye. Explore the colorful village of Portree, do a whisky tasting at Talisker, frolic through the Fairy Pools and waterfalls. All while enjoying tons of unique Scottish landscapes.
Pros: See Fairy Pools, Urquhart Castle
Cons: No Old Man of Storr or Kilt Rock
Day 7: Edinburgh
This morning you’ll wave goodbye to the Highlands and enjoy the last train ride of your 1 week Scotland itinerary.
Instead of returning to Glasgow, you’ll need to book a train from Inverness to Edinburgh. This journey will take 3.5 to 4 hours.
Depending on your flight, you’ll either return to Edinburgh and head to the airport to fly back home. Or, if you are doing a full 7 days in Scotland, then you’ll be able to relax on your last day.
If that’s the case, check into a hotel and do any last minute things you might have missed. Wander through a museum, visit the historic Greyfriars Kirkland cemetery, go shopping for souvenirs or thrifted items, visit a bookstore and cafe – whatever suits your personal travel style.
Above all else, enjoy a slow travel day and make sure you have everything you need for tomorrow’s flight.
FAQ – 1 Week Scotland Itinerary
Here are some common questions in regards to planning a 7 day Scotland itinerary.
Is it easy to travel around Scotland by train?
Yes, it is easy to travel around mainland Scotland by train. If you plan to visit Isle of Skye or one of the other many isles, you won’t be able to get there by train. You’ll need to rent a car, book a tour service, or take a ferry across.
For example, my family lives in Dunoon, a seaside town on Argyll. I get there by first taking a train from Glasgow to Gourock. I then catch a ferry from Gourock to Dunoon.
What is the best mode of transportation in Scotland?
Traveling Scotland by train, hands down. You will need to take a ferry if you want to visit any isles. However, much of Scotland is accessible by train and the views are very lush.
