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A 7-Day Glasgow and Edinburgh Itinerary for May 2024

Scotland's two biggest cities offer rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful scenery. Explore Glasgow's art scene, then immerse yourself in Edinburgh's ancient beauty.

Use this itinerary to make the most of your week in Scotland's cultural heartland:

  1. Day 1: Glasgow - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
    15 minutes (2.1 miles) from Glasgow City Centre

    In the morning, explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of arms and armor, as well as many beautiful paintings and sculptures. In the afternoon, take a stroll in Kelvingrove Park. For dinner, we recommend visiting the Ubiquitous Chip, a restaurant located in a beautiful Victorian townhouse.

  2. Day 2: Glasgow - Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis
    25 minutes (2.2 miles) from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

    Start your day with a visit to Glasgow Cathedral. The medieval church is a great example of Scottish Gothic architecture. In the afternoon, take a walk to the Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery that offers a panoramic view of the city. For dinner, head to The Gannet for a taste of modern Scottish cuisine.

  3. Day 3: Edinburgh - Edinburgh Castle
    1 hour (47 miles) from Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

    Start your day with a road trip to Edinburgh and head straight to the castle. The castle dominates the city's skyline and is packed with history. In the afternoon, take a stroll down the Royal Mile, stopping at the many shops along the way. For dinner, we suggest trying out Dishoom, which serves up delicious Indian food with stunning city views.

  4. Day 4: Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
    15 minutes (1.3 miles) from Edinburgh Castle

    Spend the morning exploring the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which is home to over 13,000 plant species. In the afternoon, head to the Scottish National Gallery, which features art from many famous European masters. For dinner, we recommend trying out The Witchery, which is located in a historic building and serves up some of the best Scottish cuisine in the city.

  5. Day 5: Edinburgh - Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace
    20 minutes (1.8 miles) from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    Start your day with a hike up to Arthur's Seat, which offers stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, head to Holyrood Palace, which is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. For dinner, we suggest visiting The Dogs, which serves up traditional Scottish fare in a cozy setting.

  6. Day 6: Glasgow - Glasgow Science Centre and IMAX Cinema
    1 hour (46 miles) from Holyrood Palace

    In the morning, take a trip back to Glasgow to visit the Glasgow Science Centre and IMAX Cinema. The center offers many interactive exhibits and the cinema screens films in 3D. In the afternoon, head to the Riverside Museum to learn about Glasgow's transport history. For dinner, we recommend visiting the Finnieston, which serves up delicious seafood dishes.

  7. Day 7: Glasgow - Pollok Country Park and Burrell Collection
    30 minutes (5.4 miles) from Glasgow Science Centre and IMAX Cinema

    Start your day with a visit to Pollok Country Park, which is Glasgow's largest park. The park contains many walking trails and is home to the Burrell Collection, which houses many works of art and artifacts from around the world. For dinner, we suggest visiting The Gannet for a taste of modern Scottish cuisine.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider taking a side trip to the nearby Loch Lomond for a day of hiking or kayaking. You might also consider attending a show at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, which is one of Scotland's premier performance venues.

To make the most of your Scottish adventure, we suggest planning your itinerary well in advance. Be sure to book your accommodations and transportation early to avoid disappointment. Don't forget to use this link to check for hotel and flight deals before your trip!

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (3 hours, Free)
  • Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis (3 hours, Free)
  • Edinburgh Castle (3 hours, £18.50)
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (2 hours, Free)
  • Scottish National Gallery (2 hours, Free)
  • Arthur's Seat (2 hours, Free)
  • Holyrood Palace (2 hours, £16.50)
  • Glasgow Science Centre and IMAX Cinema (3 hours, £12.50)
  • Riverside Museum (2 hours, Free)
  • Pollok Country Park and Burrell Collection (3 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £47.00
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