Cheap 4-Day Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh traveling east to Aberdeen

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Edinburgh and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Edinburgh is a popular cheap holiday destination in Scotland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Scotland, Edinburgh is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Make Royal Mile one of your first sightseeing stops in Edinburgh. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,405 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Edinburgh has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Chaophraya Thai Restaurant. Or, try The Newsroom Bar & Eatery, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Panda & Sons is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Cafe Royal is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at The Ensign Ewart, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Scotland!

Day 2 of your road trip across Scotland offers you the chance to visit 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Edinburgh. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Aberdeen, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Edinburgh Castle. This much-appreciated castle is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 90,949 reviews.

Next up is National Museum of Scotland. This national museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 45,476 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Holyrood Park. This archaeological site has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 12,119 reviews.

Holyrood Palace is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This official residence has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,746 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,765 reviews.

Aberdeen offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Scotland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Aberdeen is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Mi Amore is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Foodstory, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Northern Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Grill offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Old Blackfriars provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Scotland!

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Scotland, you’ll tour 3: Balmedie, Stonehaven, and St Cyrus. You'll stay in Edinburgh for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Aberdeen and set your GPS to Balmedie. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 20 min. Upon reaching Balmedie, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready to see some sights, Balmedie Country Park is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 750 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Balmedie and set your GPS to Stonehaven. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 37 min. Upon reaching Stonehaven, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Dunnottar Castle. This extraordinary rock castle has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,220 visitors.

Next, make your way to Stonehaven War Memorial. This landmark is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 598 reviews.

While in Stonehaven, we also recommend a visit to Stonehaven Harbour. This harbor has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,510 reviews.

St Cyrus’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Stonehaven behind. This drive usually takes around 27 min. St Cyrus welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make St Cyrus National Nature Reserve - viewpoint one of your first sightseeing stops in St Cyrus. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,219 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Edinburgh. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Edinburgh, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Edinburgh has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Cafe Andaluz, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Hoot The Redeemer, known for its inviting atmosphere. Albanach is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Bow Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Scotland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Scotland is about to end. Day 4 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Edinburgh.

Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Edinburgh’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Scotland. Take home a piece of Scotland with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Edinburgh is the remarkable Dean Village. This village and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,727 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Edinburgh, consider a top-rated restaurant like The Kitchin, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. The Witchery by the Castle is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Whiski Bar & Restaurant, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Edinburgh.

You’ll then say farewell to Edinburgh. 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!