Cheap 5-Day Scotland Road Trip from Dundee to Glasgow and Edinburgh

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

Dundee is a popular cheap holiday destination in Scotland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Scotland, Dundee 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.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Dundee Contemporary Arts, a remarkable movie theater where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,269 reviews.

A cheap, budget vacation in Dundee should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Dundee, try some of our top recommendations.

The Fort offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters. Or, try Porters Bar & Restaurant, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

The King of Islington is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, The Bank Bar Dundee 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 Salty Dog, 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!

On day 2 of your cheap holiday travels in Scotland, you’ll tour 1: Dundee. You'll stay in Glasgow for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is RRS Discovery. This barque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,529 reviews.

Continue your journey at The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum. This museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,551 travelers from near and far.

Dundee is also the home of Verdant Works. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 803 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Dundee Law. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,396 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

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

Make the most of your budget vacation in Scotland by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Glasgow that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at The Piper Whisky Bar, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on Glaschu Restaurant & Bar, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Gallery Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar 91 provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Scotland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Scotland!

Day 3 of your road trip across Scotland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Glasgow and Skinflats. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to George Square. This square is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Glasgow, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,066 visitors.

Kelvingrove Park is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,336 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Visitors have rated this art museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,580 reviews. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum receives around 1,037,594 visitors every year.

Riverside Museum is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a museum rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,799 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Skinflats. This drive usually takes around 41 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to The Kelpies. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,904 visitors.

While exploring Scotland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Edinburgh has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Edinburgh on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

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

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Chaophraya Thai Restaurant - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, The Newsroom Bar & Eatery promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Panda & Sons, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Cafe Royal is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Ensign Ewart also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

A road trip vacation in Glasgow can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Scotland!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Scotland, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Edinburgh. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Dundee, where you'll stay for 1 night.

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.

National Museum of Scotland is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This national museum is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 45,476 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Edinburgh Castle. This castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 90,949 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Holyrood Palace. A trip to this popular official residence is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.6 out of 5-star rating as given by 17,746 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 local and international travelers.

Dundee 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.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Dundee. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

Bird & Bear stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Don Michele Italian Restaurant offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Gidi Grill Restaurant, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Trades House offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Speedwell Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Draffens is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Scotland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Scotland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Scotland is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dundee.

As you approach the end of your journey in Scotland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Dundee’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Scotland, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Scotland with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Dundee is the remarkable Slessor Gardens. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 864 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Dundee, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Taza Restaurant, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Tickety Boo's features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Rancho Pancho is a highly recommended spot.

You’ll then say farewell to Dundee. 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!