Cheap 6-Day Scotland Road Trip from Dundee traveling south to Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, and Glasgow

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.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Dundee Contemporary Arts. Previous visitors have rated this movie theater an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,269 reviews.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Scotland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Dundee is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at The Fort, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Porters Bar & Restaurant, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

The King of Islington is an excellent example of a great bar in Dundee offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at The Bank Bar Dundee, another of locals’ go-to bars in Dundee. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Dundee, The Salty Dog is for you.

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 Edinburgh for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

When you’ve had your share of Dundee, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Edinburgh. Your travel time is around 1 hour 27 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Dundee, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,551 visitors.

RRS Discovery is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,529 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Magdalen Green railway station. Visitors have rated this former railway station an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 855 reviews.

Dundee Law is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a mountain rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,396 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Baxter Park, perhaps the most famous park in Dundee. This attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,306 travelers.

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.

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 Edinburgh that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Start your foodie adventure at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss The Newsroom Bar & Eatery, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Panda & Sons, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Cafe Royal provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Ensign Ewart offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland will take you to the town of Dumfries and Galloway, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Dumfries and Galloway, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Scotland, including Edinburgh, Skinflats, and Larbert.

After soaking in Edinburgh’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Skinflats. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 51 min. When you arrive in Skinflats, it's time to take a break from the road.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Holyrood Palace. Previous visitors have rated this official residence an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,746 reviews.

Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,926 reviews. The attraction welcomes 238,542 visitors every year.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Edinburgh Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 90,949 reviews.

The attraction gets an estimated 238,542 visitors every year.

When you’ve had your share of Edinburgh, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Skinflats. Your travel time is around 51 min.

Make The Kelpies one of your first sightseeing stops in Skinflats. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,904 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

After soaking in Skinflats’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Larbert. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 15 min. When you arrive in Larbert, it's time to take a break from the road.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Falkirk Wheel. This boat lift is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 15,951 visitors.

Dumfries and Galloway 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 town.

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. Dumfries and Galloway has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Barrel, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

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

Day 4 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 Glasgow, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Edinburgh, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Dumfries and Galloway to Edinburgh may take around 1 hour 57 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is National Museum of Scotland. This national museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 45,476 reviews.

Continue your journey at The Real Mary King's Close. This point of interest is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,638 travelers from near and far.

Edinburgh is also the home of Royal Mile. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,405 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,765 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Dean Village. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,727 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this village.

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.

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

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular The Piper Whisky Bar, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Glaschu Restaurant & Bar.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Gallery Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar 91, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Scotland! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Glasgow!

Day 5 of your road trip across Scotland is another proof that cheap holidays in Scotland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 2 wonderful destinations — Glasgow and Stirling. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Dundee, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Stirling. This car ride takes around 39 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to George Square. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,066 reviews.

Next up is Kelvingrove Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,336 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This art museum has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,580 reviews. Every year, 1,037,594 travelers include this attraction on their travel itinerary.

Riverside Museum is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,799 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Stirling, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Glasgow to Stirling may take around 39 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Stirling, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Stirling Castle. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,632 reviews.

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

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.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Bird & Bear, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Don Michele Italian Restaurant, 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 Gidi Grill Restaurant, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Trades House, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Speedwell Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Dundee. Draffens is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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!

Your budget road trip vacation in Scotland is about to end. Day 6 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.

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!