Cheap 6-Day Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh traveling north to Aberdeen

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 4 nights. 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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Edinburgh and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Dean Village will make your cheap holiday in Scotland truly special. This attraction is a fascinating village that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,727 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. An excellent example is the popular Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh). Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Scotland is The Edinburgh Larder. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,804 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Bramble Bar & Lounge. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 743 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Panda & Sons is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,617 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Edinburgh we recommend is The Dome, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,433 customers.

Whiski Bar & Restaurant is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 2,669 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Edinburgh, proving that cheap holidays in Scotland can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Holyrood Park. This attraction is an archaeological site that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,119 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Holyrood Palace. This popular place of interest is a stunning official residence that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,746 visitors.

To make your trip to Edinburgh more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Scottish National Gallery. This well-known art museum attracts up to 660,741 people each year. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,079 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Scottish National Gallery is often mentioned in Scotland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Camera Obscura is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This visitor centre and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,536 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Edinburgh Castle. More than 90,949 visitors have rated this castle and tourist destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Edinburgh does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Edinburgh on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Scotland.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Scotland, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Dishoom Edinburgh, one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,852 reviews.

You can also check out Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,950 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Cafe Andaluz. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,019 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Edinburgh.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Edinburgh for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Chaophraya Thai Restaurant and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,238 customers.

The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,314 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Cafe Royal. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,216 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Edinburgh.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Edinburgh!

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Scotland, Edinburgh. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Edinburgh!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in over 20,765 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable botanical garden is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Royal Mile. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,405 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible The Real Mary King's Close. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination in Edinburgh has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,638 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic St Giles' Cathedral. This cathedral and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,293 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Edinburgh? Then make your way to the outstanding national museum, National Museum of Scotland. This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 45,476 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Edinburgh. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Edinburgh offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Scotland worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Edinburgh has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Edinburgh is The Witchery by the Castle. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,766 customers.

The Kitchin is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,577 reviews. The Kitchin is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in Edinburgh is Tigerlily. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,369 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Edinburgh as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Edinburgh, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit The Bow Bar, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,813 customers.

Albanach serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Edinburgh. Customers have rated Albanach an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,018 reviews.

You could also relax and have drinks at The Ensign Ewart. This bar is popular in Edinburgh for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere. Proof of this claim is clear in its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,604 bar goers.

A road trip vacation in Edinburgh 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 two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Dunfermline and end your day in the city of Aberdeen, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Dunfermline is the amazing Pittencrieff Park. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,956 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Scotland. To have the best affordable travel experience in Scotland, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Scotland unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Scotland.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Aberdeen. Aberdeen is another cheap travel destination in Scotland where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Scotland can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Aberdeen that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Aberdeen is Maggie's Grill. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 587 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Aberdeen, Miller & Carter Aberdeen is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,026 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Aberdeen. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Aberdeen enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,555 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Aberdeen’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Scotland. For example, you can visit Prince Of Wales. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,166 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is The Grill. This popular bar in Aberdeen has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 881 bar-goers.

You can also go to BrewDog Aberdeen as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular BrewDog Aberdeen is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 870 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Aberdeen and end your day in the city of Stonehaven.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Edinburgh for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Scotland.

While you’re in Aberdeen, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Duthie Park. The fantastic Duthie Park is a popular park and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,959 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Queens Links Leisure Park, a well-known top-tier point of interest in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.2 out of a 5 star-rating from 2,883 travelers.

The top-rated Hazlehead Park is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular park and destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2,456 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Aberdeen, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Stonehaven.

Make Dunnottar Castle your first stop. This popular rock castle among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,220 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Stonehaven is the outstanding Stonehaven Harbour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,510 visitors, this remarkable harbor and attraction deserves a spot on your Scotland travel bucket list.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Scotland. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Scotland and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget 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.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Howies Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,817 customers.

Howies Restaurant is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Howies Restaurant is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,828 diners.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Edinburgh, Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,474 bar goers.

Cold Town House is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Edinburgh, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,486 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by The Newsroom Bar & Eatery, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,619 customers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Scotland as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Edinburgh.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Scotland.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Edinburgh is the remarkable Calton Hill. This mountain and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,517 visitors.

You’ll then say farewell to Edinburgh and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Scotland!