Cheap 7-Day Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Glasgow

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 3 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 The Edinburgh Larder. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,804 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Scotland is The Kitchin. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,577 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.

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh) is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 2,814 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 Panda & Sons, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,617 customers.

The Dome is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 6,433 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.6 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 Whiski Bar & Restaurant and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,669 customers.

Chaophraya Thai Restaurant 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,314 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!

On day 3 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh is the amazing Royal Mile. This travel destination is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,405 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible The Real Mary King's Close. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,638 travelers, a visit to this well-known best-rated sightseeing destination and sightseeing spot in Edinburgh is likely to make your vacation in Scotland even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Edinburgh is the outstanding National Museum of Scotland. This national museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 45,476 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Scotland, drop by the popular HMY Britannia. This attraction, an amazing royal yacht, has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,023 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden is a popular attraction rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,765 visitors from all over the globe.

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, COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Aberdeen is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,555 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is The Silver Darling. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Aberdeen enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,130 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 Miller & Carter Aberdeen. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,026 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Prince Of Wales. This popular bar in Aberdeen has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,166 bar-goers.

You can also go to The Grill as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular The Grill is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 881 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 4 of your road trip across Scotland offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Stonehaven and the enchanting Stirling, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Stonehaven and end the day in Stirling, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Buckle up because day 4 of your affordable vacation in Scotland will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Stonehaven is the magnificent Dunnottar Castle. Around 10,220 visitors have rated this excellent rock castle and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Stonehaven, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Stirling.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Stirling Castle. This popular site is a valued castle in Stirling and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,632 visitors.

Another must-visit in Stirling is the spectacular Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park. This outstanding zoo and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 7,922 travelers.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Scotland. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Scotland. Make your cheap holiday experience in Scotland more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Glasgow offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Scotland. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Glasgow offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Scotland.

Paesano Pizza is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,948 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Glasgow is The Willow Tea Rooms, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,255 customers.

Mono offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Glasgow. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,446 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Glasgow’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Òran Mór is an excellent example of a great bar in Glasgow offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,385 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Stereo, another of locals’ go-to bars in Glasgow. Stereo is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,954 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The Anchor Line is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Glasgow. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 1,659 bar-goers.

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

On day 5 of your road trip adventures in Scotland, you’ll go deep into Glasgow, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Glasgow, and meet locals along the way!

Glasgow offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Glasgow. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,407 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star YOTEL Glasgow. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Glasgow. YOTEL Glasgow has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 15,249 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Glasgow should also consider Holiday Inn Express Glasgow - City Center Theatreland. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Holiday Inn Express Glasgow - City Center Theatreland has been rated by 7,196 guests with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Glasgow offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Glasgow the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding botanical garden, Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,594 visitors.

The famous Kelvingrove Park is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible park and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,336 visitors.

Glasgow is also the home of the extraordinary Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This site is a stunning art museum that gets more than 1,037,594 visitors on an annual basis. Around 19,580 travelers have rated the spectacular Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Riverside Museum. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 16,799 reviews, a visit to this wonderful museum and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This day of your road trip through Scotland is also your chance to admire the fantastic Pollok Country Park up close. This fascinating park and attraction is a must-visit. The marvelous Pollok Country Park enjoys an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,112 travelers.

Come to Glasgow prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Scotland. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Glasgow.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Glasgow, Elia Greek Restaurant. Locals enjoy eating at Elia Greek Restaurant for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,187 diners.

The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,179 food lovers.

If you want more options, La Lanterna is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why La Lanterna has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,068 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Glasgow? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Glasgow after dinner. Locals recommend Mono, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,446 customers.

The Citizen Glasgow is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Scotland. The Citizen Glasgow has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,260 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Glasgow.

You might also want to cap the night off at The Piper Whisky Bar, a fascinating bar that 1,323 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Scotland!

Day 6 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 Glasgow and end your day in the city of Skinflats.

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 Glasgow, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing George Square. The fantastic George Square is a popular square and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 20,066 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Glasgow Cathedral, a well-known cathedral in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.6 out of a 5 star-rating from 6,737 travelers.

The top-rated Glasgow Green is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular stadium and destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 10,762 travelers.

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

Make The Kelpies your first stop. This popular sculpture among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,904 visitors.

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 The Witchery by the Castle, one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,766 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,817 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Howies Restaurant, another well-loved restaurant in Edinburgh. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,828 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Scotland.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Edinburgh, Cafe Royal. 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,216 bar goers.

The Bow Bar 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 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,813 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Tigerlily, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,369 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 7 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!