Cheap 7-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 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. 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.

When you're ready to see some sights, Dean Village is a great place to start. This village is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,727 visitors.

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

The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh 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, Chaophraya Thai Restaurant offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at The Newsroom Bar & Eatery, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Panda & Sons offers many snacks and liquors at different price points. But if you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Edinburgh, check out Cafe Royal. You can also ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination at The Ensign Ewart.

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

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Edinburgh, proving that cheap holidays in Scotland can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the city. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Edinburgh, with 2 nights to stay in the area.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,765 reviews.

Continue your journey at Scottish National Gallery. This art museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,079 travelers from near and far. Approximately 660,741 people come to this place of interest every year to enjoy a unique experience in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is also the home of Camera Obscura. This visitor centre has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,536 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. A total of 238,542 people explore this attraction every year. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,926 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Edinburgh Castle. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 90,949 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this castle.

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.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Edinburgh, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Cafe Andaluz is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Hoot The Redeemer offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices. When you're in the mood for a classic drink or something more adventurous, Albanach is the perfect place. For a unique experience, visit The Bow Bar, known for its vibrant atmosphere and offerings that suit every palate.

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

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in Edinburgh. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Edinburgh and check out the most popular dining spots. You still have 1 night left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!

Take the opportunity to see Holyrood Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,119 visitors.

Holyrood Palace is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This official residence has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,746 travelers.

Edinburgh is also the home of Royal Mile. Around 14,405 people have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is The Real Mary King's Close. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from a total of 10,638 reviews, a visit to this sightseeing destination is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Edinburgh is also your chance to admire National Museum of Scotland. This must-visit national museum enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 45,476 reviews.

Scotland is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Scotland, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Scotland. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Scotland that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

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, Edinburgh 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.

The Kitchin 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, The Witchery by the Castle offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Whiski Bar & Restaurant, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

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

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Scotland, you’ll tour 5: Falkland, Dunfermline, Crosshill, St Andrews, and Glenrothes. You'll stay in Aberdeen for 2 nights, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

St Andrews’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Falkland behind. This drive usually takes around 36 min. St Andrews welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Journey into the unknown at Falkland Palace & Garden, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,711 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Edinburgh and set your GPS to Dunfermline. 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 44 min. Upon reaching Dunfermline, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Pittencrieff Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,956 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Dunfermline, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Crosshill. This drive usually takes around 25 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take the opportunity to see Lochore Meadows. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,003 visitors.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Aberdeen, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

Start your foodie adventure at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Mi Amore, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Foodstory, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Northern Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Grill, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Old Blackfriars provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Day 5’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Stonehaven, proving that cheap holidays in Scotland can be extraordinary. You have ample time, or 1 night, to stay in Stonehaven. So make the most of today by going to the best places to visit, eat, and drink in the town.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Duthie Park. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,959 reviews.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This maritime museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,270 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Hazlehead Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,456 reviews.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

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 of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Miller & Carter Aberdeen, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Maggie's Grill, 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 Malmaison Aberdeen, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into Krakatoa, considered one of the best bars in Aberdeen. You can also enjoy drinks at Prince Of Wales, known for its fun atmosphere.

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

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland will take you to the city of Edinburgh, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Edinburgh, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Scotland, including Glamis and Dundee.

After soaking in Aberdeen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Glamis. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 6 min. When you arrive in Glamis, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Glamis Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,669 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Dundee, 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 Glamis to Dundee may take around 26 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Dundee, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,551 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Dundee Contemporary Arts. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,269 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this movie theater every year.

RRS Discovery is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This barque has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,529 visitors.

Edinburgh 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.

Savor the culinary delights of Edinburgh, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Cold Town House, 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 The Dome - 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 The Edinburgh Larder, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

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 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Edinburgh.

On your last day in Scotland, take time to indulge in shopping at Edinburgh’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Scotland. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Scotland forever.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Edinburgh, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Howies Restaurant, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Bramble Bar & Lounge features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Howies Restaurant is a highly recommended spot.

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!