Cheap One-Week Scotland Road Trip from Inverness traveling south to Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh

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

Inverness is a popular cheap holiday destination in Scotland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Scotland, Inverness 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 Eden Court Inverness, a remarkable movie theater where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,725 reviews.

Savor the culinary delights of Inverness, 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.

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

Visit The Gunsmiths Bar, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. The Malt Room serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Inverness. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is MacCallums Bar.

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

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Scotland, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Inverness and Cawdor. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Aberdeen, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Inverness, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Aberdeen. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 12 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Clava cairns. This much-appreciated group is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,316 reviews.

Cawdor welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Kick off the day at Cawdor Castle, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,900 reviews.

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.

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

Discover the heart of Aberdeen through its culinary scene, starting with Fierce Bar Aberdeen. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Mi Amore, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Foodstory, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Northern Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. The Grill is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Old Blackfriars provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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 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 5 wonderful destinations — Falkirk, Stonehaven, Skinflats, Blackness, and Larbert. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Glasgow, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Set your GPS to Falkirk and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 11 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Falkirk beckons with new experiences!

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Callendar Park. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,686 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Aberdeen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Stonehaven may take around 24 min. Upon your arrival in Stonehaven, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Journey into the unknown at Dunnottar Castle, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable rock castle has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,220 reviews.

After soaking in Larbert’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 15 min. When you arrive in Skinflats, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make The Kelpies your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sculpture an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,904 reviews.

Glasgow 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 Glasgow. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at The Piper Whisky Bar, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow, 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 Glaschu Restaurant & Bar, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into The Gallery Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Bar 91 offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Scotland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a 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 Glasgow. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 3 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Edinburgh. This car ride takes around 1 hour 10 min.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at George Square. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,066 visitors.

When you’re finished at George Square, head to Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This one-of-a-kind botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,594 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Riverside Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,799 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This art museum is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,580 visitors. Around 1,037,594 travelers visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum every year.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Kelvingrove Park. This famous park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,336 travelers.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Edinburgh, 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.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Chaophraya Thai Restaurant is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to The Newsroom Bar & Eatery, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Panda & Sons, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Cafe Royal. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at The Ensign Ewart, another top-rated place in the area.

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!

Day 5 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.

Drop by the renowned HMY Britannia. This popular royal yacht has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,023 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,765 visitors, this botanical garden deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to National Museum of Scotland. This national museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 45,476 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Holyrood Palace. This official residence and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,746 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Holyrood Park. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,119 travelers, this archaeological site is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Edinburgh.

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Scotland sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Scotland. Scotland has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Scotland that will fill you with new inspiration.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Edinburgh offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Scotland.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Cafe Andaluz offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House is the perfect spot for you!

Hoot The Redeemer is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Albanach 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 Bow Bar, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.

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

On day 6 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Scotland, you’ll go deep into Edinburgh and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Edinburgh — 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Edinburgh Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 90,949 reviews.

Continue your journey at Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. This museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,926 travelers from near and far. Approximately 238,542 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 Scottish National Gallery. A total of 660,741 people explore this attraction every year. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,079 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.

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.

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.

The Kitchin offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to The Witchery by the Castle. Or, try Whiski Bar & Restaurant, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

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

On day 7 of your cheap holiday travels in Scotland, you’ll tour 2: Edinburgh and Stirling. You'll stay in Inverness for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Edinburgh, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Stirling may take around 1 hour. Upon your arrival in Stirling, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Royal Mile. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,405 reviews.

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

Edinburgh is also the home of St Giles' Cathedral. This cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,293 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Edinburgh and set your GPS to Stirling. 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 1 hour. Upon reaching Stirling, 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 Stirling Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,632 visitors.

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

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, Inverness 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 of exploring, unwind at the popular Cafe V8, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Scotch & Rye is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Johnny Foxes.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Hootananny, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Gellions Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Innes Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Scotland is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Inverness.

Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Inverness’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Scotland. Take home a piece of Scotland with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Inverness, consider a top-rated restaurant like Bar One Inverness, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Black Isle Bar & Rooms is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is The Mustard Seed Restaurant, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Inverness.

You’ll then say farewell to Inverness. 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!