Cheap 9-Day Scotland Road Trip from Glasgow to Inverness, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Glasgow, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Glasgow and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Glasgow 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 Glasgow and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing George Square will make your cheap holiday in Scotland truly special. This attraction is a fascinating square that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 20,066 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 Glasgow. An excellent example is the popular Paesano Pizza. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,948 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Scotland is The Willow Tea Rooms. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,255 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 Mono. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,446 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Òran Mór is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 5,385 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Glasgow we recommend is Stereo, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,954 customers.

The Anchor Line is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,659 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.5 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 Glasgow, proving that cheap holidays in Scotland can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This attraction is a botanical garden that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,594 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Kelvingrove Park. This popular place of interest is a stunning park that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,336 visitors.

To make your trip to Glasgow more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Glasgow Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,737 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Glasgow Cathedral is often mentioned in Scotland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Pollok Country Park is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This park and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,112 reviews.

Your discovery of Glasgow does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Glasgow 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 Elia Greek Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Glasgow. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,187 reviews.

You can also check out The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow. 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,179 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is La Lanterna. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,068 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Glasgow.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Glasgow for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Mono and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,446 customers.

The Citizen Glasgow 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 1,260 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit The Piper Whisky Bar. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,323 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Glasgow.

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

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Inverness 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 Riverside Museum. The fantastic Riverside Museum is a popular museum and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,799 travelers.

Make Wallace Monument your first stop. This popular monument among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,772 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Stirling is the outstanding Stirling Castle. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,632 visitors, this remarkable castle and attraction deserves a spot on your Scotland travel bucket list.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park. This attraction, a stunning zoo, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,922 travelers.

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 Inverness. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Inverness, 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 River House, one of the best restaurants in Inverness. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 691 customers.

The Mustard Seed Restaurant is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. The Mustard Seed Restaurant is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,671 diners.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Inverness, Rocpool. 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 4.8 out of 5 stars by 934 bar goers.

Johnny Foxes is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Inverness, with its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,918 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Black Isle Bar & Rooms, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,982 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Scotland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday 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 Inverness 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 Inverness is the amazing Eden Court Inverness. This travel destination is a movie theater that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,725 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Urquhart Castle. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,979 travelers, a visit to this well-known castle and sightseeing spot in Inverness is likely to make your vacation in Scotland even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Inverness is the outstanding Clava cairns. This group has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,316 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Scotland, drop by the popular Fort George. This attraction, an amazing barracks, has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,606 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Cawdor Castle. This castle is a popular attraction rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,900 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 5 of your road trip across Scotland offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Aberdeen and the enchanting Aberdeenshire, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Aberdeen and end the day in Aberdeenshire, where you'll stay for 3 nights.

Buckle up because day 5 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 Aberdeen is the magnificent Duthie Park. Around 3,959 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Hazlehead Park on this leg of your self-drive tour in Scotland. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 2,456 travelers.

The remarkable Aberdeen Maritime Museum is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Scotland. This attraction, an amazing maritime museum, is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,270 travelers.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Dunnottar Castle. This popular site is a valued rock castle in Aberdeenshire and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,220 visitors.

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.

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Scotland.

The Edinburgh Larder 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 1,804 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Edinburgh is The Kitchin, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,577 customers.

Bramble Bar & Lounge offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Edinburgh. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 743 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 Edinburgh’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh) is an excellent example of a great bar in Edinburgh offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Panda & Sons, another of locals’ go-to bars in Edinburgh. Panda & Sons is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,617 customers having rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The Dome is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Edinburgh. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 6,433 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 6 of your road trip adventures in Scotland, you’ll go deep into Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 2 nights, 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 Edinburgh, and meet locals along the way!

Edinburgh 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 Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Edinburgh. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,367 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star YOTEL Edinburgh. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Edinburgh. YOTEL Edinburgh has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 14,149 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Edinburgh should also consider Haymarket Hotel. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Haymarket Hotel has been rated by 6,494 guests with an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding village, Dean Village. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,727 visitors.

The famous Camera Obscura is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible visitor centre and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,536 visitors.

Edinburgh is also the home of the extraordinary Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. This site is a stunning museum that gets more than 238,542 visitors on an annual basis. Around 8,926 travelers have rated the spectacular Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Edinburgh Castle. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 90,949 reviews, a visit to this wonderful castle and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, Dishoom Edinburgh. Locals enjoy eating at Dishoom Edinburgh for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,852 diners.

Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,950 food lovers.

If you want more options, Cafe Andaluz is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Cafe Andaluz has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,019 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Edinburgh? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Edinburgh after dinner. Locals recommend Whiski Bar & Restaurant, 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 2,669 customers.

Chaophraya Thai Restaurant is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Scotland. Chaophraya Thai Restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,238 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Edinburgh.

You might also want to cap the night off at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, a fascinating bar that 2,314 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 7’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 HMY Britannia. This attraction is a royal yacht that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,023 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This popular place of interest is a stunning botanical garden that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 visitors.

To make your trip to Edinburgh more memorable, spend time at the fascinating National Museum of Scotland. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 45,476 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic National Museum of Scotland is often mentioned in Scotland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Holyrood Palace is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This official residence and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,746 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Holyrood Park. More than 12,119 visitors have rated this archaeological site and tourist destination an average of 4.8 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 The Witchery by the Castle, one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,766 reviews.

You can also check out Howies Restaurant. 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,817 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Howies Restaurant. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,828 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 Cafe Royal and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,216 customers.

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

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Tigerlily. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,369 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 8 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Glasgow 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 Edinburgh, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Royal Mile. The fantastic Royal Mile is a popular must-see tourist destination and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,405 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible The Real Mary King's Close, a well-known must-see tourist destination in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.5 out of a 5 star-rating from 10,638 travelers.

The top-rated St Giles' Cathedral is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular cathedral and destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 9,293 travelers.

Make Falkirk Wheel your first stop. This popular boat lift among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,951 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Falkirk is the outstanding The Kelpies. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,904 visitors, this remarkable sculpture 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 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.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Chaophraya, one of the best restaurants in Glasgow. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,386 customers.

Ardnamurchan Scottish Restaurant & Bar is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Ardnamurchan Scottish Restaurant & Bar is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 868 diners.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Glasgow, The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow. 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 1,179 bar goers.

Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Glasgow, with its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,038 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Alston Bar & Beef, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 785 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 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Glasgow.

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 Glasgow is the remarkable Glasgow Green. This stadium and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,762 visitors.

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