Cheap 11-Day Scotland Road Trip from Dundee to Elgin, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible region of Dundee, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Dundee and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Dundee is a popular cheap holiday destination in Scotland with something to offer every traveler. More than a region in Scotland, Dundee 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.

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

Visit the popular Gidi Grill Restaurant. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 614 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Scotland is Taza Restaurant. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,747 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful The Bach. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 985 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Trades House offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,466 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Dundee, check out Tickety Boo's. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 990 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Bird & Bear. Bird & Bear offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 898 reviews.

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

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

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

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

Eat at Rancho Pancho. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 636 reviews.

You can also check out Tailend Dundee. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 653 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 571 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Enjoy a drink or two at Don Michele Italian Restaurant. Around 522 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, where you can relax and have some fun. Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,104 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is The Bank Bar Dundee, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars in 575 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland will take you to the region of Elgin, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Elgin, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Scotland, including Dundee, Stonehaven, and Elgin.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Desperate Dan Statue. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 249 visitors.

When you’re finished at Desperate Dan Statue, head to The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,551 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Dundee, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Stonehaven. Your travel time is around 59 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Dunnottar Castle. This rock castle is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,220 visitors.

Stonehaven War Memorial is another popular attraction you could visit today. This landmark has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 598 visitors.

Stonehaven Harbour is also highly recommended by travelers. This harbor has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,510 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Stonehaven and set your GPS to Elgin. 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 39 min. Upon reaching Elgin, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

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

Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Scotland offers you the chance to visit 5 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Peterhead, Cruden Bay, Bullers of Buchan, Macduff, and Aberdeen. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Aberdeen.

After soaking in Elgin’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Macduff. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 55 min. When you arrive in Macduff, it's time to take a break from the road.

Drop by the renowned Macduff Marine Aquarium. This popular public aquarium has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,415 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Macduff, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Peterhead may take around 50 min. Upon your arrival in Peterhead, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like HM Prison Peterhead. This extraordinary prison has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,684 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Peterhead, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bullers of Buchan may take around 9 min. Upon your arrival in Bullers of Buchan, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Bullers of Buchan. This much-appreciated village is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 691 reviews.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the region of Aberdeen. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Aberdeen, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

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

You could check out Maggie's Grill, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 587 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Miller & Carter Aberdeen is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,026 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Aberdeen. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Aberdeen has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,555 customer reviews.

After dinner, visit Prince Of Wales, which is considered one of the best bars in the region of Aberdeen. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,166 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Grill. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 881 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend BrewDog Aberdeen. This bar, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 870 customers, is one of the best bars in the region of Aberdeen.

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

On day 5 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Scotland, you’ll go deep into Aberdeen, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Aberdeen, and meet locals along the way!

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.

A cheap, budget vacation in Aberdeen should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Aberdeen, try some of our top recommendations.

We recommend a local favorite like The Silver Darling. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,130 customers.

Foodstory is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Aberdeen. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 958 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Aberdeen you might want to check out is Rustico. Rustico is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 931 reviews.

No.10 Bar and Restaurant offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 746 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Aberdeen, check out Ninety-Nine. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 587 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Fierce Bar Aberdeen. Fierce Bar Aberdeen offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 438 reviews.

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 road trip across Scotland is another proof that cheap holidays in Scotland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 3 wonderful destinations — Aberdeen, Glamis, and Edinburgh.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Previous visitors have rated this maritime museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,270 reviews.

Queens Links Leisure Park is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 2,883 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is David Welch Winter Gardens. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 575 reviews.

Duthie Park is another outstanding experience in Aberdeen. Around 3,959 travelers have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Set your GPS to Glamis and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Glamis beckons with new experiences!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Glamis Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,669 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Glamis, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Edinburgh. Your travel time is around 1 hour 41 min.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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 region.

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 restaurant we recommend you try in Edinburgh is Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh). This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,814 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Edinburgh, The Edinburgh Larder is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,804 diners.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Panda & Sons is our number one recommendation. Around 1,617 customers have rated this bar 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The Dome also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,433 reviews.

Whiski Bar & Restaurant is another popular place to spend the evening in Edinburgh. This bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,669 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the region of Edinburgh!

Day 7 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Edinburgh, proving that cheap holidays in Scotland can be extraordinary.

For a truly remarkable cheap holiday experience in Edinburgh, join budget-friendly activities on this day of your vacation. Tours offer you a chance to take a closer look into Edinburgh and the culture of past or present-day Scotland.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Edinburgh, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the region's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

You could check out Dishoom Edinburgh, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,852 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,950 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Cafe Andaluz. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Cafe Andaluz has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,019 customer reviews.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Edinburgh, Chaophraya Thai Restaurant. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,238 bar-goers.

The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh 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 2,314 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Cafe Royal, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,216 customers.

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

Day 8 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Scotland. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Edinburgh!

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.

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.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try The Witchery by the Castle, one of the top-rated restaurants in the region. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,766 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend The Kitchin, so you'll want to drop by this place. The Kitchin serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,577 customers.

Another must-try in the region of Edinburgh is Tigerlily. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,369 customers.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the region of Edinburgh, The Bow Bar. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,813 customers.

Albanach is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,018 customers.

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!

Day 9 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!

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Edinburgh. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

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 spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the region's best places to eat and drink.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Howies Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,817 customers.

Another dining option is Howies Restaurant. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Howies Restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,828 reviews.

Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House is an excellent example of a great bar in Edinburgh offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,474 customers.

You can also hang out at Cold Town House, another of locals’ go-to bars in Edinburgh. Cold Town House is among the best region bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,486 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The Newsroom Bar & Eatery 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 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 1,619 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 10 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Scotland, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Edinburgh and Dundee. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the region of Dundee.

Start your day with a visit to Calton Hill. This extraordinary mountain is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,517 visitors.

Next, make your way to The Edinburgh Dungeon. This top attraction is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,688 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Royal Mile. This point of interest is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,405 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit The Real Mary King's Close. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,638 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at St Giles' Cathedral. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,293 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Dundee. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 23 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

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

A cheap, budget vacation in Dundee should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Dundee, try some of our top recommendations.

We recommend a local favorite like Porters Bar & Restaurant. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 534 customers.

Premier Inn Dundee Centre hotel is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Dundee. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,161 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Dundee you might want to check out is Mozza Dundee. Mozza Dundee is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,016 reviews.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Draffens, one of the best bars in the region. Draffens is an excellent place to have a refreshing evening drink after exploring Dundee. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 352 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at The Speedwell Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 342 customers.

Mexican Grill Dundee also belongs to the list of the best bars in Dundee, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 327 customers.

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 11 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dundee.

Optimize your last day in Scotland and go on a shopping spree in Dundee’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Scotland, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Dundee, consider a top-rated restaurant like Tahini. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 737 customers.

Milas is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 290 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Dundee. 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!