Cheap 5-Day Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh traveling north to Dundee

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible region of Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 2 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 region 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 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.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh). This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,814 customers.

Another dining option is The Edinburgh Larder. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. The Edinburgh Larder has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,804 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Bramble Bar & Lounge for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 743 customers have rated the irresistible Bramble Bar & Lounge an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Panda & Sons. This bar is considered one of the best in Edinburgh and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,617 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Dome, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,433 customers. Alternatively, go to Whiski Bar & Restaurant. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Edinburgh and boasts an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,669 reviews.

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

Day 2 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!

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

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

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Dishoom Edinburgh. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,852 customers.

Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre is another local-favorite restaurant in Edinburgh. Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,950 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Cafe Andaluz is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Edinburgh. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 of 5 stars from around 3,019 customers.

One great example is Chaophraya Thai Restaurant. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,238 customers.

The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh is another popular bar in Edinburgh. If you ask the 2,314 customers who have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars, The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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 3 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.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Scottish National Gallery. This art museum gets 660,741 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,079 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Camera Obscura. This visitor centre has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,536 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Edinburgh Castle. This castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 90,949 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Holyrood Palace. This official residence is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,746 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Holyrood Park. This archaeological site is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,119 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Dundee. This car ride takes around 1 hour 35 min.

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

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

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Scotland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Dundee that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Gidi Grill Restaurant. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 614 customers.

Taza Restaurant is another local-favorite restaurant in Dundee. Taza Restaurant serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,747 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, The Bach is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Edinburgh. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 of 5 stars from around 985 customers.

An excellent example is Trades House, which has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,466 customers.

Another of the best bars you should consider going to is Tickety Boo's. This bar offers a selection of great meals and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 990 customers.

Locals also enjoy Bird & Bear, and you might too. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 898 customers, an after-dinner drink at Bird & Bear is the perfect way to end this day.

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

Day 4 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 — Stonehaven, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh.

Stonehaven’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Dundee behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. Stonehaven welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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

Next, make your way to Stonehaven Harbour. This top attraction is a harbor with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,510 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Stonehaven, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Aberdeen may take around 28 min. Upon your arrival in Aberdeen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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 Edinburgh may take around 2 hours 30 min. Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the region'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.

Eat at The Witchery by the Castle. 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 The Kitchin. 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 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,577 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Tigerlily. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,369 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

When you’ve finished dinner and you’re in the mood for a drink, we recommend visiting one of the best bars in Edinburgh. The Bow Bar offers plenty of drink options for every taste and budget. Around 1,813 customers have given this bar an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Alternatively, go to a bar that locals recommend, like Albanach. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,018 customers.

If you're looking for something else, check out The Ensign Ewart. This bar is one of the best places to enjoy a drink and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,604 customers.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Scotland is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Edinburgh.

Optimize your last day in Scotland and go on a shopping spree in Edinburgh’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 Edinburgh.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Edinburgh, consider a top-rated restaurant like Howies Restaurant. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,817 customers.

Howies Restaurant 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 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,828 customers.

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!