Aberdeen Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen is known as the Granite City, and it doesn’t look like anywhere else in Scotland. Almost the entire city center is built from the local silver-grey granite, and when the sun comes out (which happens more often than Aberdeen’s reputation suggests), the mica in the stone makes whole streets sparkle. We lived in Scotland for several years and have visited Aberdeen a number of times, to see the city itself, to use it as a base for exploring the northeast of Scotland, and as the start and end point for driving the North East 250 route. In this travel guide we’ll share all our favorite things to do in Aberdeen, plus everything you need to plan your visit.

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, but it sees far fewer visitors than Edinburgh or Glasgow, and we think it deserves more attention than it gets. The city has grand architecture, historical districts, beautiful gardens, interesting museums (almost all of which are free!), good restaurants, internationally known golf courses, fun festivals, and even a long sandy beach. The wider Aberdeenshire area adds whisky distilleries, dozens of castles, and the Cairngorms National Park.

We’ve organized this guide with the attractions first, divided by area: central Aberdeen, Old Aberdeen, the areas outside the city center, and day trips into Aberdeenshire. All the practical planning information (getting to Aberdeen, getting around, where to stay, and how to save money) comes after the list.

Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? Our Quick Take

Yes, Aberdeen is worth visiting, and it works especially well if you’ve already seen Edinburgh and Glasgow and want a different side of Scotland. We’d suggest planning 2 to 3 days for the city, or longer if you want to use it as a base for exploring Aberdeenshire’s castles, distilleries, and coastline.

Aberdeen suits travelers who enjoy architecture, history, and museums (the granite buildings and free city museums are the core of a visit here), golfers (the region has over 50 courses, including some of the oldest in the world), and anyone planning castle or whisky day trips. Families are also well served, with a science center, an amusement park by the beach, parks with good playgrounds, and a soft play park nearby. If this is your first trip to Scotland and you only have a week, we’d still point you to Edinburgh and the Highlands first, but as a second or third trip, or a 2 to 3 day add-on, Aberdeen is a rewarding choice.

Two practical points address the most common worries. First, cost: Aberdeen is one of the cheapest city breaks in the UK on the attractions side, because almost all of its museums, galleries, parks, and churches are free to enter. Second, weather: yes, it’s a North Sea city and rain is always possible, but a lot of the best attractions here are indoors, so a wet day doesn’t sink a visit (we cover this in the table below).

Aberdeen Attractions at a Glance

Here is a quick comparison of the headline attractions to help you plan, including which are free and which work on a rainy day. Full details on each are in the sections that follow.

Attraction	Type	Cost	Time Needed	Indoor / Outdoor
Aberdeen Maritime Museum	Museum	Free	1 to 2 hours	Indoor
Marischal College	Architecture	Free (exterior)	30 minutes	Outdoor
Provost Skene’s House	Historic house	Free	About 1 hour	Indoor (seasonal, spring to autumn)
Tolbooth Museum	Museum	Free	About 1 hour	Indoor
Aberdeen Art Gallery	Gallery	Free	1 to 2 hours	Indoor
Union Terrace Gardens	Park	Free	30 to 60 minutes	Outdoor
Aberdeen Science Centre	Family attraction	Paid	1 to 2 hours	Indoor
Aberdeen Beach & Boardwalk	Beach	Free	1 to 2 hours	Outdoor
King’s College Chapel	Architecture	Free	30 minutes	Both
St. Machar’s Cathedral	Church	Free	30 to 60 minutes	Indoor
Brig o’ Balgownie	Landmark	Free	30 minutes (plus walk)	Outdoor
Duthie Park & David Welch Winter Gardens	Park & indoor garden	Free	1 to 2 hours	Both (Winter Gardens indoor)
Gordon Highlanders Museum	Museum	Paid	1 to 2 hours	Indoor (closed Sun & Mon)
Footdee (Fittie)	Historic village	Free	30 to 60 minutes	Outdoor
Dunnottar Castle (day trip)	Castle ruin	Paid	Half day	Outdoor

If you get a wet day (always possible in Scotland), the Maritime Museum, Art Gallery, Tolbooth Museum, Provost Skene’s House, Science Centre, and the David Welch Winter Gardens make a full indoor day, and all but the Science Centre are free. Save the fair days for Old Aberdeen, the beach, Footdee, the harbor walks, and the gardens, when the granite is at its best in the sunshine.

Why Is Aberdeen Called the Granite City?

Aberdeen’s defining feature is its stone. For well over a century, the city built almost everything (from grand public buildings to ordinary tenement housing) out of granite from local quarries, including the enormous Rubislaw Quarry on the city’s west side. Granite is hard, durable, and full of mica, which is why Aberdeen’s buildings still look crisp today and why they sparkle silver when the sun hits them. The city’s old nickname, “the Silver City with the Golden Sands”, sums it up: silver granite streets and a golden sand beach at the city’s edge.

Aberdeen’s granite landmarks are easy to build a visit around. Marischal College is the showpiece, the second largest granite building in the world (only the Escorial Palace near Madrid is bigger). But you’ll also want to see the crown tower of King’s College Chapel in Old Aberdeen, the twin fortified towers of St. Machar’s Cathedral, the 17th century Tolbooth, His Majesty’s Theatre, the granite lion of the city’s war memorial, and Union Street itself, which is known as the Granite Mile. Aberdeen in low evening sunlight after rain is one of the most photogenic cities we’ve visited in Scotland. The same granite street can look grey at midday and silver an hour before sunset.

Aberdeen also set out to soften all that grey stone with flowers, and it worked: the city won the Britain in Bloom competition around ten times, so consistently that it was reportedly asked to sit out for a period to give other places a chance. You’ll see the results in the roses along the road verges, Union Terrace Gardens in the city center, Duthie Park, and Johnston Gardens. Granite and gardens together are what make Aberdeen look like Aberdeen.

Things to Do in Central Aberdeen

Luckily many of the top things to do in Aberdeen are located within central Aberdeen and can be reached by walking or by a short trip by bus, taxi, or car. If you are able, especially if the weather is pleasant, we recommend walking to get around the city center.

All the attractions in this section are located within a 20 minute walk from St. Andrew’s Cathedral on King Street (I’m using the cathedral as the center point of the city to measure distances). Most are located within a 10 minute walk or less, making it easy to visit several attractions in one day.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

A good place to learn about the development of Aberdeen is the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, which is located near Aberdeen’s dock area. Aberdeen has a long and rich maritime history with fishing and shipbuilding being two of its former primary industries. The first harbor in Aberdeen dates back to at least the 12th century and the Aberdeen Harbour is believed to be the oldest existing business in the UK! Today the fishing and shipbuilding industries have been largely replaced by the shipping and off-shore oil industries which still keeps the harbor active.

The museum tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the sea across 3 floors of exhibits. The museum covers everything from the beginning of the maritime industry to recent developments in the North Sea oil industry. The collection includes artifacts, maritime related art, and interactive exhibits. Part of the museum is in a modern building and a section is a historic building once lived in by shipowner Provost John Ross.

The museum is free to visit. It also has a cafe if you are in need of a sandwich or coffee before or after your visit.

Marischal College

Marischal College was built in 1837 and served as the headquarters of the Marischal College and University of Aberdeen (now just the University of Aberdeen). The building was originally designed by Archibald Simpson and was later expanded and the front covered in granite by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. The building is an interesting mix of styles and is huge. It is the second largest granite building in the world, with only the Escorial Palace near Madrid ahead of it!

The building has not been used as an educational building for many years, and is now the headquarters for Aberdeen City Council. There was a small amount of information on the history of the building here when we visited but not much else in terms of public visits.

The interesting thing to do here for a visitor is to just to admire the long exterior as most of the interior is closed. The building can look a bit dull in rainy weather, but in the sunlight the building can sparkle silver. In front of the building is a statue of Robert the Bruce on horseback.

The former college building and the area around it have undergone lots of construction and restoration work in recent years. The building has been restored and the street in front has been pedestrianized.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes here and we recommend a walk around Marischal Square, the modern development across the road. In the public atrium of Marischal Square you’ll want to look up to see the leopard statue (Poised) designed by sculptor Andy Scott.

Provost Skene’s House

Provost Skene’s House is located near the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, tucked among the modern buildings of Marischal Square. The oldest part of the building dates back to 1545, making it the oldest surviving townhouse in Aberdeen! The house was once the residence of the Lord Provost George Skene in the 17th century, which is where it gets its current name.

The house reopened in 2021 after several years of closure during the Marischal Square development, and its galleries now celebrate the pioneering people of Aberdeen and the North-East, from scientists and artists to sporting heroes. The historical building itself has a number of interesting features, including carved plaster ceilings and wood paneling. The house museum is free to visit.

One thing to note: opening is seasonal. The house is generally open Thursday to Monday from spring through late autumn (roughly April to October) and closed over the winter, so check the official website for current days and hours before visiting.

Tolbooth Museum

The Tolbooth Museum is a museum located in one of Aberdeen oldest and most interesting buildings, a former 17th century gaol (jail). The museum focuses on local history, especially as related to crime and punishment over the centuries.

The building in addition to being a jail, was also used for a number of other purposes, including as a town hall, a courthouse, and a council chamber. Despite its name, the building was not actually a tolbooth but was a Wardhouse which was located next to the former tolbooth.

The museum provides an interesting atmosphere to learn a bit about the town history, medieval punishment, and town laws. The museum provides thrilling stories of witches, the mass organized kidnapping and selling of children, prison escapees, and Jacobite prisoners who were interrogated and held after the Battle of Culloden. Some people believe the building to be haunted!

The building still has many original features and items including jail cells, torture devices, and a 17th century guillotine blade. You can also see the town’s original mercat cross here near the entrance. It is free to visit the museum.

Note that the wax figures and stories of torture and punishment may be scary to young children. Also the museum contains a narrow, windy staircase that may be difficult for those with mobility issues, but there is a video presentation that can be watched near the entrance (ask at the entrance desk).

Castlegate Square & Aberdeen’s Mercat Cross

Near the Tolbooth Museum is Castlegate Square, where Aberdeen Castle once stood. The castle was used by both English and Scottish troops (including King Robert the Bruce and King Edward I), and it is believed that it was destroyed by King Robert the Bruce in the early 14th century. There is nothing left of the castle, but in the square you will find Aberdeen’s mercat cross.

The mercat cross denotes where the city was allowed to hold its market and it is where royal proclamations would have been announced. The mercat cross dates back to 1686 and was built by John Montgomery in sandstone. The large base is highly decorated with medallions representing 10 of the Stuart monarchs. The shaft is topped with a unicorn (the royal animal of Scotland). The shaft and unicorn are replacements but the original can be seen in the Tolbooth Museum.

Peacock & the Worm (Peacock Visual Arts)

Peacock & the Worm, long known in the city as Peacock Visual Arts, is an open-access printmaking studio and contemporary art space at 21 Castle Street, near Castlegate. The organization has been a home for local artists for decades, and its gallery and project space (called The WORM) hosts exhibitions and events alongside the working print studio. They also run hands-on art workshops, and there are showings where you can buy local as well as international art.

Although not a major tourist stop, it may be of interest to those with a passion for contemporary art and printmaking. On one of our visits we enjoyed watching a 3D printer in action as well as the activity in the print studio. It is free to visit (there is a fee to join most workshops), and it is generally open Tuesday to Saturday, but as a charity-run space it is worth checking hours before making a special trip.

The Kirk of St. Nicholas Uniting

The Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting dates back to the 12th century and was likely one of the largest and most important parish churches in medieval Scotland. Today it has members of both the Church of Scotland and the United Reformed Church and is sometimes referred to as “The Mither Kirk” (mother church) of the city.

Most of the present building dates to the 18th and 19th centuries as fires and decay destroyed the majority of the original medieval buildings. However, parts of the medieval church still survive and archaeological digs have uncovered structures, wood, decorations, tombs etc. dating from the 12th to 17th centuries. Archaeological work here is ongoing, and the church contains information about this work and findings.

The church is free to visit although donations are welcome. It is regularly opened to visitors throughout the summer months, and visits can be arranged at other times of the year by contacting the church.

Aberdeen Art Gallery

The Aberdeen Art Gallery was founded in 1884 and is located in the city center in a building designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. The large gallery contains a large collection of Scottish and international art, and is particularly notable for its collection of modern Scottish art.

In November 2019, the art gallery reopened after a lengthy closure and a £34.6 million transformation. It is more spacious with more room to display art now, and there are 3 floors of exhibition rooms you can explore. Entry to the gallery is free, but donations are welcome.

There is a cafe here that is generally open during the museum’s opening hours if you fancy a cuppa, sandwich, or snack.

Union Terrace Gardens

The Union Terrace Gardens are Victorian gardens in the middle of the city center, sitting below street level between Union Terrace and the railway line, with His Majesty’s Theatre just across the road. The gardens date back to the 1870s and reopened in December 2022 after a major redevelopment costing over £28 million.

The redevelopment reinstated the grand granite staircase down into the gardens and added new step-free walkways in from Rosemount Viaduct and Union Street, so the gardens are far easier to access now than they used to be (a real change if you are visiting with a wheelchair or a stroller). There are also new play areas, public toilets, cafe units, a water feature, and a lot of new planting alongside the restored Victorian arches. The three statues here (William Wallace, Robert Burns, and King Edward VII) were cleaned up as part of the works, and the Wallace statue across from His Majesty’s Theatre remains one of our favorite statues in the city.

Entry is free, and it is a pleasant place to sit for a break in good weather. Concerts and other city events are sometimes held here, particularly in summer.

 

Aberdeen Science Centre

The Aberdeen Science Centre is a family science center that has a number of interactive science themed exhibits. It reopened in November 2020 after a £6 million refurbishment, and the exhibits cover a bit of everything from energy to space to robotics, with zones suited to different age groups. They also have daily science talks and demonstrations that are free to join with your museum ticket.

There is an entry fee to visit the science centre (one of the few paid attractions in the city center). Next door is a cafe that serves sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and drinks.

Aberdeen Beach & Boardwalk

Aberdeen is one of the few major cities in the UK to have a sandy beach! There is a large stretch of golden sand along the eastern part of the city.

When we first visited in winter there was a storm so very little of the beach was visible. But on subsequent visits, we’ve had a much better impression! On a warm sunny day, this is a very popular place for people to stroll and hang out. There is also a grassy area next to the beach known as Queens Links.

There are a number of attractions located at or near the beachfront, particularly for families. Along the Beach Esplanade is the city’s amusement park Codonas (includes amusement park rides, mini-golf, bowling, etc., some attractions are seasonal), restaurants and cafés (we can recommend the Sand Dollar Cafe), a multiplex cinema, and an ice skating rink.

Also here is the Beach Ballroom, a beautiful Art Deco building with one of the best dance floors in Scotland. Opened in 1929, the venue continues to regularly host public and private events, including concerts, afternoon teas, ceilidh, plays, holiday parties, boxing matches, weddings, and other events. You can see what’s happening during your visit here.

The Kings Links golf course and the Aberdeen Science Centre (described above) are also located nearby.

Note that you can of course swim at Aberdeen Beach although the water is never really warm. If you want to swim, paddleboard, surf, or do any other water sports, you’ll want to bring a wetsuit or drysuit as the North Sea is cold year-round (and yes, people really do surf here).

The Aberdeen Beach is about a 15 minute walk from the city center. If you don’t want to walk, you can catch a taxi or bus to the beach.

Follow the Aberdeen Sculpture Trail

There are a number of wonderful sculptures in Aberdeen and you’ll likely see several without trying as you wander around the city. They range from statues of famous figures like William Wallace and Prince Albert to leopards and abstract bronzes.

Some of our favorites are:

• Robert the Bruce by sculptor Alan Herriot – This large statue depicts Scottish king Robert the Bruce on horseback. It was unveiled in 2011 and can be found in front of Marischal College.
• Poised by Andy Scott – This impressive steel leopard statue sits upon a 10 meter high steel column in the open courtyard atrium of Marischal Square. Be sure to look up! Scott is also the sculptor behind the Kelpies in Falkirk.
• Robert Burns by Henry Bain Smith – This bronze statue of the famous Scottish poet was unveiled in 1892 and shows Burns holding a daisy (a reference to his poem “To a Mountain Daisy”). We’re fans of Robert Burns and are always trying to spot statues of the famous bard, which you’ll find in pretty much every city in Scotland.
• War Memorial Lion – This impressive granite kitty sits regally in front of the war memorial in Aberdeen. It was designed by William Macmillan and completed by James Philip. You can find it right next door to the Aberdeen Art Gallery on the corner of Schoolhill and Blackfriars Street.
• Mannie – Mannie, or Mannie in the Green, is a steel figure that sits along Castle Street. He was originally placed atop the Castlegate Well at some point in the 18th century and was later moved, but is again located at Castlegate. Not exactly sure what he is meant to symbolize, but he has long been a historical landmark in the city!

The Aberdeen City Council have put together heritage trails, including a sculpture trail, that will help you find the statues and other curiosities as you walk around the city. Most are located near the city center.

Shopping in Aberdeen

If you want to do a bit of shopping in Aberdeen, you can find everything from souvenirs to designer clothing. The city has a number of shopping centers located within the city center, including Union Square and the Bon Accord Centre, which offer a number of well-known fashion, beauty, and homeware stores as well as cafes and restaurants.

In terms of good shopping streets, it depends on what you are looking for but Union Street (also known as the “Granite Mile”) is home to a number of well-known brands as well as independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Rosemount area of Aberdeen also has a number of smaller shops, cafes, and independent retailers.

Festivals

Festivals are a great way to learn more about the city culture, meet locals, and have some fun. There are a number of festivals in Aberdeen throughout the year, celebrating a range of things including performing arts, music, creativity, technology, dance, and old boats, and you should check before you go if there are any happening during your visit. You can check out a list of festivals and events here. There are also other smaller festivals such as the Nuart Festival which celebrates street art (it’s the reason you’ll spot large murals around the city center).

During one of our visits to Aberdeen, the Aberdeen Jazz Festival was taking place, which was a 10 day festival with events taking place in multiple venues across the city each day. The festival included large free public events as well as smaller ticketed events. We saw three different Jazz Festival shows which included a saxophone performance from Andy Middleton, an afternoon tea event with cocktails and vocal performances by the Vintage Girls, and a fun Saturday late night show from Fat-Suit and Werkha.

Evening Entertainment

Even if there are no festival events going on during your visit, there are loads of other entertainment options. These include live music events, performances at the city’s theaters, comedy nights, cinemas, and of course there are a number of bars and pubs, as well as several nightclubs around the city center.

For performing arts, check out this website for what’s on during your visit. Popular venues include His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall, the Tivoli Theatre, and The Lemon Tree, and big touring acts play the P&J Live arena near the airport.

If you enjoy football (soccer), then you might want to join the locals for a match at Pittodrie Stadium to watch the Aberdeen Football Club play. Scotland isn’t exactly great at soccer but the games are still a lot of fun. You can check the match schedule and buy tickets online here. The stadium is about a mile from the city center, but the Football Club operates Park and Ride buses on home game days to take fans to and from the stadium.

Things to Do in Old Aberdeen

Old Aberdeen was for a long time a separate burgh and fairly isolated from the city, and it only became a part of the city of Aberdeen in 1891. Today the area is mostly made of the University of Aberdeen campus, and its cobbled High Street is one of the prettiest streets in the city. As you walk up the High Street you’ll pass the 18th century Old Town House, the former home of Old Aberdeen’s local government. If you have seen all the things you wanted to see in the city center, we’d recommend exploring this area next.

Most of the attractions in Old Aberdeen are a 25 to 30 minute walk from the city center. So you can walk or take the public bus, drive, or take a taxi. If driving, be sure to pay attention to signs when parking as many parking areas are for university staff and students only.

King’s College Chapel, University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen dates back to 1495 and is the third oldest university in Scotland and the 5th oldest in the English speaking world! It was originally known as King’s College. It is a high ranking university and its presence in the city, along with Robert Gordon University, means that Aberdeen has a large university student population.

The university campus has a number of interesting buildings that date from the 16th century to today. The oldest building and one of the most notable is King’s College Chapel, which was built between 1498 and 1509, with its distinctive Crown Tower. The chapel’s crown has become a symbol of the university, and it is one of the granite landmarks we mentioned earlier that make Aberdeen’s skyline what it is. Inside the chapel contains 16th century choir stalls and rood screen and the university’s war memorial.

The chapel is open to the public on weekdays and is free to visit. Regular services are also held here.

Zoology Museum

The Zoology Museum is part of the University of Aberdeen and is located within part of the university’s School of Biological Science building. The museum consists of two floors of specimens, models, and displays that represent everything from protozoa to giant whales. It is not a huge museum, but there is a lot to see and it is a great stop for those who enjoy natural history museums.

The museum is free and open to the public on weekdays. It is closed on the weekends.

NOTE: The university often has other temporary exhibitions or art spaces elsewhere in the university if you have a special interest.

Cruickshank Botanic Garden

The Cruickshank Botanic Garden is located just behind the Zoology Museum. The 11 acre botanic garden includes a rock garden, a sunken garden, a rose garden, and an arboretum. A pleasant place to wander around and enjoy a break. It is open year-round and is free to visit.

St. Machar’s Cathedral

St. Machar’s Cathedral is the principal kirk, or church, of the Church of Scotland in Aberdeen. The present church (it is not technically a cathedral) dates to around the 13th century although it is said that St. Machar founded this site for religious worship in 580. It is the oldest building in active use in Aberdeen.

The church is made of granite with large twin towers and is a good example of a fortified church. It also has an interesting interior with stained glass and a heraldic ceiling. The church is probably best known for its beautiful wood paneled 16th century ceiling that contains 48 coats of arms. The heraldic ceiling has three rows, one representing the kings of Europe, one the Pope and important members of the church in Scotland, and one representing the King of Scotland and the powerful figures within Scotland.

Among the notable people buried here are Robert Laws, a Scottish missionary to Malawi and William Ogilvie of Pittensear. It is also believed that after Scottish knight William Wallace (the man Mel Gibson famously portrayed in the film Braveheart) was “hung, drawn, and quartered”, that one of his quarters (the left one) was sent and buried here at St. Machar’s!

Entry to the church is free, although a donation is appreciated. The church also has a small gift shop inside, which is another way to support the property.

Brig o’ Balgownie & Donmouth Local Nature Reserve

Brig o’ Balgownie (formerly the Bridge of Don) is a stone arch bridge spanning the River Don in Old Aberdeen. It is believed that the bridge dates back to the 13th or 14th century (making it one of Scotland’s oldest bridges), although most of the bridge we see today dates to the 17th and 18th centuries. The bridge was the main way to cross the River Don until around 1830 when the (new) Bridge of Don was built. Today it is a pedestrian bridge and local landmark.

Although the true origins of the bridge are unknown, local legends say that the bridge was built by Bishop Henyr Cheyne and/or Robert the Bruce. Lord Byron mentions it in his poem “Don Juan”.

If you want to enjoy this area further and have more time, I’d recommend taking the riverside path located next to the bridge to the sea. The area where the River Don meets the sea is part of Donmouth Local Nature Reserve which includes a beach area and part of the riverside. The riverside path starts on King Street, then goes to the Brig o’ Balgownie, and then alongside the river to the seaside. We saw several water birds here as well as a seal.

The bridge is located about a 20 minute walk from St. Machar’s Cathedral (or about a 45 minute walk from the city center). If visiting from the university area, you have a few options in walking there. You can walk across Seaton Park, walk along Don Street, or head along King Street until you reach the river and then turn left to join the riverside path to the bridge.

If you don’t want to walk, it is about a 7 minute drive or taxi ride from St. Machar’s. If you are taking the bus, you can take it to Donmouth Road and then walk to the bridge (it is about a 7 minute walk from the Donmouth Road stop).

Things to Do Outside of Central Aberdeen

There are also a number of things you can do outside of central Aberdeen that are a 30 minute walk or further from the city center, including the Aberdeen Harbor area, war memorials, gardens, golf courses, and museums.

Here are our top picks:

Explore Aberdeen Harbor

Aberdeen Harbor is an interesting area to explore and we recommend a visit if you have good weather. The Aberdeen Harbour is believed to be the oldest existing business in the UK, with records dating back to 1136.

Today the harbor is still a busy place with oil/gas ships, shipping, small cruise boats, and ferries heading to and from the islands of Shetland and Orkney. There is also a good possibility to spot dolphins and other sea animals in the harbor area.

There are a few places around the Aberdeen Harbor area that might be of interest. From the city center, the main Harbor area and Footdee are about a 30 minute walk from the city center, Torry Battery is about a 40 minute walk, and Girdle Ness Lighthouse is about a 50 minute walk. You can also drive, or take public transit part of the way to visit these sites.

If you enjoy walking, consider taking this harbor hike around the Girdle Ness headland.

Footdee

Footdee, often referred to locally as “Fittie”, is a small community that was once a fishing village. In the early 19th century the area was redeveloped and a housing development was built to house the local fishing community. The architect who designed the layout was John Smith, a Scottish architect who designed many buildings across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire (his son, William Smith, later designed the present Balmoral Castle).

The initial homes consisted of 28 single-story thatched homes although that number was increased over time when further rows of houses were added. Each house has its own “tarry shed” which were originally all built out of driftwood.

Today, the houses have expanded and many now have slate roofs and many of the sheds have been re-built from brick. However, it remains a charming area that feels a bit like a village from another century. Many residents have added a lot of personal decorations and flavor to their sheds!

It is a small area and only takes a short time to walk around. Just remember when visiting that these are people’s homes and gardens, so be respectful of the residents when admiring their homes.

Nearby next to the harbor are some interesting buildings and artifacts like an old anchor, the Roundhouse (the former 18th century Harbor Master’s Station), and the Old Customs House. The former customs house is now a popular seafood restaurant called The Silver Darling which offers good views over the harbor.

Torry Battery

The Torry Battery is an artillery battery that was built in 1860 overlooking Aberdeen Harbor. The battery was in use until 1956, including during World War 1 and World War II. It is currently in ruins but you can still see a lot of elements of the complex, including the entrance gate, sections of the walls, a gun emplacement, and barracks.

Today it is a popular spot for walkers and joggers, and there is a small car park here if you are driving. It is a good place to get views over the harbor with a chance to see dolphins, although you’ll need binoculars or a zoom lens.

South Breakwater Lighthouse & Girdle Ness Lighthouse

If you keep walking or driving past the Torry Battery, you’ll find a couple of lighthouses.

The first lighthouse is South Breakwater Lighthouse. It was built in 1815 and is still an active lighthouse. It is a good spot for dolphin watching, but be careful if you walk out close to it as it can be slippery and during storms the waves can entirely cover this area!

The second lighthouse, Girdle Ness Lighthouse, was built in 1833. The engineer was Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the famous writer Robert Louis Stevenson. This lighthouse is also still in use.

Many of the buildings in the Girdle Ness Lighthouse complex are privately owned and you can actually book to stay in some of the former lighthouse buildings. One is the former 3 bedroom lighthouse keeper’s cottage and while modernized, it contains many original period features from the 19th century. A great spot if you are looking for a quiet place and don’t mind being outside of the city center.

Duthie Park & David Welch Winter Gardens

Duthie Park is one of Aberdeen’s best green spaces and is a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. The 44 acre space opened as a park in 1883 (the land was donated by Miss Elizabeth Duthie) and contains open green spaces, trees, flower gardens, ponds, statues, a band stand, and the David Welch Winter Gardens.

There is also a nice playground area here with lots of slides and things to climb for the kids. There are playground areas for younger kids and older kids. Popular spot for local families to take the kids for some fresh air on the weekends.

The David Welch Winter Gardens are located within Duthie Park and are one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens. The gardens include arid and tropical glass houses and house a large collection of exotic plants. They are particularly notable for their large collection of cacti. We were surprised at how large this complex was and really enjoyed these gardens which are definitely one of the best botanic gardens in Scotland. Entry is free and it is open year round (daily except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with shorter hours in winter). If you are in Aberdeen on a rainy day, this is one of our favorite places to escape the weather.

There is a café, Duthie Park Café, located at Duthie Park that serves sandwiches, simple hot dishes, snacks, and drinks.

Duthie Park is located about a 35 minute walk or 10 minute drive from the city center.

Gordon Highlanders Museum

The Gordon Highlanders Museum presents the history of the Gordon Highlanders, a line infantry regiment of the British Army. The Gordon Highlanders have a history that dates back to 1794 when the regiment was raised by the 4th Duke of Gordon. The Gordon Highlanders were an official regiment in the British Army from 1881 to 1994.

The Gordon Highlanders headquarters were in Aberdeen and thus the regiment played an important role in the lives of many people from northeast Scotland. The regiment served in a number of wars and conflicts, including the Boer War, First World War, Second World War, and Cold War. In September 1994, the Gordon Highlanders were amalgamated with the Queen’s Own Highlanders to form what is now the Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons).

In reporting on the Second Boer War as a young war correspondent, Winston Churchill described the Gordon Highlanders as the “finest regiment in the world” based on his experiences observing them in action at the Battle of Doornkop in May 1900.

The museum serves to preserve the history and legacy of the regiment and presents information, artifacts, and exhibits that tells the story of the regiment. Visits start with a film and then visitors can explore the museum on their own. The museum includes interactive maps, a room filled with regimental silver, medals (including 11 Victoria Crosses), weapons, and a room set up as an officers’ mess room that includes a number of pieces of silver, china, and glass. The museum is housed in the former home of Scottish artist Sir George Reid.

We had an enjoyable visit here and learned a lot; there was much more to see here than we expected. The museum is a registered charity and staffed primarily by volunteers who were friendly and eager to answer our questions and provide additional information.

There is an admission fee to visit the museum (this and the Science Centre are the two main paid attractions in the city), and you can pre-purchase tickets online on the museum’s website. It is generally open Tuesday to Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays. There is also a popular tea room on-site as well as a garden and gift shop.

The museum is located about a 50 minute walk or 15 minute drive from the city center of Aberdeen.

Johnston Gardens

Johnston Gardens is a public garden that was designed and planted with aesthetics in mind. The garden includes ponds, streams, bridges, trees, and flowers, and it has been part of the plantings that helped Aberdeen win the Britain in Bloom competition so many times over the years. The gardens also contain a play area for children.

Unfortunately we did not have the best weather during our visit, but the gardens are a pretty place to wander around. They are a popular local spot for engagement and wedding photographs. Entry to the gardens is free.

Located near the Gordon Highlanders Museum, the Johnston Gardens are about a 1 hour walk or 15 minute drive from the city center.

Golfing in Aberdeen

Scotland is the home of golf, and its northeast is home to many of the world’s oldest and top courses. There are over 50 golf courses in Aberdeenshire, and we counted 8 golf courses located within the city of Aberdeen. So if you are a golfer you will have no difficulty finding a place to play and you don’t even need to leave the city!

The city has golf courses suited to all levels from novices to pros, and you can find a list of courses here. One of the best known golf clubs in Aberdeen (and in Scotland!) is the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club which dates back to 1780, making it the 6th oldest golf club in the world. It has hosted a number of championship tournaments, including the Scottish Open in 2014. Next door is the highly rated Murcar Links.

A few of the city courses are located within walking distance of Aberdeen city center (e.g., King’s Link Golf Course is a 17 minute walk from the city center). However, you’ll probably want to drive, take a bus, or get a taxi to get to most courses, especially if you have your golf clubs and gear with you.

Day Trips from Aberdeen

If you run out of things to do within Aberdeen, there are plenty of things you can do on a day trip from Aberdeen. These include golfing, visiting castles, whisky tasting, hiking, cycling, driving a scenic driving route, and birdwatching.

If you don’t have a car, you can get to some places by bus or train, but you may want to consider a guided day tour as it will allow you to see more places as many don’t have good public transit connections. Good places to check for day tours are Rabbie’s, GetYourGuide and Viator. Possible guided day tours from Aberdeen visit Loch Ness and the Highlands, Royal Deeside, the Speyside Whisky Trail, Balmoral Castle, the North East coast, and Dunnottar Castle.

If you’d rather drive yourself, having a car opens up most of Aberdeenshire (the castles and distilleries especially are much easier with your own wheels). You can compare car hire prices across companies at Discover Cars.

If you are considering a day trip from Aberdeen, check our guide to the best Aberdeen day trips.

Here are some options to get you started in planning your Aberdeen day trip:

The Den & the Glen

If you are traveling with younger children, you may want to make a trip over to The Den and the Glen for a morning or afternoon of fun. It is a child-friendly park with indoor soft play areas and outdoor gardens that have been decorated with fairytale and nursery rhyme characters. A popular spot for local families. There is a cafe located within the park.

The park is located about 20 minutes by car from the city center.

Castles near Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a great base for castle hunters in Scotland as there are loads of castles in Aberdeenshire and it is home to some of the most famous castles in Scotland. Some are privately owned and not open to the public, but many of the castles can be visited. You’ll find a bit of everything from grand residences to ruined rock piles, and everything in between.

Many of the most popular castles in this area are owned by the National Trust for Scotland. If you plan to visit several National Trust for Scotland properties during your trip (the trust cares for over 100 places across Scotland), it is worth checking whether a National Trust for Scotland membership would pay for itself, as it includes free entry to their properties.

There are dozens of castles you could visit on a day trip from Aberdeen, but here are some of our favorites:

• Balmoral Castle – This castle was built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It was completed in 1856 and has been the private Highland residence of the British Royal Family ever since. The estate is open to visitors seasonally, generally from late March to early August, with the grounds, gardens, and ballroom exhibition open daily during the season. The big change in recent years: you can now book a guided tour of the castle interior itself, something that was never possible before King Charles III expanded public access. The interior tours are limited to small groups (around 12 people) and sell out well ahead, so book early if you want one. There is also an excellent audio guide for the grounds. If you don’t have a car, you can join a guided tour to Balmoral and Braemar from Aberdeen.

• Craigievar Castle – This pink harled Scottish castle dates back to the 17th century and was lived in as a residence until 1963. Today it is owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland and open to the public. The castle still contains a number of original furnishings from the Forbes family. Visits are by guided tour only. Group sizes are limited so best to arrive early to pick up timed tickets. Open seasonally.

• Crathes Castle – This 16th century harled castle was the ancestral home of the Burnetts of Leys until 1951. Today the house and gardens are owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Be sure to leave time to wander around the beautiful gardens. Open year-round.

• Drum Castle – This castle’s tower house dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest in Scotland. A large extension to the castle was added in the 17th century and then further renovations and changes were made during the Victorian era. Our favorite room here was the massive library. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland and currently open year round (except for over the Christmas holiday season).

• Dunnottar Castle – This ruined medieval castle sits on a clifftop alongside the coast. The buildings of the fortress date back to between 1400 and 1600. The castle was visited by famous people like Mary Queen of Scots, was where the Scottish Honours (Scottish Crown Jewels) were hidden from Oliver Cromwell’s army, and it was where a number of Whigs were held as prisoners in the 17th century. It has been in ruins since the early 18th century. It is currently privately owned but open to the public. If you don’t have a car, you can also join this tour from Aberdeen which stops at the castle and explores the Royal Deeside area.

Note that many of the castles have seasonal hours and are closed in the winter months, so be sure to check the opening dates and hours before visiting. All of the above castles have designated parking areas and some are possible to visit via bus from Aberdeen.

 

Kirkhill Forest

Kirkhill Forest is a forest located just outside of Aberdeen that has a number of multi-use trails, hiking paths, an orienteering trail, and a mountain bike fun park. Popular spot for local hikers, walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

Kirkhill Forest is located about a 40 minute drive from the city center. There are also many other forest areas within Aberdeenshire that you can explore.

Golfing in Aberdeenshire

As mentioned in the golf section above, Aberdeen makes a great base for golfing day trips out into the wider Aberdeenshire.

These courses are set in a variety of locations, from coastal links in the sand dunes to town centers, forests, glens, loch shores, and even castle grounds.

Some of the well-known courses in Aberdeenshire (outside of the city) include Cruden Bay Golf Club, Trump International Golf Links, Banchory Golf Club, Peterhead Golf Club, Fraserburgh Golf Club, Deeside Golf Club, and the 9-hole course at Balmoral. You can browse a list of the Aberdeenshire golf courses to find the courses that are best suited for you.

You can also visit courses outside of Aberdeenshire and still use Aberdeen as a base. For example St. Andrews is only about a 1.5 hour drive away from Aberdeen.

It is recommended that you book your tee times, especially at the better known courses, as soon as you know the dates you wish to visit to avoid disappointment.

 

Drive a Section of the North East 250

Looking for a scenic and interesting driving route, check out the North East 250. It is a driving route that runs just outside Aberdeen and runs through Aberdeenshire as well as Speyside and the Cairngorms National Park. The route includes castles, whisky distilleries, natural attractions, beaches, museums, golf courses, and much more! We’ve driven the route ourselves starting and ending in Aberdeen, and it packs a surprising amount of Scotland into a fairly compact loop.

Want to drive the entire route? Check out our 3 day North East 250 itinerary.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is one of two national parks in Scotland (the other being Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park), and the eastern part of the park is located within Aberdeenshire. At 4,528 square kilometers it is the largest national park in the UK, roughly twice the size of the Lake District.

The park is a perfect place for hiking, climbing, biking, scenic drives, birdwatching, wildlife, and even skiing in the winter! You’ll also find a number of castles, cultural sites, whisky distilleries, and family attractions located within the Cairngorms.

It is about a 1 hour drive to the eastern edge of the park. You can also reach many of the towns within the park via bus (most are operated by Stagecoach). The Speyside whisky tour from Aberdeen also travels through the Cairngorms on its route.

Whisky Distilleries near Aberdeen

Whisky is the spirit of Scotland and Aberdeenshire and nearby Moray are home to several whisky distilleries. It is easy to spend a day (or two) visiting distilleries and tasting the local whisky.

The closest whisky distilleries are Glen Garioch Distillery (only 30 minute drive from Aberdeen city center) and Royal Lochnagar Distillery (near Balmoral Castle). Aberdeen is also within about a 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive of several other famous distilleries, including Strathisla Distillery (home of Chivas Regal), Glenlivet Distillery, Glenfiddich Distillery, Cardhu Distillery (part of the Malt Whisky Trail), and Macallan Distillery.

Most of the mentioned distilleries have visitor centers and do regular public tours, but some you’ll need to book in advance. So check the website or call them before stopping by.

Also, note the Scottish drinking and driving laws are very strict, so almost all distilleries offer to-go sample cups for drivers and bikers. If you don’t want to drive, I’d recommend booking a driver or a guided tour such as this guided small group tour or you can find a list of potential guides here. A guide can also help you learn more about the local whiskies and help you put together a customized itinerary.

What to Know Before You Visit Aberdeen

A few practical things we’d tell a friend before their first trip to Aberdeen:

• Most of the sightseeing is free. Almost all of the city’s museums, galleries, churches, and gardens are free to enter, so there is no city pass to buy and a day of sightseeing can cost very little. The two main paid attractions are the Aberdeen Science Centre and the Gordon Highlanders Museum.
• Plan around the weather, don’t cancel for it. Rain is always possible here, but the Maritime Museum, Art Gallery, Tolbooth Museum, Provost Skene’s House, Science Centre, and the David Welch Winter Gardens make a full indoor day. Save Old Aberdeen, the beach, and the gardens for the fair days, and bring layers and a rain jacket whatever the season.
• Check seasonal opening before you go. Some sights close for the winter (Provost Skene’s House) or shut on certain days (the Gordon Highlanders Museum is closed Sunday and Monday), and many of the Aberdeenshire castles close over the winter months.
• Book the popular things ahead. Balmoral’s new castle interior tours run in small groups and sell out well in advance, so book early if you want one. It is also worth reserving tee times at the better-known golf courses, and arriving early for castles like Craigievar where entry is by timed ticket.
• A car helps for day trips. The city center is easily walkable, but the castles and distilleries of Aberdeenshire are much easier with your own wheels. If you are not driving, a guided day tour will usually reach more places than public transport.

 

Planning Your Visit to Aberdeen

Now that you have your list of things to do in Aberdeen, here is the practical information to plan your trip, including how to get to Aberdeen, how to get around, where to stay, and how to save money.

Where Is Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is located on the coast in the northeast of Scotland, east of the Cairngorms and the Scottish Highlands, with the North Sea along the eastern side of the city.

Getting to Aberdeen

By Plane. There are multiple flights a day in and out of Aberdeen Airport from destinations across the UK and Europe, and this can be a relatively cheap way to reach the city, especially if you book in advance with a budget airline. Aberdeen airport is a 30 minute drive, bus ride, or taxi ride from the city centre.

The next closest airports are Inverness Airport and Edinburgh Airport which offer more UK and international connections.

By Train. Aberdeen is well-connected by train from locations throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. You can check ScotRail and London North Eastern Railway for local train services, routes, and to purchase tickets.

If you are interested in taking an overnight sleeper train (runs between London and Inverness), you can check the Caledonian Sleeper route and schedule as some services stop in Aberdeen.

By Bus. If you are in the UK and would rather travel by bus, there are daily coach connections to Aberdeen from a number of cities. Generally it takes longer to travel by bus but it may save you money compared to train fares or rental car prices. You can check National Express for coach connections and prices.

By Car. For drivers, Aberdeen is located about 105 miles from Inverness (about 2 hours, 45 minutes), 125 miles from Edinburgh (about 2 hours, 45 minutes), 150 miles from Glasgow (2 hours, 45 minutes), 350 miles from Manchester (about 6 hours), and 545 miles from London (9 hours, 20 minutes).

Getting Around Aberdeen

Aberdeen is an easy city to get around on foot and by public transit. The city center attractions can be explored on foot. The locations outside the city center such as attractions in Old Aberdeen, the University of Aberdeen, Footdee, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum can easily be reached by public bus, taxi, or car.

It is easy to drive around Aberdeen but parking can be difficult to find around the city center and university areas, so we’d recommend using public transit or walking if possible around these areas. If you need to call a cab while in Aberdeen, we recommend using this UK taxi comparison service to find the best rate.

If you are planning to use the bus in Aberdeen more than once or twice, we recommend checking out the GrassHopper ticket. The ticket is economically priced to allow for unlimited use of many of the local bus services for 1 day, multiple days, or even a week. Most visitors will probably just need the ticket that covers the main zone around Aberdeen, but you can also get tickets that allow for travel around the full area of Aberdeenshire if you are planning some day trips.

If you are wanting to visit locations outside of the city such as castles, golf courses, whisky distilleries, or the Cairngorms National Park, the easiest way to explore is by car (you can compare hire prices at Discover Cars if you are not bringing your own). However, you can also get to many places via bus, and there are some guided day tours you can take from Aberdeen to places like Balmoral Castle, Royal Deeside, the the Speyside whisky distilleries, and Loch Ness.

Best Time of Year to Visit Aberdeen?

Being a city, there is a lot to do in Aberdeen at any time of the year, with multiple indoor and outdoor attractions. Of course, the best time for you will vary depending on your interests as you may want to catch a certain festival or visit during a particular season.

In general, our favorite time of year to travel in Scotland is May, June, and September. The weather is generally decent and the attractions are not too crowded. However, Aberdeen is much less busy with tourists than Edinburgh, so it is a pleasant city to visit in terms of crowds year-round.

Most attractions within the city are open year round, although some (like Provost Skene’s House) close over the winter, and many of the castles in Aberdeenshire have seasonal hours and close during the winter.

In terms of weather, it is generally warmer in the summer and colder in the winter, but it rarely gets hot. However, the marine climate means that it can have cooler summers and warmer winters than other areas of Scotland. Weather is fickle in Scotland and rain is a strong possibility year round. We’d suggest checking the weather forecast before you visit, and be prepared for variable weather by bringing plenty of layers and rain gear no matter when you plan to visit.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Aberdeen?

We’d recommend spending at least two days in Aberdeen to see the city highlights, but three days would be even better to really get a feel for this city and perhaps explore a bit of Aberdeenshire. So a long weekend in Aberdeen would be ideal.

Of course, you can stay for longer as there is plenty to do in the city and the rest of Aberdeenshire, so you won’t have trouble filling your time! There are also plenty of great day trips from Aberdeen if you have more than a couple of days here.

Where to Stay in Aberdeen?

We’d recommend staying in the city center of Aberdeen to maximize your time in Aberdeen. Many of the city’s museums, attractions, theaters, and popular restaurants and bars are located in or near the city center. Most of the city’s festival events also take place in central city locations.

However, Old Aberdeen (around the university), the West End, and the harbor area are also nice places to stay, depending on what you want to see and do in the city.

There is a wide variety of accommodation options in Aberdeen that should suit any type of traveler, including hotels, apartments, guest houses, and hostels. If you want to stay in the central area, you can check out this list of lodging located in the city center.

If you are looking for a well-rated city center hotel, we recommend checking out the Sandman Signature, Residence Inn, the Carmelite Hotel, The Station Hotel, and the Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen (formerly the Jury’s Inn).

For centrally located B&B’s you might want to look at Bimini Guest House and Lochnager Guest House.

For those looking for a good value apartment, we have stayed in an apartment hotel in the Rosemount area, which came with a kitchenette (option to cook when we wished), free breakfast, work space, and free parking. You can check out a list of apartments and vacation rentals in Aberdeen on Vrbo here, or browse the apartment listings on Booking.com.

If you are looking for a special place out of the city center, you might consider staying in these former 19th century lighthouse cottages near Aberdeen Harbor (4 night stay minimum during most of the year).

If you have a car and don’t mind staying a bit outside the city there are some really nice Scottish country house hotels nearby which include the Marcliffe House & Spa (also a good place for afternoon tea), MacDonald Norwood Hall Hotel, and the Ardoe House Hotel & Spa.

 

Where to Eat in Aberdeen?

One of the things we were most surprised about in Aberdeen was how much we enjoyed the food. The city offers a range of eateries where you can find everything from vegan dishes to pub fare to fresh seafood. So whether you are looking for a quick bite on the go or a nice dinner out, you should be able to find a restaurant that suits.

Laurence has put together this guide to our favorite restaurants in Aberdeen which provides loads of dining suggestions for those visiting the city, whether you are looking for a vegan breakfast, a seafood lunch, a pub meal, or a fancy dinner out.

How to Save Money in Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is a wealthy city that has earned its riches in recent years from the energy industry, particularly from North Sea oil. Although it can be an expensive city to live in, it is not an expensive city to visit.

Most of the city’s museums and major attractions are FREE! Almost all the city’s museums, art galleries, parks, and gardens are free to visit. Those attractions that do have entry fees, such as the Aberdeen Science Centre and Gordon Highlanders Museum, are reasonably priced. This is also why there is no Aberdeen discount pass: with so many of the top attractions costing nothing, a city pass wouldn’t have much to sell you. It is one of the best value city breaks in the UK on the sightseeing side.

The three biggest expenses for most people will be lodging, food, and evening entertainment. In terms of lodging, it is easy to find budget and good value accommodation throughout the city, even in the city center. If you are on a tight budget, you can compare hostel options in Aberdeen here.

The local population includes both university students and wealthy oil-rich millionaires, so you can find food options that vary from cheap eats to pub food to fine dining. You can also save money by staying in an apartment and cooking some of your own meals.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy some of the local evening entertainment. You can often find free live music at pubs and free or inexpensive events at or around the University of Aberdeen (check this calendar for university specific lectures, concerts, and events). During the city’s many festivals, there are normally both free and ticketed events of varying price points so check the festival schedule in advance to plan your visit and pre-purchase tickets.

If you are planning to use public transportation, you may save money using the previously mentioned GrassHopper ticket.

Where to Find More Information?

For more information about the area, we’d recommend checking the VisitAberdeenshire official website, which has loads of information about visiting Aberdeen and the surrounding Aberdeenshire area. Once in Scotland, you can also stop at a VisitScotland iCentre to pick up brochures and maps and ask about festivals and events (you can find iCentre locations on this map).

If you like to travel with a guidebook, Rick Steves Scotland is the one we’d recommend for a Scotland trip; it covers Aberdeen alongside the rest of the country.

We also recommend taking a look at this suggested 2 day Aberdeen itinerary that Laurence put together based on our own visits. For more to do in Aberdeenshire, we recommend considering some of these day trips.

If your travels are taking you to other destinations in Scotland, we lived in Scotland for several years and have loads of posts on Scotland across our two travel blogs; you can find them all here and here.

These include things to do in Edinburgh and Glasgow, information on visiting the nearby Cairngorms National Park, and tips for planning a North Coast 500 road trip.

If you have a question about an upcoming trip to Scotland, just leave us your question in the comments section at the end of the post and we will happily try to help.

So there is our list of things to do in Aberdeen Scotland! Have you been to Aberdeen? If so, any favorites among the above or places you’d add to this list? If you haven’t visited yet, which of these Aberdeen attractions would make it on your itinerary? As always, feel free to ask us any questions you may have about things to do in Aberdeen or planning a trip to Scotland!

**Disclosure: We were supported on our trip to Aberdeen by Visit Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen Festivals who helped us put together our itinerary and arranged some tickets as well as our lodging in the city. However, we chose all the places we visited on the trip and have visited the Aberdeenshire area independently as well. As always, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. You can read more in our Ethics Code about how we accept work.**