Aberdeen, known as "The Flower of Scotland," is a vibrant city nestled between the Rivers Dee and Don on the North Sea. It's the largest fishing port in Scotland, a hub for offshore oil, and the gateway to the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, golf courses, shopping, theater at His Majesty's Theatre, concerts at the Music Hall, and arts festivals. Aberdeen's unique granite architecture sparkles in the sunlight, earning it the nickname "Silver City."
The city boasts historical buildings, the oldest dating back to the 16th century. For more on Aberdeen's attractions, read on for a list of top things to do.
See also: Where to Stay in Aberdeen
1. Visit Historic St. Machar's Cathedral
St. Machar's Cathedral stands on a site dating back to AD 581. Notable features include the towers with sandstone spires and the 16th-century wooden ceiling adorned with coats of arms. The stained-glass windows mostly date from the 1870s.
Classical and choral concerts are often held here. A shop is available on-site.
Address: 18 The Chanonry, Aberdeen, Scotland
Official site: www.stmachar.com
2. Head Back to School: Visit the University and King's College of Aberdeen
The University and King's College of Aberdeen, founded in 1494, features a tower with a stone dome and the only stone replica of Charlemagne's crown in Scotland. The University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum and King's Museum are also must-visits.
Self-guided walking tours are available on the university's website.
Address: King's College, Aberdeen, Scotland
Official site: www.abdn.ac.uk
3. Cross Brig o'Balgownie, Scotland's Oldest Bridge
The Brig o'Balgownie, built around 1320, is a picturesque stone bridge accessible via Seaton Park. The Brig o'Dee, another historic bridge, is located in Duthie Park, known for its large winter gardens.
4. Visit the Tolbooth Museum, Aberdeen's Most Haunted Building
The Tolbooth Museum, once a town hall and prison, showcases the history of crime and punishment with original prison cells and the city's guillotine blade. It's also reputed to be Scotland's most haunted building.
Address: Castle Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Official site: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/plan-your-visit/tolbooth-museum
5. See the Mercat Cross
The Mercat Cross, built in 1686, is a symbol of Aberdeen's right to hold a market. It features portrait medallions of the Stuart monarchs and a white unicorn.
Address: High Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
6. Get Your Floral Fix at Duthie Park and David Welch Winter Gardens
The David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park is one of the largest indoor gardens in the UK, featuring a variety of plant species. Duthie Park also offers boating and summer concerts.
Address: Polmuir Road, Aberdeen, Scotland
Official site: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/duthie-park
7. Explore the Work of Scottish Artists at Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen Art Gallery, established in 1884, features works by Scottish artists, Impressionists, and modern sculptures. Admission is free.
Address: 61 Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Scotland
Official site: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/plan-your-visit/aberdeen-art-gallery
8. Tour Aberdeen's Oldest Home: Provost Skene's House
Provost Skene's House, built in 1545, is a museum with artifacts, religious paintings, and period costumes. Admission is free.
Address: 5 Guestrow, Aberdeen, Scotland
9. Take a Drive to Crathes Castle
Crathes Castle, run by the National Trust for Scotland, is a fine example of a Scottish baronial-style castle with a ghost story and beautiful gardens.
Location: Crathes, Banchory, Scotland
Official site: www.nts.org.uk/Property/Crathes-Castle-Garden-and-Estate/
10. Aberdeen Maritime Museum
The Aberdeen Maritime Museum, located in the historic Shiprow district, showcases the city's maritime history, including the North Sea petroleum industry.
Location: Shiprow, Aberdeen, Scotland
Official site: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/plan-your-visit/aberdeen-maritime-museum
11. Take a Day Trip to Craigievar Castle
Craigievar Castle, a pink tower house, is a symbol of authority and wealth with Renaissance-style interiors and a collection of artifacts.
Location: Craigievar, Alford, Scotland
Official site: www.nts.org.uk/property/craigievar-castle/
12. See the Queen's Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle, the Queen's summer residence, is open to the public when she's away. Visitors can explore the Ballroom and parkland.
Location: Balmoral Estates, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Official site: www.balmoralcastle.com
13. Follow Your Green Thumb to Cruickshank Botanic Gardens
Cruickshank Botanic Gardens on the King's College campus features alpine and subtropical collections, a rock and water garden, and an arboretum.
Address: St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen, Scotland
Official site: www.abdn.ac.uk/botanic-garden/
14. Aberdeen Science Centre
The Aberdeen Science Centre offers interactive exhibits and the OPITO Theatre of Energy, providing educational fun for children.
Address: 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Official site: https://aberdeensciencecentre.org
15. The Gordon Highlanders Museum
The Gordon Highlanders Museum celebrates the famous Scottish regiment with displays of uniforms, medals, and weapons.
Address: St. Luke's, Viewfield Road, Aberdeen, Scotland
Official site: www.gordonhighlanders.com
Where to Stay in Aberdeen for Sightseeing
For sightseeing, staying near Union Street is convenient. Here are some highly rated hotels in Aberdeen:
Luxury Hotels:
- Skene House Rosemount offers upscale apartment-style accommodations with free parking and breakfast near Union Street.
- The Chester Hotel is a boutique-style luxury hotel with fine dining and a great breakfast included.
- The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa offers 5-star luxury in an old manor house with a full-service spa.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Jurys Inn Aberdeen is conveniently located by the train station and ferry terminal, with family-friendly rooms and free Wi-Fi.
- Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen City Centre offers free parking and breakfast, with bright rooms and spacious bathrooms.
Budget Hotels:
- Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel is close to major attractions and offers bright, clean rooms.
- Ibis Aberdeen Centre is near the harbor and Maritime Museum, with a casual restaurant and buffet breakfast.
- Premier Inn Aberdeen City Centre Hotel is a quality budget option with an on-site restaurant and close proximity to the railway station.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get from Edinburgh to Aberdeen?
Traveling from Edinburgh to Aberdeen by train is scenic and convenient, with the journey taking under 2.5 hours. The route includes crossing the Forth Bridge and offers discounted tickets if booked in advance. By road, the trip takes around 2 hours 20 minutes without breaks.
How do you get from Glasgow to Aberdeen?
The train journey from Glasgow to Aberdeen passes through Stirling and takes slightly longer than from Edinburgh. Advance booking offers attractive fares. By car, the travel time is similar, with the opportunity to visit Stirling, Perth, and Dundee.
What are the must-visit destinations near Aberdeen?
Aberdeen is a great base for exploring Dundee, St. Andrews, Inverness, and the Scottish Highlands, including Loch Ness.
