Aberdeen
Why we love Aberdeen
Aberdeen offers a wonderful blend of Scottish history and modern culture. Its connection to the ocean remains strong, as seen through its Maritime Museum, modern harbour and dolphin spotting tours. This year, the Tall Ships Race will return to the city too, bringing four days of free celebrations and cultural activities.
Known as the ‘Granite City’, as much of its architecture is built from locally quarried granite, today’s Aberdeen cuts a dynamic shape; from live music and Pride celebrations, to street art, gin tasting and more. Try a whisky dinner, explore botanical gardens, contemplate contemporary art, or ride the waves while white water rafting. Aberdeen promises a wealth of adventure.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
With historical artefacts and tales from its maritime past, explore Aberdeen’s long relationship with the sea and find out how it became the energy capital of Europe. Set over four floors, each with its own theme detailing 900 years of maritime heritage, the museum is found within the impressive 16th Century Provost Ross’s House. See ship models dating from 1689 right through to present day, showing the evolution of vessels. Look out for the proud figurehead from the Star of Tasmania, see what life was like for an everyday fisherman at the turn of the century, and head up to the top floor for views of Aberdeen Harbour below.
Nuart Aberdeen
This award-winning international street art festival will grab your attention as it returns to the walls of Aberdeen. The four-day festival usually held in June is a celebration of art, the artists, and the stories behind each. With a different theme every year, last year saw more than a dozen globally acclaimed street artists make their mark on the city.
Highland Tourist Route
Love nature, history and adrenaline pumping moments? Get set for an action-packed adventure as you set off on the 116 mile (187 kilometre) route from Aberdeen to Inverness. Expect castles, museums and a battlefield, then experience adventure sports while surrounded by nature in the Cairngorms National Park.
Balmoral Castle
The Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family, take time to tour the historic gardens and estate of Balmoral Castle. You can even rent a royal cottage in the grounds, catch an outdoor theatre performance in summer, or join a guided wildlife-watching tour with its rangers.
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The Aberdeen Maritime Museum explores the city’s seafaring heritage, from its fishing and shipbuilding past to the modern oil and gas industry in the North Sea.
Stroll through Old Aberdeen, the historic district with cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and landmarks such as King’s College and St Machar’s Cathedral.
Visit Duthie Park and David Welch Winter Gardens, a riverside park featuring original Victorian features such as a band stand, fountains and boating ponds.
Marvel at Scottish masters at the Aberdeen Art Gallery and enjoy panoramic views over the city from its rooftop terrace.
Fun Fact
Fun Fact
Aberdeen is known as the ‘Granite City’ because many of its buildings are made from locally quarried silver-grey granite. In the 19th century, stone from the region was even used to build London’s Waterloo Bridge and Trafalgar Square.
Did you know
Did you know?
- Aberdeen hosts a variety of annual cultural events, including the Nuart Street Art Festival, Spectra Light Festival, and the Aberdeen International Comedy Festival.
- Provost Skene’s House is the oldest surviving townhouse and celebrates the achievements of more than 100 scientists, pioneers and innovators that once called the region home.
- The city serves as a gateway to Scotland’s Speyside whisky region, where visitors can follow the Malt Whisky Trail and tour distilleries such as Glenfiddich and Macallan.
- Aberdeenshire is home to more than 300 castles and stately homes – more per acre than anywhere else in Britain – including the clifftop ruins of Dunnottar Castle and royal residence of Balmoral.
- Footdee (Fittie), a charming former fishing village at the edge of Aberdeen’s beach, is a hidden gem known for its quirky cottages and painted sheds.
Things to do in Aberdeen
Featured things to do
Blooming marvellous
One of the largest indoor gardens in Europe, experience the Temperate House, Corridor of Perfumes, Japanese Garden and more at the David Welch Winter Gardens, Duthie Park.
On the open road
Stretching 165 miles (265 kilometres) from St Cyrus to Portsoy, the Aberdeen Coastal Traill takes in dramatic cliff-top vistas, beaches, caves, charming towns and plenty of wildlife.
Contemporary art
Step back in time at Aberdeen Art Gallery and uncover over 700 years of art, from local, national and international artists. Look out for concerts and events for all the family, too.
Enjoy the show
From interactive children's workshops to live ballet and well-known stage classics, His Majesty's Theatre opens its doors to all.
Places to stay in Aberdeen
With a wide choice including hotels, serviced apartments, bed and breakfasts and more, Aberdeen welcomes you.
Aberdeen city centre
From plush hotel chains and boutique options to family-run guest houses, Aberdeen city centre has a range of accommodation for all budgets.
Old Aberdeen
Book an independently owned guest house or bed and breakfast nestled within the historic location of Old Aberdeen.
Explore nearby
Getting to Aberdeen
Located in north east Scotland, Aberdeen is Scotland’s city by the sea. The closest major interntational airport, Edinburgh Airport, is around 125 miles (201 kilometres) away, around a two-and-a-half-hour drive or three hour bus ride. Aberdeen International Airport welcomes visitors from across Europe. Coaches from First Aberdeen and Stagecoach Bluebird travel from the airport to the city centre in 30 minutes.
There are up to 15 trains a day operated by ScotRail from London’s Kings Cross to Aberdeen train station in the heart of the city, with an average travel time of around eight hours. There is also the Caledonian Sleeper train connecting London Euston to Aberdeen, which takes approximately ten and a half hours overnight.
Getting around Aberdeen
By bus
Aberdeen is well connected by public transport, with the First Group and Stage Coach Bluebird buses connecting the city with nearby towns and villages. The Grasshopper ticket offers multiple travel options, with day or week passes available.
By bike
Look out for the Big Issue E-Bike rental scheme to get around the city conveniently, or explore the city and further afield on a cycle touring route.
On foot
As most key attractions are close by, navigating around Aberdeen on foot is easy and enjoyable. Find a map or touring route to help plan your trip.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
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