Aberdeen

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Aberdeen

Known as the Granite City because of the locally quarried stone, Aberdeen, the capital of northeastern Scotland, is one of the most distinctive cities in Great Britain. Surrounded by magnificent scenery, it mixes rich history, beautiful granite architecture and traditional industries with a flurry of leisure and entertainment amenities. It has a vibrant arts scene, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and one of the most buoyant economies in the country. Scotland’s third largest city truly has something to offer to everyone.

The City

Built at the mouth of two of Scotland’s major rivers, the Dee and the Don, with the spectacular Grampian Mountains to the west, and miles of unspoiled and beautiful coastline to the east, Aberdeen is a perfect destination for nature lovers. But travellers who would rather stay in urban surroundings will also have plenty to see – despite its northerly location, Aberdeen features splendid architectural delights, a highly cosmopolitan feel, exciting nightlife and a wide variety of cultural sights and events bound to please all. Early Aberdeen consisted of two settlements: one in what is today known as Old Aberdeen, and another on St Katherine’s Hill near the harbour. Modern Aberdeen began to take shape in the late 18th century on St Katherine’s Hill in a development that featured some spectacular engineering projects. Engineering is still a theme in today’s Aberdeen, following the discovery of oil in the North Sea in 1969, which has earned Aberdeen its modern nicknames, the “Oil Capital of Europe” or the “Houston of the North.” The oil has been highly significant for the development of this thriving city, as it has boosted the local economy, resulting in low unemployment rates and a reputation for being one of the most desirable places in Britain to live and work.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Visitors to Aberdeen love to wander through the streets admiring the unique granite edifices and taking in the historical sights like King's College, St. Machar's Cathedral, Marischal College and the Kirk of St. Nicholas Uniting. But there is also plenty in the way of attractions, museums, parks and gardens, and of course, there are numerous fairy tale castles and historic distilleries within easy reach of the city which should not be missed.

Gordon Highlanders Museum

Explore the history of one of the British Army’s most celebrated regiments, the Gordon Highlanders Infantry, which was raised in the late 18th century. The museum features the finest of the regiment’s treasures, special exhibitions and the chance for children to dress up in a Gordon Highlanders uniform. The museum is surrounded by a …

Duthie Park Winter Gardens

Duthir Park is one of the best loved parks in Aberdeen, housing one of the largest covered gardens in Europe. Exotic plants and flowers from both tropical and arid climates can be admired at the Winter Garden, including Britain's largest collection of cacti. Additionally, just outside the covered gardens there is a lovely Japanese …

Castle Fraser

Travelers who have time to leave Aberdeen for a day trip should head out to Castle Fraser. A magnificent building dating back to 1575, featuring historic furnishings, paintings and embroidery, the impressive Great Hall, and a library filled with family books, as well as concert space, parks, woodland walks, a tea room and a …

Codona’s Amusement Park

Fun for all ages, Codona’s offers a raft of rides and attractions worthy of the best amusement parks. There is also an indoor entertainment centre available, Sunset Boulevard, and a games and entertainment area called Miami Beach. Both are open …

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

As one of Britain’s busiest harbours with a rich maritime heritage, a visit to the Maritime Museum with its splendid views of the harbour is a must when visiting Aberdeen. Find out what it is like to work on a North Sea oil rig or explore the hundreds of ship models and exhibits about …

Aberdeen Science Centre

The Aberdeen Science Centre is an immensely popular science and technology centre with entertaining, interactive and hands-on exhibits and shows that engage children of all ages and lead them to fascinating discoveries about the world around …

St. Machar's Cathedral

There is evidence of there being some sort of church or chapel at this location as far back as the 6th century, though the building that stands there today dates back only as far as the XIV century. The cathedral's design is stunning,the highlights being the sandstone spires and painted wood …

Brig o'Balgownie

Not far from the picturesque Seaton Park stands Brig o'Balgownie, Scotland's oldest bridge. This simple stone landmark has spanned the width of the River Don since the XIII century and was even referenced by Lord Byron, who briefly studied in the area, in his epic poem Don …

King's College, University of Aberdeen

The King's College building is emblematic of the University of Aberdeen, with its iconic 17th-century tower that features a stone replica of Charlemagne's crown at its top. Founded in the late 15th century, the historic university building is a major draw for tourists, and self-guided tours are available on the …

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Aberdeen Art Gallery has comprehensive collections with works from the 17th-20th centuries. Both Scottish and international artists are represented, including famous impressionists like Monet and Renoir, as well as local painters like George Jameson, William Dyce, John Philip and Charles Rennie …

Marischal College

Appropriately for the 'Granite City' of Aberdeen, Marischal College, which today houses the city's municipal offices, is the second largest granite building in the world, crowned by the 72-metre-tall Mitchell Tower. At night the side of the building is beautifully decorated with different light …

The Kirk of St. Nicholas Uniting

This stunning church and the solemn graveyard that surround it date back to the XII century. Under the church there is an old crypt from the 1400's, which was used during the XVII century as a prison for women who were believed to be witches. Nowadays this membership boasts strong membership of both the …

Glenfiddich Distillery

Glenfiddich, which means 'Valley of the Deer' in Scottish Gaelic, is the world's best-selling and most awarded single-malt whisky, and about halfway between Aberdeen and Inverness lies the distillery, which can be visited and toured, and you can naturally sample and purchase delicious …

Dunnottar Castle

Few places evoke the spirit of the Scottish highlands as poignantly as Dunnottar Castle, a ruined fortress perched atop rugged rocky cliffs overlooking the North Sea, just 3 kilometres away from the town of Stonehaven. The buildings that remain date from the 15th and 16th centuries, and the combination of ruins and setting make …

Craigievar Castle

Craigievar Castle looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale. Completed in 1626, it stands as a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture, and both interior and exterior are jaw-dropping in their beauty, attention to detail and …

Dining

Given its location by the sea, Aberdeen truly is a dream destination for travellers with a culinary interest and a taste for seafood, with fresh fish, crab and lobster in abundance. However, being a multi-cultural city, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes, with offers ranging from traditional Scottish dishes to Italian, French, Greek, Turkish and Chinese, as well as some highly praised Hungarian restaurants.

The Lodge On The Loch

For a truly unique dining experience, head to the Lodge of the Loch. They offer everything from bar suppers, to three-course dinners and a blend of traditional and modern dishes. All food is freshly prepared with local products. The restaurant is located in amazing surroundings, overlooking the splendour and beauty of Cairngorm National …

Silver Darling

Named after the local term for herring, the Silver Darling offers a wide selection of the best the sea can offer, in a location with wonderful views of the fishing village of Footdea on one side and the harbour and beach on the other. It is absolutely the place to go if you want …

Goulash

Described as a “wonderful little gem of a restaurant” by locals, this Hungarian eatery offers great value for money with a wide range of Hungarian specialities on the menu which will satisfy vegetarians, children and all the customers´ tastes. It is not the largest of restaurants in the city, so make sure to book …

The Ashvale

Believed by many to have the very best Fish and Chips in Great Britain, The Ashvale Fish Restaurant is an Aberdeen institution, receiving over 30,000 visitors each week. The speciality of the house is seafood, but the menu is actually quite varied and includes steak and vegetarian options, among many …

Aperitivo

Aperitivo strives to bring a slice of Italian life to Aberdeen, celebrating the spirit of the eponymous 'aperitivo', a chance to catch up with friends and unwind after a long day over a glass of wine and some home-made cooking. This restaurant offers a taste of southern Italy using only the very best local …

Yorokobi by CJ

Yorokobi by Chef Jang offers perhaps the best East Asian cuisine in Aberdeen. Very affordable Japanese and Korean specialty dishes feature prominently on an extensive menu composed entirely of high-quality …

Moonfish Cafe

With unbeatable views of the 12th-century Kirk of St Nicholas, in the heart of Aberdeen's Merchant Quarter, Moonfish Cafe features an ever-evolving menu full of creative and innovative British dishes, all made with local and seasonal produce. Special attention is given to the selection of the restaurant's impressive gin …

Cafes

Aberdeen may be better known for its pubs than its cafes, but the city is host to a wide range of quaint and often unique tea and coffee houses. From beach-front locations to charming courtyards, you can find everything from chocolate coffee houses to special vegan bakeries and bookstore cafes, all perfect places to take a break from sightseeing.

Cafe 52

This café is a central meeting point in the city both for locals and tourists. They serve delicious seasonal food, lighter meals like soups and salads, and also tapas and cocktails. The cafe is small and quaint, but full of style and …

Books and Beans

Books and Beans, the first independent fair trade coffee shop in Aberdeen, serves light meals and snacks, homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and panini, as well as a range of excellent fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate. The second floor houses a second-hand bookstore and internet …

Café Bohème

Both traditional and modern French cuisine with an innovative twist are showcased in this elegant and cosy restaurant and café, including confit de canard and white wine mussels. Visitors would also be wise to try the desserts, such as lemon-raspberry creme brûlée and …

Foodstory Cafe

Foodstory Cafe believes in bringing people together. They take pride in providing not only a place to eat great, healthy food, but where people can feel like part of a community through art and music. The furniture that fills this cosy space was all donated or built from salvaged parts and is thus completely …

The Coffee House

The Coffee House is a spacious but cosy cafe that hosts all manner of great concerts and events. There is a live acoustic night every Friday, and there are plenty of other concerts and dance performances. Some nights even the audience gets involved with Latin dancing or open mic …

Cup

Cup is an elegant tea salon that is as famous for its great selection of artisan teas and high-quality Italian gourmet coffees as it is for its delicious and decadent desserts, among which visitors can find cupcakes, pastries, cakes, muffins and many …

Contour Cafe

Contour Cafe is a young, independently-run Aberdeen business whose website says it all: "Good coffee. Awesome sandwiches. Nice folk." Their coffee is 100% fair trade Arabica beans from South America, and their sandwiches can be ordered just the way you want them: plain, spicy "or just downright …

The Pavilion Cafe

The Pavilion Cafe boasts one of the best locations in the city, right on the esplanade, overlooking the North Sea. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee topped with a mountain of whipped cream and a fresh crepe or waffle along with the beautiful view of the …

Bars & Nightlife

With two universities and a large number of people spending time in the city while on leave from the North Sea oil rigs, Aberdeen has a raft of bars and pubs to cater for their needs, making it an ideal party city. With such an abundance of great bars, it comes as no surprise that Aberdeen also offers some great clubs that are bound to give you a memorable experience. But do not ignore the city's numerous cultural events and offerings, with plenty of live music venues and world-class theatres putting on some unique and memorable shows.

Revolution Aberdeen

With nearly a hundred different vodkas as well as cocktails, beer and other spirits on offer, Revolution is the perfect place to prepare for a night out or simply to just enjoy a drink. The music is house-orientated with a jazzy edge that normally gets the crowd moving. The place also offers food, and …

Siberia Vodka Bar

One of the hottest hangouts in Aberdeen, Siberia is a spacious and a bright venue, perfectly suited for a relaxing drink – particularly vodka – or just a fun night out. They offer food, and the place also features a heated and covered balcony and pool …

The Grill

One of Aberdeen’s oldest and most well-known pubs, the Grill was established as a restaurant in 1870, later converted into a pub, and has been left virtually unchanged since the 1920s. Not a choice for tired shoppers, as it is very much a standing pub because of its long bar …

Krakatoa

Formerly known as the Moorings Bar, a rock bar with frequent live performances very popular among locals, this establishment has undergone a huge transformation, reinventing itself now as Krakatoa, a colourful and vibrant tiki dive bar with wacky decor and plenty of …

Soul Bar

Soul is without a doubt one of the most unique bars in Aberdeen, located as it is in a beautiful old church. It still retains many of the original features, like the stained-glass windows, ornate decor, and even the old pulpit, from where the DJ spins his …

The Stag

The Stag is a traditional pub right in the heart of Aberdeen, a favourite meeting place and centre of nightlife in the city. It boasts a great selection of lagers, ales, fine wines and whiskies and offers hearty servings of homemade cooking prepared with local ingredients. The large TV screen sports events, thus gathering …

His Majesty's Theatre

Aberdeen is a culturally vibrant city, and His Majesty's Theatre is one of the major proponents. Seating over 1,400, the breathtaking auditorium regularly hosts performances of award-winning plays and musicals, as well as musical and other acts. Check the website to find out what's happening during your …

Breakneck Comedy Club

For a bit of a different night out, check out the Breakneck Comedy Club. They host weekly comedy shows where both local and international comedians perform. The club also promotes young and new comics, inviting them to try out their …

The Lemon Tree

The Lemon Tree is one of the three foremost cultural performance venues in Aberdeen, together with His Majesty's Theatre and the Music Hall. It specialises in alternative entertainment and experimental music and theatrical, as well as comedy, spoken word and other …

BrewDog Aberdeen

BrewDog Aberdeen was the original flagship pub of a now huge international chain. They brew their own lines of fantastic craft beers, and the knowledgeable staff are happy to guide you through a tour of their many varieties. Come with your friends and with your dogs. Both are always welcome in …

Sing City

Sing City is widely accepted as Aberdeen's best karaoke bar, featuring numerous private rooms that can fit up to 30 people for parties and events. The facilities are top-notch, and the service and hospitality of the staff are …

Shopping

As the traditional centre for commerce for the whole of northeastern Scotland, Aberdeen has been the region’s number one shopping centre for hundreds of years and boasts a wide range of shops and malls. The traditional main streets are Union Street and George Street, which offer superb swanky shopping, while the Bon Accord, St. Nicholas and Trinity shopping centres offer visitors the chance to buy high-quality items indoors, as well as Castlegate Market, a cobblestone square that hosts a market seven days a week.