30 Amazing Things To Do in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, and the city looks out to the North Sea. This post lists the best things to do in Aberdeen.

The granite city has miles-long sandy beaches along the coast. There are plenty of places to visit in Aberdeen.

Attractions include cutting-edge architecture, art galleries and (mostly free) museums. Also, you can wander around Old Aberdeen and admire the historic architecture.

Alternatively, you can stay in the vibrant city and enjoy the food and culture. 

Aberdeen is between a two and half hour drive from the main cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.

To explore Aberdeen’s city highlights you will need at least two days.

While you are up in this slightly remote part of Scotland why not extend your itinerary to different parts of Aberdeenshire. Check out the itineraries for the best castles in Aberdeenshire and a road trip idea for Stonehaven.

Aberdeen Accommodation: Cragshannoch, Jewel Guest House, Caledonia Newhills Apartment, Terra Nova Hotel

Granite Mile

Aberdeen’s Union Street is also known as ‘Granite Mile’. As this is the main street in Aberdeen you can find lots of mainstream and boutique shops, restaurants, cosy cafes and pubs.

From the ‘Granite Mile’ you can explore all the little side streets. Most of the main attractions in the centre of Aberdeen are near this street. 

Aberdeen Maritime Museum 

Aberdeen Maritime Museum is located near Aberdeen’s dock area. This is a good place to learn about the development of Aberdeen.

The first harbour in Aberdeen dates back to the 12th century. Nowadays, the fishing and shipbuilding industries have been taken over by the off-shore oil industry.

At the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, you can browse collections and information. There is details regarding the history of shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and ports.

Also, there is an education room and hands-on exhibits. Moreover, you can see an excellent range of maritime artefacts and paintings.

Entry to the museum is free. Also, you can relax at the cafe after exploring the museum. 

Brewdog

Brewdog was founded in 2007 by two people and it was set up in Fraserburgh. Fraserburgh is a town northeast of Aberdeen.

Both the owners are from Aberdeen and opened the first Brewdog pub a few years later. Brewdog has made the headlines many times. Including during the pandemic for the iconic beers – Aldi IPA and the Barnard Castle Eye Test.

There are now several Brewdog across the city. At the Castlegate venue you can visit the Underdog which offers an alternative club-scene to the city.

There are craft beers, great music and a brilliant vibe until 2 am or 3 am at the weekends. 

The Tolbooth Museum 

The Tolbooth Museum is located in a former 17th century jail. The museum focuses on local history, especially the crime and punishment trends over the centuries.

Prior to becoming a museum the building had many uses including a town hall, a courthouse and a council chamber. 

This is a very interesting visit where you can learn about the town’s history, medieval punishment and town laws. The museum has many astonishing stories including prison escapes.

Also, there is information on Jacobite prisoners who were interrogated after the Battle of Culloden, kidnappings and witchcraft.

In addition, you can view the 17th-century guillotine blade and other torture devices. The museum is free to visit. 

Castlegate Square and Aberdeen’s Mercat Cross

Aberdeen’s Castle once stood in Castlegate Square near Tolbooth Museum. It is believed that the castle was destroyed in the early 14th century.

Nothing is left of the castle, however, in the square, you will find Mercat Cross. The Mercat Cross is a symbol of where the city was allowed to hold markets.

John Montgomery was responsible for building the Mercat Cross back in 1686. The royal animal of Scotland, the unicorn, sits at the top.

Marischal College

Back in 1837, Marischal College was built and was the main administrative building for Marischal College and University of Aberdeen. Archibald Simpson was the original designer of the building.

It was later re-developed and the front was covered in granite by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. Currently, the interesting building is the second largest granite building in the world. 

Most of the interior of the building is now closed to the public as it is being used as offices for Aberdeen Council.

There are few information boards outside the building regarding the history, however, it is an excellent piece of architecture for visitors to admire. 

Provost Skene’s House

Near the Aberdeen Maritime Museum you can Provost Skene’s House. The old house is full of furnished room which displays how people used to live in the 17th, 18th, 19th centuries.

Interestingly, the oldest part of the building was built in 1545. The attraction gets it name from the Lord Provost George Skene who used to live in the Tudor’s House. 

There are many historical features in the house including wood panelling, plaster ceilings and painted ceilings. Also, there is various artworks and costumes.

The museum is free to enter. 

Aberdeen Art Gallery

New to the art scene, is the newly refurbished art gallery which reopened in 2019.

There is fine work here by various artists including Samuel Peploe and Rachel McLean and internationally acclaimed artists including Barbara Hepworth.

There are 22 exhibitions and galleries in total, which are all very different and unique. Everything in the galleries are perfectly located and laid out well.

There is even a room dedicated to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Back in 1840, the Royal couple visited Scotland and developed a connection with Aberdeenshire.

Throughout the year there are different exhibitions on. Also, it is nice to stop by the rooftop cafe and terrace. 

The Kirk of St. Nicholas Uniting

Back in the 12th century, the Kirk of Nicholas Uniting was established and it was one of the largest and most important parish churches in medieval Scotland.

Most of the building that is present today has been 18th and 19th century refurbishments due to decay and destruction of the original building. 

Archaeological work is ongoing and you can find out more in the church. So far, wood, structures, decorations and tombs have all be uncovered.

The church is free to enter, however, you can place a donation. 

Union Terrace Gardens

The Union Terrace Gardens are located on the west side of the city centre, near His Majesty’s Theatre. The gardens are one of the most lovely green areas in Aberdeen which date back to Victorian times and has a number of statues.

There is an old viaduct at one end and the gardens are a pleasant place to relax or explore. Currently the garden is getting refurbished but it is a perfect hideaway in the summer months. 

Foodstory Cafe

Stop here for something good to eat and drink. The Foodstory Café is located on Thistle Street.

There is a range of vegan and vegetarian treats, as well as artisan coffee. Also, the décor and the rustic vibe are really cool.  

Duthie Park

Duthie Park is the third most visited garden in Scotland, located on the south side of Aberdeen. Make sure to pay a visit to the David Welch Winter Gardens, which is one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe.

Here, you can explore the range of exotic plants including the famous talking cactus. Also, you can admire the Victorian design features. 

Johnston Gardens 

Johnston Gardens are full of tranquillity and has a display of Japanese culture and blooming flowers.

You can unwind in this fantastic garden and admire the rustic bridge, ponds, rookeries and spectacular waterfall. The gardens have won prestigious Britain in Bloom award on numerous occasions. 

The park used to belong to the Johnston House and was gifted to the state in 1936.

It is one of the most charming areas in the city and is a photographers dream. Also, there is a car park and toilet facilities.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum 

The Gordons Highlands Museum celebrates the story of the Gordon Highlanders regiment which amalgamated into a unit of the British Army in the 1990s.

This museum tells of tales of 200 years worth of history with stunning displays. A replica of a First World War trench opened in 2019. Entry price is £10 per adult. 

Old Aberdeen 

Take a trip back in time and explore the dozen hidden gems in the Old Aberdeen. Exploring the Old Aberdeen area is one of the best things to do in Aberdeen.

There are cobbled weaving streets, complex architecture and mature trees. Old Aberdeen has witnessed a change in Aberdeen politics, culture and education through the ages. 

Old Aberdeen is home to Scotland’s third oldest university. Also, you can view the distinctive Sir Duncan Rice Library, find an array of students haunts, places to eat on a budget and great places to relax and enjoy a coffee. 

King’s College, University of Aberdeen 

Another spectacular example of the old architecture in Aberdeen is King’s College. You can admire the stained glass windows, huge ceiling and complex carvings.

Also, you can follow the Old Aberdeen Heritage trail to find amazing examples of the classical period features in the city. 

St Machar’s Cathedral

St Machar Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is part of the Church of Scotland. The cathedral is an ancient site and continues to be a living place of worship today.

Also, the cathedral is in the area where Aberdeen’s first university was founded in 1495. This building is a striking display of the incredible ancient architecture which is on display in Aberdeen.

In addition, there is a spectacular and unique heraldic ceiling and fortified west front. Overall, it is breathtakingly beautiful with all of the stain glassed windows and stunning frames.

Seaton Park 

Seaton Park is a tranquil place in Aberdeen. There are plenty of paths and trails to follow which will take you through green leafy nature.

It is an excellent place to recharge your batteries. Also, there is plenty of variety and wildlife. 

Brig O’Balgownie

Brig Balgownie has a large history and is now known as one of the oldest bridges in Scotland. The medieval crossing dates back to the 13th century and lies over the mystical Black Neuk. 

Donmouth Local Nature Reserve

Donmouth is a lovely nature reserve in the northern parts of Aberdeen. The nature reserve covers the area from Brig o’Balgownie to the opening of the River Don into the North Sea.

There are lovely trails along the river and there are beaches which lead to great city and ocean views.

Footdee (Fittie)

A quirky fishing quarter at the water’s edge, with squares of tiny cottages, flower-filled gardens and brightly painted outhouses. Visiting Footdee is a lovely things to do in Aberdeen.

The cottage’s are arranged in blocks and they are facing each another to protect each another from the wind and weather. The arranged was designed in the 1800s to rehouse local fishing families. 

Each house had its own shed in the communal areas to store timber and driftwood. However, over the years these have been expanded, rebuilt and now some of the sheds have been turned into small cottages themselves.

Some of the sheds are quirky and colourful and they are decorated with garden gnomes and plant pots. 

Footdee Accommodation: Footdee Cottage

Silver Darling, Footdee

For amazing seafood and incredible views over Aberdeen harbour, you must book a table a Silver Darling.

There are plenty of dishes made from local ingredients which have a French twist. Also, you can tuck into traditional fish and shellfish dishes, as well as meat and seasonal game favourites. 

Aberdeen Beach 

Aberdeen is perfectly located on the North Sea. One of the things to do in Aberdeen is to visit a beach.

You can take a brisk walk or joy along the coast and embrace the salty sea air. Also, you can spot bottlenose dolphins leaping through the water in the summer time. 

Additionally, you can walk along the promenade all the way from Footdee to the River Don. There are many lovely sights of beaches along this stretch on the east coast.

Moreover, there is a classic beachfront which is complete with an esplanade featuring shops, cafes and an art-deco-style ballroom. 

Torry Battery and Girdle Ness Lighthouse

This is a lovely walk located south of Footdee at the opening of the Aberdeen Port. There is a car park next to a war memorial and the remains of the Torry Battery.

The Torry Battery was built in 1860 and was used as training grounds and army barracks until the 1950s. From the car park, I recommend taking the lovely coast walk to the prominent Gridle Ness Lighthouse.

Nuart Trail

Nuart Trail is trail which features the best artworks across the city. There is an annual festival which began in 2017.

International artists were invited to the city to create murals and art installation. Every Saturday (during the warmer months) visitors can follow the Nuart Aberdeen Tour to learn about the murals and artworks, and the stories of the artists who created them. 

Alternatively, you can complete the tour by yourself. There is the Nuart Aberdeen Street Art Map which you can use to help find the locations of the artwork. 

Painted Doors Aberdeen 

The Painted Doors Aberdeen project started in 2016. Twelve artists were invited to paint doors in the side street of Aberdeen.

Since then, plenty more have been added and it is adding a vast array of colour to the granite buildings.

You can download the Painted Doors Aberdeen Map to discover more locations and learn some information about the artists who are behind the masterpieces. 

Is Aberdeen worth Visiting?

Aberdeen is a the third largest city in Scotland. Even though there is not much to do compared to Glasgow or Edinburgh it is worth visiting for a short two day trip over a weekend.

Aberdeen is also a great place to base yourself for exploring rural Aberdeenshire. 

What can we do at Aberdeen?

There is a good amount of things to do in Aberdeen. There is a good selection of quirky cafes, modern pubs and classic chain restaurants in Aberdeen.

Also, you can learn about the history, explore the art and culture or visit Old Aberdeen. 

Aberdeen hosts lots of exhibitions in its free museums throughout the year. Also, there is lots of events organised.

Moreover, you can get involved in a walking tour so you can see the sights. The art scene is Aberdeen is new and upcoming and you can complete one of the street mural art tours. 

What is Aberdeen popular for?

Aberdeen is well known as the third largest city in Scotland and has strong connections with the North Sea.

Also, shipbuilding and fishing were strong industries back in the day, now Aberdeen is known for off-shore oil. 

Aberdeen has amazing unique architecture, you can explore the granite buildings and wander through the old fishing villages or Old Aberdeen. 

What is around Aberdeen?

There is so many things to do in Aberdeen. Aberdeenshire is home to many historic castles, waterfalls, small villages, abandoned villages and beaches.

Also, along the coast, you will get the opportunity to spot sea life such as dolphins or other wildlife such as birds. 

A few notable castles which are all a driving distance away are Dunnottar Castle, Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle, Slains Castle and Craigievar Castle. Check the best castles in Aberdeenshire for more information.

Also, there are many towns and villages along the coast in Aberdeenshire that are worth visiting. These villages are Stonehaven, Gardenstown, Peterhead and Portknockie. 

Moreover, you can enjoy some waterfalls near Aberdeen including Den of Finella, Dess Waterfall and Crawton Waterfall. Follow this itinerary from Stonehaven to explore the best parts of southwest Aberdeenshire. 

Finally, you can follow the Aberdeen Coastal Path or a new driving route called the North East 250 which showcases the best of Aberdeenshire. 

Final Note

Aberdeen is known as the granite city and it is home to some unique architecture. This post lists the best things to do in Aberdeen.

Finally, there are many good places to go in Aberdeen for brunch and breakfast.