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  1. Home
  2. Places to go
  3. Aberdeen

Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen

Aberdeen

A welcoming granite city - admire stunning architecture right by the north-east sea.

Aberdeen at a glance

  • Active & adventure:

    dolphin spotting, iconic golf courses

  • Food & drink:

    Scotch whisky, seafood, steak and chips, rowie/buttery

  • History & heritage:

    Aberdeen University, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen Art Gallery, granite architecture, military heritage  

Map of Scotland

What to expect in Aberdeen

You’ll feel the warm welcome as soon as you arrive in Aberdeen. City centre attractions range from the exciting Maritime Museum – built around a largescale replica of a North Sea oil rig – to the fabulous collections housed at Aberdeen Art Gallery. This is a city shaped by the sea, nowhere more so than fabled golf courses like Royal Aberdeen. You could happily spend a morning looking out to sea for dolphins dancing in the water at Torry Battery, or explore Footdee, one of the city’s attractive residential areas. Or maybe you’re visiting for one of the Aberdeen’s blockbuster events such as the Granite Noir crime writing festival?

There is no city that looks so Scottish, and yet so different, as Aberdeen. It is a dignified and an extraordinarily clean city. After a rain its granite glitters as though it had been newly cut…

Keith Clark, from The Spell of Scotland

Highlights in Aberdeen

Whether you’re staying at a fashionable west end hotel for the week or simply on a day trip, Aberdeen is brimming with attractions. From showstopping parks to ancient university buildings, you’ll find some real Scottish gems. 

A timeless atmosphere in Old Aberdeen

Step back in time in Old Aberdeen, home to cobbled streets, centuries-old university buildings and a distinctive atmosphere that feels a little medieval – in a good way! Highlights include King's College, St Machar's Cathedral and winding historic lanes that create an interesting contrast with the modern city centre. 

Visit Old Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

© VisitAberdeenshire

A guide to the parks & gardens of Aberdeen 

Take a deep breath amidst the peaceful floral displays of Duthie Park or find a quiet moment in hidden urban sanctuaries like the Walled Garden in Seaton Park. Discover Aberdeen's colourful parks and tranquil gardens, where award-winning green spaces and peaceful walks offer a refreshing escape throughout the year. 

Explore Aberdeen's dazzling gardens

Johnston Gardens

© @carlottaschwertel.photography

Golf in and around the city

Tee off at some of Aberdeen’s renowned golf courses. Enjoy thrilling championship links and scenic parkland fairways, all within easy reach of the city centre. Play iconic courses such as Murcar Links and Royal Aberdeen (one of the world's oldest golf clubs) or test your skills on the coastal fairways of Trump International Scotland, set against dramatic North Sea dunes. 

Play golf in Aberdeen 

Trump International Golf Links featuring the ‘Great Dunes of Scotland’.

Trump International Golf Links featuring the ‘Great Dunes of Scotland’.

© Trump International

Things to do in Aberdeen

From its medieval university buildings and colourful gardens to excellent museums, granite cityscapes and a golden beach – explore Aberdeen.

Things to see and do in Aberdeen

What's on in Aberdeen

Experience something extraordinary with a fabulous Aberdeen event such as SPECTRA, Aberdeen's exciting festival of light.

SPECTRA

See Aberdeen come alive with colourful lights and stunning installations at Marischal College, Union Terrace Gardens, and more.

Nuart: Aberdeen's must-see murals

See Aberdeen differently on one of the UK's most celebrated street trails, where large-scale murals transform the city into an open-air gallery.

Granite Noir

Held annually in Aberdeen, Granite Noir Writing Festival is inspired by the incredible popularity of crime fiction.

See Aberdeen through a new lens

See what's inspired those who have gone before you, from exploring the granite streets or snapping the bright and colourful cottages of Footdee. You’ll want to photograph the amazing granite architecture of the city, too! 

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Trip ideas in Aberdeen

Ready to start planning your Aberdeen getaway? Whether you’re eyeing up a weekend visit, interested in the city's famous street art, these trip ideas might just give you a head start. 

24 Hours in Aberdeen

This one-day itinerary combines culture, heritage and local flavours into an action-packed city break.

A local's guide to Aberdeen

Did someone say local’s guide to Aberdeen? Find out about Aberdeen’s food & drink scene, shopping and arts spaces with these top tips.

7 Days in the east of Scotland

Journey along Scotland’s spectacular east coast, home to dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, magnificent castles and intriguing attractions.

Plan your trip

Getting to Aberdeen

Train

Direct services connect Aberdeen with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness and London, arriving in the heart of the city. 

Scotrail  

LNER 

Driving

Aberdeen is easily reached via the A90 and A96, making it simple to combine with a wider Aberdeenshire, Highland or north-east Scotland trip. 

Bus and coach

Aberdeen is served by regular coach services from major Scottish cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness, with services arriving at Aberdeen Bus Station in the city centre. Local buses also make it easy to explore Aberdeen's neighbourhoods and attractions across Aberdeenshire and Angus. 

Stagecoach  
National Express 
CityLink 
Ember

Flying

Aberdeen Airport offers year-round UK and international connections and is around 20 minutes from the city centre. 

Accessibility

Aberdeen’s museums, galleries, attractions and accommodation providers offer accessible facilities. Accessibility information is usually available directly from individual venues. 

Euan’s Guide to Aberdeen 

Find visitor information, itineraries, events and practical travel advice at VisitAberdeenshire 

Explore nearby

Aberdeen is surrounded by the rolling countryside of Aberdeenshire and Moray Speyside. Here you’ll find castles, whisky distilleries, a National Park, varied coastline and much more.

Cairngorms National Park

Big skies, wild landscapes and endless adventures – discover the untamed beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.

Elgin and Moray Speyside

Moray Speyside's largest community, Elgin is popular for its culture, history and coastal scenery.

Aberdeenshire

Spanning mountain to sea, discover a region of forest trails, historic castles, lively towns, harbour villages and outdoor adventure.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen?

March to October is a great time to enjoy Aberdeen’s nature spots while November to February invites you to slow down, explore the city’s fantastic galleries and museums and get into the Christmas spirit. 

Outdoors city trip (March–October): Visit Torry Battery to enjoy harbour views and catch a glimpse of playful bottlenose dolphins, grab an ice cream for a sunny afternoon walk along Aberdeen Beach or admire the autumn colours as the city’s parks and ivy–clad university buildings turn vibrant shades of red. 

Winter breaks (November–February): Stroll through the Aberdeen Christmas Village and see the Granite City sparkle with festive lights. Visit Aberdeen Art Gallery or discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. 

How long should I stay?

You can get a feel for Aberdeen's key attractions over a weekend, but 3-5 days or even longer allows time to discover Aberdeenshire’s nearby castles, whisky distilleries and incredible countryside. 

Where can I stay?

Choose from stylish city-centre hotels, boutique guesthouses, self-catering apartments, and even beach-front accommodation. 

Search accommodation in Aberdeen 

Do I need a car? 

Not for the city itself. Many of Aberdeen's main attractions are walkable on a tour of the centre, and the city is well served by public transport for attractions further out. A car can be useful if you plan to venture further into Aberdeenshire for castles and coastal scenery.

Is Aberdeen good for families?

Yes. Families can enjoy museums, parks, beaches, wildlife spotting, boat trips, seasonal events and plenty of open space for outdoor adventures. 

Can I visit Aberdeenshire on a day trip?

Absolutely. Royal Deeside, Dunnottar Castle, the Cairngorms National Park and the region's whisky distilleries are all within easy reach of the city. 

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