Amazing 16 Things to See and Activities to Do in Aberdeen, Scotland


Aberdeen is a city in Scotland. It is situated on the North East coast of the British Isle. Some of the most fun things to do in Aberdeen include exploring Scottish History, and Maritime History, admiring granite architecture, enjoying beaches, and hiking through the natural wonders of the Scottish coast.  It is a wonderful coastal city with a historic harbor. Many of the best places to visit in Aberdeen revolve around shipbuilding, maritime trade, and naval warfare history of the city. Aberdeen owes much of its prosperity to its port and harbor.

The region was given a charter by William the Lion in 1179, but the history of human settlement at the site goes back 8,000 years. There are a few Aberdeen tourist attractions like the city’s museum where you can learn about the early history of the city. In 1319, the city was given the Great Charter by Robert the Bruce. Aberdeen saw great development between the 18th and 20th centuries. Majority of historically significant things to see in Aberdeen hail from this time period.

The city is called Granite City owing to the grey granite used in the construction of several historic buildings. Aberdeen is quite close to a large granite quarry and hence the material was easily accessible to the city. Many people explore the city through the “Granite City” tour for Aberdeen sightseeing. This tour takes you on a walking or bicycle tour of 30 buildings, monuments and statues. You will encounter some of the most wonderful places to see in Aberdeen including St. Machar’s Cathedral, Provost Skene’s House, His Majesty’s Theatre, Old Town House, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Church of St. Nicholas Uniting, and King’s College Chapel.

Aside from history, the city also has a variety of modern entertainment facilities for indoor activities to do in Aberdeen. There are amusement parks, public parks, theatres, recreational centers, and more. The city also has amazing golf courses and large public parks for recreation.

Outside the city, you get to explore coastal attractions, cliffs, hills, lakes, and forests for outdoor activities to do in Aberdeen such as hiking, trekking, camping, fishing, and so on. The beaches near Aberdeen are also quite popular tourist attractions. Aside from sunbathing and leisure activities, these coastal attractions also offer a variety of beach sports and water sports facilities.

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Top 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Aberdeen in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Duthie Park

Spread over an area of 44 acres, this park sits on the bank of river Dee. The park is known for housed several types of gardens and collections of plants originating from different parts of the world. It is a place for fun things to do in Aberdeen for families. You would need about an hour to tour this park.

2. William Wallace Statue

The statue of William Wallace was erected in 1888 to honor his valor and fight for Scottish Independence. The statue was sculpted by William Stevenson. You won’t need a few minutes to see this statue when you visit Aberdeen.

3. Aberdeen Maritime Museum

This museum is situated on the historic Shiprow, close to the harbor. The museum focuses on the sea-faring history of the city and the significance of its port. It is one of the most important historical places to visit in Aberdeen. The exhibits in the museum cover history of ship-building, sailing, historical ships, naval battles, fishing, port, and maritime technology. You will need an hour from Aberdeen sightseeing to tour this museum.

I suggest you should book a Guided Walking and Food Tour in Aberdeen.

4. The Tolbooth Museum

Built-in 1629, this building served as a jail during the 17th century and onwards. Today it houses a museum dedicated to the history of the building and the prison. It is popular among things to see in Aberdeen as one of the most haunted places in the city. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

5. Aberdeen Beach

This beautiful golden sand beach stretches from the harbor all the way to the mouth of river Don. It is one of the best beaches near Aberdeen. The beach is popular for a lot of outdoor activities to do in Aberdeen including sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing, and coastal hikes. The beach also has amusement areas and restaurants. You can easily spend a couple of hours from Aberdeen travel to explore the pleasures of this beach.

6. Satrosphere Science Centre

This museum and exhibition center is dedicated to encouraging and educating children about various branches of science. The museum has several interactive exhibits for children concerning scientific disciplines such as cosmology, zoology, geography, geology, and so on. It is one of the most popular Aberdeen tourist attractions for families. You will need at least an hour to tour this center.

Day 2

1. King’s College Chapel

Founded in 1495, King’s College is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. It is iconic for its gothic revival architecture and the crown tower. The crown-style monument atop the tower is one of the most photographed structures in the city. The Chapel of the college was built in the 15th century and was renovated in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The chapel is known among Aberdeen attractions for its historical and cultural significance. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to tour the chapel and an hour if you choose to tour the campus of the university.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Historical Walking Tour in Aberdeen.

2. Seaton Park

Situated on the edge of river Don, this is one of the biggest parks in the city. The park has green spaces, picnic spots, and sports facilities. It is one of the places to go in Aberdeen to relax. You can easily spend a few minutes at this park.

3. Aberdeen Art Gallery

Housed in one of the city’s finest granite buildings, this art gallery has a collection spanning 700 years. It is one of the best places to see in Aberdeen for art enthusiasts. The gallery primarily focuses on creations by Scottish artists but also features a few works by international artists. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this gallery.

I suggest you should book a Guided Street Art Walking Tour in Aberdeen.

4. Granite Architecture (Architecture of Aberdeen)

The Granite trail is a sequence of about 30 Aberdeen sights. These include buildings, statues, cemeteries, bridges, townhouses, churches, government buildings, and more. Owing to the city’s proximity to a granite quarry, many of the buildings in Aberdeen have used granite as the primary building material. Aberdeen has often been called the Granite City owing to this phenomenon. Some of the prominent landmarks on this trail include Marischal College, Town House, Salvation Army Citadel, His Majesty’s Theatre, Church of St. Mark, Central Library, and so on. This trail allows you to explore a variety of buildings and monuments which were built using granite, but at different points in the city’s history. You will need 3 to 4 hours to complete this entire trail.

5. Union Terrace Gardens

This public park dates back to 1879 and has facilities for a lot of outdoor activities to do in Aberdeen. The park has green spaces, walking trails, sports facilities, picnic spots, and more. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying recreational activities at this park.

6. Footdee (Fitty)

Situated at the foot of river Dee, this harbor used to be a fishing village. It is included among the places to visit in Aberdeen for historical sightseeing. You will see several 19th-century houses and harbor warehouses. It is also a top spot for dolphin sightings. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.

Day 3

1. Old Aberdeen

The old town of Aberdeen is home to numerous historical attractions including Crown Tower, Old Town House, University Library, St. Machar Cathedral, Kings Museum, and so on. It is also home to the majority of granite buildings that the city is famous for. The old town is also well known for several restaurants, clubs, and bars. Loitering the streets for dining, street food, drinking and general hobnobbing are among the best things to do in Aberdeen at night. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this area.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of Old Aberdeen.

 

2. The Gordon Highlanders Museum

This museum delves into the history of the Gordon Highlanders regiment. The museum explored the history of the regiment and the prominent battles they took part in. One of the most interesting things to see in Aberdeen, an actual Nazi flag snatched from Hitler’s own car, is displayed in this museum. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this museum.

I suggest you should Get your Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket to The Gordon Highlanders Museum in advance.

3. King’s Museum

Part of the King’s College, this museum holds a large variety of artifacts originating from different parts of the world and from different periods in history.  The museum is also known among Aberdeen tourist attractions for its events such as Night at the Museum, European Night at the Museum, and Festival of Museums. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Aberdeen.

4. University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum

This museum has a large collection of representations of animals in form of taxidermy, skeletons, skins, models, and fluid-preserved specimens. Some of the highlight animals represented at this museum include tiger, whale, python, tortoise, jellyfish, lion, shark, and so on. You will need an hour or so from Aberdeen travel to tour this museum.

If you are looking for more Aberdeen attractions, check out the section below. We have put together an exhaustive list of places and activities to explore in and around the city.

Things to do in Aberdeen

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Aberdeen

  • Aberdeen Art Gallery
  • Aberdeen Maritime Museum
  • Salvation Army Citadel
  • St. Mark’s Church
  • Crown Tower
  • King’s Museum
  • St. Machar’s Cathedral
  • The Gordon Highlanders Museum
  • Provost Skene’s House
  • Tolbooth Museum
  • Zoology Museum
  • Dunnottar Castle
  • Crathes Castle
  • Craigievar Castle
  • Drum Castle
  • Balmoral Castle
  • Torry Battery
  • Blairs Museum
  • Aberdeen Arts Center
  • Church of St. Nicholas Uniting
  • Statue of William Wallace
  • Girdle Ness Lighthouse
  • St. Andrew Cathedral Church
  • Dyce Symbol Stones
  • St. Mary of Assumption Cathedral
  • Queen’s Cross Church
  • Greyfriars Church
  • Wallace Tower
  • Rubislaw Granite Quarry
  • Queen Victoria Statue
  • Ruthven Barracks

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Aberdeen

  • Mount Cairngorms National Park
  • Donmouth Local Nature Reserve
  • Brimmond Hill
  • Kirkhill Forest
  • Kincorth Hill
  • Scotstown Moor Local Nature Reserve
  • Nigg Bay
  • Den of Maidencraig
  • Tyrebagger Hill
  • Greyhope Bay
  • Carnie Woods
  • Highland Wildlife Park
  • Bullers of Buchan
  • RSPB Scotland Troup Head
  • RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh
  • Mount Keen
  • Bennachie Hills

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Aberdeen

  • Union Terrace Garden
  • Cruickshank Botanic Garden
  • David Welch Winter Gardens
  • Johnston Garden
  • Belmont Picturehouse Cinema
  • Satrosphere Science Center
  • Duthie Park
  • Codona’s Amusement Park
  • Hazlehead Park
  • Seaton Park Aberdeen
  • The Den & Glen
  • Deeside Way
  • Wynford Farm Park
  • Westburn Park
  • Victoria Park
  • Jump in Adventure Park
  • Linx Ice Arena
  • Hayfield Riding
  • City of Aberdeen Distillery
  • Grosvener Casino
  • Aberdeen Breakout Games
  • Piper Alpha Memorial Garden
  • Persley Walled Garden
  • The Locked Door Escape Games
  • Westfield Park
  • Walker Park
  • Stewart Park
  • Glenshee Ski Center
  • Lecht Ski Center
  • Landmark Forest Adventure Park
  • Glencoe Mountain Resort
  • Nevis Range Mountain Resort

Shopping in Aberdeen

  • Trinity Center
  • Bon Accord Center
  • Union Square
  • The Academy
  • St. Nicholas Center
  • Aberdeen County Fair
  • Aberdeen Market

Beaches & Islands in Aberdeen

  • Aberdeen Beach
  • Stonehaven Beach
  • Saint Cyrus Beach
  • Balmedie Beach
  • Newburgh Beach
  • South Donmouth Beach
  • Greyhope Beach
  • Blackdog Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Aberdeen

  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Boat Cruise
  • Water Sports
  • Cruden Bay beach
  • Horseback Riding Tours
  • Walking Tour
  • Bicycle Tour

Sightseeing in Aberdeen

  • Marischal College
  • Town House
  • Union Street
  • His Majesty’s Theatre
  • Central Library
  • Footdee Harbour
  • Old Aberdeen
  • Aberdeen Harbour
  • Brig o’ Balgownie
  • Bridge of Dee
  • Union Bridge
  • The Bridge of Don
  • King George IV Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Aberdeen

  • Beautiful Mountain
  • Tripple Kirks
  • Books and Beans
  • Revolution Bar
  • Cafe Contour
  • Th Wild Boar
  • The Coffee House
  • Siberia
  • Foodstory
  • Cafe Drummond’s
  • Cafe 52
  • O’Niels
  • Musa Art & Music Cafe
  • Ma Camerons
  • Little Italy
  • Old School House
  • Chinatown
  • Slain’s Castle
  • Lahore Karahi
  • Enigma
  • Prince of Wales
  • Kury
  • Old Blackfrairs
  • La Lombarda
  • Tonic
  • The Moonrings
  • Soul
  • Royal Thai
  • Illicit Still
  • Moonfish Cafe
  • Nazma Tandoori
  • Tippling House

Where to Stay in Aberdeen?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Aberdeen. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Aberdeen.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel
  2. Malmaison Aberdeen
  3. Hilton Aberdeen TECA
  4. Residence Inn Aberdeen
  5. Atholl Hotel
  6. Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen
  7. Park Inn by Radisson Aberdeen
  8. The Chester Hotel
  9. The Spires Serviced Apartments
  10. Maryculter House
  11. Furain Guest House
  12. Pinehurst Lodge Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Palm Court Hotel
  2. Premier Inn Aberdeen City Centre hotel
  3. The Aberdeen Altens Hotel
  4. Jurys Inn Aberdeen
  5. Ibis Aberdeen Centre
  6. Premier Inn Aberdeen (Westhill) hotel
  7. Siberia Hotel
  8. Premier Inn Aberdeen North (Bridge of Don) hotel
  9. Village Hotel Aberdeen
  10. Aberdeen Douglas Hotel
  11. Aberdeen Marriott Hotel
  12. Aloft Aberdeen TECA

Budget Hotels

  1. Holiday Inn Aberdeen – West, an IHG hotel
  2. Travelodge Aberdeen Central
  3. Travelodge Aberdeen Bucksburn
  4. The Beeches
  5. CitiHouse Aberdeen West End
  6. Wellington Hotel
  7. Soprano St Magnus Court Hotel
  8. Soprano Hostels
  9. Premier Inn Aberdeen (Anderson Drive) hotel
  10. Station Hotel
  11. The Coffee House Hotel
  12. Moxy Aberdeen Airport

Custom Tours Package in Aberdeen

How to Reach Aberdeen?

By Air

Aberdeen International Airport has situated about 11 km northwest of the city center. You can get direct flights to visit Aberdeen from Riga, Burgas, London, Newcastle, Wick, Manchester, Geneva, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Belfast, Bristol, Dublin, Norwich, Oslo, Copenhagen and several other European cities. You can get buses and cabs to reach places to visit in Aberdeen from the airport.

By Road

You can get direct trains to reach Aberdeen from several cities in the UK including London, Newcastle, York, Carlisle, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and Inverness. The tickets can be purchased online or at the station.

The bus network for Aberdeen travel is far more widespread. You can get direct or connecting buses from several cities, towns and villages in Scotland and UK to Aberdeen.

If you are planning to reach Aberdeen by road, you should head for routes A90, A96, or A956.

By Water

You can get boats from Lerwick, Shetland, and Kirkwall to visit Aberdeen.


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