Things To Do
in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a vibrant coastal city located in the northeast of Scotland. It is known for its rich history of maritime industries, including fishing, shipbuilding, and oil production. The city is home to stunning granite architecture, such as Marischal College, and beautiful parks like Duthie Park.
Aberdeen is also a cultural hub, with a thriving arts scene, museums, and galleries for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by strolling along the beautiful Aberdeen Beach. Enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafés while taking in the fresh sea air.
Visit the maritime museum to learn about the city's seafaring history. Afterward, explore the shops at Union Square for some local treasures.
Dine at a seaside restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood. Wrap up your day with a walk along the beach, watching the sunset over the North Sea.
Take a trip to the stunning Crathes Castle to discover its beautiful gardens. The castle tour provides insight into its fascinating history.
Head to Drum Castle and take in its impressive tower and grounds. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings with a packed lunch on the lawn.
Return to Aberdeen and have dinner at a traditional Scottish pub. Try haggis accompanied by a wee dram of whisky.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, including museums and historic sites.
- Access to beautiful coastal scenery and nature, with nearby beaches and parks.
- Strong academic presence due to universities and colleges offering diverse programs.
- Growing job market, particularly in the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
- Friendly and welcoming community with a vibrant local atmosphere.
- High cost of living compared to other areas in Scotland.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with long, cold winters and frequent rain.
- Limited public transportation options outside the city center.
- Availability of leisure activities may be less compared to larger cities.
- Economic dependency on oil and gas industry, making it vulnerable to market fluctuations.
Best Activities in Aberdeen
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Aberdeen Beach Promenade and take in the beautiful coastal scenery.
Explore the stunning Duthie Park, home to a winter gardens, boating pond, and peaceful river walks.
Visit the picturesque Crathes Castle and Gardens for a day of history and nature amidst beautiful surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Aberdeen with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Aberdeen
Visit one of these nice places.
Featuring a stunning winter gardens and parkland with beautiful floral displays, Duthie Park offers picturesque views for photographers.
This historic fishing village by the sea provides charming streets and colorful houses, offering great photo opportunities.
With its expansive sandy stretch and lively atmosphere, Aberdeen Beach is a popular spot for capturing coastal scenes and sunsets.
Food in Aberdeen
Aberdeen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Best enjoyed at The Silver Darling, a renowned seafood restaurant with stunning views of the harbor.
Must-Try!
A flaky, buttery pastry that's an Aberdeen breakfast staple. Visit the Butterworth & Son bakery for an authentic taste of this local delight.
Renowned for its quality and flavor, this beef is often featured in traditional Scottish dishes and can be savored at local establishments like The Adelphi Kitchen.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Aberdeen better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market offering an array of local produce, baked goods, and street food stalls. It’s a great place to sample traditional Scottish snacks and explore regional offerings.
A vibrant market featuring a diverse range of street food vendors offering cuisines from around the world. Perfect for those seeking global flavors in a lively setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Aberdeen, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close or touching others without permission.
It's customary to use polite language including 'please' and 'thank you' when interacting with people in Aberdeen.
Taking the time to understand and respect local customs, such as greetings and mealtime etiquette, can go a long way in showing cultural sensitivity in Aberdeen.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Aberdeen with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Aberdeen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Aberdeen, tipping is generally practiced in restaurants, cafes, and bars. It is customary to tip around 10-15% of the total bill if the service was satisfactory. Some places may include a service charge in the bill, so it's important to check before tipping.
In Aberdeen, United Kingdom, electronic payments such as credit/debit cards and mobile payment methods are widely accepted. Cash is also commonly used for smaller transactions. Contactless payment methods are increasingly popular, offering convenience for both locals and tourists.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Aberdeen.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather, blooming flowers, and longer days make it an ideal time to visit Aberdeen. You can enjoy outdoor activities and witness the beauty of nature as the city comes to life after the winter months.
Warm temperatures, longer daylight hours, and various events and festivals make summer the peak tourist season in Aberdeen. It's a great time for outdoor activities, beach visits, and exploring the city's attractions.
Fall brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and a more peaceful atmosphere. It's a good time for scenic drives, coastal walks, and enjoying the changing landscapes.
Winter in Aberdeen is cold with shorter daylight hours. However, it's less crowded, and you can experience the festive atmosphere, visit Christmas markets, and enjoy indoor attractions and cozy cafes.
Aberdeen at Night
Hiking in Aberdeen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A coastal walk with stunning views of the Firth of Forth, offering various trails and the chance to see local wildlife.
A long-distance walking route that follows the River Dee, providing beautiful scenery and access to several charming villages.
A scenic woodland area with various trails suitable for hiking and enjoying nature, just a short distance from Aberdeen.
A forest area offering several paths through woodland, great for leisurely hikes amidst nature.
Famous for its natural beauty, this area features many hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
A historic site with excellent coastal views, featuring paths for hiking and observing marine life.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Aberdeen through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Aberdeen by plane.
The primary airport serving Aberdeen, offering flights to domestic and international destinations.
Scotland's capital airport, located approximately 125 miles south of Aberdeen, with a wide range of international flights.
A major international airport located about 150 miles southwest of Aberdeen, providing numerous international routes.
Located approximately 100 miles northwest of Aberdeen, this airport serves domestic and some international destinations.
Located around 400 miles southeast of Aberdeen, it's one of London's major airports and has various international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Aberdeen, making up a significant majority of the population.
Includes White Irish, White Gypsy or Traveller, and other White backgrounds.
Includes Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian backgrounds.
Represents individuals from African, Caribbean, and Black backgrounds.
Comprises individuals from mixed backgrounds.
Includes groups that do not fit into the standard categories above, such as Arab.
The Soul of Aberdeen
Discover the essence of Aberdeen through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Aberdeen, with the city being home to Aberdeen FC, a prominent team in the Scottish Premiership.
Rugby has a strong following in Aberdeen, with clubs such as Aberdeen Rugby Club and the Aberdeen Grammar RFC offering competitive play.
Shinty is a traditional Scottish sport that is particularly popular in the Highlands and has a presence in Aberdeen, with clubs participating in local leagues.
Cricket is played at both recreational and competitive levels in Aberdeen, with several clubs participating in national leagues.
Athletics is a popular sport in Aberdeen, with various clubs providing training and competitive opportunities for athletes of all ages.
Swimming is widely enjoyed in Aberdeen, with the city offering numerous swimming clubs and public facilities for training and competitions.
Aberdeen has a rich golfing history, with numerous golf courses catering to both amateur and professional golfers in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aberdeen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Aberdeen has a growing number of establishments catering specifically to vegetarian and vegan diets. Options range from dedicated vegan cafes to traditional restaurants offering plant-based dishes.
Many restaurants and cafes in Aberdeen offer gluten-free alternatives, and the city has a strong awareness of dietary requirements, making it relatively easy to find gluten-free options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Aberdeen with these cultural adventures.