Location: Aberdeen
Top Things to do in Aberdeen
Top 10 Things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland
Experience the richness of Aberdeen’s proud history and culture — from the sound of residents’ traditional Doric accent to the sights of glittering granite buildings lining the city’s streets. Explore the cobbled roads and historic university buildings of Old Aberdeen, then take a stroll along the nearby sandy beach and watch for dolphins in the busy harbour. Afterward, find your way to the quaint fishing quarter of Footdee, and lose yourself among its tiny cottages and colourful gardens.
Restaurants in Aberdeen
1. Slains Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Erected in 1597, this is one of the most famous castle ruins in Scotland, and was used by Bram Stoker as the inspiration for the castle of the evil vampire in his most famous supernatural tale "Dracula."
Reviewed By spgk - Espoo, Finland
Whilst I had seen a few photos beforehand, we were impressed with what we found - and it´s free! Getting there - I followed my sat nav using the postcode AB42 0NE, which I found online. However, this took us to a small residential road of Castle Street in Cruden Bay. There was no sign of any castle so we consulted some online maps. I parked the car in Castle Street at the junction with Castle Woods. We had a lovely walk on a farm track through some fields until we met a small road leading to the castle. It´s possible to drive right up to the castle if you take the A975 and take the turning into a small track road about 1 km from Cruden Bay. We were lucky with the weather so the ruins overlooking the sea looked amazing. We liked the fact that you could explore the ruins without fences - at your own risk. We found it a better experience than many of the overpriced tourist castles. However, the ruins sit on the clifftop and there are no safety fences. For that reason I would NOT recommend it for young children or dogs. Otherwise, well worth a visit.
2. Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,824 reviews
Aberdeen has long prospered off of sea-based industries, from the boom of the city's fishing industry in the early 20th century to its oil industry today; this museum explores the historic developments behind the city's maritime industries.
Reviewed By Lummox60N - Lerwick, United Kingdom
This museum is, perhaps, an undersold heritage gem. It covers every aspect of Aberdeen's maritime heritage, exploring the city's history and development both as a city and harbour, and offers a deeper insight into the oil industry modern Aberdeen is so dependent on. Well worth a visit, and there's a cafe in there too.
3. Balmedie Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 609 reviews
A stretch of sandy beach north of the city.
Reviewed By E2338BG - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
A beautiful beach with large sand dunes and amazing views of the north sea with windfarm in the distance. Ideal for a family day out or a sunset walk with a loved one.
4. Duthie Park Winter Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,035 reviews
Reviewed By 153davym - Falkirk District, United Kingdom
Decided to visit the Glass Houses here at Duthie Park. Amazing with beautiful displays indoors and a great show of colour with a Tropical glass house and Cactus house. Easy to get to however parking may be an issue as this place is very popular. Great coffee shops too, to enjoy after your visit and chill out.
5. Footdee (Fittie)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,053 reviews
Reviewed By margaretmH3052CO - Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
This is like going back in time. You wouldn't think you were in Aberdeen. The houses are like little cottages, and just by the sea, and the people who live in them get a great view of Aberdeen beach and the sea, and wild Dolphins putting on a show. Very quaint homes with a lovely Nautical appeal to them. Very quiet too, but expensive to buy.
6. The Gordon Highlanders Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 708 reviews
UPDATE 18.03.2020 Coronavirus (Covid-19) In light of the ever-evolving Covid-19 situation, it is with a heavy heart that we have decided to close The Gordon Highlanders Museum and Duchess Jean Tea Room to the public from 4.30 today until further notice. We will review this decision on a weekly basis and post any updates on this page and to our social media channels. Thank you for your understanding in this confusing and uncertain time; we hope to welcome visitors back to the Museum soon. The Finest Regiment in the World" was how Sir Winston Churchill described The Gordon Highlanders in 1900. So why not come and see why? A wonderful day out and a fantastic welcome await you at The Gordon Highlanders Museum where we are committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of this world-famous Regiment.
Reviewed By 561ruthd - Doha, Qatar
We went on a school trip to the museum. One of the really interesting things we saw was the Silver Room and our guide told us lots of interesting information. One of our favourite bits was the Armoury; we really enjoyed seeing the guns and swords because normally we only see them in video games, not real life. The activities about WW1 were really cool - in the trench we got to spot enemy soldiers with a periscope. We learnt a lot about what life for soldiers was like in WW1 and we're not sure if we'd have managed to do it! Our guides Jim and Lewis were really helpful and very informative, they answered all our questions. Definitely a trip we'd recommend (but not for very young children, it might be a bit boring) and we'd love to go back.
7. Johnston Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By elainer152 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Can’t believe I’ve never visited these gardens before!! My favourite season is Autumn and boy does this park have an explosion of Autumn colours to feast on..I highly recommend taking a gentle stroll around to enjoy the beauty of it..don’t forget your camera
8. The Tolbooth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By countrygal301 - Ottawa, Canada
A fun and informative museum. Lots of interesting information in a free venue. A word lots of climbing up and down cramped staircases.
9. Duthie Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Reviewed By stuartc20 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
We were so pleased to see the gardens getting back to the normal high standards we expect and have come to love.
10. Old Aberdeen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By 601marab - Raleigh, United States
This is the area of the old University of Aberdeen campus, with King's Chapel and the High Street, cobbled streets, green areas, old buildings, tucked between the Sir Duncan Rice Library, St. Machar's Road, and King Street. Wear comfy shoes; cobblestones are not easy to negotiate with high heels...and it's best for walking.
