Location: Aberdeen
Top Things to do in Aberdeen
What to do and see in Aberdeen, Scotland: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. Blairs Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Please visit our website for updated visitor information. Located only 4 miles from Aberdeen, off the South Deeside Rd, Blairs Museum gives a unique insight into Scotland's Catholic history and heritage with spectacular collections spanning more than 500 years. The collection includes paintings (including the memorial portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots), church textiles from the 1400s, sacred silver, and Jacobite memorabilia (including the pocket watch of Bonnie Prince Charlie). New for 2021 – ‘Capparoni and the Papal Court’, an exhibition of hand-coloured nineteenth century engravings by Giuseppe Capparoni depicting the religious orders of Rome between 1823 and 1846.
2. Aberdeen Science Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Discover a world of exploration, excitement and wonder at Aberdeen Science Centre. Reopened after a remarkable £6million transformation, enjoy more than 60 amazing interactive exhibits, set across six innovative and awe-inspiring zones. Meet ‘RoboThespian’, our friendly and knowledgeable robot, immerse yourself in The OPITO Theatre of Energy and play your part in our sensational live experiments and demonstrations. Unleash the Power of Curiosity with a visit to Aberdeen Science Centre.
Reviewed By carolinelaurenson
We have been excitedly awaiting the opening of the newly refurbished Science Centre and finally got to go at the weekend. It is amazing to see the space, it is huge inside now and really well laid out with lots of new interactive activities and displays (plenty of social distancing space and regular cleaning). We will definitely need to go back for another visit as we didn't even see half of what was there. Gave me some really nice ideas of things to do at home as well with the kids. We also went to the café for lunch. The food was great and service very efficient and friendly. It's great to see Aberdeen have such a high quality attraction and resources to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
3. Aberdeen & North-East Scotland Family History Society Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
4. Bubble Soccer Scotland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
5. The Locked Door Escape Games
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
An escape game is a live experience where you and your team are locked in a themed room and have 60 minutes to figure out how to escape. The Locked Door will provide you with the opportunity to test your wits and puzzle-solving skills against the clock. An exciting and challenging adventure - the most unique and thrilling puzzle experience.
Reviewed By rebekkamclaughlin
Myself, partner and friends had a go at the new Enchanted Forest room and it was fab - thoroughly enjoyed myself and was something different to do for my birthday (our 2nd time now). We all felt safe, everything was cleaned and everything was explained simply and clearly. Holly was really friendly and we are already planning to head back for our third room - here's hoping our team make it to the top, after coming a close second.
6. City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Hidden within a historic railway arch, in the heart of the city, you can find Aberdeen’s first distillery for over 75 years and 1st ever Gin School. Visit us and discover the history of distilling in Aberdeen, tour the distillery, and even distil a bottle of gin to your own recipe. A unique selection of fully flavoured gins are available in our shop to take home. These are created in genuinely small batches by our head distiller here at the distillery. Whilst the trains rumble overhead, why not come and sample our latest flavours and discover the best of Scottish Gin.
Reviewed By I8792NKbrendaa - Portlethen, United Kingdom
I visited the distillery with a friend who had been given a gift voucher for two people. We did the discovery tour and it was absolutely brilliant! A totally enjoyable experience. Both Alan and Dan were very knowledgeable and their presentation and interaction with us was friendly and relaxed. It was so much fun! We received a G&T on arrival. After the tour, which doesn’t take long but is very informative, we then went on to taste several of the gins distilled there. It really was a fantastic afternoon and we will be back to do the Gin School Experience!
7. Aberdeen Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
Temporary Closed
Reviewed By WanderingNomad999 - Brisbane, Australia
We went to the gallery on a rainy day at the end of October. We should have booked a 2hr time slot online in advance but fortunately we were able to sign up with our details (for track and trace) on the door as it wasn’t too busy. We enjoyed the exhibits and especially the BP portrait tour on the top level. Scones with cream and jam and tea in the cafe went down a treat too.
8. 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.
9. Central Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Established in 1892, this historic institution still serves as the primary library in town.
10. 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.
