Located on the northeast coast of Scotland, Aberdeen is a pretty historic city to visit. Not only that, but the cozy and lively city center is perfect for a day trip. Aberdeen has some of the best things to do, scattered throughout the city, so an overnight stay might be the best option.
Today, Aberdeen functions as a gateway or feeder city in many ways. What I mean by this is that many tourists arrive in Aberdeen by train or plane to explore more of Scotland. This is especially true in the following cases: Cairngorms National Park, Balmoral and the beautiful Dunnottar Castle on the coast.
So, to help you make the most of your visit to Aberdeen, here are our top must-see places. Have a great time visiting Scotland.
1.) University buildings
One of the things I love most about Aberdeen is the university buildings. It is wonderful.
When you arrive in Aberdeen, be sure to check out Marichal College on Broad Street.
Although no longer in operation as a university building, the 1800s building is well worth a visit. In fact, this is his one of the largest granite buildings in the entire world.
Best of all, it’s not far away Rector Skene’s House. This is a lovely museum to visit to find out more about Aberdeen as a city and its influence.
You’ll probably only spend about 40 minutes inside, but it’s worth a visit if you’re interested in Aberdeen’s history.
Then move on to the next king’s college It’s right next to King’s Throne. Like Marichal College, you can’t go inside (unless you’re a student), but it’s quite lovely to find while strolling around Aberdeen.
Why not visit Loch Ness while in Aberdeen? Then Book your Loch Ness day tour We pick you up from Aberdeen and take you straight across the Highlands.
Admire Scotland’s unspoiled beauty and maybe even spot the Loch Ness Monster.
2.) Duthie Park
If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to spend some time in Aberdeen’s beautiful parks. As a relatively small city, Aberdeen has many parks and gardens scattered throughout the city.
Well, one of my favorites is Duthie Park.especially David Welch Winter Gardens. It’s a lot of fun to wander around, especially seeing cacti and tropical plants that don’t normally grow in Scotland.
3.) His Majesty’s Theater
Aberdeen has an incredible number of performance and theater venues that will give you a great experience while still being in the city. I’m not sure if it’s because there’s a university in the city or because it’s the center of the area, but the venue is great.
If you’re looking for a musical, His Majesty’s Theater is a must-see. Book your tickets before you arrive in Aberdeen and see musicals from Matilda to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. We have everything! If you don’t have time to see a show, book one. guided tour The venue itself. It’s very beautiful inside.
If you don’t like theater, please click here. blue lamp. A cozy little venue popular with locals. Throughout the year, we host music ranging from folk bands and comedians to jazz. You can discover something new throughout the year.
Oh, and don’t forget the lemon trees. A lively live music venue that can accommodate approximately 500 people. This venue was first established in his 1930s and numerous international and local performances have taken place here.
Read more: The best places to visit in Scotland
4.) Aberdeen Art Gallery
Visiting Aberdeen Art GalleryLocated within Cowdray Hall, this museum is definitely one of the best things to do in Aberdeen for art history buffs.
Look, Aberdeen Art Gallery is full of 17th to 20thth– A very ornate and complex century painting. There are works by so many artists here, most of them Scottish. Works by William Dyce, John Philip, Thomas Faced, and others.
Not only that, but many art exhibitions are seasonal. That means each visit will be unique. The gallery reopened in his 2020, adding many interactive exhibits to the list of things to do at the art gallery. We loved our visit.
Best of all, admission is free.
5.) Mercato Cross
Dating back to the 1600s, Mercat cross Well worth a visit while strolling through the center of Aberdeen. It’s located opposite the old Tollbooth building at the city gates, so it’s easy to find and hard to miss.
While you’re here, take note of the carvings of the Stuart monarchs who once ruled.
From here, you can easily walk down Union Street towards St. Mark’s Church (though the interior is closed). It’s a nice building to look at.
Oh, be sure to stop by. books and beans Located on Belmont Street. You see, Book and Beans is a small bookstore with a nice cafe surrounding the bookshelves.
Not only will you be able to read some of Robert Burns’ poetry, but you’ll also be able to eat fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, and tetti scones.
Read more: The best places to visit in Scotland
6.) Along the Aberdeen coast
Strolling around Aberdeen Harbor is one of the best things to do in Aberdeen on a sunny day. Starting from the Footdee area of Aberdeen, walk north towards Codna’s.
The beaches here are great, but they can also be rough. So get ready for that.
Speaking of Codona’s, this is another one of Aberdeen’s best locations. In fact, it’s been something of a local institution since it was founded in the 1970s.
I went to the amusement park in Codona today. galleon pirate ship plummet to dead man’s drop Or, why not stop by Private Island Adventure Golf?
There are also many indoor games. From bowling to arcade games. That makes it a great spot if the weather gets a little wet.
If the weather is calm, you may even be able to spot dolphins from the shore. Bottlenose dolphins call this area home and are easy to spot if you’re patient.
Also, for great views, tory battery.
From here you can see the sometimes ferocious waves whipped up by the North Sea winds. It’s very impressive to see, but never go near the shoreline when it’s windy. The North Sea is no joke.
Read more: The best places to visit in Scotland
7.) Seton Park
If you are based in north Aberdeen, please visit: seton park. It’s well worth the walk and was once one of the largest parks in all of Aberdeen.
From here, you can stroll through the outdoor gardens and even spot Wallace Tower, built in the 1600s. It was previously located in the center of Aberdeen, but was relocated to protect it from urban expansion.
8.) Aberdeen Gin Distillery
Hidden in the heart of the city, aberdeen gin distillery was one of the city’s first distilleries in nearly a century. Not only that, you can actually: Book Aberdeen Gin Distillery It’s a very fun experience.
Guided by a master distiller, you can create your own gin using herbs and flavors sourced from across Scotland. It’s a lot of fun and takes about 3 hours.
Honestly, this is the best place to get into the nitty-gritty of gin distilling and production. While having a drink or two. Oh, bramble he don’t miss the chance to try the gin.
Read more: The best places to visit in Scotland
9.) Dunnottar Castle
Looking for a day trip from Aberdeen? Then Book your Dunnottar Castle tour Depart from central Aberdeen.We love visiting Dunnottar Castle and it’s well worth it Book this tour Or take the train to Stonehaven.
Yes, it’s not in Aberdeen itself, but it’s well worth a look to explore the history of the wider area. As you know, its origins date back to the early Middle Ages. Not only that, but this tour also takes you on a drive through the Cairngorms National Park. That’s beautiful.
Read more: Exploring Dunnottar Castle
10.) Johnston Gardens
Another great garden to visit in Aberdeen is Johnston Gardens.
This place is beautiful, very quiet and perfect for a cool walk. There are paths lined with seasonal Scottish flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Additionally, you can head to: Gordon Highlanders Museum It’s right next door. Focuses on historic military items from centuries ago.Remember
If you’re looking for a cooler day in Aberdeen, this is one of the best things to do in Aberdeen.
Read more: The best places to visit in Scotland
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