10 Best Things to Do in Aberdeen

Aberdeen, known as the Granite City, is a town in Scotland where nature blends with unique urban environments. An example of this are its stone and granite streets, which give the small city a silvery tone. However, the city is also surrounded by natural beauty, evident in the cliffs and coastline, as well as the surrounding hills, valleys, lakes, mountains, and trails.

There are many things to see and do when visiting Aberdeen. You could start by exploring its cobbled streets on foot or admiring its natural beauty by mountain bike. You could also visit ancient buildings such as St. Machar's Cathedral. You can also venture out to taste the famous distilled beverages produced in the area, such as whiskey and gin, view the street murals, or take trips to nearby attractions such as Loch Ness and the Highlands. Below are more activities and details.

Regardless of how much time you have for your itinerary, the best way to discover the history and culture of Aberdeen is to explore it on foot. This way, you can delve into its hidden corners and appreciate its charm. You can do this on your own or join a guided tour of Aberdeen, where a guide will choose the best places to visit and provide information about each one.

In any case, the first thing you will see is the architecture of its streets made of stone and silver granite. You can also visit the following places of interest:

• The Maritime Museum, which houses historical artifacts that bring the city's naval history to life.
• Shiprow, one of the city's main streets, known for its shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• The Aberdeen Art Gallery, with exhibitions of art, paintings, and sculptures from different periods.
• Aberdeen Market, a showcase of authentic Scottish atmosphere, where you can buy fresh produce, sample traditional dishes, and purchase handicrafts.
• St. Machar's Cathedral, a building that retains its medieval charm in the historic center of the city.

Useful information

• Price: the tour usually costs around €19 per person.
• Duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you love distilled spirits or are open to trying new flavors, you can venture out to taste authentic Scottish gin during your stay in the city. To do so, you'll need to visit an establishment on your own or book a guided tour of a gin distillery in Aberdeen. The activity consists of a tasting experience where you will learn about this drink and its production process.

Whether you go alone or with an expert guide, the idea is to visit one of the distilleries in the city. There, you can taste several types of gin and learn about the techniques used to produce the drink. All this while the head distiller shares his knowledge on the subject.

During the experience, it is common to also hear facts about the history of distillation in the city, which over the centuries has made this practice a tradition, to the point of becoming one of the leading places in gin production. You will also most likely end up making your own personalized gin, with your preferred flavors, herbs, and aromas, which you can take home to enjoy with your loved ones.

Useful information

• Price: the guided tour costs around €149 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.

In addition to its urban beauty, Aberdeen is home to a number of natural wonders that are easily accessible in the surrounding area . All you need to do is rent a bike and set off on your own, or better yet, book a bike tour of Aberdeen to explore the area's natural beauty with a professional guide and a small group.

Ideally , you should ride a mountain bike, as you will be going over some steep terrain that requires greater technical skill. The idea is to venture into the green countryside of Aberdeenshire, which comprises a rural area of green trails, hills, and natural landscapes.

As you cycle through the area, you will see beautiful panoramic views while enjoying the calm that characterizes this space. Take note of Lake Skene, which you will skirt during the tour. You will also see the remains of the old fort located in the region, just above a hill. There, you can connect with the city's historical past and see the enigmatic stone circles. Whether you go on the tour or on your own, you can make stops to relax, admire the view, hydrate, and, of course, take pictures.

Useful information

• Price: the tour starts at €61 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.

Among the attractions that Aberdeen has to offer locals and visitors alike are the street art displays, which are scattered throughout the city's main streets, ready to be admired. To appreciate this form of urban expression, you can book a street art tour in Aberdeen, or go on your own.

If you go on a tour, it will be easier to visit the murals, because the guide will already have identified them. Either way, the idea is to visit approximately 10 picturesque murals distributed throughout the city's main streets, starting from 23 Union Street in the downtown area.

Among the urban artworks you can see are Smug's Man and Dog, Bordalo's Unicorn, Jan Vormann's Lego Wall, Alice Pasquini's Side Profile, and many more. In addition, as time goes by, the route is updated to add more stops to view new murals.

Useful information

• Price: the tour usually costs around €15 per person.
• Duration: around 1.5 hours.

To continue learning about the history of Aberdeen and Scotland in general, during your stay you can buy tickets for the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen. Here you will learn about the Scottish military infantry, specifically the Gordon Highlanders regiment, whose origins date back to 1881 and which participated in military campaigns during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte and in the First and Second World Wars.

During your visit to this museum, which celebrates the military life of the Gordon Highlanders, you will see exhibits such as the Victory Gallery, which includes weapons, medals, and other objects that belonged to the soldiers who were part of this group at various times in history.

You will also be able to see the Highlanders' decorations and personal items. You will also get an idea of what everyday life was like for these soldiers through the projections and interactive exhibits presented in the museum.

Useful information

• Admission: from €14 per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lovers of spirits in general and whiskey in particular will find Aberdeen and its surroundings an ideal place to immerse themselves in the world of this fascinating drink. As it is a Scottish tradition, you can take advantage of your visit to the city and join a Speyside whiskey tour from Aberdeen.

This experience consists of a taste journey in which you will set off in a minivan to the Speyside route, where you will learn practically everything about Scotch whiskey while admiring the surrounding landscapes (such as Cambus O'May Forest and Cairngorms National Park) and tasting several samples of this exquisite drink.

You will observe how distillation is carried out and learn techniques and tips from the best master distillers, related to the choice of ingredients and the aging process in the oak barrels where the drink is stored. During the tasting, you will discover different nuances and aromas that will delight your palate. Without a doubt, this is an immersion into the world of one of Scotland's most popular drinks.

Useful information

• Price: from €115 per person.
• Duration: approximately 10 hours, including transfers.

Aberdeen is a city full of art and culture, and one place to experience this is at His Majesty's Theatre. This theater has great historical value, dating back to 1906. No matter what time of year or month you visit the city, you are likely to find a packed calendar of activities inside. This means you can see some of the performances, concerts, or shows that take place there.

However, you can also take part in a guided tour of the interior of this 116-year-old Edwardian theater . In any case, if you are traveling through northern Scotland or plan to explore it during your stay in Aberdeen, consider purchasing The Northern Highlights Pass, a tourist pass for the highlights of northern Scotland, as the theater is among the attractions included in the pass.

Inside the theater, you can see the huge auditorium with a capacity for about 1,400 people, with an imposing four-level structure. You can also visit the restaurant and café, also dating from 1906, which has been frequented by hundreds of artists. During your visit, you may even hear the story of the ghost that haunts the place. He is a stagehand named Jake who died backstage. All in all, this theater will leave you in awe.

Useful information

• Price: the pass usually costs €24 per person.
• Address: Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL.

Another option when visiting the city is to take a trip to Loch Ness and the Highlands from Aberdeen. Due to its geographical location, the lake is easier to access (approximately 3 hours away) and, as it is such an attractive destination in the region, it is worth visiting and also passing through the Highlands.

On this type of excursion, you will pass through imposing mountains, lush green valleys, waterfalls, and lakes. Among them are Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and Glencoe, the valley that was the setting for the movie Skyfall. During the experience, a private guide will help you learn about the rich history of the area.

You will also sail on Loch Ness and search for the famous monster Nessie as you travel across the dark waters. You will also see the ancient prehistoric cemetery Cairn de Clave, where you will find archaeological structures and stone circles that are thousands of years old. You will also see the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle fought on British soil during the Jacobite rebellion.

Useful information

• Price: around €105 per person.
• Duration: around 12 hours.

Dunnottar Castle is another destination you can include in your itinerary when visiting Aberdeen. It is a ruined fortress located on a cliff, about a 23-minute drive from the city center, near the picturesque village of Stonehaven. The site is known for its history linked to the struggles for Scottish independence and its resistance to invasions, making it ideal for history buffs and nature enthusiasts.

To access the castle, you will need to walk along a coastal path that offers incredible views of the cliffs and the ocean. Once inside, you can explore the ruins, including the old banquet hall, barracks, and dungeons, while learning about the historical events that took place there.

The castle also attracts attention due to its panoramic views and mysterious atmosphere. The surrounding rock formations and waves crashing against the cliffs make it an attractive spot for capturing stunning images. In addition, as it is surrounded by nature, you can observe local wildlife such as seabirds and, if you are lucky, even seals or dolphins in the nearby waters.

Useful information

• Price: from €11.50 per person.
• Address: Dunnottar Castle Stonehaven, AB39 2TL.

Your visit to Aberdeen would be incomplete without seeing St. Machar's Cathedral. This religious building has more than 800 years of history, dating back to the 12th century. It is located in the old neighborhood of Old Aberdeen and stands out for its medieval architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Upon entering, you will be amazed by the incredible wooden ceiling decorated with the coats of arms of 16th-century bishops and popes, one of the few remaining examples of medieval ceilings in Scotland. You will notice the stone columns, stained glass windows, and carved details on the walls, which reflect the religious art and devotion of times past.

The exterior of the cathedral consists of two twin towers that stand out in the urban landscape of Old Aberdeen. These towers date back to the 14th century and offer a sweeping view of the city and its surroundings. If you want to continue exploring, there is an old cemetery in the vicinity where you can stroll around, see ancient gravestones, and visit the tombs of local historical figures.

Useful information

• Price: Admission to the cathedral is free.
• Duration: between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the time available.