More about: Best Things to Do in Aberdeen
Aberdeen, known as the Granite City, is a town in Scotland where nature blends with unique urban environments. Its stone and granite streets are a testament to this, giving the small city a silvery hue. 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 on a 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 street murals, or take trips to nearby attractions such as Loch Ness and the Highlands. Below are more activities and details.
1. Discover the history and culture of Aberdeen on foot

Regardless of how much time you have for your itinerary, the best way to discover the history and culture of Aberdeen is by exploring it on foot. This way, you can delve into its hidden corners and appreciate its charm. You can go 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'll 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 taste of authentic Scottish life, 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.
2. Taste authentic Scottish gin at a distillery in Aberdeen

If you love distilled spirits or are open to trying new flavors, you can venture out and 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 how it is made.
Whether you go alone or with an expert guide, the idea is to visit one of the distilleries in the city. There, you can try different types of gin and learn about the techniques used to make it. All this while the head distiller shares their knowledge on the subject.
During the experience, you will also hear about the history of distillation in the city, which over the centuries has made this practice a tradition, becoming one of the leading places in gin production. You will also most likely end up making your own personalized gin, with your favorite 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.
3. Explore some natural beauty by bike in Aberdeen

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.
A mountain bike is ideal , as you will encounter some steep terrain that requires greater technical ability. The idea is to venture into the green countryside of Aberdeenshire, 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 tranquility that characterizes this place. Look out for Loch 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 stop 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.
4. Admire the street art in Aberdeen

Among the attractions that Aberdeen has to offer locals and visitors alike are the street art displays 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, as the guide will already have them identified. Either way, the idea is to visit approximately 10 picturesque murals distributed throughout the city's most important streets, starting at 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 see new murals.
Useful information
- Price: the tour usually costs around €15 per person.
- Duration: around 1 hour and a half.
5. Learn about military infantry at the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen

To continue learning about the history of Aberdeen and Scotland in general, during your stay you can purchase tickets to 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 Napoleonic Wars and World War I and II.
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 exhibitions presented in the museum.
Useful information
- Admission: from €14 per person.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30.
6. Immerse yourself in the world of whisky on a Speyside whisky tour from Aberdeen

Lovers of spirits in general and whisky 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 whisky tour from Aberdeen.
This experience consists of a taste journey in which you will depart in a minivan to the Speyside route, where you will learn practically everything about Scotch whisky while admiring the surrounding landscapes (such as the Cambus O'May forest and the Cairngorms National Park) and tasting several samples of this exquisite drink.
You'll see how distillation is carried out and learn techniques and tips from the best master distillers, including how to choose ingredients and age the drink in oak barrels. During the tasting, you'll discover different nuances and aromas that will tantalize your palate. Without a doubt, this is an immersion in the world of one of Scotland's most popular drinks.
Useful information
- Price: from $115 per person.
- Duration: approximately 10 hours, including transportation.
7. Attend a seasonal show at His Majesty's Theatre

Aberdeen is a city full of art and culture, and one place to sample this is at His Majesty's Theatre. This theater has great historical value, dating back to 1906. No matter what time of year you visit the city, you are likely to find a packed calendar of events inside. This means you can see some of the performances, concerts, or shows that take place there.
However, you can also take 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 have been visited by hundreds of artists. You may even hear the story of the ghost that haunts the place during your visit. He was a stagehand who died backstage and was called Jake. All in all, this theater will leave you spellbound.
Useful information
- Price: the pass usually costs €24 per person.
- Address: Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL.
8. Visit Loch Ness and the Highlands from Aberdeen

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 reach (approximately 3 hours away) and, as it is such an attractive destination in the region, it is well 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 through the dark waters. You'll also see the ancient prehistoric cemetery of Cairn de Clave, which contains archaeological structures and stone circles that are thousands of years old. You'll also see the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the last battle on British soil, during the Jacobite rebellion.
Useful information
- Price: around €105 per person.
- Duration: around 12 hours.
9. Admire the majesty of Dunnottar Castle

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 Scottish struggle for independence and its resistance to invasions, making it ideal for history buffs and nature enthusiasts.
To reach the castle, you'll 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 rock formations around it and the waves crashing against the cliffs make it an attractive spot for capturing stunning images. In addition, being surrounded by nature, you can observe local wildlife such as seabirds and, if you're lucky, even seals or dolphins in the nearby waters.
Useful information
- Price: from €11.50 per person.
- Address: Dunnottar Castle Stonehaven, AB39 2TL.
10. Discover the historic St. Machar Cathedral

Your visit to Aberdeen would not be complete without a visit to St. Machar's Cathedral. This religious building has over 800 years of history, dating back to the 12th century. It is located in the old quarter 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 gone by.
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 wide 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 the tombs of local historical figures.
Useful information
- Price: Admission to the cathedral is free.
- Opening hours: between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on how much time you have available.