Located on the northeast coast of Scotland, Aberdeen is a beautiful historic city to visit. Not only that, it's a laid-back, but lively city center that's great for a day trip. Aberdeen has heaps of great things to do throughout the city, so an overnight stay might be best.
Now, in many ways, Aberdeen acts as a gateway or feeder city. I mean a lot of visitors come to Aberdeen by train or plane to explore more of Scotland. This is especially true with the likes; The Cairngorms National Park, Balmoral and the beautiful Dunnotter Castle are just off the coast.
So, to help you get the most out of your visit to Aberdeen, I'm sharing my top spots that you really can't miss. Have the best time visiting Scotland.
1.) University buildings
One of the things I love most about Aberdeen is its university buildings. They are gorgeous.
Once you arrive in Aberdeen, be sure to check out Marischal College on Broad Street.
Now, it is no longer run as a university building, but the building dates back to the 1800s and is worth a visit. In fact, it is one of the largest granite buildings in the entire world.
Best of all, it is perched not too far away Home of Provost Scane. This is a great museum to visit to learn more about the city of Aberdeen and its influences.
You'll spend around 40 minutes inside and it's worth considering if you're interested in Aberdeen's history.
Afterwards, go up King's College Which is next to King's Lawn. Like Marischal College, you can't go inside (unless you're a student) but it's pretty cool to see when you're strolling through Aberdeen.
Fancy visiting Loch Ness while you're in Aberdeen? then Book this Loch Ness Day Tour Which will pick you up from Aberdeen and take you straight to the Highlands.
This is one way to see the unspoiled beauty of Scotland and maybe spot the Loch Ness Monster!
2.) Duthie Park
If you're visiting in the summer, then be sure to spend some time in some of Aberdeen's beautiful parks. For a relatively small city, Aberdeen has heaps of parks and gardens throughout the city.
Now, one of my favorites is Duthie Park, especially for David Welch Winter Gardens. It's lovely to stroll around, especially to see cactus and tropical plants that don't normally grow in Scotland.
3.) His Majesty's Theatre
Aberdeen has amazingly good performance and theater venues that are epic to experience while in town. I'm not sure if it's because of the city's university or being a regional hub, but the sights are amazing.
If it's musicals you're after, Her Majesty's Theater is a must-see. Book tickets before arriving in Aberdeen and catch one of the musicals from Matilda to Rocky Horror Picture Show. He has it all! Alternatively, if you can't make time for a show, book one of them Guided tours of the place itself. It is very beautiful inside.
If theater isn't your thing, move on Blue lamp. It's a cozy little place that's popular with locals. Throughout the year, they host music from folk bands and comedians to jazz. You will find something new throughout the year.
Oh, and don't forget about the lemon tree either. It is a live music venue for about 500 people. The venue was first established in 1930 and has hosted many international and local exhibitions.
Read more: Best places in Scotland to visit
4.) Aberdeen Art Gallery
Visiting Aberdeen Art GalleryInside Cowdray Hall is easily one of the best things to do in Aberdeen if you love art history.
You see, Aberdeen Art Gallery is full of 17 to 20'sm-century paintings that are very ornate and intricate. It is home to works by many artists, most of whom are Scottish. William Dyce, John Philip, Thomas Faced and many more.
Not only that, many art exhibitions are seasonal; This means that every visit will be unique. The gallery reopened in 2020 and many interactive exhibits have been added to the list of things to do at the art gallery. We loved our visit.
Best of all, it's free to enter.
5.) Mercat Cross
In the 1600s, Mercat cross Well worth a look as you wander around the center of Aberdeen. Located at Castle Gate opposite the old Tollbooth building, it's quite easy to spot and you really can't miss it.
Once here, be sure to see the carvings of the Stuart kings who once ruled.
From here, you can easily walk down Union Street to St. Mark's Church (although it is closed from the inside). It is a beautiful building to behold.
Oh, and be sure to close on Books and beans on Belmont Street. You see, Book & Beans is a small bookshop with a cute cafe surrounded by shelves.
Not only can you read some Robert Burns poetry, but you can also chow down on his fluffy pancakes or scrambled eggs and tatty scones.
Read more: Best places in Scotland to visit
6.) Aberdeen Seafront
A stroll along Aberdeen Harbor is one of the best things to do in Aberdeen on a gorgeous sunny day. Starting in the foothills of Aberdeen, stroll north towards Codona.
The beach here is gorgeous, although it can be murky; So be prepared for that.
Speaking of Codona, this is one of the top spots in Aberdeen. In fact, it has been something of a local institution since it was established in the 1970s.
Today, you can go to the amusement park in Codona and ride the rides Galleon Pirate Ship fell down on Dead Man's Drop Or stop at Private Island Adventure Golf.
There are heaps of indoor games to play from there too; Bowling for arcade games. This makes it a perfect spot if the weather gets a little wet.
If you have some calm weather, you can even spot dolphins from the shore. You see, bottlenose dolphins call this area home and they're pretty easy to spot if you're patient.
Also, for some great views, move on tory battery.
From here, you can see the ferocious waves that are sometimes whipped by the North Sea winds. It is very impressive to see but never go to the beach if the wind is high. The North Sea is no joke.
Read more: Best places in Scotland to visit
7.) Seaton Park
If you are located north of Aberdeen, then go ahead Seaton Park. It's worth a stroll and was once one of the largest parks in all of Aberdeen.
From here, you can stroll through the outdoor gardens and even see Wallace's Tower from the 1600s. You see, it used to be in the center of Aberdeen but was moved to protect it from the city's expansion.
8.) Aberdeen Gin Distillery
Hidden in the heart of the city Aberdeen Gin Distillery One of the city's first distilleries in nearly a century. Not only that, you actually can Book this Aberdeen Gin Distillery The experience is so much fun.
Guided by a master distiller, you'll create your own gin with herbs and flavors from across Scotland. It is very fun and takes about 3 hours.
Honestly, this is a great place to discover the nitty-gritty of gin distilling and making; While also having a tipple or two. Oh, and don't miss the chance to try Bramble Gin.
Read more: Best places in Scotland to visit
9.) Dunnottar Castle
Looking for a day trip from Aberdeen? then Book the Dunnottar Castle tour which originates from the center of Aberdeen. We loved visiting Dunnotter Castle and it was well worth it Booking this tour Or take the train to Stonehaven.
Yes, it's not in Aberdeen itself but it's worth a visit to explore the history of the wider region. You see, it dates back to the early Middle Ages. Not only this, this tour will also take you to the Cairngorms National Park; which is beautiful.
Read more: Exploring Dunnotter Castle
10.) Johnston Gardens
Another great garden to visit in Aberdeen is Johnston Gardens.
This place is beautiful and very quiet for a cool stroll. There is a trail lined with seasonal Scottish peonies that bloom in spring and summer. Also, you can go to this Gordon Highlanders Museum It's right next door. It focuses on historical military pieces throughout the centuries. Just remember
One of the best things to do in Aberdeen is if you're looking for a more chilled day out in the city.
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