Famous as the 'Granite City' due to its imposing stone architecture, Aberdeen is not the cold, harsh place this title suggests, but a vibrant and cosmopolitan University city made prosperous by the North Sea oil industry.
With a wealth of attractions, shops, restaurants and bars, there is plenty to keep you occupied in the city if the famous 'harr' (sea fog) keeps you from the sandy beach.
Rich in history, the area has seen human settlement since 6,000BC. The name Aberdeen is likely to mean 'mouth of two rivers' from it's position between the local rivers Dee and Don. By 1264 it had a castle, which saw one of Aberdeen's many battles in the early fourteenth century when it was taken by Robert the Bruce. The city's motto later became 'Bon Accord', which by tradition was the password on the night the castle was taken.
Aberdeen's past is a matter of pride in the city, and there are a number of historic houses and museums, most notably Provost Skene's House dating from 1545 and the Maritime Museum which includes exhibits on the modern oil industry as well and the city's shipping and fishing history.
Union Street is Aberdeen's main shopping street, a wide and impressive thoroughfare built in the Nineteenth Century. Shopping Centres such as St Nicholas & Bon Accord and The Mall Aberdeen house flagship Department Stores, bars and clubs for every taste. Nightlife is the city is extremely vibrant and varied, top-names often perform at the city's Music Hall in Union Street and His Majesty's Theatre. The more alternative music venue The Lemon Tree comes highly recommended.
Aberdeen is also justifiably proud of it's beautiful parks and gardens. Famously banned at one time from the 'Britain in Bloom' competition for winning too many times, beautiful parks such as Johnston Gardens and Duthie park, with it's large glasshouses, justify the city's horticultural reputation.
Further afield, the city is also the gateway to beautiful and historic Aberdeenshire with it's historic castles (including Royal Balmoral), distilleries and breathtaking scenery.
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Links Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8AT
Golf Club founded in 1780 and one of the oldest (and finest) in the world Royal Aberdeen Golf Club information
Storybrook Glen Maryculter, Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB12 5FT
An endearing oudoor theme park for children featuring models of storybook characters. Storybrook Glen information
Johnston Gardens Johnston Gardens, Viewfield Road, Aberdeen AB15 7XE
Award-winning and beautiful park. Johnston Gardens information
Duthie Park Polmuir Road, Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB11 7TH
Large and beautiful riverside park with large glasshouses. Duthie Park information
Aberdeen Art Gallery Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ
The city's main art gallery, housed in a handsome Victorian granite building. Aberdeen Art Gallery information
Provost Skene's House Guestrow (between Broad Street and Flourmill Lane), Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB10 1AS
Historic House dating from 1545. Provost Skene's House information
Aberdeen Maritime Museum Shiprow, Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB11 5BY
Museum which includes exhibits on the modern oil industry as well as the city's shipping and fishing history. Aberdeen Maritime Museum information
His Majesty's Theatre Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 1GL
Large and popular theatre venue hosting top-name shows. His Majesty's Theatre information
The Lemon Tree 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 5AT
A alternative and highly recommended music, comedy and theatre venue. The Lemon Tree information
The Music Hall Union Street, Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB10 1QS
Aberdeen's main concert venue. The Music Hall information
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South Deeside Rd, Blairs Aberdeen AB12 5YP MAP This Victorian mansion with pool, spa and gym is set in quiet countryside 5 miles from Aberdeen. It has 2 bars, 2 restaurants and is 3 miles from the Castle Trail. The 4-star Mercure Ardoe House Aberdeen was built in the 19th century and features origina... More Information and Book ... |
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531 Great Western Road Aberdeen AB10 6PE MAP Set within an impressive turreted granite building in the exclusive West End of Aberdeen, these fully-serviced luxury suites have been awarded 4 Diamonds from the RAC. Situated within walking distance of several restaurants and a small shopping parade, i... More Information and Book ... |
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54 Kings Gate Aberdeen AB15 4YN MAP Atholl Hotel is quiet, friendly and has a popular restaurant, and rooms with free broadband internet access. It is a few minutes west of Aberdeen city centre. Atholl Hotel is located off Anderson Drive, which is one of Aberdeen's main roads. There is eas... More Information and Book ... |
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20 Summerhill Court Aberdeen AB15 6LB MAP Situated 3 miles (4.8 km) from Aberdeen city centre, Best Western Summerhill Hotel is a brand-new development with spacious bedrooms and suites in a comfortable, peaceful atmosphere. The hotel restaurant and bar are decorated in a modern style and offer ... More Information and Book ... |
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Souterhead Road Aberdeen AB12 3LF MAP The Thistle Aberdeen Altens is 3 miles from the city centre and just 1 mile from the coast. The Altens has modern rooms with en suite bathrooms and boasts a sauna, spa and indoor pool. Each room has a satellite TV, hairdryer and work desk. Wireless inter... More Information and Book ... |
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Burnside Drive Off Riverview Drive, Dyce Aberdeen AB21 0HW MAP ... More Information and Book ... |
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49 McIntosh Crescent, Dyce Aberdeen AB21 7AF MAP Situated just 1 mile from Aberdeen Airport, Dyce Apartment features free private parking and free Wi-Fi. Aberdeen city centre is a 15-minute drive away. The Dyce Apartment kitchen includes a fridge freezer, gas hob and oven, and a dishwasher. A welcome p... More Information and Book ... |
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The Forbes Building, Baker Road Aberdeen AB24 4RS MAP In a newly completed complex just 1.6 km (one mile) north of Aberdeen city centre, these luxurious apartments are fully-equipped to be a home from home. One and 2 double bedrooms (master bedroom with en suite bathroom) are complemented by a main bathroom... More Information and Book ... |
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30 Queens Road Aberdeen AB15 4YF MAP Apartments- Spacious apartments with luxury living space, quality service and excellent facilities. Free Wi-Fi Satellite TV Free UK and selected international calls Free on-site parking Complimentary welcome pack with Milk, Butter, Bread, Sugar, Tea, Coff... More Information and Book ... |
Wander along the coast, along the Esplanade.
Towns Near Aberdeen To Visit - straight line distance:
Stonehaven Tourist Information (13.05 miles) Inverurie Tourist Information (13.96 miles)