Aberdeen

The Granite City

est. 1179

Fitdee, Aberdeen Harbour. Photo by me.

Why not visit..

..Old Aberdeen?

The original city of Aberdeen, now predominantly a university campus. Wonder around the ancient city, go for a coffee and then chill on Elphinestone Lawn. After that, explore the botanic gardens and the zoology museum.

How to visit: First 1, 1B, 2, 19, 20 | Stagecoach X60, X63, X67, X68

Kings Chapel, Old Aberdeen. Photo by me. Kings Chapel, Old Aberdeen

..Aberdeen's Museums?

Aberdeen has no shortage of museums to explore - the Science Museum, Art Gallery*, Maritime Museum* and Provost Skene's House* are all within walking distance of the city centre (* - free).

Outside Aberdeen Maritime Museum by Tore Sætre / Wikimedia is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Aberdeen Maritime Museum.

..the North Sea Beaches?

Aberdeen's beach is conveniently located a 15 minute walk away from the city centre. Have a walk along the sands, have fun at the amusement park or have a bit of downtime in the cinema - there is no shortage of things to do at the beach. Unfortunately, the water does get quite cold. Bored of Aberdeen beach? Balmedie and Stonehaven are a short bus away. Dolphins are known to make an appearance near the Harbour, with the best place to see them being Torry Battery.

How to visit: First 13 (Aberdeen) | Stagecoach X63 (Balmedie), X7 (Stonehaven)

Aberdeen Beach at Sunset. Photo by me. Aberdeen beach at sunset.

..Royal Deeside?

Along the banks of the River Dee lies Deeside. The area is known for its walks and natural beauty. You can walk the length of the former railway line starting at Duthie Park, or relax and do the journey to Ballater on a bus instead. The Deeside suburbs of Aberdeen, being Peterculter, Bieldside and Cults each have their own high-streets and are well worth a visit.

How to visit: First 19 | Stagecoach 201

Banks of the River Dee at Milltimber. Photo by me. Milltimber, looking at AWPR

..Aberdeen's Parks?

Aberdeen's parks are some of the best in Scotland - with the city having won the Britain in Bloom competition so many times that it got disqualified. Seaton Park near Old Aberdeen was recently voted Scotland's best park, but other ones such as Duthie Park, Hazelhead Park and Johnston Gardens are spectacular too. Aberdeen's Winter Gardens are also in Duthie Park, featuring a large animatronic frog.

How to visit (Seaton Park): First 1, 1B, 2, 19, 20 | Stagecoach X60, X63, X67, X68

How to visit (Duthie Park): First 17, 18

How to visit (Hazelhead Park/Johnston Gardens): First 11, 11A | Stagecoach 4, 5, 6

River Don, Seaton Park. Photo by me. Seaton Park, Aberdeen.

Must-see attractions

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Aberdeen Art Gallery

Aberdeen Art Gallery is a world class art gallery situated in the centre of Aberdeen. Featuring works that span over 700 years, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The building has been recently refurbished adding a new floor and overhauling the interior. There is a cafe on the ground floor too.

For more information, please see Aberdeen Art Gallery Website

How to visit: All bus services stop on Union Street, a short walk away.

His Majesty's Theatre

The largest theatre in the North East, His Majesty's Theatre dates back to 1906. The theatre regularly hosts a wide range of events, ranging from opera, plays to pantomimes. The Christmas pantomine is not to be missed! An extension with a cafe was added in 2005.

For more information, please see Aberdeen Performing Arts' Website

How to visit: All bus services stop on Union Street, a short walk away.

Union Square

Aberdeen's leading shopping destination. Features over 60 shops and restaurants, including much loved chains like H&M, Superdry, Nandos and more. Also contains a 10-screen Cineworld, with a 4DX screen for extra thrills.

For more information, please see Union Square's Website

How to visit: The bus and rail stations are located inside the building. All bus services stop on Union Street, a short walk away.