Aberdeen Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Aberdeen which includes night scenes, a square or plaza and a city
Aberdeen which includes interior views and modern architecture
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Duthie Park Winter Gardens featuring a park and interior views
A gateway to the Scottish Highlands, this city is filled with ancient architecture, modern museums and blooming gardens.

Visit Aberdeen, often referred to as Scotland’s Silver City because of its granite buildings that shimmer in the sunshine. Spend time here to appreciate the historic city’s abounding culture and fascinating past. From museums to gardens and historic buildings, Aberdeen is a delightful destination in its own right, as well as a jumping-off point to the wilds of the highlands.

Start your explorations by walking around the city and studying its distinctive architecture. The 12th-century St Machar’s Cathedral is a highlight, with stained-glass windows and striking towers, while the King's College Chapel, part of the University of Aberdeen, dates back to the 15th century. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the university and stop at the fascinating University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum.

Aberdeen has numerous world-class museums. Learn about the city’s ancient maritime traditions at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and peruse the galleries of the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Allow time to discover the Gordon Highlanders Museum, which brings to life the stories of the everyday men who formed one of the British Army’s most formidable regiments for over 200 years.

In the heart of the city, in a 17th-century building, The Tolbooth Museum has fascinating displays depicting crime and punishment over the centuries in Scotland.

Search for one of Scotland’s oldest bridges, the Brig o' Balgownie, which is believed to have been built on the orders of Robert the Bruce in 1320 and crosses the pretty River Don. Near the beautiful Duthie Park and David Welch Winter Gardens, the Brig o' Dee bridge with Doric columns is another worthy ancient bridge to discover.

Aberdeen International Airport receives flights from across Europe and beyond. The city is served by a network of buses and taxis. Rent a car to travel out into the highlands and explore lakes and castles. Aberdeen’s weather can be highly changeable, so come prepared for wind, rain and sunshine, sometimes all in one day.

Where to stay in Aberdeen

Marischal Museum featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture

Central Aberdeen

4/5(22 area reviews)

Travellers to Central Aberdeen praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Aberdeen Music Hall and His Majesty's Theatre.

Central Aberdeen
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Dyce

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Dyce is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Formartine and Buchan Way, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Dyce
Aberdeen which includes street scenes

Hanover

While visiting Hanover, you might make a stop by sights like Codonas Amusement Park and Aberdeen Harbour.

Hanover
Duthie Park Winter Gardens which includes interior views and a garden

Ferryhill

While Ferryhill isn't home to many top sights, Duthie Park Winter Gardens and Union Square Shopping Centre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ferryhill
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Cove

5/5(1 area review)

Some popular features of Cove include its restaurants and spas. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Duthie Park Winter Gardens or Aberdeen Harbour are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Cove
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Aberdeen West End

Aberdeen West End is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Rubislaw Quarry and Queen Victoria Statue while you're in town.

Aberdeen West End
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
St. Andrew Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
The price is NZ$151 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$151
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,031 reviews)
"Great stay and very well centeeed for the city!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen
Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen
4 out of 5
Union Square, Guild Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$145 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$145
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,043 reviews)
Nice stay in Aberdeen
"Very convenient. Great service. Great location if you do not have a car. Nice breakfast. But a bit run down."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen
Station Hotel Aberdeen
Station Hotel Aberdeen
3 out of 5
78 Guild Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,030 reviews)
"It was good"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Station Hotel Aberdeen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aberdeen by Charles Hope
Aberdeen by Charles Hope
3 out of 5
Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping Centre and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (31 reviews)
Cool place but water temperature also cool
"Shower/ bathroom spacious and new but hot water temperature not high enough so shower uncomfortable. Nightshift porter like a robot, no emotions, cold reception on late night check in."

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Aberdeen by Charles Hope
Royal Athenaeum Suites
Royal Athenaeum Suites
3.5 out of 5
15 Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping Centre ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (258 reviews)
"Fantastic location on Union Street. Triple glazing means you dont hearva thing. Will book again"

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Royal Athenaeum Suites
Lovely 2 Bedroom Apartment With Private Parking
Lovely 2 Bedroom Apartment With Private Parking
3.5 out of 5
Aberdeen
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping Centre and ...
Lovely 2 Bedroom Apartment With Private Parking
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Aberdeen