Aberdeen

Travel Guide

Aberdeen featuring a square or plaza, a city and night scenes
Aberdeen featuring modern architecture and interior views
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Duthie Park Winter Gardens which includes interior views and a park
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 architecture and heritage elements

Central Aberdeen

4/5(632 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
Default Image

Dyce

4/5(175 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 showing 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 park

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
Default Image

Aberdeen West End

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

Aberdeen West End

Bridge of Don

If you're spending some time in Bridge of Don, Old Castle of Slains and Royal Aberdeen Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Bridge of Don
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
St. Andrew Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
The price is RM321 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM321
RM385 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,049 reviews)
Overnight Stay
"Great stay to go see Aberdeen tall ships. Nice bar in the hotel. Close to shops and attractions."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen

Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen

4 out of 5
Union Square, Guild Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
The price is RM287 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
RM287
RM344 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
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! (1,063 reviews)
"Staff were extremely friendly and helpful, bed v comfortable and breakfast excellent."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen
Station Hotel Aberdeen

Station Hotel Aberdeen

3 out of 5
78 Guild Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
The price is RM317 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
RM317
RM380 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Very helpful staff. I chose a single room, which was small but all the size it needed to be. Great price and very clean, on doorstep of train/bus station and main shopping area."

Reviewed on 20 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! (35 reviews)
Aberdeen Charles Hope
"The Aberdeen Charles Hope apartments are really good value, there are few minor points that prevent 5 star review, no socket near bed, with bed tight to wall, bathroom extractor fan connected to room fan with long run time made room noisy, no air conditioning. You need to pay attention to emails ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 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! (261 reviews)
"Property is a little outdated but good location"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Royal Athenaeum Suites
The Craibstone Suites

The Craibstone Suites

4 out of 5
15 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (152 reviews)
"Excellent serviced apartment in a central but quiet spot in Aberdeen city centre. Excellent communications from property prior or arrival. Very clean & comfortable."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

The Craibstone Suites
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do