Things to do in Aberdeen

Activities, attractions and tours

Aberdeen featuring a square or plaza, a city and night scenes
Aberdeen featuring modern architecture and interior views
Marischal Museum featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes
Aberdeen showing night scenes, a city and heritage elements
Duthie Park Winter Gardens which includes interior views and a park
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What to do in Aberdeen

Popular places to visit

Aberdeen_UnionSquareShoppingCentre_6167198-3

Union Square Shopping Centre

During your trip to Aberdeen, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Union Square Shopping Centre. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theatre scene.

Union Square Shopping Centre
Aberdeen University King's College building captured on a beautiful late summer morning. Founded in 1495 this is one of Scotland's oldest universities; the crown tower and chapel date from 1500.; Shut

University of Aberdeen

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Aberdeen during your trip to Aberdeen. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen_AberdeenRoyalInfirmary_553248621594393944-5

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

If Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
View of Aberdeen skyline from inside the docks or harbor area

Aberdeen Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Aberdeen with a trip to Aberdeen Harbour. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and shops.

Aberdeen Harbour
Part of the #lookagainfestival in Aberdeen. Making you think about the city around you.

His Majesty's Theatre

You can get tickets for a performance at His Majesty's Theatre on your trip to Aberdeen. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theatre scene.

His Majesty's Theatre
The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland: Terrace outside refectory on Level 2 of the Riverside East building. The terrace is accessed through the refectory and provides exterior space on days of good weather.

Robert Gordon University

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Robert Gordon University during your travels in Aberdeen. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in the area.

Robert Gordon University
Duthie Park Winter Gardens which includes a park

Duthie Park Winter Gardens

Walk amid tropical rainforests or arid displays dotted with cacti at this beautiful garden set within a collection of large glasshouses in a pretty city park.

Duthie Park Winter Gardens
Aberdeen_RoyalAberdeenGolfClub_6083403-1

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Aberdeen at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
The King's College building, part of Aberdeen University founded in 1495. The university is in the Old Aberdeen area which is like a tiny old town hidden in the city. As well as the beautiful University Buildings Old Aberdeen has cute little bungalows and independent bookshops which are hard to find in the city centre.

King's College

Explore the campus of King's College during your trip to Aberdeen. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

King's College

Areas of 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
Coming into land at Aberdeen airport

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
IMO: 9636254 MMSI: 235096339 Call Sign: 2GCZ3 Flag: United Kingdom

Hanover

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

Hanover
I love the Winter Gardens in Aberdeen. Constantly changing throughout the year. This is the fern house in April 2015. There's lots of information about the different plants and why they are grown too.

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
Aberdeen_RoyalAberdeenGolfClub_6083403-1

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
Aberdeen Pier

Merchant Quarter

If you're spending some time in Merchant Quarter, Aberdeen Maritime Museum and The Trinity Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Merchant Quarter
A female hiker walks down the stone steps of the ancient hill fort on top of Mither Tap in the Bennachie Mountain Range - Nr Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK

Inverurie

Kinneff Old Kirk

Newtonhill

Frequently asked questions

Is Aberdeen worth visiting?
Whether you plan to experience the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample regional foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Aberdeen.
How do I spend a day in Aberdeen?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Aberdeen City Beach and Kartstart Indoor Raceways, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Aberdeen.
What is the top tourist attraction in Aberdeen?
Don't leave without checking out Cathedral of St. Machar, ranked the top tourist attraction in Aberdeen.
Is three days enough to stay in Aberdeen?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, like Cathedral of St. Machar, Aberdeen City Beach and St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral. The average stay in Aberdeen is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Stonehaven isn't far away.
Is Aberdeen a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to see and do in Aberdeen. Several top sights, such as Cathedral of St. Machar and Aberdeen City Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Aberdeen's neighbourhoods, Aberdeen West End is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Merchant Quarter is 0.48 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Aberdeen with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Aberdeen with kids.

What to do in Aberdeen for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Aberdeen for adults including King's Museum - Old Town House and Aberdeen Mosque.
Are there free things to do in Aberdeen?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Aberdeen. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Cathedral of St. Machar is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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