Aberdeen, the “Granite City,” is a place of striking contrasts—where medieval history meets cutting-edge innovation, and tranquil gardens meet the roar of the North Sea. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Aberdeen, showcasing hidden gems and top attractions to help you explore the city like a local.
📍 Aberdeen Art Gallery – A Cultural Crown Jewel
Newly refurbished and dazzling in both architecture and content, Aberdeen Art Gallery is a world-class centre for visual art. From the Scottish Colourists like Samuel Peploe to international icons like Claude Monet and Francis Bacon, its collection rivals any in the UK.
- Highlights:
- Permanent and temporary exhibitions
- Works from Joan Eardley, Barbara Hepworth, Rachel Maclean
- Free admission
- Facilities: Cafe, gift shop, fully accessible
📍 Location: Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ
🕒 Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm, Mon–Sat | 11am – 4pm, Sun
⚓ Aberdeen Maritime Museum – Dive Into Maritime Heritage
Situated on the historic Shiprow overlooking the harbour, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers an immersive experience into the city’s seafaring legacy.
- Exhibits:
- North Sea oil industry
- Shipbuilding and fishing history
- Hands-on interactives and digital databases
- Temporarily Closed: Until Spring 2024 for refurbishment
🌿 Duthie Park & David Welch Winter Gardens – Green Escapism
Duthie Park is one of Scotland’s most beloved urban parks, a sprawling 44-acre oasis just south of the city centre.
- Why Visit?:
- The David Welch Winter Gardens is one of Europe’s largest indoor plant collections
- Victorian features, boating pond, family play zones
- Ideal for a relaxed picnic or peaceful walk
🏞️ Top Tip: Visit in spring for the full bloom of exotic plants and flowering cacti.
⛪ St Machar’s Cathedral – Gothic Grandeur in Old Aberdeen
Founded in the 12th century, St Machar’s Cathedral is one of Aberdeen’s oldest and most awe-inspiring structures. With its fortified twin towers and heraldic ceiling, the cathedral is steeped in religious and architectural significance.
- Location: Old Aberdeen
- Don’t Miss: The carved wooden ceiling featuring coats of arms of European royalty.
🏛️ Provost Skene’s House – Meet Aberdeen’s Trailblazers
Dating back to 1545, Provost Skene’s House is Aberdeen’s oldest townhouse, now a museum dedicated to Aberdonians who made history.
- Notable Figures:
- Physicist James Clerk Maxwell
- Singer Annie Lennox
- Filmmaker Bill Forsyth
- Cost: Free to enter
- Features: Multimedia exhibits, family-friendly, central location
🪖 Gordon Highlanders Museum – Military History Comes Alive
A tribute to one of Britain’s most distinguished regiments, the Gordon Highlanders Museum is a must-see for history buffs.
- Highlights:
- WWI trench replica
- Napoleonic Wars exhibits
- Personalised tours with expert guides
- Extras: Tea room, gift shop, garden walk
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for families and school groups alike.
🏘️ Old Aberdeen – A Time Capsule of Cobblestone Charm
Wander through Old Aberdeen, where centuries-old streets lead you past majestic buildings, including:
- King’s College Chapel (1495) with its iconic crown tower
- Chanonry – a picturesque street that feels untouched by time
- Brig o’ Balgownie – a stone bridge dating back to the 13th century
📷 Photo Tip: Sunset shots over Seaton Park with the cathedral in the background are Instagram gold.
🏖️ Aberdeen Beach – Sand, Surf & Seaside Fun
Stretching over 3 km, Aberdeen Beach is the city’s vibrant coastal front offering relaxation and recreation.
- Attractions Nearby:
- Family fun fair
- Linx Ice Arena
- Retail park and cinema
- Water Sports: Surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking
🚶♀️ Walk north to the mouth of the Don for spectacular sea views and dolphin sightings.
⛳ Golf in Aberdeen – Tee Off by the Sea
Scotland’s northeast is a golfer’s paradise. In Aberdeen, you’ll find courses with dramatic coastal scenery and rich histories.
- Top Picks:
- Royal Aberdeen – 6th oldest course in the world
- Trump International – World-class links design
- Murcar Links – Undulating fairways and rugged dunes
- Nearby Hidden Gem: Cruden Bay Golf Club, offering unforgettable vistas
🧭 Planning Tips
- Transport: Aberdeen is compact; most attractions are walkable, via a short bus ride, or book yourself an Aberdeen Taxi for convenience and comfort.
- Season: Summer offers long days for sightseeing. Winter provides festive charm and indoor experiences.
- Free Things to Do: Most museums and parks are free, perfect for budget-conscious travellers.
Taxi Travel with Aberdeen Taxis
At Aberdeen Taxis, we’re here to help you get to any location in Aberdeen and the surrounding area safely and on time, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy experiencing all Aberdeen has to offer.
Don’t worry about finding expensive parking or forgoing some drinks so you can drive to a destination. Book an Aberdeen taxi and let us deal with the stress of getting you back and forward, and even give you a tour of local landmarks
Prebook your Aberdeen Taxi through our convenient platforms:
Call Aberdeen Taxis on 01224 200200
Drop into the Aberdeen Taxis office at 5 Crown Street Aberdeen AB116HU
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