Things to do in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a place that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. One of the world's largest international youth festival takes place here in the summer, with literature, jazz and traditional folk festivals taking place in the spring. For history lovers, Aberdeen has an abundance of museums and tours of its historic buildings. Aberdeen also acts as a perfect hub from which to explore the majesty of the Grampian Highlands, enjoy an extended tipple on the Malt Whisky trail, or ramble around ancient Scottish castles and historic battlefields nearby.

Aberdeen has a few worthy attractions to draw tourists in. The Maritime Museum and Aberdeen Art Gallery are worth a visit to get a taste of the local culture and history, while picturesque Brig o' Balgownie, the lovely Duthie Park, and a number of other pleasant green spaces in the city are at their best in the summer months, May to August. The vibrant waterfront district also merits exploration, as well as some of the lovely sandy beaches close by. A little further afield is the malt whisky trail of the Grampian Highlands, and Balmoral Castle, one of the most magnificent castles in the British Isles.

Getting Outdoors photo

Getting Outdoors

There are plenty of hiking, running and cycling trails dotted in and around Aberdeen, and outdoor fanatics will have no shortage of things to do during their time in the city. Kirk…

Golf photo

Golf

With courses stretched out over rambling beaches, or hidden within castle-dotted forests, Aberdeen is likely to tempt even the most unenthusiastic of golfers to a round. Some of th…

Malt Whisky Trail photo

Malt Whisky Trail

The Grampian Highlands area is famous for its delicious malt whisky, and the best way to explore this long-standing tradition is by following a whisky route to eight different dist…

Duthie Park photo

Duthie Park

Created by Lady Elizabeth Duthie in 1881 to commemorate her uncle and brother, Duthie Park is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Dee and draws hundreds of visitors to i…

Brig o' Balgownie photo

Brig o' Balgownie

Built from granite and sandstone, the single-arched Brig o' Balgownie, stretching over the River Don, dates back to the 13th century and was completed in 1320 during the Scottish W…

Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Situated on historic Shiprow, with spectacular views of the busy harbour, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum proudly exhibits the city's strong maritime history and its close connection …

Aberdeen Art Gallery photo

Aberdeen Art Gallery

The Aberdeen Art Gallery was first opened in 1885, and more than a hundred years later, continues to be one of the city's most popular attractions. The gallery has a large permanen…

Balmoral Castle photo

Balmoral Castle

No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to one of its magnificent castles, and Balmoral Castle - set on the banks of the River Dee - is one of the best known and most prest…