Things to do in Aberdeen

Aberdeen dates back to the Dark Ages and the area has more than 300 castles and historical buildings to explore. From the striking Granite Mile to the the quaint fishing village of Footdee, which has been almost untouched for over a century, the city is alive with incredible buildings and structures, each with its own unique story.Aberdeen dates back to the Dark Ages and the area has more than 300 castles and historical buildings to explore. From the striking Granite Mile to the the quaint fishing village of Footdee, which has been almost untouched for over a century, the city is alive with incredible buildings and structures, each with its own unique story.

Delve into Aberdeen’s wide variety of museums, exploring everything from science to zoology and the city’s maritime history. On top of that, there’s also a selection of exquisite art galleries and enough festivals and events to keep everyone smiling.

From an ice arena to an outdoor snow sports centre, escape rooms to state-of-the-art cinemas, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Aberdeen no matter the weather. On top of that, there are pulse-racing cycling trials, informative walking tours and stunning beaches to make your stay in the city truly unforgettable.

From centuries-old city centre pubs to cool craft beer concepts, there are some amazing pubs to choose from. And of course, this being whisky country, there are some incredible bars and pubs offering up whisky from across the country.

With three theatres covering musicals, plays, stand-up, live bands, tribute nights and more, Aberdeen has an excellent theatre scene. Boasting His Majesty’s Theatre, the Tivoli Theatre and ACT Aberdeen, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

Dance your heart out in a lively music venue, discover laugh-out-loud comedy acts, catch a show in one of the city’s many theatres or be thrilled by sporting action – whatever it is you fancy watching during your stay, Aberdeen’s entertainment scene won’t disappoint.

Covering quirky cafés and busy food markets to the best restaurants in Aberdeen, our guide to the city’s cuisine will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you want fine dining or just a quick place to refuel with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake after a busy day spent sightseeing, we’ve got it covered.

As well as offering an abundance of daytime activities, Aberdeen really comes into its element once the sun goes down. Make the most of the city’s vibrant nightlife scene by discovering its finest watering holes and most cutting-edge clubs, all with the help of our in-depth guide.

The city boasts a number of modern shopping centres, from the centrally located Union Square to the charming boutique stores of The Academy. Alongside a choice of bustling markets, these make Aberdeen an absolute retail heaven for anyone wanting to indulge in a spot of shopping during their stay.

Having welcomed a diverse range of acts to its stage since 1985 – including the likes of Oasis, Neil Young and Dolly Parton – alongside sports events and live TV show recordings, the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre is the city’s premier entertainment venue.

Dive into Aberdeen’s seafaring history at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. This historic building is where you’ll find an exciting array of installations, including scale models of an oil rig and deep-sea diving equipment to hands-on exhibits and touchscreen displays.

No matter where you’re travelling from, getting in and around Aberdeen couldn’t be easier. With its own airport serving international visitors to a centrally located bus station and a wide selection of rail services, our guide has all the information you need.