Aberdeen

Travel Guide

Aberdeen featuring a square or plaza, night scenes and a city
Aberdeen showing 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 garden
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 which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

Central Aberdeen

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

Travelers to Central Aberdeen praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Aberdeen Music Hall and His Majesty's Theatre.

Central Aberdeen
Coming into land at Aberdeen airport

Dyce

4/5(21 area reviews)

Visitors highly recommend Dyce for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Formartine and Buchan Way while you're in town.

Dyce
Duthie Park Winter Gardens which includes interior views and a garden

Ferryhill

While there might not be top attractions in Ferryhill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Duthie Park Winter Gardens and Union Square Shopping Centre.

Ferryhill
Aberdeen showing street scenes

Hanover

If you're spending some time in Hanover, Codonas Amusement Park and Aberdeen Harbour are top sights worth seeing.

Hanover
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Cove

4/5(4 area reviews)

Restaurants and spas are some things travelers note about Cove. Check out Duthie Park Winter Gardens or Aberdeen Harbour while you're familiarizing yourself with the larger area.

Cove
A wee dram of Glenmorangie, recommended by the waitress as an introductory whiskey. If that's an introduction, good heavens.

Aberdeen West End

Aberdeen West End is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Rubislaw Quarry or Queen Victoria Statue.

Aberdeen West End
Station Hotel Aberdeen
Station Hotel Aberdeen
3 out of 5
78 Guild Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
$55 nightly
The price is $66 total per night from May 18 to May 19
$66 total
May 18 - May 19
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great access to the station and good breakfast"

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Station Hotel Aberdeen
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
St. Andrew Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
$95 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from May 25 to May 26
$114 total
May 25 - May 26
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,051 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on May 12, 2025

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Ardoe House Hotel & Spa
Ardoe House Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen, Scotland
$107 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from May 18 to May 19
$128 total
May 18 - May 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Loved that this hotel was very dog friendly & they do not charge way over the odds to bring your fur baby with you"

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Ardoe House Hotel & Spa
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.
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 ...
"excellent hotel, the room i was given was a large 1 br and was excellent. thank you"

Reviewed on Nov 25, 2024

Royal Athenaeum Suites
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 ...
"Clean safe and secure property"

Reviewed on Dec 9, 2024

Aberdeen by Charles Hope
Apartrooms
Apartrooms
4 out of 5
Marywell, Old Stonehaven Road, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping Centre and RGU: SPORT ...
"I haved stayed here several times now. I live thats its just outside the city with an excellent bus service. I much prefer an apartroom to a hotel rokm, a wee bit of home from home."

Reviewed on May 6, 2025

Apartrooms
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.

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