Aberdeen

Travel Guide

Aberdeen which includes a square or plaza, night scenes and a city
Aberdeen which includes interior views and modern architecture
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Duthie Park Winter Gardens which includes a garden and interior views
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(63 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(17 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
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
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

Bridge of Don

If you're spending some time in Bridge of Don, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club and Old Castle of Slains are top sights worth seeing.

Bridge of Don
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 Queen Victoria Statue or Rubislaw Quarry.

Aberdeen West End
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
St. Andrew Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
The price is CA $107 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $107
CA $128 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & 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! (1,034 reviews)
"Very clean hotel"

Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2025

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen
Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen
4 out of 5
Union Square, Guild Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
The price is CA $100 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
CA $100
CA $121 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,052 reviews)
"Perfect area friendly and attentive staff"

Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2025

Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen
Station Hotel Aberdeen
Station Hotel Aberdeen
3 out of 5
78 Guild Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
The price is CA $63 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
CA $63
CA $76 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & 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! (1,001 reviews)
"A Truly Great Stay at The Station Hotel, Aberdeen! The Station Hotel truly stands out as perhaps the best hotel I've experienced in Aberdeen, and I honestly can't see myself staying anywhere else in the future. While many other establishments in the area seem a bit run down, The Station Hotel is ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

Station Hotel Aberdeen
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.
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (33 reviews)
Cool place but water temperature also cool
"Shower/ bathroom spacious and new but hot water temperature not high enough so shower uncomfortable. Nightshift porter like a robot, no emotions, cold reception on late night check in."

Reviewed on May 29, 2025

Aberdeen by Charles Hope
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"Property is a little outdated but good location"

Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2025

Royal Athenaeum Suites
The Craibstone Suites
The Craibstone Suites
4 out of 5
15 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (151 reviews)
"Excellent serviced apartment in a central but quiet spot in Aberdeen city centre. Excellent communications from property prior or arrival. Very clean & comfortable."

Reviewed on Jun. 4, 2025

The Craibstone Suites
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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Cities near Aberdeen