Aberdeen City - explore and enjoy
🍽️ Food & Drink Scene
Aberdeen’s food scene is a mix of the traditional and the trendy. From world-class seafood fresh from the North Sea to artisan bakeries and craft coffee shops, there’s something for every taste. Enjoy a dram of North East distilled whisky, a refreshing Aberdeen Gin and tonic featuring regional botanicals, or explore food markets and gastropubs serving up hearty Scottish fare.
While City of Aberdeen Distillery focuses on gin, distilled in the city (and in fact the only distillery in the city), there is also the Aberdeen Whisky Shop which offers an excellent tasting room. Or explore the bars around the city for your whisky fix The Prince of Wales with it's 18 meter long bar, The Stag and The Grill. The city also has numerous breweries such as Fierce beer.
When it comes to food, there is a wide variety of choices, for example, the Silver Darling serves local food and is frequented by celebrities including Dame Judi Dench and Rod Stewart. The city also has a vibrant café culture including the popular Sweet Mumma's Kitchen (pictured right / below).
🏰 History & Heritage
The distillery is located within a historic railway arch but the city is steeped in so much history it's a delight of discovery. From the Marischal College, home to Aberdeen City Council, to the University Campus at Old Aberdeen, where you'll find cobbled lanes and stunning architecture both old & new.
The city’s granite streets are also steeped in history - guide yourself back in time at the Maritime Museum - the region has a strong tie to the oil industry, learn about notable Aberdonians at Provost Skene’s House, and Victorian elegance at the Tolbooth Museum.
Wandering Old Aberdeen is like stepping into a storybook. The medieval architecture, charming gardens, and academic heritage of King’s College make it one of the most picturesque parts of the city. A must-see for photographers, history lovers, and anyone craving atmosphere. While you're in the area, why not visit the highly rated St. Machar's Cathedral and award winning Seaton Park.
🎨 Art & Culture
Aberdeen is alive with creativity. Nuart Aberdeen transforms the city into a massive outdoor street art gallery each year, attracting global artists. Spectra is also an annual light show which seas the city packed with visitors.
Visit Aberdeen Art Gallery, home to impressive collections from the Renaissance to modern day. Enjoy film, music, and theatre at venues like the Belmont Filmhouse, Lemon Tree, the music hall and His Majesty’s Theatre - the annual student show is an absolute must.
The annual Pride march is taking place in June and Aberdeen is excited to host the tall ships event in July which is set to be one to remember. You'll never have time to be bored in Aberdeen!
🌳 Parks & Green Spaces
Few cities balance urban life with greenery quite like Aberdeen. Explore the riverside beauty of Seaton Park, or take a peaceful walk through Hazlehead Park with its maze-like woodland trails (great for walking or cycling).
At Duthie Park, enjoy the open spaces and a relaxing circular stroll with a café and of course, the David Welch Winter Gardens which is a floral paradise with various cacti and all sorts of interesting plants. Just behind the garden is the old railway line which goes all the way out to Banchory should you fancy a cycle.
The Johnston Gardens too are a hidden gem - perfect for a quiet moment amongst the stunning and beautifully maintained gardens and features.
🏘️ Old Aberdeen – A Step Back in Time
Explore Old Aberdeen, where cobbled lanes lead to centuries-old buildings like St. Machar’s Cathedral and King’s College.
Wandering Old Aberdeen is like stepping into a storybook. The medieval architecture, charming gardens, and academic heritage of King’s College make it one of the most picturesque parts of the city.
This is a must-see for photographers, history lovers, and anyone craving atmosphere.
Don't leave the area until you've visited the Bridge of Balgownie - then follow the path round and you'll emerge at the beach - after a wee walk along the coast you'll find the beach front cafes, entertainment at Codona's or carry on to Footdee fishing village.
🛍️ Shopping – Local & High Street
Whether you're after independent boutiques or popular chains, Aberdeen delivers. Union Square is the city’s modern retail and dining hub and is joined to Aberdeen's train station. Pop into Marks and Spencers to stock up on freshly baked goods and tasty snacks.
Areas like the West End and Rosemount are home to local makers, artisan shops, vintage treasures, and specialty food stores. We love Rosemount Market for some unique local delights - freshly made bread and locally sourced drinks. We can't resist a visit to the cheese shop too - a perfect pairing for our Scottish Bramble Gin.
🎉 Events & Exhibitions
There’s always something going on, from cultural festivals to sports events and large-scale concerts at P&J Live. The city also hosts seasonal markets, art shows, and food festivals that highlight local talent and bring the community together.
Jimmy Carr, Five, John Bishop, Pokemaina, Comic Com, Peter Kay, Gary Barlow, Brian Adams, Olly Murs, Grampian Truck Show, the Get Away show - just a handful of what's going on at the P&J Live in 2025.
🚆 Transport & Accessibility
Aberdeen is extremely well connected. You’ll find regular trains to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and further south, plus flights across the UK and Europe from Aberdeen International Airport.
The Caledonian Sleeper operates between Aberdeen & London - easily connecting most the UK with the city.
Locally, the well regarded Rabbie’s operate day trips to castles, distilleries, and the Cairngorms National Park making exploration easy and enjoyable - make the most of your time in the North East and don't miss out on anything.
Sail from Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland on the Northlink ferry route and take in the inspiring coastlines.
You might even want to look at taking a coach - they run from Union Square, just like the trains, run to many places. There are also busses, local taxi's and Uber in the city.
New in 2025 - look out for open top the tourism bus in Aberdeen City.
🌊 Beaches & Coastline
Talk a nice stroll along Aberdeen’s beautiful beach, easily accessible from the city (15 minute walk). It’s great for walking, surfing, or simply watching the waves roll in.
Aberdeen beach is enjoyed by many - close to the historic fishing village of Footdee, the Silver Darling, Codona's entertaining park (rides, bowling, dodgems, crazy golf) and river estuaries. If you're lucky you might even spot a seal or dolphin.
Walk along the south coast (you'll need to cross a bridge first) is the Girdle Ness lighthouse and the rocky surrounding rugged coastline - if you want a selfie with the waves crashing behind you - this is the place. You might even see a cruiseship at the new south port.
🏞️ Outdoor Adventures & Nature
Did you know you can go on a boat in Aberdeen to spot dolphins?
Aberdeen has a fantastic range of parks and is the perfect base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park, Bennachie, and the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail. Whether you’re into hiking, cycling, or wildlife watching, the great outdoors is right on your doorstep. Remember to bring your walking shoes!
Aberdeen is known as the gateway to the whisky country - but we think it's the gateway to all of Scotland.
🏰 Castles & Countryside
The Aberdeenshire region is often called "Scotland’s Castle Country," with over 260 castles in the area, including Dunnottar Castle, Crathes Castle, and Fyvie Castle. Each one tells a unique story and offers breathtaking views of the Scottish landscape.
There's just something about exploring the castles - a step back in history and a breath of fresh air.
