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Aberdeen, the third largest city in Scotland, is known as the city of granite, as a result of its buildings being constructed with gray granite. This picturesque metropolis by the sea, is very rich, due to having one of the largest oil fields in the North Sea, which was discovered off the coast of the city in the 70s.
In this guide to this Scotish city we will highlight the top things to do in Aberdeen, which is known for being a youthful town thanks to the large number of students who attend its renowned University. Aberdeen also enjoys a large number of festivals on a yearly basis, making it a must-see destination.
So are you ready? Our tour of Aberdeen is about to begin…
Duthie park
The best way to experience the pulse of the city is by taking a walk through Duthie Park, the most visited park in Aberdeen, located next to the River Dee. The park, which dates back to 1883, is loved by locals and tourists for its Victorian characteristics. It is also known for its fountains and ponds, which is home to many boats, large play areas and Winter Gardens, which contains one of the most visited indoor plant collections in Scotland.
The Most Visited Areas Of Aberdeen
Two iconic spaces to explore in Aberdeen are the Footdee and Old Aberdeen. The Footdee was created in the mid-19th century as a settlement for fishermen and was designed by the well-known Scottish architect John Smith. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the surrounding narrow streets lined with picturesque houses of fishermen, decorated in bright colors.
Old Aberdeen, the city’s historic old town, resembles the middle ages with its cobble-stone streets and impressive views of the fortified cathedral, dating back to the fifteenth century. However, if you are looking for things to do in the center of Aberdeen, we suggest walking along Union Street, which is full of large granite buildings and shopping opportunities. This mile long street houses the main fashion stores, coffee shops, banks and British department stores such as John Lewis or Selfridges in the city.
A City Linked To The Sea
One of the most iconic places in the city is the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, located in the historic Shiprow district, in the heart of Aberdeen. The museum tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the North Sea. Its permanent collection focuses showcases shipbuilding, fast sailboats, fishing, the history of the port and the exhibitions of the North Sea oil industry.
Where To Eat
A good stop to taste the cuisine of Aberdeen is The Silver Darling, located in the port. It is one of the ten best and most famous fish restaurants in Great Britain, and offers beautiful views of the sea. This restaurant has magnificent Scotch whiskeys made in distilleries near the city such as Royal Lochnagar or Glenfiddich.
Cultural Events
On the other hand, if you are looking for more things to do in Aberdeen, you can attend one of its many cultural festivals taking place throughout the year. Some of the most interesting festivals include:
Dancelive (October 17-27), the most prolific and prolonged contemporary dance festival in Britain. It encompasses a broad program of contemporary dance, performance and live art by the best dance groups from around the world.
From March 12 to 22 the city’s iconic Jazz Festival takes place, featuring cutting-edge music, ranging from swing, fusion and any other jazz styles imaginable.
From June 6 to 9 the Look Again festival takes place, which shows off the artistic work of local and international talents from the world of design and contemporary visual arts. ■
