Aberdeen

Urban Coastal Beaches Riverfront

Population: 215k

Best Season to Visit: Summer

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: Granite architecture, Maritime heritage, Oil industry

Train Access: Yes (ScotRail)

Bus Access: Yes (First Bus, Stagecoach Bluebird)

Aberdeen, known as the Granite City due to its many enduring grey-stone buildings, offers travelers a blend of cultural, historical, and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the city's rich maritime heritage at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and marvel at the grandeur of Marischal College, which is one of the largest granite buildings in the world. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Aberdeen Art Gallery, housing a significant collection of Scottish and international works. Dining in Aberdeen provides a taste of Scotland's culinary diversity, with fresh seafood from the North Sea and local Aberdeen Angus beef being menu highlights. The city's Old Aberdeen area presents a historical ambiance with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, including the 15th-century King's College Chapel. For outdoor activities, the nearby Cairngorms National Park offers hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching, while the city's beachfront is perfect for a brisk walk with views of the North Sea. Unique events such as the Aberdeen Highland Games and the Aberdeen International Youth Festival showcase Scottish culture and arts, drawing visitors from around the globe.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Planning Your Trip to Aberdeen

Weather: Aberdeen experiences a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The weather is often influenced by its proximity to the North Sea, resulting in frequent cloud cover and varying conditions.

Festivals: The Aberdeen Highland Games and the Aberdeen International Youth Festival are popular events that celebrate Scottish traditions and international youth arts.

Best Things for Kids to Do: The Aberdeen Science Centre offers interactive exhibits that engage children in learning, while Codona's Amusement Park provides fun rides and games.

Hidden Gem: The Brig o’ Balgownie, Scotland’s oldest bridge, offers picturesque views and a peek into Aberdeen’s medieval past.

Accessibility: Aberdeen is relatively accessible for older people, with many flat areas and well-maintained sidewalks, especially in newer developments and main tourist areas.

For the Runner: The scenic Aberdeen Beach and Esplanade offer a flat and straightforward route for running and walking, while Duthie Park provides beautiful garden paths and green spaces.

Restaurants in Aberdeen

Aberdeen offers a diverse dining scene to suit various tastes and budgets. At the higher end, there's The Silver Darling, which provides fresh seafood with views of the harbor. Mid-priced options include Moon Fish Cafe, known for its modern British cuisine, and for those looking for more casual dining, there's BrewDog Castlegate, which serves craft beers and pub food. For international cuisine, Yatai Izakaya offers Japanese dishes in a relaxed setting.

Where to Stay

Aberdeen has a range of hotels catering to different preferences and budgets. The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is a luxury option offering elegant accommodations and a spa. For mid-range budgets, the Jurys Inn Aberdeen is centrally located with comfortable rooms. The Aberdeen Douglas Hotel provides a more historic and affordable stay in the heart of the city.

Best Hotels: The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Skene House, Malmaison Aberdeen

Dog-Friendly Hotels: The Chester Hotel, Holiday Inn Aberdeen - West, Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel and Spa

Aberdeen

Planning Your Trip to Aberdeen

Restaurants in Aberdeen

Where to Stay

Recommended Reading