Explore Aberdeen
Your perfect trip to Scotland
Aberdeen, the 'Granite City,' sparkles. Literally. The local grey granite used to build almost everything here contains mica, which catches the sun (when it shines) and glitters against the slate-grey backdrop of the North Sea. It is a city that feels solid, wealthy, and stoic. It stands alone on the northeast coast of Scotland, a gateway to the wild Highlands and the lucrative oil fields. The air here is the cleanest in the UK, crisp and tasting of salt spray.
It is not a city of soft edges. The architecture is imposing—Marischal College is the second-largest granite building in the world and looks like a gothic wedding cake frosted in stone. But beneath the austere exterior, there is warmth. The fishing village of Footdee (Fittie) at the harbor mouth is a cluster of tiny cottages protecting against the wind, painted in eccentric colors. The city smells of the sea and, occasionally, the faint industrial tang of the harbor that services the oil rigs.
Aberdeen is surprisingly sandy; the beach stretches for miles, golden and flanked by an esplanade that feels nostalgic. It’s a place where you can watch dolphins leap in the harbor mouth in the morning and eat world-class Angus beef in the evening. It demands a sturdy coat, but it rewards you with a unique, silvery beauty.
The perfect plan for Aberdeen:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Silver City
- Morning: Walk down Union Street to see the granite architecture. The highlight is Marischal College. You can't go inside (it's council offices), but the facade is breathtaking. Take a photo from the statue of Robert the Bruce.
- Afternoon: Head to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. It overlooks the harbor. It explains the oil industry brilliantly and offers a great view of the supply ships. Lunch at Moonfish Cafe (seafood, hidden in the medieval streets).
- Evening: Dinner at The Silver Darling. It is located right on the harbor wall. Watch the ships leave while eating scallops.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Old Towns and Beaches
- Morning: Take a bus or walk to Old Aberdeen. It feels like a separate village. See King's College Chapel (part of the University). It’s cobbled, ancient, and atmospheric.
- Afternoon: Walk down to the beach to find Footdee (Fittie). It’s a tiny fishing square at the end of the beach with quirky sheds. It’s incredibly photogenic. Then walk along the Beach Esplanade.
- Evening: Grab a casual burger at Smoke and Soul in an old blacksmith's workshop.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Gardens and Ghosts
- Morning: Visit Duthie Park and the David Welch Winter Gardens. It’s one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe—a tropical escape from the Scottish cold.
- Afternoon: Explore Provost Skene's House. It dates from 1545. It’s a museum of local people.
- Evening: Go for a drink at The Grill on Union Street. It’s a legendary whisky bar with hundreds of options. It looks like a time capsule.
Weather
Spring: Cold. The daffodils struggle against the wind. Bright light.
Summer: The days are incredibly long (light until 11 PM). Best chance of warmth, but 'warm' is 18°C.
Autumn: Stormy and dramatic. The waves crash over the harbor wall.
Winter: Very short days (dark by 3:30 PM). Cold, biting wind. But the Northern Lights (Aurora) are sometimes visible.
Local Customs
1. The Doric Dialect: Locals speak Doric. 'Fit like?' means 'How are you?'. Just smile and nod if you get lost.
2. Seagulls: The seagulls here are the size of dogs and aggressive. Guard your food.
3. Oil Money: It’s a wealthy city, so prices for dining can be higher than elsewhere in Scotland.
History & Culture
Aberdeen has always been a maritime city, trading with the Baltic for centuries. It boomed in the 19th century through granite quarrying, fishing, and papermaking. Then, in the 1970s, oil was found in the North Sea. Aberdeen became the Oil Capital of Europe. This influx of money created a micro-economy that felt distinct from the rest of the UK, though the city is now transitioning toward renewable energy.
Getting Around & Safety
Bus: First Aberdeen covers the city. Contactless payment works.
Walking: Union Street (the main drag) is long. Old Aberdeen is a separate walk.
Car: Useful if you want to visit the castles in Aberdeenshire (Castle Trail).
Info for Nomads
Workation Vibe
Internet: Very fast (oil infrastructure means good tech).
Cafes: Foodstory (Thistle St) - the hipster hub, great vegan food, very laptop friendly. Books and Beans - cozy, surrounded by books.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it always grey? +
The stone is grey, but when the sun shines, the mica sparkles silver. However, yes, the sky is often grey. It adds to the drama.
Can I see the Northern Lights? +
Yes, Aberdeen is far enough north. In winter, if the solar activity is high and the sky is clear, you can see the Aurora Borealis from the beach.
Is it expensive? +
It used to be very expensive during the oil boom. Prices have leveled out now, but it's still pricier than Glasgow, especially for hotels mid-week.