Merchant Quarter

The Green is one of Aberdeen's four medieval administrative quarters, first recorded in 1399. It has long been a key entry point to the city and a hub of religious and mercantile activity for over 750 years. The area remains an important architectural and historic site, reflecting Aberdeen's medieval urban origins and its 19th-century expansion. In the 13th century, the Carmelite and Trinitarian religious orders established friaries south of The Green, near Guild Street, with impressive stone buildings. Its strategic location near the harbour and one of the town’s main ports, which controlled trade, ensured the Green remained closely tied to commerce. Today, The Green is surrounded by modern attractions, including the stylish Carmelite Hotel, the renowned Bistro Verdi seafood restaurant, trendy Café 52, and a variety of independent shops and bars. The area has also become a vibrant venue for live music, festivals, and arts.