24 Hours in Aberdeen

Belmont Street, found in the heart of the city, was built in the late 18th century. Have a stroll along the charming, cobbled street, where you will spot several churches and find an abundance of amazing independent coffee houses.

Enjoy an artisanal coffee along with delicious local produce and home bakes at Books & Beans, which is a quirky coffee house situated within a second-hand bookstore.

Located just off Belmont Street. The gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the UK, including works by influential Scottish artists and designers alongside critically acclaimed national and international creators. You can enjoy a coffee and home bakes on Level two and breakfast, brunch and lunch options on the ground-floor café. There is also the option to step outside and enjoy the stunning views of Aberdeen city centre from the gallery’s rooftop terrace. Before heading off, make sure you take home a memento from the gallery’s gift shop.

After a five-minute walk you will find Aberdeen’s Provost Skene’s House, open seven days a week with free admission. Provost Skene’s House celebrates the pioneering people of Aberdeen and the North-east that helped transform the world. You’ll learn about over 100 remarkable individuals through new interactive displays that all ages will enjoy. Did you know that this is Aberdeen’s oldest surviving town house, dating back to 1545?

Located close by is the mesmerising Marischal College. This unmissable attraction is made up of truly stunning architecture that makes it the second largest granite building in the world. It is a blend of two styles: A. Marshall Mackenzie’s ‘perpendicular Gothic’ (1890s) and Archibald Simpson’s earlier more austere architecture (1837).

Before visiting more of Aberdeen’s attractions, we recommend a stop for lunch down at the city’s ancient Merchant Quarter, The Green, which is a hidden gem and among the oldest parts of the city. Café 52 and Bistro Verde sit high on Aberdeen’s must-eat list. Cafe 52 is built into one of the arches of over-running Union Street, the cosy cave-like snug creates an intimate and unassuming dining experience. While Bistro Verde is an adults only restaurant, it offers delicious, traditional food in a relaxed setting and has a reputation for producing some of the finest local seafood. Both offer a fine-dining experience with menus that will pleasantly meet your appetite.

Discover some of the spectacular Nuart paintings on buildings and walls. If you have time, why not take a self-guided tour through these truly breathtaking pieces. The street art festivals continue to attract the very best artists from all over the world every year.

The award-winning Aberdeen Maritime Museum is located on the historic Shiprow, a 5-minute walk from The Green, and incorporates Provost Ross’ House which was built in 1593. This museum is home to a very interesting collection that covers shipbuilding, sailing ships, and the port’s history which you get a fantastic view of whilst in the building.

Time for some fresh air in the Westend of Aberdeen. Firstly, grab a hot drink from Figment who roast their own amazing coffee on site and saunter through the beautiful Johnston Gardens. These gardens may just be the most Instagrammable spot in Aberdeen, as it’s home to streams, waterfalls, ponds, rockeries, and a vibrant blue bridge which all make this an idyllic paradise within the city.

Just a short distance away you can explore the history of the Gordon Highlanders Regiment where the stories of the brave fishermen, farmers, ghillies, and aristocrats who filled the ranks are brought to life. Experience what it would have been like as a soldier fighting in WWI in a replica trench that’s been recently added to the museum.

On leaving the Gordon Highlanders Museum, you could head to the Palm Court Hotel for a refreshment, or walk along Queen’s Road, heading back into the City Centre, admiring the beautiful granite buildings and stop for some delicious cocktails in the The Chester Hotel’s stylish Gallery Bar. You will now have built up an appetite, and be ready to try some delightful, traditional produce, cooked and served in a contemporary and relaxed atmosphere at No.10 Bar & Restaurant.

With amazing venues like P&J Live, His Majesty’s Theatre, The Music Hall, The Lemon Tree, and The Tivoli Theatre playing host to West-end shows, comedy gigs, live music and literature events, there’s always something that will make a great addition to your city break itinerary! Take a look at our What’s On page and see what’s coming up this year.