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Aberdeen City is brimming with culture, history, and exciting experiences.

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Discover Aberdeen City

From historic streets to vibrant neighbourhoods, Aberdeen City is brimming with culture history, and exciting experiences. Explore the cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen, soak up the charm of Fittie with its colourful fishing cottages or wander through Rosemount filled with independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage, contemporary art, live music and thriving food scene. Our guide brings together the best of Aberdeen’s attractions, local businesses and must-see spots, helping you plan your perfect visit to the Granite City.

Footdee

Tucked away at the edge of Aberdeen’s bustling seafront, Footdee, known locally as Fittie, is a charming former fishing village full of character and history. Wander through its neat 19th-century squares, discover rows of quaint cottages and spot the eccentric outhouses that give the area its unique artistic flair. Once home to Aberdeen’s fishermen, Footdee now thrives as a peaceful, close-knit community where history, creativity and coastal charm come together. With its colourful houses, sheltered streets and serene harbour views, Fittie is a delightful place to explore on foot and experience a side of Aberdeen that feels worlds away from the city centre.

Please note this is a residential area, we ask that you please respect the homes and the people who live here.

Torry Battery and Greyhope Bay

Perched at the edge of Aberdeen Harbour, Torry Battery is a historic monument with a fascinating story of military use, community resilience, and coastal life. Built in 1860, the battery served as a training ground and barracks through both World Wars, later becoming emergency housing and a local gathering spot. Today, visitors can explore the ruins, learn about the site’s history at Greyhope Bay, and enjoy the stunning sea views.

Torry Battery is one of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins year-round, often seen feeding, jumping and playing at the harbour entrance. The area is also home to seals, otters, harbour porpoises, minke and humpback whales and over 200 species of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers. Stop by for a hot drink, take in the history and watch the abundant marine life in this unique coastal setting.

City parks and secret gardens

Aberdeen is home to 14 main parks, offfering a variety of beautiful parks and green spaces, perfect for relaxing, exploring or enjoying family-friendly activities. Duthie Park is a city favourite, featuring stunning gardens, the historic David Welch Winter Gardens, and open lawns ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.

If you’re after tranquility, head to the secret garden near St Machar’s Cathedral in Seaton Park. This hidden haven is surrounded by vibrant flowers, greenery, and park benches. The park also features riverside paths, woodlands and a play area.

Other green gems like Hazlehead Park, Victoria Park, and Johnston Gardens highlight the city’s rich horticultural heritage and provide habitats for local wildlife. Whether you’re seeking a quiet stroll, a scenic cycle or outdoor fun with the family, Aberdeen’s parks bring a touch of nature to the heart of the Granite City.

Shopping in Aberdeen

Aberdeen’s city centre is a vibrant hub for shoppers, offering everything from high street favourites to unique independent stores. Union Square is the city’s flagship shopping destination, featuring a wide range of brands, restaurants and a cinema, all under one roof. Nearby, the Bon Accord Centre and Trinity Centre provide additional high-street shopping, cafés and convenient spots for a leisurely retail experience.

For a more independent shopping experience, head to Rosemount, where charming streets are lined with boutique stores, artisanal shops and local cafés. Whether you’re hunting for the latest fashion, local crafts or gifts, Aberdeen city centre combines well-known stores and distinctive local shops, making it a great destination for all kinds of shoppers.

Arts and culture

Walk in the footsteps of artists, performers and innovators across Aberdeen’s vibrant cultural scene. Explore contemporary and historic works at Aberdeen Art Gallery, or dive into the city’s maritime heritage at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. For transport enthusiasts, the Grampian Transport Museum offers a fascinating look at vintage vehicles, locomotives and the history of travel in the region.

Aberdeen’s theatres and live music venues, His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall, Tivoli and The Lemon Tree, offer a full programme of drama, dance, music, and comedy throughout the year. Families and curious minds can enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Aberdeen Science Centre, while smaller galleries and cultural businesses across the city highlight local creativity, exhibitions, and events.

Aberdeen Jazz Festival 2026

Aberdeen Jazz Festival returns in March 2026 with over 30 events across 18 venues showcasing the very best in jazz, blues, funk and contemporary sounds from Scotland, the UK and beyond.

Granite Noir 2026

Aberdeen’s international crime writing festival returns for its 10 year anniversary

Scottish Ballet's Starstruck - His Majesty's Theatre

Escape with us to the glamour and grace of Paris, 1960. Step into the studio, watch the dancers warm up and hear the piano start to play – a new show is taking shape that will be fit for the gods.One of the first choreographers to brin...

Things To Do

Discover it all in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Nuart Aberdeen 2026: Poetry Is In The Streets

The Granite City will once again become a global stage for street art as world-renowned artists transform Aberdeen’s cityscape into a vibrant canvas.

Itineraries In The City

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Interest Type

Duration: 48 hours

City
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Arts & Culture

A flavour-led escape

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Duration: 48 hours 00 mins

Countryside
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Outdoors & Adventure

Dark Skies & Cosy Winter Retreat

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Duration: 24 hours

Crathes Castle Gardens 153 DS 143 low res

Countryside
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Family Friendly

A Family Day Out

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Duration: 24 hours

City

24 Hours in Aberdeen

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Blogs From The City

Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of the city, the beauty of the coastline or the tranquillity of the countryside, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire invite you to explore.

Coast
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Eat & Drink

Spring dishes in the North-east worth travelling for

Post Date: 16 Mar 2026

Spring in the North-east is a celebration of renewal. As the landscape awakens, our menus transform with vibrant greens, zesty citrus, and the freshest catch from our coastal waters. From sun-drenched city terraces to cosy countryside escapes, here are the seasonal dishes you can’t miss this spring.

Celebrating Mother’s Day in the North-east

Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to treat the mums and mother figures in your life. If you’re planning a celebration in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire, we’ve rounded up thoughtful gift ideas, indulgent afternoon teas and special events to help you plan the perfect day while supporting local businesses.