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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.

Fittie

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.

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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.

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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.

Aberdeen city

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.

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Win the Ultimate City Break to Aberdeen

Post Date: 17 Oct 2025

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Where to see the Northern Lights in the North-east

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Itineraries In The City

Duration: 48 hours 00 mins

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  • Outdoors & Adventure

Dark Skies & Cosy Winter Retreat

Duration: 24 hours

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A Family Day Out

Blogs From The City

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  • Nature & Wildlife

Your Northern Nights escape awaits

Post Date: 19 Nov 2025

Discover the magic of Northern Nights in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire. From dark starry skies and cosy stays to family-friendly adventures and incredible local food, winter is the perfect time to explore the North-east.

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Embracing the autumn equinox

The air has a new crispness. The trees are starting to blush with gold. And all at once, the world feels a little quieter, softer, and warmer, even as the temperatures begin to dip.

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Dog-friendly spots in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Explore Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire without having to leave your furry best friend at home!

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Nature spotting in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Spot seals, dolphins, deer, and more across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Explore the region’s wild beauty and uncover the best places for nature lovers to visit.

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Events In The City

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  • Family Friendly

Aberdeen Christmas Market

Date(s): 13 Nov - 31 Dec 2025

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  • Arts & Culture

Aladdin - Christmas Panto - The Tivoli Theatre

Date(s): 5 Dec - 21 Dec 2025

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  • Arts & Culture

Festive Pop-Ups - Aberdeen Art Gallery

Date(s): 29 Nov - 20 Dec 2025

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Troy Hawke - Music Hall

Date(s): 21st Mar 2027

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  • Arts & Culture

Dirty Dancing - His Majesty's Theatre

Date(s): 20 Nov 2025 - 6 Feb 2027

The Simon & Garfunkel Story
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  • Arts & Culture

The Simon & Garfunkel Story - Music Hall

Date(s): 18th Jan 2027

Offers From The City

Businesses In The City

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