Contents: Sights | New Aberdeen | Old Aberdeen | Seaside | Murals | Accommodation | Food & Drink | Getting There & Around

Aberdeen is really two rivers – and, in a way, two towns as well. Sitting between the Dee to the south and the Don to the north, two core settlements grew up around their mouths.

Although Old Aberdeen isn’t significantly older than New Aberdeen, the city started life as two separate places. And that’s still clearly visible today.

So Aberdeen is a city with two hearts. But they have one thing in common: both are built mainly from silvery-grey granite. That’s why Aberdeen is also nicknamed the “Granite City”.

But don’t worry: Aberdeen may be grey, but it’s certainly not dreary. What colourful and varied sights the city has in store follows now, split by area into New Aberdeen, Old Aberdeen and Seaside, each ordered from “must-see” down to things you can do if you’ve got plenty of time.

Is Aberdeen Even Worth Visiting?

Aberdeen is a fairly large city with around 225,000 residents. It’s thoroughly Scottish, though it doesn’t give off the Highland feeling many visitors are after. What it lacks there, it makes up for with deep historical roots.

Especially for people who aren’t in Scotland for the first time and who can spare some time for the city, Aberdeen is absolutely worth seeing and well worth recommending.

Aberdeen Sights: Map & Overview

New Aberdeen

Marischal College

A magnificent building made from the granite Aberdeen is known for. It’s so large that Marischal College is considered the second-largest granite building in the world (the largest being El Escorial in Spain).

In front of the building stands a statue of Robert the Bruce. He sits on his horse holding the “Stocket Charter” – a document of great importance to the city. The monument was installed here during the college’s 2011 renovation.

Next to the statue, a fountain bubbles up from the ground. 60 different jets of water are lit up, forming dancing patterns.

Address: Broad St, Aberdeen AB10 1AB
Web: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/campus/marischal-college/

Provost Skene’s House

Built in 1545, Provost Skene’s House is the oldest surviving townhouse in Aberdeen. It was fully renovated in 2019 and now houses an exhibition about the city. It tells the story of around 100 famous citizens Aberdeen has produced – including, for example, the successful singer Annie Lennox, part of the duo Eurythmics. Some of it is done in a surprisingly modern way.

The old painted ceiling inside is particularly lovely. The garden in front of the house is also very pretty, and the archway is worth a look too – it dates from 1637.

Opening hours:
April – October
Thu-Sat, Mon: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tue, Wed: closed
Admission: free
Address: Guestrow, Aberdeen AB10 1AS
Web: https://sites.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/plan-your-visit/provost-skenes-house

Poised Statue

Between the college and Provost Skene’s House stands a new building with offices and restaurants. In its inner courtyard is a sight best admired after dark.

It’s a metal statue of a panther on a pole, named “Poised”. And that’s exactly how the panther looks – poised, ready to leap at visitors.

By the way: if this reminds you of the Kelpies, your instinct isn’t wrong. Poised was created by Andy Scott, the sculptor behind the Kelpies too. And just like the great horse heads, the panther is also lit up from within at night. (More about the Kelpies near Falkirk – German only for now.)

Address: Marischal St, Aberdeen AB11 5DW

Castle Gate & Mercat Cross

At its eastern end, the great Union Street flows into Castle Gate, a square that forms the heart of the city and also offers a wonderful view back down Union Street with its imposing buildings.

Several sights stand here:

The hexagonal Mercat Cross from 1686. Despite the name, it isn’t actually a cross at all, but a six-sided structure with richly decorated arches and the unicorn – the city’s heraldic animal – perched on a column.

In the background of the square rises the Salvation Army Citadel. This building, with its large windows and impressive tower, was completed in 1896.

At the other end of the square, near the road, stands the Gordon Highlanders Memorial.

Looking down Union Street, at the bend you’ll see the former Clydesdale Bank and, behind it, Aberdeen Town House with its iconic tower.

Anyone looking for the castle that gave the street and square their name won’t find it – it was destroyed in 1308, by none other than King Robert the Bruce himself.

Shiprow

Shiprow is a narrow lane leading down to the harbour. It once formed the entrance to the city and dates back as far as 1281.

At its far end are several pubs. You’ll also find the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, a mural by Case Maclaim, and the 16th-century Provost Ross’s House.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Aberdeen without its river and sea wouldn’t be Aberdeen. The relationship between its people and the sea has shaped the city for centuries – and that’s exactly what the Maritime Museum tells you about. Alongside ship models, artefacts and countless photos, the nine-metre-high model of an oil rig is a particular highlight. From the gallery at the very top, visitors also get a good view over the nearby harbour.

Opening hours:
Mon-Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: free
Address: Shiprow, Aberdeen AB11 5BY
Web: https://sites.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/plan-your-visit/maritime-museum

The Harbour

Aberdeen owes its wealth to its harbour. Even though these resources are dwindling fast, much of the North Sea’s oil and gas production still passes through it – which is partly why Aberdeen has been called Europe’s energy capital.

As a result, impressive ships are still moored there today. Taking in the view of these giants is part of any walk through the city.

Union Terrace Gardens

If you’re after some green amid the grey – and want to admire modern architecture set against listed buildings – visit Union Terrace Gardens. The park sits in a hollow once carved out by the Denburn stream. Around the year 2000 the park was in a sorry state, before being renovated for around £29 million. And it really paid off.

Running along the west side is the street that gives the gardens their name, Union Terrace, lined with several listed buildings.

Four statues are gathered around the park: William Wallace, Robert Burns, King Edward VII and Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s husband).

📷 Photo tip: Down in the park stands the huge, illuminated Aberdeen sign.

Address: Union Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1NJ
Web: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/Council-Services/events-culture-and-outdoor-spaces/parks-and-gardens/information/union-terrace-gardens

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Aberdeen Art Gallery displays artworks spanning 700 years, including names like Francis Bacon, Claude Monet and Barbara Hepworth. Across 18 rooms in total, visitors can admire paintings, sculptures and installations. Free entry.

Opening hours:
Mon-Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: free
Address: Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ
Web: https://sites.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/plan-your-visit/art-gallery

Aberdeen Science Centre

Perfect for kids on a rainy day: at Aberdeen Science Centre, visitors can experience science hands-on. With around 65 interactive exhibits, children in particular can learn all about energy, life, space and more.

Opening hours:
Daily: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Admission: approx. £13 for adults, approx. £9 for children aged 3+, approx. £40 for a family ticket
Address: 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Web: https://aberdeensciencecentre.org

Old Aberdeen

The old town lies about two kilometres away. If you’re a keen walker, you’ll get there in around half an hour. Along the way there’s still plenty to discover, such as Trinity Cemetery and the Gallow Hill.

The street you want to reach is Spital, roughly from Orchard Street onwards. From there, the rest is a pleasant stroll – through old houses and past the main sights of Old Aberdeen:

King’s College

This is the second and older university in Aberdeen – and indeed the third-oldest in Scotland altogether. And you can see it in the buildings. The chapel, for instance, dates from around 1504. The small inner courtyard is particularly worth seeing, as are the two statues at the entrance and the many interesting coats of arms on the chapel. Crowning it all sits the crown-shaped tower. A truly wonderful atmosphere.

In front of the buildings on the street stands a cenotaph – an empty tomb, in this case for Bishop William Elphinstone. Since the founder’s actual tomb no longer existed, a monument was planned for 1914, the 400th anniversary of his death. It wasn’t completed until 1931, though, and was then placed in front of the entrance instead of inside the chapel as originally planned. Made of marble and bronze, it’s so finely worked that you can even make out the pattern of the ceiling above where the bishop lies.

Opening hours:
Chapel: Mon-Fri: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Admission: free
Address: Kings Quad, High St, Aberdeen AB24 3SW
Web: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/campus/old-aberdeen/kings-college/

The Powis Gate

Directly opposite stand two minarets flanking an entrance: the Powis Gate. It was built in 1834 as the entrance to the Powis House estate. The family’s wealth came partly from slavery, something a plaque now acknowledges. That doesn’t take away from the beauty of these unusual towers.

Sir Duncan Rice Library

The university’s modern architecture has nothing to hide behind the venerable old buildings. Proof of that is the Sir Duncan Rice Library, set slightly off the street we’re walking along. The library opened in 2011.

Just before it stands the sculpture Evolutionary Loop 517.

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed Sundays
Admission: free
Address: Bedford Rd, Aberdeen AB24 3AA
Web: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/library/

Old Aberdeen Town House

Back on the cobbled High Street, we soon reach the former town hall of Old Aberdeen. It has stood here in its current form since 1788. It now houses the King’s Museum, run by the university – though as of 2025 it was closed for renovation.

There are also a few cafés in the area around the Old Aberdeen Town House, by the way.

Address: High St, Aberdeen AB24 3EN

Cruickshank Botanic Garden

The entrance gives little away about what a wonderful garden awaits inside. The Cruickshank Botanic Garden is maintained by the university. Especially in summer, a glorious variety of plants blooms here, and visitors can wander right through the middle of it.

Opening hours:
Oct-March: 
daily: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
April – Sept:
daily: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Admission: free 
Address: St Machar Dr, Aberdeen AB24 3UU
Web: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/campus/old-aberdeen/cruickshank-botanic-garden/

Cathedral Church of St Machar

A church is said to have stood here as far back as 1,500 years ago. Today, walls dating from the 14th century still remain. The building used to be considerably larger, though – parts of it collapsed in the 17th century.

Inside, the flat wooden ceiling with its many colourful coats of arms is a real highlight, and the stained-glass windows are worth a look too. An old graveyard surrounds the church.

Opening hours:
daily: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Admission: free 
Address: The Chanonry, Aberdeen AB24 1RQ
Web: https://www.stmachar.com/

Seaton Park

A large park adjoins the cathedral. Here you’ll find playgrounds, old bunkers and grand avenues of trees. The Cathedral Walk runs right through the middle of the green space.

Brig o’ Balgownie

This bridge over the Don dates from the 13th century and is built from granite and sandstone. Its high arch is impressive to look at, and from the bridge there’s a lovely view out over the Don’s estuary, which is a nature reserve.

Historically, the bridge was hugely important, being almost the only route troops could take when heading north.

The approach to the bridge is worth seeing in its own right, too – a number of old houses line the way.

Address: Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB24 1XP

📷 Photo tip: I tried a few spots, but only one really captured the bridge well. Once you cross the bridge, turn right immediately and head down – there’s a short, steep path down to the shore. A few rocks line the water’s edge there, and from that spot you get the view shown above. Just be careful: the rocks can be slippery!

Seaside

Footdee

At the mouth of the River Dee lies the settlement of Footdee, known locally as “Fittie”. It’s a former fishing village made up of numerous cottages, painted in bright colours and prettily planted.

Artists, long-time residents and weekend commuters all come together here, creating an intriguing mix. Visitors wander the geometrically laid-out lanes – with the respect that’s due – and take in the atmosphere.

At the south end of the village stand the old and new pilot towers, which watch over the entrance to Aberdeen harbour.

Address: Footdee, Aberdeen AB11 5DP

The Promenade and Beach Ballroom

There’s plenty to see and do along the seafront. The promenade starts with an amusement park, and in summer many stalls and kiosks are open. With a bit of luck you might catch some live music here, or watch the (few) swimmers.

Further north it gets quieter, but the path carries on. You can walk around three kilometres along here before reaching the mouth of the Don.

The Beach Ballroom stands out among the buildings along the promenade: an Art Deco building from 1926. Many bands have passed through its doors over the years – the Beatles, Pink Floyd, the Who and plenty more.

The Murals

Aberdeen may be built of granite, but plenty of its walls carry modern murals. Behind this is the Nuart Aberdeen initiative, which supports artists and makes these artworks possible. Numerous murals are scattered across the city, often tackling social issues in a thought-provoking way. You’ll find more information on the murals at https://nuartaberdeen.co.uk/

Accommodation in Aberdeen

We stayed at the ibis Aberdeen Quayside. It was decent, friendly, affordable, close to the harbour with Shiprow, and just a few steps from Castlegate. You can book here (advertisement).

On the map below you’ll find further accommodation options in Aberdeen. The links and the map are affiliate links – if you book through them, I receive a small commission. (advertisement)

Food & Drink

Aberdeen has plenty to offer food-wise too. Belmont Street is a real hotspot, but you’ll also find bars, street food and restaurants around Marischal College and along Shiprow.

My tip: breakfast at The Craftsman Company. I had pancakes, Katrin had an omelette – both extremely tasty, if not exactly cheap. For a nightcap, beer lovers should head to the Fierce Beer Bar at the end of Shiprow.

Getting There and Around

Flying direct to Aberdeen is easy thanks to the airport. Carriers like KLM fly there regularly via Cityhopper from Amsterdam.

From Aberdeen Airport, the Jet 727 runs straight into the city, roughly every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs around £5. The route ends at Union Square near the train station and harbour, with several stops along the way.

If you’d rather not walk everywhere, you can also get around the city on the Aberdeen Adventurer bus. There are, of course, also plenty of regular routes run by Firstbus.

Who Writes Here?

Stephan Goldmann
I run MyHighlands.de. I first visited Scotland back in 1990, and I’ve travelled there regularly ever since. I’ve also been learning Gaelic for a few years now.