Things to do in Aberdeen

Activities, attractions and tours

Aberdeen showing a city, night scenes and a square or plaza
Aberdeen featuring interior views and modern architecture
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Duthie Park Winter Gardens which includes interior views and a garden

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What to do in Aberdeen

Popular places to visit

University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

Explore the campus of University of Aberdeen, during your trip to Aberdeen. Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Aberdeen with a trip to Aberdeen Harbour. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene and shops.

Aberdeen Harbour
Codonas Amusement Park

Codonas Amusement Park

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Codonas Amusement Park during your visit to Aberdeen. Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Codonas Amusement Park
Duthie Park Winter Gardens featuring a garden

Duthie Park Winter Gardens

Walk amid tropical rainforests or arid displays dotted with cacti at this beautiful garden set within a collection of large glasshouses in a pretty city park.

Duthie Park Winter Gardens
Cathedral of St. Machar which includes interior views, a church or cathedral and religious elements

Cathedral of St. Machar

Cast your eyes up in this magnificent medieval cathedral to see its stunning 16th-century heraldic ceiling and original friezes in the nave.

Cathedral of St. Machar
King's College

King's College

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit King's College, during your trip to Aberdeen. Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

King's College
Gordon Highlanders Museum showing interior views

Gordon Highlanders Museum

Trace the 200-year history of the Gordon Highlanders from the Napoleonic Wars to today and discover the stories of the soldiers through displays and film.

Gordon Highlanders Museum
Aberdeen Arts Centre

Aberdeen Arts Centre

Get tickets for a show at Aberdeen Arts Centre, a storied theater in Aberdeen. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene and shops.

Aberdeen Arts Centre

Union Square Shopping Centre

During your trip to Aberdeen, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Union Square Shopping Centre. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theater scene.

Union Square Shopping Centre

Areas of Aberdeen

Marischal Museum showing heritage elements and heritage architecture

Central Aberdeen

Travelers to Central Aberdeen praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Aberdeen Music Hall and Union Terrace Gardens.

Central Aberdeen
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Dyce

Visitors highly recommend Dyce for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Formartine and Buchan Way while you're in town.

Dyce
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Aberdeen West End

Aberdeen West End is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Rubislaw Quarry or Queen Victoria Statue.

Aberdeen West End
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Photo by Bill Harrison (CC BY-SA)

Bucksburn

Visitors to Bucksburn like its breweries and golf courses, and Auchmill Golf Course is a sight worth a stop.

Bucksburn
Aberdeen showing street scenes

Hanover

If you're spending some time in Hanover, Codonas Amusement Park and Aberdeen Harbour are top sights worth seeing.

Hanover
Duthie Park Winter Gardens which includes interior views and a garden

Ferryhill

While there might not be top attractions in Ferryhill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Duthie Park Winter Gardens and Union Square Shopping Centre.

Ferryhill
Photo by Phyllis Robb

Banchory

Dunnottar Castle featuring rugged coastline

Stonehaven

Frequently asked questions

Is Aberdeen worth visiting?
Whether you plan to experience the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample regional foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Aberdeen.
How do I spend a day in Aberdeen?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Aberdeen City Beach and Kartstart Indoor Raceways, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Aberdeen.
What is the top tourist attraction in Aberdeen?
Don't leave without checking out Cathedral of St. Machar, ranked the top tourist attraction in Aberdeen.
Is three days enough to stay in Aberdeen?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, like Cathedral of St. Machar, Aberdeen City Beach and St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral. The average stay in Aberdeen is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Stonehaven isn't far away.
Is Aberdeen a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to see and do in Aberdeen. Several top sights, such as Cathedral of St. Machar and Aberdeen City Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Aberdeen's neighborhoods, Aberdeen West End is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Merchant Quarter is 0.48 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Aberdeen with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Aberdeen with kids.

What to do in Aberdeen for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Aberdeen for adults including King's Museum - Old Town House and Aberdeen Mosque.
Are there free things to do in Aberdeen?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Aberdeen. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Cathedral of St. Machar is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.