15 Must-Visit Attractions In Aberdeen

Aberdeen glitters and sparkles in the sun; the flecks of quartz in the granite that the city is famously built from come to life when the day brightens. This is Scotland‘s third largest city, and people have lived on the site for millennia. As such, there is a wealth of things to see and do. Here are 15 places not to be missed, ranging from the natural to masterpieces of architecture, and the very old to the ultra-modern. Aberdeen really does have something for everyone.

1. St Machar's Cathedral

Building, Cathedral

St. Machar’s Cathedral is named after a disciple of St. Columba, and the first place of worship on the site was built in 580AD. The current building mostly dates from the 12th to the 16th centuries and features a stunning heraldic ceiling. After William Wallace was executed, one portion of his body was buried here, in the walls of the cathedral.

St. Machar’s Cathedral, The Chanonry, Aberdeen, +44 1224 485988

Interior of St. Machar’s Cathedral | © Keith Laverack/Flickr | © Keith Laverack/Flickr

2. St. Nicholas Kirk and Graveyard

Building

Established in the 12th century, St. Nicholas Kirk — or The Kirk of St. Nicholas Uniting, to give it its proper title — is the site of many important burials of the important families of Aberdeen. It has also been extensively surveyed and dug by archaeologists, who have revealed much about the history of the building and people of the Royal Burgh of Aberdeen.

St. Nicholas Kirk, Union Street, Aberdeen, +44 1224 643494

St. Nicholas Kirk and Graveyard | © Stu Smith/Flickr

3. Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Museum

Partly housed in Provost Ross’s house, built in 1593, Aberdeen Maritime Museum takes visitors on a journey through the city’s relationship with the sea. From the days of the tall sailing ships right up to the present day and the oil and gas industry, this museum covers it all.

5. King's College Chapel

University

The 15th-century King’s College Chapel is the heart of the modern University of Aberdeen. Originally a part of the University and King’s College of Aberdeen, which was an independent university, founded in 1495, it was the third university to be established in Scotland — and the fifth overall in the UK.

King’s College Chapel, College Bounds, Aberdeen, +44 1224 272137

King’s College Chapel | © Stu Smith/Flickr

6. Pitmedden Gardens

Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, and a short drive to the north of Aberdeen, Pitmedden Gardens was originally laid out in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton. There are over 30,000 bedding plants, a huge orchard, and honeysuckle and jasmine to add to the wonderful scents.

Pitmedden Gardens, Ellon, Aberdeen, +44 1651 842352

Pitmedden Gardens | © Stu Smith/Flickr

7. Provost Skene's House

Building

Dating from 1545, Provost Skene’s House is one of the oldest in the city. Lord Provost George Skene ruled the city from 1676 to 1685 and commissioned the wonderful carved plaster ceilings within the building. There are also extensive collections of furniture and costume.

8. The Gordon Highlander's Museum

Museum

The Gordon Highlander’s Museum houses arms, memorabilia, clothing, medals and much more. Called by Winston Churchill ‘the finest regiment in the world,’ the Gordon Highlanders were originally raised in 1794 and have fought across the world in many campaigns.

9. Aberdeen Art Gallery

Art Gallery

Aberdeen Art Gallery was founded in 1884 and is a work of art in itself, with stunning carvings and granite stonework. Housing a remarkable collection, from Francis Bacon to William Hogarth, if you love art then this is certainly not to be missed.

10. Aberdeen Beach

Many visitors to Aberdeen are surprised to learn of the beach, a swathe of golden sand that stretches between the harbour and the mouth of the River Don. As well as the beach itself, there is also a popular esplanade, full of amusement arcades, restaurants and shops.

Beach Esplanade, Sea Beach, Aberdeen

Aberdeen Beach | © Thomas Backa/Flickr

11. Footdee/Fittie

Cottages

The village of Footdee, known locally as Fittie, is now entirely surrounded by the city of Aberdeen. Originally a fisherfolk village, this area is full of small and picturesque fishing cottages along narrow streets. It is exceptionally photogenic, with wonderful wee gardens and is only a short walk to the harbour mouth.

Footdee, North Square, Aberdeen

Footdee | © John Lord/Flickr

12. Duthie Park and David Welch Winter Gardens

Park

This park, and the David Welch Winter Gardens it contains, is 14 acres of parkland, flowerbeds, play areas and a boating pond. The winter gardens house the second largest collections of bromeliads and giant cacti anywhere in the UK, along with banana trees, ferns and mosses. No matter the season, a visit to Duthie is worth it.

13. Greyfriar's Church and Marischal College

Building, Church, University

Marischal College is the second largest granite-built building in the world, and the pinnacle of the city’s 19th-century constructions. Owned by the University of Aberdeen, it is leased to the council for their headquarters and, following extensive restoration and cleaning, once more gleams in the sunlight.

Marischal College, Broad Street, Aberdeen

Greyfriar’s Church and Marischal College | © Tom Bastin/Flickr

14. Sir Duncan Rice Library

Library, University

This new library, only opened in 2012 by the Queen, houses the largest of the University of Aberdeen’s collections, with over 24 kilometres (15 miles) of shelving. There is a gallery and a café open to the public and the stunning architecture has won several awards.

Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen, Bedford Road, +44 1224 273330

Sir Duncan Rice Library Interior | © Chris Hoare/Flickr

15. Old Aberdeen

Bridge, University

Originally a separate Royal Burgh, Old Aberdeen is full of historical and beautiful buildings. The area is extensively used and owned by the University of Aberdeen, and includes the Brig o’ Balgownie spanning the River Don, possibly the oldest bridge in Scotland, and built in the 13th century.

Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen

Grant’s Place, Old Aberdeen | © Verino77/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.