Things to do in Aberdeen

Activities, attractions and tours

An entrance with a large archway, banners with various coats of arms, and the text "Welcome to Marischal College".
A historic square with a central monument, cobblestone streets, and surrounding buildings with traditional architecture.
A historic building with Gothic architecture, a statue of a mounted figure, and a Christmas tree.
The David Welch Visitor Gardens entrance with a glass canopy and potted plants.
A historic square with cobblestone pavement, a central ornate fountain, and surrounding classical architecture.

Things to do

Small-Group Loch Ness & the Highlands from Aberdeen

Loch Ness & the Highlands from Aberdeen

HK$982
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Loch Ness & the Highlands from Aberdeen
Small-Group Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside from Aberdeen

Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside from Aberdeen

HK$587
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside from Aberdeen
Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour

Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour

HK$147
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour
Aberdeen: Daily City Centre Walking Tour

Aberdeen: Daily City Centre Walking Tour

HK$157
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Aberdeen: Daily City Centre Walking Tour
Aberdeen: Guided Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Aberdeen: Guided Walking Tour- Through My Eyes

HK$262
per adult
Aberdeen: Guided Walking Tour- Through My Eyes
City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience

City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience

HK$1,468
per adult
City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience
The tours are fun and interactive

Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour

HK$367
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour
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What to do in Aberdeen

Stay near popular Aberdeen attractions

A modern building with a glass facade and the name "Union Square" on it. There are motorcycles parked in front, and a road with directional arrows.

Union Square Shopping Centre

8.6/10 (935 reviews)
Aberdeen's premier shopping destination offers 60+ stores including Hugo Boss and The North Face, next to the train station. Browse boutiques, dine, or catch a film at the cinema.
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Where to stay in Aberdeen

Find the best Aberdeen areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Aberdeen
Learn more about Aberdeen
An entrance with a large archway, banners with various coats of arms, and the text "Welcome to Marischal College".

Central Aberdeen

Travellers to Central Aberdeen praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Aberdeen Music Hall and His Majesty's Theatre.

A historic stone building with arched walkways and a tower.

Old Aberdeen

If you're spending some time in Old Aberdeen, Cathedral of St. Machar and King's Museum - Old Town House are top sights worth seeing.

A historic building with a stone facade, a stone staircase, and red flowers in the foreground.
Photo by Richard Slessor
Open Photo by Richard Slessor

Aberdeen West End

Aberdeen West End is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Queen Victoria Statue and Rubislaw Quarry while you're in town.

A historic building with a large dome and classical architecture.

Rosemount

When in Rosemount, you can plan a visit to His Majesty's Theatre and Aberdeen Music Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A greenhouse with a glass roof, a central walkway, and various tropical plants.
Photo by Dr Heather Doran
Open Photo by Dr Heather Doran

Ferryhill

While Ferryhill isn't home to many top sights, Duthie Park Winter Gardens and Union Square Shopping Centre are some notable places to visit nearby.

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 neighbourhoods, Aberdeen West End is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Merchant Quarter is 0.48 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Aberdeen with kids?
Whether you're travelling 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 neighbourhoods, 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.

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