Things to do in Aberdeen

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Aberdeen

Types of activities

Where to stay

Aberdeen travel guide

Aberdeen featuring a city, a square or plaza and night scenes

Aberdeen which includes modern architecture and interior views

Marischal Museum featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Aberdeen showing night scenes, a city and heritage elements

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Aberdeen

Popular places to visit

Union Square Shopping Centre

4.5/5(247 reviews)

During your trip to Aberdeen, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Union Square Shopping Centre. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theatre scene.

View of Aberdeen skyline from inside the docks or harbor area

Aberdeen Harbour

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

Aberdeen University King's College building captured on a beautiful late summer morning. Founded in 1495 this is one of Scotland's oldest universities; the crown tower and chapel date from 1500.; Shut

University of Aberdeen

4.5/5(66 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Aberdeen during your trip to Aberdeen. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Part of the #lookagainfestival in Aberdeen. Making you think about the city around you.

His Majesty's Theatre

4.5/5(62 reviews)

You can get tickets for a performance at His Majesty's Theatre on your trip to Aberdeen. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theatre scene.

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

4/5(30 reviews)

If Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Aberdeen.

Robert Gordon University

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Robert Gordon University during your travels in Aberdeen. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in the area.

Duthie Park Winter Gardens

4.5/5(70 reviews)

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.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

4/5(14 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Aberdeen at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Aberdeen Arts Centre

4/5(18 reviews)

Enjoy a performance at Aberdeen Arts Centre, a popular theatre in Aberdeen. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and shops.

Areas of Aberdeen

Marischal Museum which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

Central Aberdeen

4/5(632 area reviews)

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.

Dyce

4/5(175 area reviews)

Dyce is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Formartine and Buchan Way, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

IMO: 9636254 MMSI: 235096339 Call Sign: 2GCZ3 Flag: United Kingdom

Hanover

While visiting Hanover, you might make a stop by sights like Codonas Amusement Park and Aberdeen Harbour.

Autumn colours at Brig o' Balgownie, Aberdeen, Scotland

Bucksburn

4/5(43 area reviews)

Travellers enjoy Bucksburn for its breweries and golf courses. Consider checking out Auchmill Golf Course while you're in the area.

I love the Winter Gardens in Aberdeen. Constantly changing throughout the year. This is the fern house in April 2015. There's lots of information about the different plants and why they are grown too.

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.

Playground in Rubislaw playing fields This is one of seven children's playgrounds in the West End of Aberdeen that I visited in the course of an eighty minute dog walk. The others are mainly for younger children. The seven are Rubislaw, Kepplestone, Johnston Gardens, Craigiebuckler, Airyhall, Craigielea and Thorngrove.

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.

Aerial view of Collieston, Aberdeenshire.

Ellon

Dunnottar Castle featuring rocky 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 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Things to do in Stonehaven