Things to Do in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a grey stone city on the north east coast, with a long beach, two rivers and a busy harbour. This guide sets out how a spare day or evening can go.
Union Street and the centre
Union Street is the long main thoroughfare of the centre, lined with shops, banks and cafes in the local granite. It is straight, easy to follow and busy during the day. Side streets and indoor shopping centres run off it, which gives a ready choice of cover when the wind picks up. Its length means it is worth deciding in advance which end you are aiming for.
Union Street is the long main thoroughfare of the centre, lined with shops, banks and cafes in the local granite.
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Old Aberdeen
North of the centre, Old Aberdeen is an older, quieter district around the university, with cobbled streets and low buildings. It feels like a separate town and rewards an unhurried walk. A bus from the centre gets you there in a short time, and the return is just as simple. Quiet streets mean sound carries, so keep conversation low.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Aberdeen itself.
Real events in Aberdeen, from onthedoor.uk.
The beachfront
A broad sandy beach faces the North Sea along the eastern edge of the city, with a promenade and open grass behind it. It is bracing, even in good weather, and best for a short walk in a warm coat. On a clear day the light over the water is worth the cold. Sand blows about in a strong wind, and the sea can be rough, so sunglasses help more than you might expect.
A broad sandy beach faces the North Sea along the eastern edge of the city, with a promenade and open grass behind it.
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Harbour and rivers
Aberdeen is a working port, and the harbour area gives a sense of the trade that built the city, with ships and quays in view. The Dee marks the southern edge of the built up area and the Don the northern, each with riverside walks that feel quiet next to the centre.
Aberdeen is a working port, and the harbour area gives a sense of the trade that built the city, with ships and quays in view.
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Out of town by rail or bus
Trains leave Aberdeen station for Stonehaven down the coast and for Dundee and the south. Deeside, to the west, has gentler countryside, reached by bus, and the hills beyond are a day on their own. Leave yourself plenty of time, because evening departures may be fewer, and write down the last one back.
Trains leave Aberdeen station for Stonehaven down the coast and for Dundee and the south.
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Weather, layers and the age rule
Wind and sea mist are common, so dress in layers even in summer. Daylight is short in midwinter, which affects how long an outdoor plan can run. This directory is built for people of eighteen and over, and younger readers should close the page.
Wind and sea mist are common, so dress in layers even in summer.
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Frequently asked questions
Start on Union Street, take a bus to Old Aberdeen, and finish with a walk along the beachfront if the weather allows.
Yes. Stonehaven is a short trip south from Aberdeen station along the coast, with sea views for much of the way.
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