Aberdeen, located in northeastern England, is Scotland’s third-largest metropolis. The nation’s offshore oil industry is headquartered there. The city has also been known as “The Grey City” and “The Granite City.” At first, a city with these nicknames may not sound appealing, but Aberdeen is different. The town is regularly chosen as the best city to live in in Great Britain. Aberdeen takes full advantage of its port and industrial activities. It has a stunning history and a thriving, well-protected ecosystem. It is a modern and vibrant city. Aberdeen takes full advantage of its port and industrial activities. Strange, original, or diverse, this city is definitely worth visiting.
Aberdeen has many tourist attractions. The city center has many Victorian-era buildings dating from the Middle Ages. On the banks of the Don, Saint-Machar’s Cathedral and Saint-Nicholas Church are worth a visit, as is the university, one of the oldest in the world.
Places to Visit in Aberdeen with Family
There are plenty of kid-friendly attractions in Aberdeen. You can give them a taste of history and culture or show them the wonders of nature. Moreover, some places will attract their attention.
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen is an essential stop on a visit to Aberdeen. Knowledge has been researched, transmitted, and exchanged for over five centuries. William Elphinstone, the archbishop of Aberdeen at the time, founded it in February 1495, making it one of the oldest in Europe. If you like mysterious atmospheres, do not miss a visit to the University of Aberdeen. You can walk through its parks, survey its buildings and many sports fields, and finish your walk in the Botanical Garden of Old Aberdeen.
Duthie Park
Duthie Park is another must-see place for families. On the banks of the River Dee, the park acts as a lung for the city. You can walk in a lush green place or have a family picnic during sunset. You can also have a coffee in the park’s coffee shop. The winter garden is also marvelous. There are several glasshouses with various exotic plants and trees inside them. Especially the banana trees are beautiful to kids.
Marischal College
Marischal College, founded in 1593, is Aberdeen’s second-oldest university after King’s College. Both merged in 1860 and formed today’s University of Aberdeen. Its majestic building is the second largest granite structure in the world after El Escorial in Spain. The building occupies almost an entire quarter with its walls. It has a neo-Gothic façade with gray steel pinnacles. The College was founded by the Marshal of the Fourth Earl, from whom it takes its name. And the building is the most striking and characterizes the center of Aberdeen. From Union Street runs a whole neighborhood that overlooks the historic center.
Places to Stay in Aberdeen with Families
Aberdeen shares the same features as Scotland’s other two major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The city has a rich history, breathtaking nature, and many castles. When this is the case, there are many places to visit and many places to stay. If you are looking for a place where to stay in Aberdeen with your family, here are some of the best.
Malmaison Aberdeen: Malmaison is one of the best places to stay in Aberdeen. The hotel has an appealing, beautiful façade. Its spacious rooms and comfy beds are ideal for families. The hotel also has a unique spa center where you can relax after an exhausting day in the city and enjoy yourself with the kids.
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel: Macdonald Norwood Hall Hote is an another eye-feasting hotel. With its beautiful Victorian-era architecture, you’ll sink into it as soon as you view it. The building also preserves some Victorian features. You can have a fine dining experience in the award-winning restaurant. Famous marine restaurant The Tapestry Restaurant always serves fresh seafood from local ports. If you are a family in Aberdeen where to stay, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel is one of the best options.
The Craighaar Hotel: The Craighaar Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel for families. If you are looking for where to stay in Aberdeen on a budget this is the right place. It is close to some of the most important tourist attractions like the University of Aberdeen or Duthie Park. You can taste local foods from hotels and restaurants. The most important part is the restaurant only serves meals produced from local sources. If you and your family are looking for a warm place to stay in Aberdeen you should give a chance to The Craighaar Hotel.
See also: Where to stay in Edinburgh?
Places to Visit in Aberdeen for Couples
It might not be Paris, but Aberdeen also has a couple of surprises of its own. Aberdeen might be an industrial-centric port city, but it still has great places for couples. You can have a romantic vacation wrapped in a medieval castle, lush green parks, and immersive views.
Aberdeen Beach
If you are lucky enough with the weather, you can visit Aberdeen’s huge sandy beach. It is located close to the city’s harbor. On weekends, you can see many families walk by the sea and enjoy an ice cream. There are also a lot of restaurants that line the beach. If you are brave enough, you can also try swimming in the open waters of the North Sea. You can also observe pods of dolphins from Aberdeen Beach or Torry Battery Beach.
Whisky Distilleries
You must visit the region’s distilleries if you are a whiskey lover. You can visit, learn more about this famous beverage typical of the area, and do some tastings. Not far from Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar is among the most popular. You should also visit the Strathisla distillery. Located one hour from the airport, it is here that the famous Chivas is produced. You can also drive for a few minutes and visit Glenfiddich in Dufftown, Speyside. It means “valley of the stags” in Gaelic. The distillery is available to the public and can be visited. You’ll learn about the steps that are needed to make whisky: malting, kneading, fermentation, distillation, and aging for at least 12 years. The distillery’s history began when William Grant founded the distillery in the valley of the Fiddich River. The first bottles of Glenfiddich whiskey were produced on Christmas Day in 1887.
Cairngroms National Park
The Cairngorms mountains are at the heart of Britain’s largest national park. It extends over an area of more than 3800 km2, almost a tenth of Scottish territory. From north to south, it stretches from Grantown-on-Spey to the valleys of Angus Glen. From east to west, it runs from Ballater to Laggan and Dalwhinnie. Large lakes and swamps complete this exceptional natural landscape. If you are lucky enough, you will manage to see otters wading through the waterways. The deer’s roar and the royal eagle’s flight bring an additional touch of magic to the area. It is why hikers and other nature lovers will find their happiness here.
Where to Stay in Aberdeen with Couples
There’s nothing like having a romantic vacation in a hotel away from everything and everyone. Luckily, there are many alternatives in Aberdeen. While enjoying your holiday, you can treat yourself to the services offered by luxury hotels. Here it is the best places to stay in Aberdeen for couples.
Atholl Hotel: With its eye-feasting architecture, Atholl Hotel looks like it jumped out from the fairy tales. It is located on one of the city’s main roads thus, it is easy to walk anywhere. You can taste different local meals while having a romantic dinner in the hotel’s famous restaurant. If you are looking for a cozy yet beautiful hotel, Atholl Hotel where is the best place to stay in Aberdeen.
Residence Inn Marriott: Residence Inn Marriott gives more than what is expected of itself. It takes couples’ holiday pleasure to the next level with its famous restaurant, perfect location, and luxurious rooms. Residence Inn Marriott ranks high among the best hotels Aberdeen for an exclusive romantic getaway.
Ardoe House Hotel & Spa: It’s hard to imagine anything more romantic than a stay at the Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, a restored Victorian mansion. Ardoe House Hotel & Spa has everything for couples. You can have a memorable dinner and unwind in the spa center. It is a little bit away from the city center but makes the hotel a quiet, beautiful den. It is also close to the Castle Trail. This makes it is the best area to stay in Aberdeen.
Must-See Places to Visit in Aberdeen
Compared to other cities in Scotland, Aberdeen may be a little more industrial city. But that doesn’t make it insignificant. Thanks to the city’s deep-rooted history, there are many places to see. If you think about where should i go in Aberdeen, here are the best of them.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a great place to visit in Aberdeen. The entrance is completely free and close to the port; the museum is divided into two parts. You will start at Provost Ross’s House, where you will learn about the history of North Seacraft. Then, you will explore a more recent part that is mainly interested in oil exploitation between Scotland and Norway. You can’t miss the replica of an oil rig, which is almost eight meters high. It is a fun and exciting museum to visit.
Dunnottar Castle
On the edge of a cliff, the North Sea encircles Dunnottar Castle, a well-known ruin in Scotland. Its exceptional and spectacular location makes it one of the finest ruined castles in Scotland. It is impossible not to fall in love with this breathtaking landscape. Indeed, while walking around between the spectacular view of the sea and the beauty of the stones, you will need to figure out where to turn. The ruins’ history and romantic feel make Dunnottar Castle a fascinating place to visit. It shows how grand Scottish history used to be.
Union Street
Union Street is undoubtedly the main street of the city. If you consider its size, it’s more of an avenue than a street. Everything is on the street, like bars, shopping malls, and restaurants. You can also access the city’s most essential attractions, like cathedrals or other historical monuments. Union Street leads to the city port, Scotland’s most important port. Union Street is also like a bridge between Old and New Aberdeen.
Where to Stay in Aberdeen
Since it is both a tourist and industrial city, there are many hotels to stay in Aberdeen. Whether you come to the town for an important job interview or are a traveler exploring the city, it is possible to find the most suitable hotel for you. If you think where to stay in Aberdeen for one night or a couple of nights, these are your top choices.
Hilton Aberdeen TECA: Hilton Aberdeen TECA is located in the city’s new exhibition center. Thus it is a little bit far away from the city center. If you think where to stay in Aberdeen city center you should look elsewhere. Besides its location, Hilton Aberdeen TECA offers an immersive experience.
BrewDog Kennels: BrewDog Kennels has an exceptional location in the city’s heart. If you think where should i stay in Aberdeen, very close to pretty everywhere, you are in the right place. You can walk to the most important places like St. Nicholas, Aberdeen Music Hall, or the harbor. Well-decorated modern rooms offer a great place to rest after a busy Aberdeen day.
The Dutch Mill Hotel: The Dutch Mill Hotel is one of the budget-friendly places to stay in Aberdeen. But yet you can have a great experience. The hotel is close to the city center thus you can visit many tourist attractions on walking. You can also sit back and relax at the hotel’s terrace and bar.
See also: Where to stay in Glasgow?