Posted by Maris on 27th May 2024
10 Must-Do Things in Aberdeen, One of Scotland's Most Visited Cities
With its long history, beautiful granite architecture, and miles of sandy beaches, Aberdeen is one of Scotland's best cities for getaways. There's so much to see and do that you might not know where to start. We have compiled a list of the best things to do in Aberdeen for your convenience.
1. Take a walk through Old Aberdeen.
You might become interested in this fascinating place if you learn that in 1891, Aberdeen was divided into two distinct regions. Actually, the two cities (called Burghs in Scots) stayed side by side until they were combined by a legally binding act of parliament.
The first city is already visible to those who have visited Aberdeen's city center. The district surrounding Castlegate, known as New Aberdeen, ran on its own. The second city, Old Aberdeen, is located north of New Aberdeen.
Old Aberdeen's stone walls and cobblestone lanes, many of which were built by hand centuries ago, make it a fascinating place to explore on foot. Discover the tranquil surroundings of Cruickshank Botanic Gardens and Seaton Park, as well as historic monuments like St. Machar's Cathedral and the Old Town House.
2. Visit St. Machar's Cathedral to learn about a local legend
When visiting Old Aberdeen, we highly recommend stopping inside St. Machar's Cathedral to have a closer look at this important place of worship. The cathedral, which bears the name of St. Machar, is steeped in local legend and custom. It is believed that St. Machar accompanied St. Columba on their missionary journey into Scotland around the sixth century AD.
It's hard to tell fact from fiction, but the church itself is most likely founded by St. Machar, who is said to have come to this region in 580 AD. Part of the remains of the famous Scottish independence fighter William Wallace are thought to be buried beneath the ancient church's walls. Wallace's body was broken up and scattered across Britain after his execution. The church has undergone multiple reconstructions over the years.
As you enter, you will be enthralled with the layers of tradition and history within. The fact that St. Machar's Cathedral is no longer a cathedral is noteworthy, nevertheless. Formally speaking, it's called a "High Kirk" because the catholic cathedrals were dissolved after the Scottish Reformation in the sixteenth century.
3. Visit Provost Skene's House, the oldest townhouse in Aberdeen
Provost Skene’s House is one of the most popular places to visit in Aberdeen. Built in 1545, this remarkable building is the oldest townhouse in Aberdeen. The house got its name from Sir George Skene, the Provost of Aberdeen who lived here in the 17th century. Inside, you may discover what life was like for Aberdonian citizens in the past.
Plans to demolish the mansion have been repeatedly rebuffed, and in 2019 it underwent a major renovation that cemented its presence on Aberdeen's skyline—possibly for many more decades to come.
As part of the refurbishment, a gorgeous new exhibition space was constructed with the purpose of telling the stories of notable Aberdonians from the past and present. Learn more about the former occupants of Provost Skene's House, the majority of whom were, naturally, well-to-do Aberdonians; you can also learn about local heroes such as Nobel Prize winner Lord Boyd Ord and football legend Denis Law, the only player from Scotland to ever win the coveted Ballon d'Or award, which is given to the world's best player.
4. Visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery to admire the city's creative aspect.
One of Aberdeen's best attractions is the Aberdeen Art Gallery. The city has been amassing a substantial collection of artwork at this prestigious establishment, which is home to a "Recognized Collection of National Significance," since the gallery's founding in 1885.
The Aberdeen Art Gallery has eighteen different displays with hundreds of pieces of art. The artwork spans over seven centuries of art history and features works by artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Raeburn. A variety of historical periods and subjects are covered in the exhibits, which include the "Art of Empowerment," "French Impressions," and "First World War Remembered."
One of the most exquisite granite buildings in the city, which any admirer of architecture would consider to be a piece of art in and of itself, serves as the home of the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Constructed in the 19th century, the edifice has undergone multiple conversions and extensions, extending its original granite facade. The most recent was a modernization of Aberdeen Art Gallery that lasted four years, from 2015 to 2019.
5. The Gordon Highlanders Museum provides military history information for Aberdeen.
When considering Aberdeen's historical attractions, don't forget to include the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Aberdeenshire, with its rugged coastline and rocky mountains, has produced many of Britain's toughest soldiers, but few have achieved the same level of notoriety as the Gordon Highlanders.
Since the Duke of Gordon assembled volunteers from Aberdeenshire to become the Gordon Highlanders in 1794, the group has served as a lasting symbol of Aberdeen. This infamous army unit has a more than 200-year history and has served in Afghanistan and India, among other nations. Their legacy continues to this day, even though the current regiment comprises remnants of the Gordon Highlanders together with several other historic regiments from northern Scotland.
For further information, check out the Gordon Highlanders Museum, which tells the tales of those who fought and served in Aberdeen's native regiment, chronicling its victories and defeats.
6. The Tolbooth Museum's exhibit on the evolution of crime and punishment will astound you.
Even though the Tolbooth Museum is one of Aberdeen's most macabre sights, you really must visit if you're interested in crime and punishment. The Tolbooth Museum is housed in Aberdeen's former jail or prison.
Dating back to the 1600s, this building is among Aberdeen's oldest and a superb illustration of the city's architectural style. However, the gorgeous exterior conceals a troubled history. Learn more about the few unfortunate prisoners that were kept there over the years by exploring the museum.
At the Tolbooth Museum, which is housed within the recreated jail cells of the gaol, you can hear the moving first-hand experiences of convicts, including those who were tried and often killed for witchcraft in the 17th century.
You'll also hear about the Jacobites, a group of rebels who tried to overthrow the throne in 1715 and 1745, before being appalled by the instruments of torture and execution that are on display in the old jail cells.
7. Examine Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Aberdeen Harbour.
Aberdeen's location by the sea means that the city and the North Sea are inextricably linked. Aberdeen's largest seaport, Aberdeen Harbour, has linked the city to international commerce routes for centuries.
The harbor is still in use today and is extremely modern, even though it was constructed in 1136 AD. The port area offers a view of both old and new Aberdeen and is a lively, historically rich site. You never know what ships you'll see docking at the wharves.
If you're interested in learning more about Aberdeen's rich maritime history, you should also stop by the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Situated on Shiprow, the oldest part of the harbor, it offers four floors filled with fascinating and in-depth exhibits.
8. Enjoy Aberdeen Beach's magnificent sands.
Aberdeen Beach's stunning beaches rank among the city's top natural attractions. Aberdeen is a coastal city. While coastal cities are not exceptional in the UK, it is unusual to see a long, sandy beach so close to a major metropolitan area.
Aberdeen Beach begins from Aberdeen Harbour and gently dips northward into the River Don. Long and surrounded with shops and recreational spaces, the Esplanade runs parallel to the sea and is popular with tourists, runners, walkers, and bikers.
Summertime at the beach is lovely, but remember that the North Sea is not far away. If you're not acclimated to the cold air, it will always seem frigid. Nonetheless, the locals continue to jump in, and on December 26 there's even a Boxing Day Swim.
9. Views from the Girdle Ness Peninsula are beautiful.
The natural entrance to Aberdeen Harbour, the mouth of the River Dee, is seen from the Girdle Ness Peninsula. Admiring the views from the eastern end of this famous spot is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Aberdeen!
Due to its advantageous location, the peninsula has served as the harbor's first and last marker for ships for a very long time. It is not difficult to comprehend how many ships were lost on the rocks here, even so near to home, when one looks out at the choppy North Sea coastline.
Robert Stevenson created and constructed the 37-meter-tall Girdle Ness Lighthouse in 1833 to increase safety. You'll adore how the lighthouse keeper's houses may be rented out by tourists now that the lighthouse is completely automated!
10. Check out the Aberdeen Coastal Trail.
A beautiful road excursion that travels across 165 miles of breathtaking coastal beauty is the Aberdeen Coastal Trail. Although you'll need at least four days to fully see all of the stops along the route, this is one of Aberdeen's must-do activities.
South of Aberdeen, in St. Cyrus, is where the Aberdeen Coastal Trail begins. As you go north to Stonehaven and then on to Aberdeen, take in the beaches and coastal landscape.
After leaving the city, you'll travel further north along the coast, making stops at Cruden Bay and Slain's Castle (which is thought to have been the model for Dracula's castle) before continuing onto the Banffshire Coast and making stops at Crimond, Fraserburgh, and Macduff. The journey comes to a conclusion in Portsoy, a coastal town famous for its salmon, ice cream, and annual boat festival.