11 Best Things To Do in Aberdeen

Explore the Granite City with this guide to the top 11 best things to do in Aberdeen. Discover a destination known for its sea air, grey stone, and cultural scene. After reading this blog, you’ll know exactly why this coastal hub deserves a spot on your travel list.

The city’s charm runs through its waterfront views, parks, and museums. Local food, accents, and art carry a sense of place. The wide range of tours and experiences in Aberdeen highlights the historical landmarks and diverse attractions.

Stay close to the action with one of the most conveniently located hotels in Aberdeen, or plan a vast adventure with a variety of trusted car rentals in Aberdeen to see the ocean and countryside beyond. There’s plenty to fill your days, even if you're after heritage, scenery, or something local.

Get ready to discover the top things to do in Aberdeen. Dive in to find out where to start.

11. Discover Aberdeen's Ancient Heritage and Folklore

Discover the heritage and folklore of Aberdeen on a tour as you explore historic sites and centuries-old legends. Visit the hillforts at Barra and Dunnideer, where traces of early communities still remain.

See the ruins of Dunnideer Castle and walk along the Pictish legacy of Rhynie, home to the Tap O’Noth citadel, one of the largest in Scotland. View ancient carved rocks that offer insight into a lost culture of kings, warriors, and long-distance trade.

You can also take a peaceful lunch in the village of Bellabeg, located below the medieval Doune of Invernochty. Finish your journey at Tomnaverie Stone Circle, a 4,500-year-old monument with sweeping views.

This experience reveals the region’s roots, landscapes, and traditions. It’s one of the best things to do in Aberdeen if you want to connect with Scotland’s rich and storied past.

10. Spot the Aberdeenshire Castles Cows

Get up close to Highland cows on the private Aberdeenshire day trip featuring castles, landscapes, and whisky. These native cattle roam across open fields and farmland, often seen near centuries-old estates. Historic manors like Crathes and Drum sit beside grazing pastures, surrounded by rolling hills and rural scenery.

Meet the hairy coos in the countryside and enjoy locally sourced beef at its freshest. This experience is among the best things to do in Aberdeen to learn about agricultural traditions. 

9. Taste Local Spirits at an Aberdeen Gin Distillery

With the Aberdeen gin distillery discovery tour, you can step inside a railway arch to taste locally made spirits. This active facility has revived small-batch production in the city after more than 100 years.

Start with a welcome cocktail, then explore the space, taste a range of botanical infusions, and meet the artisan behind the process. For a more hands-on experience, you can join an Aberdeen masterclass to craft your own bottle and take it home as a personalized keepsake.

Visiting one of the destination’s distilleries adds a chance to slow down, meet the makers, and enjoy local flavor. This experience offers a well-designed introduction to the region’s unique character and craftsmanship.

8. Explore the Coastal Villages of Aberdeenshire

Take in the northeast of Scotland with Aberdeen’s scenic coastal tour. It takes you through a picturesque stretch of sea cliffs, small harbors, and colorful homes.

Gardenstown, Fraserburgh, and Pennan each reflect the region’s long-standing ties to maritime life. These villages have a rich fishing heritage, with narrow lanes, historic buildings, and sweeping ocean views.

Walking paths, old ruins, and occasional wildlife sightings break up the rugged scenery. This excursion is one of the best things to do in Aberdeenshire if you want to slow down and take in the landscape.

7. Visit Provost Skene's House

One place that captures Aberdeen’s past is Provost Skene’s House, which is a highlight of the best of Scotland tour from Glasgow. It’s the city’s oldest surviving manor and has seen everything from Jacobite campaigns to the rise of merchant families.

The museum showcases local history, with exhibits highlighting influential individuals from the northeast, including scientists, artists, and other prominent figures. Their stories are told through interactive displays alongside the building’s original features. 

Admission is free and no booking is required, so it’s easy to include in any city visit. Provost Skene’s House offers a glimpse at the people and events that shaped this part of Scotland.

6. Step Inside St. Machar’s Cathedral

St. Machar’s Cathedral is one of the highlights of a 4-day getaway in northeastern Scotland, set in the heart of the historic Old Town. The site traces its origins to the 6th century, with the present-day structure built in the 1100s and shaped by generations of faith and evolving design.

Inside, you’ll see the heraldic ceiling, Victorian-era stained-glass windows, and carved tombs in the transepts. These features reflect the building’s long heritage, from the time of medieval bishops to the local legends of William Wallace.

Open every day of the year, St. Machar’s offers insight into faith, architecture, and tradition. It’s a space to pause, reflect, and admire craftsmanship that spans generations.

5. Walk Through Aberdeen Old Town

Join one of the walking tours in Aberdeen to explore Old Town, an important part of the city. It’s home to landmarks such as St. Machar’s Cathedral, known for its heraldic ceiling, and King’s College Chapel, an integral site within the University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495.

Just a short distance away, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens offer a green space with native and exotic plants. The streets are lined with academic institutions and former clergy houses that reflect the destination’s scholarly and religious roots.

The historic quarter is one of the best spots to visit for anyone interested in education, the past, and local heritage. The area features well-preserved architecture, and plaques share stories about the people, landmarks, and key events tied to the vicinity.

4. Relax in Duthie Park

Explore one of the city’s green spaces with outdoor activities in Aberdeen, and make time for Duthie Park. This Victorian retreat is a go-to spot for scenic walks, floral displays, and family outings.

Inside the David Welch Winter Gardens, you’ll find one of Europe’s largest indoor plant collections. These glasshouses are packed with tropical palms, desert cacti, and rare species worldwide. 

Outside, the Japanese Garden provides a change of pace with its koi ponds, stone lanterns, and neatly shaped shrubs. Nearby, the boating lake and two play areas add a splash of fun for visitors, while wide lawns make it easy to spread out with a picnic.

In the summer, live music and local events bring the grounds to life at the bandstand. Stroll quietly, relax with friends, or enjoy the fresh air. Unwinding at Duthie Park is one of the best things to do in Aberdeen when you need a break from the city.

3. Learn at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Roger Cornfoot. No edits made.

The Maritime Museum is an excellent addition to any city walk, especially with a private guided tour of the Aberdeen historic center. Sitting on Shiprow, this award-winning attraction covers everything from boatmaking and sail-powered trade to fishing fleets and offshore platforms.

This is the only venue in the UK that tells the full story of the North Sea oil and gas industry. A detailed model of the Murchison rig stands out, and other exhibits delve into vessel construction, navigation, and life off the coast.

Interactive displays let visitors steer a submersible, explore maritime routes, and handle models and tools. Stepping into the museum is one of the top things to do in Aberdeen, as it features a 16th-century townhouse, a painted-ceiling church, and a modern extension under the same roof.

Upstairs, large windows overlook the harbor, which is one of the oldest and busiest in Britain. The on-site cafe and shop complete the experience, and free admission makes it an easy and worthwhile stop for anyone checking out the area.

2. Browse the Aberdeen Art Gallery 

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Tom Parnell. No edits made.

Pair your love for visual art and murals by visiting Aberdeen Art Gallery on a walk through Scotland’s silver-toned city. This venue features old architecture, modern design, and a standout collection.

The institution first opened in 1885 and was fully redeveloped in 2019. Over 700 years of creative expression showcase local talents alongside major names like Monet, Emin, and Hepworth. 

Interactive exhibits add energy to your time here. Craft your portrait in Gallery 18 or get tips on how to explore art in Gallery 7. Temporary installations rotate regularly, so even repeat visitors find something new.

Beyond the displays, the space includes a cafe, the Cowdray Hall concert venue, and the Remembrance Hall for reflection. Both are fully accessible and always free to enter, making them among the most rewarding ways to experience Aberdeen’s cultural scene.

1. Stroll Along Aberdeen Beach

Take a getaway from the streets and head for the coast during a 9-day city break in northeast Scotland. Golden sand and salty air make Aberdeen Beach a scenic stretch linking the harbor to the River Don.

Visiting this spot is one of the top things to do in Aberdeen, and it’s clear to see why. Cafes offer a quick stop, and the waterside path allows a walk on the shore.

Getting here is easy. The beach is close to the urban center and well served by public transport. It’s a place to relax, recharge, and enjoy a slower pace by the sea.