In spite of its historical association with heavy industry, Aberdeen stands as a visually appealing city. Positioned as Scotland’s third-largest city, it boasts a stunning setting along the North Sea, bordered by the rivers Dee and Don to the south and north. The city’s charm is accentuated by elegant granite architecture complemented by verdant pockets of flora. Despite the ongoing influence of the oil and gas industry, Aberdeen has directed substantial investments into its museums and parks, presenting visitors with newly enhanced spaces for exploration.
A captivating blend of old and new unfolds at the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Originally inaugurated in 1885, this venerable institution reopened in 2019 after a comprehensive multi-million-pound renovation, earning the accolade of Scotland’s Building of the Year in 2021. With 18 permanent collections and an accompanying cafe, the gallery also features viewing terraces on its striking new copper-topped roof, providing panoramic views of the city. For a delightful alternative, venture to the tram-shaped Books and Beans cafe in the rejuvenated Union Terrace Gardens, which underwent a £28 million upgrade and reopened in 2022.
At the southern edge of the gardens, Union Street emerges, housing a mix of retail establishments. While some have faced challenges since 2020, recent additions include the Six by Nico restaurant. This dining establishment offers a unique tasting menu, with its six courses changing every six weeks, drawing inspiration from diverse themes or destinations. Continuing along the high street brings you to the Marischal Square quarter, which has undergone recent revitalization efforts. Among its highlights is Mackie’s ice cream parlour, featuring the favored flavor of tablet, a sweet Scottish confection. For those seeking stronger libations, Six°North, an artisanal Aberdeenshire brewery, remains a somewhat undiscovered gem. In close proximity, the 16th-century Provost Skene’s House, one of Aberdeen’s oldest structures, has been transformed into a museum narrating the city’s history through the stories of local luminaries, including singer Annie Lennox and Nobel Laureate Lord Boyd-Orr.
Nestled amidst the bustling activity of hulking ships at the Port of Aberdeen, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum finds its ideal location. This institution delves into the city’s intricate connections with the North Sea, spanning the early epochs of trade to the contemporary era of fossil fuels and Scotland’s transition towards green energies. Following an immersive exploration of maritime history, visitors can indulge in the bounties of the sea at The Silver Darling, savoring boat-fresh seafood sourced from the waters north of the city.
Beyond the harbor, an often-overlooked facet of Aberdeen reveals itself—a pristine three-mile beach stretching from the River Dee to the Don. On the way to this coastal expanse lies Footdee, affectionately known as ‘Fittie’ by Aberdonians, the historic fisherman’s quarter. Transformed into a haven for artists and creatives, the grey stone cottages now boast vibrant hues adorning their walls. Scot Surf School offers water lessons, and the beachfront Esplanade hosts a variety of food vans, with Little Molly’s acclaimed for its cheesecake eclairs.
While the beach provides a chance to glimpse Aberdeen’s pod of bottlenose dolphins, enthusiasts head south to Torry Battery, an ancient artillery station perched on a headland overlooking the harbor. Adjacent to it, the Greyhope Bay Centre, inaugurated in 2022, serves as an optimal vantage point, featuring a cafe and glass walls offering panoramic views of the coastline and its marine wildlife.
Legend has it that Aberdeen was so successful in the Britain in Bloom competition that it was allegedly barred from participating. Veracious or not, the city’s lush green spaces stand as a testament to a devoted rebuttal against its predominant granite landscape. Among these, Seaton Park imparts a gloriously rural ambiance, with sightings of otters reported along the banks of the Don River. An equally appealing alternative is Duthie Park, marking the commencement of the 41-mile Deeside Way, which meanders through Royal Deeside toward the palatial retreat of King Charles III at Balmoral.