Aberdeen Nightlife
Catering for its student population and transient workforce attracted by the oil industry, Aberdeen has a cosmopolitan mix of bars and nightclubs with something for all tastes and preferences. Much of the best nightlife is around Union Street.
Whether you want to see the latest pop group, listen to classical music or sample the city's growing craft beer scene, you'll be able to do it all in Aberdeen. For comprehensive listings of what's on, visit www.list.co.uk. Buy tickets direct from the venue or through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) or TicketWeb (www.ticketweb.co.uk).
Bars in Aberdeen
BrewDog Aberdeen
Native to Aberdeenshire, and a pioneer of the city's craft beer renaissance, BrewDog's flagship bar is set in a funky, warehouse-like space. Expect a cavernous deconstructed interior with wooden stools, bare walls, and enthusiastic staff serving 100 different brews with strong and feisty flavours, including guest beers.
Address: , 17 Gallowgate, Aberdeen, AB25 1EBTelephone: +44 1224 631 223
Website: http://www.brewdog.com/bars/uk/aberdeen
Prince of Wales
Dating from 1850, the Prince of Wales is renowned for its handsome Victorian bar, carved wooden features, finely etched mirrors, and partition seating. Expect a decent selection of real ales and pub grub, too. Each Sunday from 2030 hours there's a free-for-all acoustic music jam.
Address: , 7 St Nicholas Lane, Aberdeen, AB10 1HFTelephone: +44 1224 640 597
Website: http://www.princeofwales-aberdeen.co.uk
Slain’s Castle
Drawing inspiration from the ruins of Slains Castle, which were said to have influenced the setting of Bram Stoker's Dracula, this pub has a gothic core and also offers food and cocktails. Set in an old church, it attracts a young and student crowd who lap up the horror-themed cocktails and drinks promotions. Events range from open mics and live music gigs to pub quizzes and game nights.
Address: , 14-18 Belmont Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JHTelephone: +44 1224 631 877
Website: http://www.eerie-pubs.co.uk/slainscastle
Clubs in Aberdeen
Babylon
Housed in a former monastery, this gothic inspired venue is one of the city's premier nightspots for the smart set. Expect dark, decadent interiors, glam waitresses, and fabulous cocktails. Situated just below the glitzy venue is the more laid-back College Bar, which is one of the best sports bars in town.
Address: , 9 Alford Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1YDTelephone: +44 1224 595 001
Website: http://www.pbdevco.com/babylon.html
Espionage
With four bars and two dance floors across three stories, Espionage is a gargantuan space that plays chart music, pop, cheesy tunes, and mainstream dance music. Open every day of the week, it's a popular and populist affair that brings in punters through its cheap drink deals.
Address: , 120 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JJTelephone: +44 1224 561 006
The Tippling House
A new addition to Aberdeen's nightlife scene, The Tippling House is a subterranean joint that changes from a casual evening hangout for quality food and drink to a sophisticated late night underground drinking den, with a members club feel. Expect an innovative cocktail menu, tasting events, and excellent seafood.
Address: , 4 Belmont Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JETelephone:
Website: http://www.thetipplinghouse.com
Live music in Aberdeen
Cellar 35 @ Noose & Monkey
In the heart of the beguiling Rosemount area, this pub and cellar venue is a top spot for live gigs. It's a good place to start a night out before heading next door to Cellar 35, an intimate 80 capacity venue. Events span the gamut from guitar music to eclectic DJ sets.
Address: , 31-35 Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1NQTelephone: +44 1224 640 483
Website: http://www.thenooseandmonkey.com
Music Hall
Currently undergoing a £7m refurbishment is the city's premier concert space. It hosts a wide variety of shows, performances, and events with everyone from violinist Nicola Benedetti and BBC Scottish Symphony to the National Jazz Orchestra. Completed in 1822, the Music Hall opened to the public in 1859, it features stunning murals dating back to 1899.
Address: , Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QSTelephone: +44 1224 641 122
Website: http://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/musichall
The Lemon Tree
Cutting edge performances are the hallmark of The Lemon Tree. It's a buzzy venue focusing on alternative entertainment and experimental music as well as emergent talent in theatre, dance, and comedy. It also features a first floor Studio for intimate performances showcasing theatre and dance productions, as well as two relaxing bars.
Address: , 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5ATTelephone: +44 1224 641 122
Website: http://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/venues/the-lemon-tree