Things to see in Aberdeen
Attractions
Duthie Park
Bordering the River Dee, Duthie Park is 18 hectares (44 acres) of verdant public space, which was donated to Aberdeen in 1880 by Miss Elizabeth Duthie. Today it features boating ponds, playgrounds, and plenty of wildlife. Don't miss out on the David Welch Winter Gardens, a vast indoor space containing tropical, Japanese, and arid conservatories including the most extensive collection of cacti in Britain.
Address: , Polmuir Road, Aberdeen, AB11 7WATelephone: +44 1224 585 310
Opening times:
April: 0930-1730
May-August: 0930-1930
September-October 0930-1730
November- March: 0930-1630
Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Union Street and Kirk of St Nicholas
Union Street is the thriving heart of the city. Many of Aberdeen's main attractions are surrounded by it, including the accomplished Union Street Bridge built in the 19th century. While the Aberdeen Art Gallery is undergoing refurbishment with expectations to reopen in late 2018 or early 2019, seek out nearby Kirk of St Nicholas instead with its 12th-century clerestory windows, ornate relics, and kirkyard.
Address: , Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 5BJTelephone: +44 1224 643 494
Opening times:
Kirk of St Nicholas:
Mon-Fri:1200-1600
Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Marischal College
The grandiose Marischal College on Broad Street is the second-largest granite structure in the world. A two-year renovation project of the former university structure has rejuvenated the stunning exterior, while the vast interiors now mostly contain Aberdeen City Council offices and university events space. It's must-see architecture worth viewing from many angles.
Address: , Broad Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1ABTelephone: +44 300 020 0292
Opening times:
Mon-Fri: 0830-1700
Website: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/campus/marischal-college-394.phpAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Maritime Museum
No visit to Aberdeen is complete without a visit to the historic harbour area. The excellent Maritime Museum is located on a site with Provost Ross's House, which is reputed to be the oldest building in the city. Multimedia displays tell the exciting history of Aberdeen's intimate connection with the ocean.
Address: , Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BYTelephone: +44 1224 337 700
Opening times:
Mon-Sat: 1000-1700
Sun: 1200-1500
Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Old Aberdeen and King's College
The centrepiece of old Aberdeen is the King's College (now united with Marischal College to form the University of Aberdeen) with its imposing buildings and quadrangle. Its chapel houses 15th-century artefacts, while the King's Museum displays exhibitions encompassing history, science and art. Nearby, the 15th-century St Machar's Cathedral overlooks Seaton Park and the River Don.
Address: , 52 College Bounds, Aberdeen, AB24 3DYTelephone: +44 1224 272 000
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-1530
Website: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/campus/kings-58.phpAdmission Fees: Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Aberdeen Science Centre
Close to the Esplanade, the informative Aberdeen Science Centre (also known as Satrosphere Science Centre) is a hands-on museum that provides visitors with an interactive way of learning more about science. Featuring debates, shows, workshops, and over 50 exhibitions, this centre also includes live science demonstrations and planetarium shows that are ideal for the entire family.
Address: , 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5TUTelephone: +44 1224 640 340
Opening times:
Mon, Wed, Thu and Fri: 1000-1600
Tue: 1000-1500
Sat-Sun: 1000-1700
Admission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Aberdeen Beach
Heading out in your Speedos to catch some rays may not be high on the agenda when visiting Scotland, but Aberdeen Beach is a golden cowlick of beautiful coastline. If sand between your toes isn't your thing, the promenade is dotted with cafés and picnic areas with outstanding views.
Address: , Beach Boulevard, Aberdeen, AB24 5EJTelephone:
Opening times:
Daily, 24 hours
Website: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/aberdeen-beach-p1430651Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Peacock Visual Arts
North East Scotland's leading contemporary visual arts centre organises various local and international art exhibitions. A second smaller gallery displays and sells original prints, many of which are produced at Peacock's in-house printmaking facilities. For those without a clue about printing and etching, Peacock also runs classes.
Address: , 21 Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5BQTelephone: +44 1224 639 539
Opening times:
Tue-Sat: 0930-1730
Website: http://www.peacockvisualarts.comAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Codona's Amusement Park and The Boardwalk
For something different, head to Codona's Amusement Park. This seafront complex has a live music and entertainment stage, a 4D motion ride theatre and an amusement park with rollercoasters, log flume, waltzers and other gut-churning rides. Nearby is The House of Fun, a family centre with trampolines, 10-pin bowling alleys, pool halls, bingo competitions, bar and restaurant.
Address: , Beach Boulevard, Aberdeen, AB24 5NSTelephone: +44 1224 595 910
Opening times:
Hours vary. See website for details.
Website: http://www.codonas.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Footdee
Within an easy walking distance of the harbour is the pretty fishing village of Footdee (pronounced 'fittie'). The old 19th-century fishermen's cottages all face inwards in squares with their backs to the ocean to protect themselves from the harsh storms that can rage in from the sea.
Address: , Footdee, Aberdeen, AB11Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website:Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Aberdeen Information Centre
Address: , 23 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5BPTelephone: +44 1224 269 180
Opening times:
2nd July-2nd September: Mon-Sat: 0900-1830 and Sun: 1000-1600
3rd September-23rd December: Mon-Sat:0930-1700 and Sun 1100-1600
24th December-17th March: Mon-Sun: 0930-1700
Situated close to the city centre's bus and train stations. The staff are very knowledgeable and can help with planning excursions and booking accommodation. There's also public Internet access, as well as a selection of tourist literature and guides (some of them free).
