Location: Aberdeen
Top Things to do in Aberdeen
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland
Experience the richness of Aberdeen’s proud history and culture — from the sound of residents’ traditional Doric accent to the sights of glittering granite buildings lining the city’s streets. Explore the cobbled roads and historic university buildings of Old Aberdeen, then take a stroll along the nearby sandy beach and watch for dolphins in the busy harbour. Afterward, find your way to the quaint fishing quarter of Footdee, and lose yourself among its tiny cottages and colourful gardens.
Restaurants in Aberdeen
1. Aberdeen Science Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Discover a world of exploration, excitement and wonder at Aberdeen Science Centre. Reopened after a remarkable £6million transformation, enjoy more than 60 amazing interactive exhibits, set across six innovative and awe-inspiring zones. Meet ‘RoboThespian’, our friendly and knowledgeable robot, immerse yourself in The OPITO Theatre of Energy and play your part in our sensational live experiments and demonstrations. Unleash the Power of Curiosity with a visit to Aberdeen Science Centre.
Reviewed By carolinelaurenson
We have been excitedly awaiting the opening of the newly refurbished Science Centre and finally got to go at the weekend. It is amazing to see the space, it is huge inside now and really well laid out with lots of new interactive activities and displays (plenty of social distancing space and regular cleaning). We will definitely need to go back for another visit as we didn't even see half of what was there. Gave me some really nice ideas of things to do at home as well with the kids. We also went to the café for lunch. The food was great and service very efficient and friendly. It's great to see Aberdeen have such a high quality attraction and resources to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
2. Aberdeen Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
Temporary Closed
Reviewed By WanderingNomad999 - Brisbane, Australia
We went to the gallery on a rainy day at the end of October. We should have booked a 2hr time slot online in advance but fortunately we were able to sign up with our details (for track and trace) on the door as it wasn’t too busy. We enjoyed the exhibits and especially the BP portrait tour on the top level. Scones with cream and jam and tea in the cafe went down a treat too.
3. Slains Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Erected in 1597, this is one of the most famous castle ruins in Scotland, and was used by Bram Stoker as the inspiration for the castle of the evil vampire in his most famous supernatural tale "Dracula."
Reviewed By spgk - Espoo, Finland
Whilst I had seen a few photos beforehand, we were impressed with what we found - and it´s free! Getting there - I followed my sat nav using the postcode AB42 0NE, which I found online. However, this took us to a small residential road of Castle Street in Cruden Bay. There was no sign of any castle so we consulted some online maps. I parked the car in Castle Street at the junction with Castle Woods. We had a lovely walk on a farm track through some fields until we met a small road leading to the castle. It´s possible to drive right up to the castle if you take the A975 and take the turning into a small track road about 1 km from Cruden Bay. We were lucky with the weather so the ruins overlooking the sea looked amazing. We liked the fact that you could explore the ruins without fences - at your own risk. We found it a better experience than many of the overpriced tourist castles. However, the ruins sit on the clifftop and there are no safety fences. For that reason I would NOT recommend it for young children or dogs. Otherwise, well worth a visit.
4. Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,824 reviews
Aberdeen has long prospered off of sea-based industries, from the boom of the city's fishing industry in the early 20th century to its oil industry today; this museum explores the historic developments behind the city's maritime industries.
Reviewed By Lummox60N - Lerwick, United Kingdom
This museum is, perhaps, an undersold heritage gem. It covers every aspect of Aberdeen's maritime heritage, exploring the city's history and development both as a city and harbour, and offers a deeper insight into the oil industry modern Aberdeen is so dependent on. Well worth a visit, and there's a cafe in there too.
5. Balmedie Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 609 reviews
A stretch of sandy beach north of the city.
Reviewed By E2338BG - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
A beautiful beach with large sand dunes and amazing views of the north sea with windfarm in the distance. Ideal for a family day out or a sunset walk with a loved one.
6. Brig 'o' Balgownie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
This historic bridge has stood since the early 14th century and once served as an important line of communication between Aberdeen and other medieval coastal towns.
7. Crathie Church
8. Duthie Park Winter Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,035 reviews
Reviewed By 153davym - Falkirk District, United Kingdom
Decided to visit the Glass Houses here at Duthie Park. Amazing with beautiful displays indoors and a great show of colour with a Tropical glass house and Cactus house. Easy to get to however parking may be an issue as this place is very popular. Great coffee shops too, to enjoy after your visit and chill out.
9. Footdee (Fittie)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,053 reviews
Reviewed By margaretmH3052CO - Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
This is like going back in time. You wouldn't think you were in Aberdeen. The houses are like little cottages, and just by the sea, and the people who live in them get a great view of Aberdeen beach and the sea, and wild Dolphins putting on a show. Very quaint homes with a lovely Nautical appeal to them. Very quiet too, but expensive to buy.
10. Hazlehead Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By stuartc20 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
We had a walk around and were so happy to see the flower beds weeded and getting planted out with beautiful flowers well done guys your working do hard to keep our parks lovely
