Aberdeen (Scottish Gaelic: Obar Dheathain, Scots: Aiberdeen) is the third-largest city in Scotland, United Kingdom, with a population of almost 200,000 (2018). It is a harbour city on Scotland's north-east coast, approximately 120 miles (190 km) north of Edinburgh and 400 miles (650 km) north of London, where the Rivers Dee and Don meet the North Sea.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Aberdeen is set in fertile lowlands and is the natural regional centre, becoming a city in 1179 when two villages grew into each other. Old Aberdeen is north, by the mouth of the River Don, and home to the University since 1495. New Aberdeen developed from 1136 two miles south near the mouth of the River Dee: this has a much better harbour and became the city centre. It was bashed about in conflicts until 1745, but then followed a long spell of peace and prosperity. Aberdeen was rebuilt in its signature grey granite along the broad axis of Union Street east-west, which intersects the historic coast road then at Castlegate turns north along King Street.
Walking is an excellent way to get around Aberdeen, particularly around central areas, as the city centre is relatively compact. Walking is also by far the best way to appreciate the grand architecture of the city. However, the city is not that small (e.g. Union Street is one mile long) so for journeys outside of the city centre, wheeled transport may be useful. Aberdeen has a medieval layout like many cities in the UK, so for the first-time visitor, a map is helpful. There are quite a few of these on signs around the city centre, mainly in points of interest (e.g. the Castlegate). However, it is very useful to have a map of the city to carry with you.
Granite architecture is the defining feature of the city, though much is showing its age. See Read above for more on city architecture. Highlights are: Union Street has a mile-long stretch: but look up, the street frontage in many places is modern. Town House (city hall) is a confident Victorian example. Each building has its own style and scale, it's not like, say, Grey Street in Newcastle upon Tyne with a unified style. Marischal College on Broad Street has been nicely cleaned up.
What's on? For local events listen to Northsound 1 on 96.9, 97.6 & 103 FM, Northsound 2 on 1035 AM, and Original 106 on 106.8 & 106.3 FM. Or read the Press & Journal, which also publishes Evening Express. 1 The Belmont Cinema, 49 Belmont Street AB10 1JS, ☏ +44 1224 343500. temporarily closed. 3-screen cinema showing arthouse, foreign and selected mainstream films. Went into administration on 6 October 2022, and a charity has been formed to save it; they have redevelopment plans and are fundraising in 2025. Occasional events are held in the cinema whilst it is closed.
The Aberdeen buttery or rowie is a cross between a pancake and a croissant. They have a flaky yet heavy texture and are very salty. They're served plain or with butter or jam to make a tea-time or mid-afternoon snack. They're seldom found in cafes or restaurants, you buy them in bakeries or supermarkets to eat at home or on the go. Union Square upstairs has the usual chains including Ask, Yo! Sushi, Wagamama, Nando's and TGI Fridays. 1 Books and Beans, 22 Belmont Street, ☏ +44 1224 646438. Daily 10AM-4PM. A second-hand book shop with lunch menu. (updated Oct 2021) 2 Contour Cafe, 47 The Green AB11 6NY (facing Moonfish cafe), ☏ +44 1224 582151. W Th 9AM-3PM, F Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-3PM.
Oh, Samson was a mighty man, he fad on fish 'n chips and walkit doon the Gallowgate, picking up the nips - most Bible scholars place this episode in Glasgow, but it could be anywhere with a low opinion of Edinburgh As elsewhere, smoking is illegal indoors in pubs. It may be permitted outdoors in the beer garden. Belmont Street is the drinking strip north side of Union St, near the bus and railway stations. Watch out for drunken belligerent fellows like Samson, staggering towards his last bus for Gaza after a drouthy evening getting eyeless. 1 Drummonds, 1 Belmont Street AB10 1JR, ☏ +44 1224 619930. M-Th noon-2AM, F Sa noon-3AM, Su 5PM-2AM. A small late-licence venue with live bands.
Aberdeen is broadly safe, but you need to use your street sense. There is the usual motley crowd of drunks, beggars, rough sleepers and sex workers. Aggressive drunks are the main hassle, especially at weekends: the centre is heavily policed but trouble can flare in a moment. Some drunks are capable of assaulting lampposts that they reckon have looked at them amiss, so English football colours are a red rag to a bull. Above all don't be drunk or drugged yourself. Areas to avoid, especially after dark, are Tillydrone (north of Bedford Road and east of St Machar Drive) and Torry (the south bank of River Dee).
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Aberdeen typically sees ~19°C daytime highs and 19 rainy days.
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