Aberdeen is a key port city in the North-East of Scotland, known as the 'Granite City' for its attractive and enduring granite buildings. The city is a vibrant base for the offshore oil industry, and is home to an international population. Aberdeen features several landmarks that attract tourists from around the world, some of which include:
Marischal College
This unmissable large granite building in the heart of Aberdeen city centre is a beautiful and towering blend of the past and future. Now used as the headquarters for Aberdeen City Council, the building has been used as a university and began construction in 1835. It is the second largest granite building in the world.
His Majesty's Theatre
His Majesty's Theatre is the largest theatre in north-east Scotland, seating more than 1400 and showing a wide variety of shows, concerts and exhibitions. Overlooking the impressive Union Terrace Gardens and just a short walk from the city centre, there's bound to be something of interest for all.
Dunnottar Castle
Situated on the coast near Stonehaven (25 minutes south of Aberdeen),Dunnottar Castle is one of the most iconic and famous landmarks in all of Scotland. An unforgettable experience, the ruined medieval fortress is located upon a rocky headland and makes for stunning picturesque photographs, no matter the weather. The castle played an important role in the history of Scotland and guided tours are available to book.
Aberdeen's Parks
Aberdeen has a great selection of parks and green spaces open to the public. Some worthy attractions include Duthie Park, home to the relaxing Winter Gardens, Hazlehead Park which features picnic areas, a maze and petting zoo, and Victoria Park which is a stunning quiet space in the heart of a busy city.
Aberdeen Beach
Perhaps one of Aberdeen's most visited locations on a sunny day, Aberdeen Beach is a must for tourists. The sprawling sandy beach expands for miles along the coast, and provides amazing views of Aberdeen Harbour and the endless coastline. The beach isn't the only attraction here, as there is also Codona's Amusement Park, featuring thrill rides and indoor machines, a nearby shopping centre and cinema and quirky cafes full of character. The beach is also only a 20-minute walk from the city centre, and is easily accessible by bus.
Shopping
Aberdeen has a great selection of shopping centres to choose from, featuring everything from designer stores such as Hugo Boss and The North Face to high-street fashion like H&M and New Look. Union Square is the largest shopping centre, featuring a 10-screen cinema, bus station, restaurants and spa. The Bon Accord Centre also boasts a similar selection of shops and restaurants, as does the St. Nicholas Centre. Aberdeen's Trinity Centre and The Academy also feature a large selection of restaurants and shops. Scardroy Aberdeen is located only 5-10 minutes walk from all shopping centres.
Today, quaint Old Aberdeen, where cobbled roads still run through the heart of the area, is one of Aberdeen's favourite hidden gems. Step back in time as you visit the historic sites mentioned above and walk through the characteristic Chanory
Union Terrace Gardens has reopened after a £28.3million refurbishment which improves wheelchair access and includes new amenities such as a new play area for children, toilets, and cafes while restoring historic features.
The Gardens also include extensive seating, new lighting features, refurbishment of the historic arches and Victorian toilets, a new public toilet, new specially-commissioned artworks, new native planting, a net gain in trees, and reinstatement of a planted city crest. It also has a new water feature, the three statues (William Wallace, Rabbie Burns, and Edward VII) have been cleaned, and the ‘grand staircase’ down to the lower Gardens has been reinstated.
Marischal College was founded in 1593, becoming Aberdeen's second university. King's College had been founded in 1495. The two Colleges merged in 1860 to form the modern University of Aberdeen. Medicine and Law were taught at Marischal and Arts and Divinity at King's College.
Construction of the current Marischal College building began in the 1830s and a second phase was completed in 1906. This additional construction made it the second largest granite building in the world.
