With plenty of attractions and things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland's northeast gem offers something for every visitor.
Also known as the Granite City for its notable granite architecture, Aberdeen reveals its softer side with beautiful parks, sandy beaches, world-class museums and galleries.
Read our guide to the 10 best things to do in Aberdeen city centre and the surrounding areas to plan the ultimate coastal trip.
Fantastic & Fun Things to Do in Aberdeen
Explore things to do and see in Aberdeen, along with a few hidden gems.
1. Have a Cheeky Wee Blether with a Cactus in Duthie Park
Polmuir Road, Aberdeen
Admission: Free
One of the most unusual things to do in Aberdeen, and possibly all of Aberdeenshire, is to have a right good blether with Spike the Talking Cactus. Tucked away in the Winter Gardens at Duthie Park, this cheeky cactus chats back, delighting visitors with witty one-liners.
Once you’ve had your chat, take time to enjoy the rest of Duthie Park. Walk through the tranquil Japanese Garden, admire the Victorian bandstand and set up a family picnic overlooking the boating ponds.
2. Chart Your Course Through Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Shiprow, Aberdeen
Admission: Free
The Aberdeen Fishing Memorial stands as a powerful gateway to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. The bronze figures, a fisherman and a woman hauling heavy nets and carrying baskets, set the tone for an immersive maritime experience ahead.
The museum aims to be more than a collection of historical artefacts. They tell Aberdeen's ongoing story with the sea, spanning ancient fishing vessels to modern North Sea oil rigs. Oral history projects preserve the voices of those who fueled the region's fishing industry as well as the more recent oil and gas boom.
Climb aboard restored boats, explore maritime archaeology displays, and discover how Aberdeen evolved from a fishing port to Europe's oil capital. The shipbuilding exhibits and great rooftop views of Aberdeen Harbour allow every visitor to connect with Scotland's maritime heritage.
3. Wander Over Scotland’s Oldest Medieval Bridge to Old Aberdeen
A short walk from the modern city centre, cobbled streets and historic buildings transport you to the 14th century, where St Machar's Cathedral stands as a granite masterpiece.
Your journey begins at Balgownie Bridge, Scotland's oldest surviving complete bridge. This single-arch stone span crosses the River Don, dating to the late 13th century.
Once across, Old Aberdeen's medieval charm unfolds. Cobbled High Street winds past ancient university buildings and traditional granite houses. In nearby Seaton Park, the iconic steam train, Mr Therm, now delights kids as a play sculpture, adding modern whimsy to this timeless quarter.
4. See WW1 Trenches at Gordon Highlanders Museum
St Luke's, Viewfield Road, Aberdeen
Admission: Adults: £15.50, Children £7.00, Concession: £14.50Search
Step inside the Gordon Highlanders Museum and experience the story of “the Finest Regiment in the World” firsthand. Highlights include a WWI replica trench, Victoria Crosses, an armoury, regimental silver, and serene memorial gardens.
5. Experience the Wonder of Aberdeen Art Gallery
Schoolhill, Aberdeen
Admission: Free
Housed in a stately neoclassical building, Aberdeen Art Gallery has an impressive archive of over 15,247 artworks spanning local, Scottish and international collections.
Explore expansive galleries featuring the vibrant Scottish Colourists, Barbara Hepworth's sculptures and Claude Monet's impressionist works. Look out for Joan Eardley's beloved work, which captures the essence of Scottish life.
Rotating exhibitions ensure fresh discoveries with each visit, while the permanent collection provides creative anchors spanning 700 years. The gallery’s family-friendly activities make art accessible to all ages, cementing their role as Aberdeen's cultural heart.
6. Take in the Breathtaking Ruins of Dunnottar Castle
On the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, 1.6 miles south of Stonehaven
Admission: Adults: £13.00, Children (5 – 15): £6.00, Concession: £11.50
Dunnottar Castle is situated approximately 18 miles south of Aberdeen, outside the village of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. Even in its crumbling state, the castle ruins are impressive for their gravity-defying location on a clifftop with waves crashing 160 feet below.
This medieval fortress offers travellers a glimpse into Scotland's turbulent past. Visitors can explore the surviving structures, including the Great Hall, chapel, and watchtower, while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the North Sea.
The dramatic approach to the castle involves a steep walk down a clifftop path, making the arrival all the more spectacular.
7. Plan an Aberdeen Beach Day
Queens Links, Beach Boulevard, Beach Esplanade, Aberdeen
Aberdeen Beach stretches along Beach Boulevard and the Esplanade, offering something for locals, visitors and watersport enthusiasts.
The sheltered south lies near the harbour wall, while the north, close to the nature reserve, draws surfers and windsurfers. Nearby are the Beach Leisure Centre, Linx Ice Arena, cinemas, shops, and a variety of restaurants and accommodations.
Whether it’s water sports, a seaside walk to spot the lighthouse, or family fun, Aberdeen Beach delivers natural beauty with modern facilities for a perfect summer day out. Other great beach options include Inverboyndie Beach, Balmedie Beach and the local hidden gem, Cruden Bay.
8. Watch Grey Walls Turn into Art During Nuart Aberdeen
Across Aberdeen
The genius of a street art festival is that even when it's officially over or postponed, the artwork remains on display, transforming the city into a year-round open-air gallery.
The Nuart Aberdeen street art festival draws residents and tourists into the city centre with vibrant and thought-provoking murals, elevating the infamously grey granite walls.
This annual festival is typically held mid-year and goes beyond public art appreciation, offering guided walking tours and artist talks.
9. Sip & Craft with The City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School
Arch 10, Palmerston Road, Aberdeen
Admission: Prices vary per experience
As Aberdeen’s first distillery in decades, The City of Aberdeen Distillery and Gin School carries the marked responsibility of reviving the city's distilling heritage.
The "school" offers masterclasses in gin making, guided distillery tours, and expert-led tastings designed to educate enthusiasts about the craft of spirit production.
Learn about the botanicals that give Aberdeen's gin its distinctive character and the locally-sourced ingredients that reflect the unique terroir of the Northeast Scottish coast.
10. Become the Ultimate Aberdeen Adventurer
Admission: Adult: £15, Children (5–15): £8, Concession (NEC holders/students with ID): £10, Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £32
A pass on the Aberdeen Adventurer is your ticket to discovering the city in style aboard a bright red open-top sightseeing bus. The full round trip lasts up to 75 minutes if you stay aboard.
But you'd be missing out on the flexibility to hop-on, hop-off at Aberdeen's highlights, exploring the city at your own pace. Key stops include the Aberdeen Art Gallery, historic churches, Old Aberdeen and Fittie (aka Footee) Village.
Our strategically positioned stops are conveniently located near other popular attractions that lie slightly further ahead, including Johnston Gardens, Seaton Park, and the wonderful St. Machar's Cathedral.
Follow Fly Coach on social media for promotions on airport transfers from Edinburgh Airport to Aberdeen.
Fly-Coach: Arrive Ready to Enjoy Aberdeen Attractions
Fly Coach offers a fleet of direct coaches to Aberdeen from Edinburgh Airport, with no detours or delays! We also provide a route to Dundee from Scotland’s capital.
What to expect when you board Fly Coach:
- Spacious seats: 48-55 seats with plenty of stretching room
- Expansive luggage: One large (75×50×32 cm) or two medium (70×45×30 cm) bags
- Complementary with National Entitlement or Young Scot Card: Journey free on a turn-up-and-go basis, or reserve your seat online for a £1 service charge.
- Professional service: Uniformed drivers who will help you load your luggage
- Wheelchair accessible: Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) compliant
Plan the ultimate coastal trip now that you know about all the cool things to do in Aberdeen. Book your coach ticket from Edinburgh Airport to Aberdeen today!