Aberdeen Overview

The third-largest city in Scotland, Aberdeen, commonly known as the Granite City, lies 120 miles northeast of Edinburgh, on the banks of the rivers Dee and Don smack in the middle of the northeast coast.

Aberdeen divides into five main areas. The city centre, features the opulent Marischal College, the colonnaded Art Gallery, and homes that predate Aberdeen's nineteenth-century town planning and have been preserved as museums. Union Street continues west to the comparatively cosmopolitan West End, where much of the nightlife can be found. To the south, the harbour still heaves with boats serving the fishing and oil industries, while north of the centre lies Old Aberdeen, a village neighbourhood presided over by King's College and St Machar's Cathedral. The long sandy beach with its esplanade development, marks Aberdeen's eastern border.

Aberdeen Guide - Fast Facts

   
Country: Scotland
Location: Northeast
Country Code: +44
Population: 204,885
Language: English
Currency: GBP Sterling (£)
Time Zone: GMT
Train Station: Aberdeen
Tourism: Aberdeen Tourism

Transportation in Aberdeen

By Car Aberdeen is accessible by road from Edinburgh or Glasgow in around 2 1/2 hours. Follow the M9 north to Perth and then the A90 trunk road to Aberdeen. Alternatively if you wish to take in some more of the area's scenery on your journey follow either the A92 north from Dundee or the A93 from Perth.

By Rail The main train station is on Guild Street, in the centre. Services run from London all day including the overnight Caledonian Sleeper service. There are also hourly trains from Glasgow and Edinburgh or direct services from Birmingham and Plymouth. Scottish Trains are operated by Scotrail.

By Ferry Aberdeen to Kirkwall Ferry with Northlink 3 ferry crossings a week with a sailing duration of 6 hours Between March & Nov. Aberdeen to Lerwick Ferry with Northlink 1 ferry crossing a week with a sailing duration from 12 1/2 hours.

Must See

  • Aberdeen Maritime Museum
  • Duthie Park Winter Gardens
  • Aberdeen Art Gallery
  • Satrosphere
  • Codona's Beach Amusement Park

Aberdeen Attractions

With its sparkling granite buildings, Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city. Excellent shopping, a good range of first class restaurants and a vibrant nightlife make this an excellent destination for visits to the area. On the city’s doorstep are more than half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries, and visitors can follow the Malt Whisky Trail along Speyside, or immerse themselves in the traditional games celebrated each summer at the many Highland Gatherings. Aberdeen and Grampian’s turbulent past is interpreted through its many historic sites, castles and archaeology, and visitors can follow the Castle Trail, taking in 11 of the finest castles.
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