Aberdeen Travel & Vacation Guide

Aberdeen Art Gallery has comprehensive collections with works from the 17th-20th centuries. Both Scottish and international artists are represented, including famous impressionists like Monet and Renoir, as well as local painters like George Jameson, William Dyce, John Philip and Charles Rennie MacKintosh.

As one of Britain’s busiest harbours with a rich maritime heritage, a visit to the Maritime Museum with its splendid views of the harbour is a must when visiting Aberdeen. Find out what it is like to work on a North Sea oil rig or explore the hundreds of ship models and exhibits about shipbuilding, whaling, life and work at sea, and learn about Aberdeen’s special relationship with the sea.

The Aberdeen Science Centre is an immensely popular science and technology centre with entertaining, interactive and hands-on exhibits and shows that engage children of all ages and lead them to fascinating discoveries about the world around them.

Not far from the picturesque Seaton Park stands Brig o'Balgownie, Scotland's oldest bridge. This simple stone landmark has spanned the width of the River Don since the XIII century and was even referenced by Lord Byron, who briefly studied in the area, in his epic poem Don Juan.

Travelers who have time to leave Aberdeen for a day trip should head out to Castle Fraser. A magnificent building dating back to 1575, featuring historic furnishings, paintings and embroidery, the impressive Great Hall, and a library filled with family books, as well as concert space, parks, woodland walks, a tea room and a children’s adventure playroom.

Fun for all ages, Codona’s offers a raft of rides and attractions worthy of the best amusement parks. There is also an indoor entertainment centre available, Sunset Boulevard, and a games and entertainment area called Miami Beach. Both are open year-round.

Craigievar Castle looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale. Completed in 1626, it stands as a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture, and both interior and exterior are jaw-dropping in their beauty, attention to detail and lavishness.

Few places evoke the spirit of the Scottish highlands as poignantly as Dunnottar Castle, a ruined fortress perched atop rugged rocky cliffs overlooking the North Sea, just 3 kilometres away from the town of Stonehaven. The buildings that remain date from the 15th and 16th centuries, and the combination of ruins and setting make for a memorable feeling and experience.

For a bit of a different night out, check out the Breakneck Comedy Club. They host weekly comedy shows where both local and international comedians perform. The club also promotes young and new comics, inviting them to try out their material.

BrewDog Aberdeen was the original flagship pub of a now huge international chain. They brew their own lines of fantastic craft beers, and the knowledgeable staff are happy to guide you through a tour of their many varieties. Come with your friends and with your dogs. Both are always welcome in BrewDog.

Aberdeen is a culturally vibrant city, and His Majesty's Theatre is one of the major proponents. Seating over 1,400, the breathtaking auditorium regularly hosts performances of award-winning plays and musicals, as well as musical and other acts. Check the website to find out what's happening during your stay.

Formerly known as the Moorings Bar, a rock bar with frequent live performances very popular among locals, this establishment has undergone a huge transformation, reinventing itself now as Krakatoa, a colourful and vibrant tiki dive bar with wacky decor and plenty of personality.

With nearly a hundred different vodkas as well as cocktails, beer and other spirits on offer, Revolution is the perfect place to prepare for a night out or simply to just enjoy a drink. The music is house-orientated with a jazzy edge that normally gets the crowd moving. The place also offers food, and features a decked terrace overlooking the Union Terrace gardens.

One of the hottest hangouts in Aberdeen, Siberia is a spacious and a bright venue, perfectly suited for a relaxing drink – particularly vodka – or just a fun night out. They offer food, and the place also features a heated and covered balcony and pool tables.

Sing City is widely accepted as Aberdeen's best karaoke bar, featuring numerous private rooms that can fit up to 30 people for parties and events. The facilities are top-notch, and the service and hospitality of the staff are renowned.

Soul is without a doubt one of the most unique bars in Aberdeen, located as it is in a beautiful old church. It still retains many of the original features, like the stained-glass windows, ornate decor, and even the old pulpit, from where the DJ spins his tracks.

Aberdeen Football Club's fervent supporters get their kits and gear here. If you catch the city's football fever during your visit, be sure to check this shop out and take home a jersey or souvenir.

For shopping near the Esplanade, right by the North Sea, visit the Beach Boulevard Retail Park, a strip-mall where numerous shops can be found, including a fitness shop, home furnishing, toys, the supermarket Aldi and a large ASDA.

Geek Bothy is a family-run store providing a wide selection of geeky products, many of which by Scottish creators. The high quality clothing and accessories are sold along with the amazing licensed Star Wars or Disney products.

Juniper is a charming independent, family-run business that offers a large variety of traditional and contemporary accessories and items, including jewellery, gifts, homeware, pictures and furniture. They specialise in Scottish and British products, though their ample selection includes international products, as well.

McCalls has been the region's leading supplier of highland formal wear since it began operation in 1887 due to their renowned craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail. They provide traditional highland attire for special occasions, such as weddings, for both sale and hire.

Scotland's Bothy specialises in traditional and modern Scottish products, including handmade crafts, souvenirs and gift ideas, tartan kilts and highland-wear, jewellery, clothing items, such as custom print t-shirts, and much more.

Teasel & Tweed sells charming and unique handcrafted souvenirs and decorative items for the home, including paintings, knick-knacks and even specially-commissioned products like whisky cask cabinets. It is a great alternative for home accessories and unusual gifts, and doubles as a small and adorable tea house.

For the best of Scotch whisky (not whiskey), be sure to check out The Aberdeen Whisky Shop. Besides the wonderful selection of only the choicest whiskys, they also occasionally host Aroma Academy, workshops that teach you to appreciate the subtleties of different varieties of whisky so that you know what to look for in the future.

As as typical in Britain, the weather in Aberdeen is often changeable, which means that even a very sunny day could suddenly turn into a cloudy one. However, if you want to play it safest, the best period to visit this city is summer, particularly from June to August, when the temperatures are warmer and the risk of seeing the sun disappear is lower.

For travel to the UK, citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland (except Irish citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, those planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. Additionally, residents of nine other countries — including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States — can also visit the UK for up to six months without a visa, but they will still need an ETA. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to consult the UK government website for any specific visa requirements or regulations.

Aberdeen International Airport is located 7 miles from the city centre, and getting to/from the airport is easy thanks to a wide range of transport facilities. Regular city buses run regularly from the city centre, including Bluebird services 80, 727 and 747, as well as First Bus service 27. Additionally, the Aberdeen train service stops at the local station of Dyce, which is only a short distance from the airport.

Getting around the city is easy, as First Aberdeen operates an extensive bus network. Bus drivers will demand the exact fare, so make sure you have change, or buy a Farecard (valid for one day, one week or one month) in one of the local shops.

There are several taxi companies in Aberdeen, but prices tend to be quite high. Below is a few options: Aberdeen Airport Taxis +44 1224 775 555 www.aberdeenairport.com/transport-and-directions/taxis/ Central Taxi +44 1224 898989

220-240 V/50 Hz Sockets: Type G

Rosemount Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy in Aberdeen and it offers fast services to every costumer! Apart from medication items, here you can take advantage of other services such as NHS Stop Smoking service, ailments service and also a travel vaccination service:

Berryden Post Office is the leading financial services chain in the UK and it provides more than 170 different services for its customers including mails, retail, financial services, telecoms, life insurance, travel insurance and so many more!