Guide to Aberdeen
Aberdeen, otherwise known as the Granite City is a busy port in the North East of Scotland. Easily reached from cities in the south such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, getting to Aberdeen and catching a ferry is one of the easiest ways to get to the Orkney and Shetland islands.
The city itself has much to offer though. It’s a hub for the North Sea oil industry – the seaport is the busiest in Scotland and Aberdeen Heliport is one of the busiest commercial heliports in the world! Aberdeen is a popular destination for Islanders. There are great shops here, superb restaurants and lovely places to stay. There are regular pop concerts and theatre shows on that islanders come to see, and two excellent centres of learning – the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University.
Outside Aberdeen there are lovely fishing villages, great golfing opportunities, and even a whisky trail to explore! Read our guide to find out everything that Aberdeen has to offer!
Ten hidden gems in Aberdeen
There are so many wonderful and interesting places to visit in Aberdeen. Here are a list of some lesser known places to visit in and around Aberdeen, that don't always make the front cover of a tourist brochure!
Read moreA visit to Provost Skene’s House in Aberdeen
In the heart of Aberdeen’s city centre is Provost Skene’s House, a charming museum that celebrates the pioneering people who were born, lived, or worked in Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland. We recently enjoyed a visit here to find out more about it.
Read moreA trip to Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire
Dunnottar Castle is one of Aberdeenshire's most iconic castles, steeped in over 1000 years of history. We recently enjoyed an afternoon exploring the fortress and couldn't recommend it enough!
Read moreDolphin Watching in Aberdeen
Though the Orkney and Shetland Islands are well known as being amongst the best places in Europe for watching wildlife, what is less well known is that you can start your wildlife adventure by spotting bottlenose dolphins before you even leave sight of Aberdeen.
Read moreTen great places to visit in Old Aberdeen
Old Aberdeen is a long-established community with a history that dates back more than a thousand years. We recently explored Old Aberdeen and here are 10 great places you must see next time you are in the area!
Read moreA visit to Greyhope Bay
Greyhope Bay is a large promontory located on the southern side of Aberdeen Harbour, boasting fantastic wildlife and historic sites to discover. We recently enjoyed a lovely afternoon exploring the area which you can find out more about here.
Read moreCheap days out in Aberdeen
With the cost of living on the rise, it can be tricky to enjoy a fun day out without breaking the bank. Here is a list of some free or inexpensive activities for you try in Aberdeen.
Read moreAll About Aberdeen Marine Operations Centre
We spoke to Ewan Rattray, Deputy Harbour Master at Aberdeen Marine Operations Centre. He told us more about the distinctive modernist glass tower at the entrance of Aberdeen Harbour.
Read moreThe Galloway Hoard – an interview with Martin Goldberg
The Galloway Hoard is the biggest collection of Viking-age treasure ever found in Britain or Ireland. We spoke to Dr Martin Goldberg to learn more about this spectacular exhibition and his involvement with the Galloway Hoard.
Read moreThe best walks in and around Aberdeen
One of the finest ways to experience the beauty of Aberdeenshire is by walking and there are countless beautiful and distinctive locations to visit. We hope you enjoy reading about our suggestions on the best walks in and around Aberdeen.
Read moreTop 10 golf courses in and around Aberdeen
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are scattered with fifty-five golf courses – enough to play at least one new course every week of the year! As you are spoilt for choice, we have compiled a list for you to play when visiting Aberdeen.
Read moreGreyhope Bay – a new attraction for Aberdeen
Torry Battery in Aberdeen harbour is the focus of a new development launching in 2021. It will combine the area’s existing assets into a new visitor attraction, which tells the story of the city and its connection to the coast.
Read moreTen Astounding Aberdeen facts
There is always more to know about a place than first meets the eye, and the Granite City is no exception! We hope you will enjoy these interesting facts about the history, industry, characters and castles of Aberdeen City and Shire.
Read moreParks and Gardens of Aberdeen
Next time you visit Aberdeen make sure you schedule some time to visit Duthie Park, Hazlehead Park, Seaton Park, Victoria Park and Westburn Park. Find out more about these fantastic green spaces in the Granite City.
Read moreA recipe for rowies or butteries
A staple part of any Aberdonian diet, Rowies, also known as Aberdeen Rolls or Butteries can be found in almost any bakery in the North East of Scotland. We have a delicious recipe so that you can make 16 in your own kitchen!
Read moreA New Era for Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen Art Gallery has recently reopened it's doors after 4 years of renovation, including work on Cowdray Hall, Remembrance Hall and the Art Gallery itself. Aberdeen Art Gallery will attract approximately 250,000 visitors a year and we'd recommend a visit!
Read moreA refreshing chat with Summer House Drinks
Summer House Drinks make a refreshing range of real lemonades, tonic and craft sodas with natural ingredients on a farm near Rosehearty, in the North East. NorthLink are proud to stock Summer House Drinks and caught up with Claire Rennie for a chat...
Read moreA wander through Footdee
Footdee is a hidden gem in Aberdeen and one of the most unique communities in Scotland. Footdee, or Fittie as it is pronounced locally, is a small fishing village at the mouth of the harbour, tucked away off the Beach Esplanade and half a mile from the city centre.
Read moreInside Aberdeen’s beautiful Tivoli Theatre
One of Aberdeen’s finest venues is the Tivoli Theatre which has hosted amazing shows from local artists and international stars since 1872. After a £1.2 million refurb, it looks simply beautiful, both inside and out. We caught up with Brian Hendry to find out more.
Read moreFantastic places to Camp and Caravan in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is a great place to visit on a caravan or camping holiday. Campers can stroll across beaches one day and enjoy the forests of Royal Deeside the next! We've compiled a list of campsites to visit.
Read moreA visit to The Gordon Highlanders Museum
We spent a super afternoon in Aberdeen visiting The Gordon Highlanders Museum. The building was the home of artist, Sir George Reid, and later, The Gordon Highlanders Regimental HQ. The Gordon Highlanders were made up of men from the local community.
Read moreMy visit to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a short walk from the Aberdeen Ferry Terminal and we'd highly recommend going next time you visit Aberdeen. The North East Fishing Industry, the North Boats and the oil and gas sector are covered by a range of amazing displays!
Read moreA walk to Duthie Park in Aberdeen
NorthLink Ferries offer a guide on how to walk to Duthie Park from the Aberdeen Ferry Terminal, and what to expect when you arrive! With play areas, dog walking and the David Welch Winter Gardens, Duthie Park is a must visit!
Read moreAn adventure at Slains Castle
Slains Castle is nestled upon the rugged clifftops of Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire. It's one of our favourite castles to visit around Aberdeen, and is said to have inspired Bram Stoker, who visited Cruden Bay often, to write his most famous novel, Dracula.
Read moreTwelve essential historic places to visit in Aberdeen
Aberdeen and the surrounding area are overflowing with historic places to visit. We’ve compiled a list of twelve essential places to visit in Aberdeen and round about with some fascinating thoughts about each!
Read moreExploring Castles in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is a brilliant place to visit if you’re interested in exploring some incredible castles. Each has a unique story to tell. Read on to find out more about 8 of our favourites!
Read moreSeven Tips for Christmas Shopping in Aberdeen
Many of our Islander customers enjoy a shopping trip to Aberdeen to pick up Christmas presents! We’ve compiled seven tips to help you make the most of a Christmas Shopping Trip to Aberdeen.
Read moreAn Insider’s Guide to Aberdeen
It can always be a bit overwhelming arriving in a new city and finding your bearings. To help our passengers when they arrive in Aberdeen, we have written an insiders guide to the Granite City covering car parks to nightlife and everything in between.
Read moreAberdeen Coffee Cravings
There's nothing better than stopping to rest at a coffee shop during a shopping trip in Aberdeen. This guide covers some of the best independent coffee shops in Aberdeen City Centre, located only minutes away from one another!
Read moreThe Best of Vintage Inspired Shopping in Aberdeen!
Adelle Chessor offers a fabulous guide to the best vintage inspired shops and her favourite independent retailers in Aberdeen. If you’re a fan of yesteryear or just love exploring hidden gems of shops, read on!
Read moreThings to do on a rainy day in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a brilliant city to visit whatever the weather - it's a warm, welcoming place, the perfect size for walking and packed full of interesting places and brilliant events. However, what do you do on a dreich Day in the Granite City?
Read moreThings to do on a sunny day in Aberdeen
When you are located in the North East of Scotland, when you get good weather, it’s important to make the most if it! Read on for a few ideas of brilliant things to do on a bonnie day in the 'deen!
Read moreAberdeen: The City of Performances and events
Aberdeen is a great city to visit to see musical, theatrical and comedic performances. The four main venues for concerts and events are the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, His Majesty’s Theatre, the Lemon Tree and the Tivoli Theatre.
Read moreDining with a view around Aberdeen
The North East has many stunning views and there's nothing better than combining a beautiful view and a delicious meal! Find out about five restaurants in and around Aberdeen that offer just that.
Read moreCullen Skink Soup
Cullen skink is a thick and creamy fish soup and we think it is delicious and filling enough to be served as a main course. The recipe comes from the town of Cullen in the northeast of Scotland and our easy to make version serves 6.
Read moreThe Banchory Beer Festival and the Inverurie Beer Festival
There are two superb beer festivals in the North East of Scotland; the Banchory Beer Festival and the Inverurie Beer Festival. We spoke to Mungo Finlayson and asked him the secret of creating a great beer festival!
Read moreShop ’til You Drop – a guide to Aberdeen’s shops
One of the attractions of Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland Islanders is the volume of shops on offer within a short walk from the NorthLink Ferry Terminal. Read our guide to some of the shops found in the Granite City.
Read moreAberdeenshire Ice Cream Trail
All around Aberdeenshire there are many delicious ice cream shops. As summer began we visited shops in Aberdeen, Cairnbulg, Cullen, Fraserburgh, Portsoy, St Combs and Stonehaven in search of the most delicious and wackiest flavours!
Read moreWhy Aberdeen is a great holiday destination for children
Aberdeen is a great place to find things to do for the whole family! Visit a park, spot a dolphin, go to the funfare, the ice rink or the swimming pool. There are also some super museums to see!
Read moreTen things to do around Aberdeen
We have ten great suggestions of things to do in Aberdeen and round about. These needn't be expensive: there are lovely galleries, museums, and parks to visit. We hope our guide will help you plan a perfect day!
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