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Town/City Name
Aberdeen
County
Aberdeenshire
Population
200,680
About Aberdeen
Aberdeen is found in Scotland’s north-eastern part and is considered as Scotland’s third most populous city. Royal burgh status was received by Aberdeen from Scotland’s David I. People living in Aberdeen are called “Aberdonians.”
Often known as “The Flower of Scotland,” there are numerous places to visit when going out in Aberdeen. Tourists can enjoy golf courses, parks, beaches, theatres, and even streets in this part of the country.
Some of the most famous tourist destinations in the area include St. Machar’s Cathedral, The University and King’s College of Aberdeen, Brig o’Balgonwie, The Tolbooth Museum and The Mercat Cross.
Among the places mentioned above, the most famous would be St. Machar’s Cathedral which is always part of tourists’ itinerary. This cathedral is historic and important, and some concerts are also held in this place sometimes. You can check their website for some other pieces of information that can help you during your visit.
In addition to the tourist spots, there are a lot of restaurants in Aberdeen that are popular to visitors, too. From wholesome treats to fresh seafood to mince and mealie pies, Aberdeen has them all for you!
After seeing the places and restaurants around the city, you can also head to the different pubs in Aberdeen. The pubs in Aberdeen are frequented by visitors for some Doric traditions experience. Live Scottish music, festive dancing and Doric culture can be enjoyed in this town’s pubs.
When it comes to humans, there are a lot of notable people hailing from Aberdeen. Some of them are film producer and director Ara Paiaya, footballers Alf Burnett, Ryan Gauld and Denis Law, author Oswald Chambers, actor Andrew Cruickshank and golfer Paul Lawrie.
Places to eat in Aberdeen, Restaurants in Aberdeen
Places to drink in Aberdeen, Pubs and Bars in Aberdeen
A brief history of Aberdeen
It is believed that Aberdeen has been inhabited for around 8,000 years already. Initially, there were two burghs separate from one another: Old Aberdeen and New Aberdeen.
Old Aberdeen was situated at the river Don’s mouth. Meanwhile New Aberdeen was a trading and fishing settlement, and this is where the river Dee estuary welcomed the Denburn waterway.
In 1179, the earliest charter was given to Aberdeen by William the Lion. It verified the corporate rights bestowed by David I.
The Great Charter of Robert the Bruce played a big role in the development of the city. In 1319, it made Aberdeen a community that owns properties and is financially independent.
Along with this, Aberdeen was also granted the Forest of Stocket. The income of this formed the basis for the Common Good Fund of the city which benefits Aberdonians.
Robert the Bruce laid siege to Aberdeen Castle when the Wars of Scottish Independence happened. He did this because Aberdeen was under English rule, and he laid this siege before destroying the castle in 1308. After destroying the castle, the English garrison was executed.
In 1336, Edward III burned the city. however, it was rebuilt and extended. The city became stronger and fortified to prevent neighboring lords’ attacks. However, by 1770, the gates were removed.
Aberdeen was plundered by both parties during the Wards of the Three Kingdoms of 1644 to 1647. Royalist troops took and ransacked Aberdeen in 1644 after the Battle of Aberdeen. After two years, the Royalist force once again stormed the city.
In 1647, Aberdeen was deeply affected by the outbreak of bubonic plague which killed a quarter of the population during the time.
After the disasters, a lot of improvements were made in Aberdeen. Several infrastructures and road improvements were made, leading to the city’s bankruptcy in 1817.
Although Aberdeen was able to recover and prosper, the economic downturn affected the people and the city during the Post-Napoleonic depression. However, since Aberdeen’s economic importance grew and the shipbuilding and fishing industries flourished, the city was able to come back to its feet and thrive.
The German Luftwaffe attacked Aberdeen 32 times during World War II, dropping bombs which killed several people at different instances.
Popular things to do in Aberdeen
- Visit the famous St. Machar's Cathedral - https://www.stmachar.com/
- Explore the colleges in The University and King's College of Aberdeen - https://www.abdn.ac.uk/
- Check out the historical displays at The Tolbooth Museum - https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM
- Appreciate art at Aberdeen Art Gallery - https://artuk.org/visit/venues/aberdeen-art-gallery-5160
- Take beautiful photos at Crathes Castle - https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle
Free things to do in Aberdeen
- Offer a prayer at St Machar's Cathedral – https://www.stmachar.com/
- Explore the streets of Old Aberdeen - https://www.visitscotland.com/info/services/aberdeen-icentre-p332241
- Visit the famous Marischal College - https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/
- Experience ultimate shopping and dining at Union Square - https://www.unionsquareaberdeen.com/
- Follow the route of the Old Deeside Railway Line - https://www.deeside-railway.co.uk/
Great for kids in Aberdeen
- Learn new things at Aberdeen Science Centre - https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/
- See the collections of rare and endangered farm animal breeds at Doonies Rare Breeds Farm - http://dooniesfarm.co.uk/
- Have fun at Codona's Amusement Park - https://www.codonas.com/
- Take a break at Duthie Park - https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/leisure-culture-and-parks/parks-and-gardens/duthie-park
- Catch the newest movies at Cineworld Aberdeen Union Square - https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/aberdeen-union-square/8018
Great for dogs in Aberdeen
- Parks and Gardens - https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/leisure-culture-and-parks/parks-and-gardens
- Hazlehead Park - https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/leisure-culture-and-parks/parks-and-gardens/hazlehead-park
- Victoria Park - https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/leisure-culture-and-parks/parks-and-gardens/victoria-park
Dog friendly bars
- The Queen Vic - https://www.facebook.com/QueenVicAberdeen/
- Six°North - https://www.sixdnorth.co.uk/
- The Black Dog - https://www.facebook.com/BlackDog.Aberdeen/
Dog friendly restaurants
- BrewDog Flagship Bar - https://www.brewdog.com/uk/bars/uk/brewdog-aberdeen
- The Boat Inn in Aboyne - https://www.theboatinnaboyne.co.uk/
Did you know?
Aberdeen is home to the oldest daily newspaper in Scotland. The newspaper’s name today is The Press and Journal. It was initially called the Aberdeen’s Journal and was launched in 1747. William Forsyth is one of the newspaper’s notable editors.
Aberdeen is also hailed as the safest city in Britain. Provident Personal Credit recently conducted a study, and it shows that 76% of Aberdeen’s residents are friendly with their neighbours and that more than 70% of Aberdeen’s residents feel a strong sense of community.
The hidden gems of Aberdeen
One of the hidden gems of Aberdeen is the City of Aberdeen Gin Distillery & Gin School. This can be found hidden within a railway arch which is historic. It is located in the city’s centre, it has been existing for more than 75 years and it was the first gin school ever. You can take masterclasses during your visit, too, which is great if you want to learn more about gin and its production.
Unique to Aberdeen
One of the UK’s several royal residences can be found in Aberdeen. This is Balmoral Castle, and it was built in 1852. A lot of popular films were set in this castle, and some of these films include Mrs Brown and The Queen.
Aberdeen invented the self-seal envelope. Aberdeen was the hub for envelope production in the UK during the 19th century.
