The Perfect Weekend in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a city filled with beauty, hidden treasures, and unexpected surprises. Although it’s known as the Granite City, we see it as a city full of colour — you just need to know where to find it.

So come and spend the perfect weekend in Aberdeen with us — a pair of Aberdonians sharing the places that make our city special.

Embrace your Artistic Side

Recently, the ever-famous Aberdeen Nuart Trail has welcomed a collection of new art pieces across the city, bringing bold colours, creativity, and unique designs to the streets.

The artwork is dotted around the city, and there’s an interactive map route you can follow to discover them all. It’s the perfect way to explore Aberdeen at your own pace, while also discovering independent cafés, local shops, and hidden corners along the way.

And while you’re exploring the art around the city, make sure you pop into the Aberdeen Art Gallery — a beautiful free space offering a mix of inspiring exhibitions, including a dedicated section all about Aberdeen’s history and identity.

It’s also a perfect place to pause and enjoy a coffee, with a stunning rooftop view over the Granite City, looking out across the beautiful granite rooftops that define Aberdeen’s skyline.

Take a Theatre Tour

While in the city, it’s also worth checking what’s on at His Majesty’s Theatre — one of Aberdeen’s most iconic cultural landmarks. If you can, book a private behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll uncover fascinating stories about the building, including tales of the ghost said to wander the theatre’s corridors.

You’ll even get the chance to step out onto the stage yourself and take a bow under the lights. Another unique detail is that it’s one of the only theatres where you can walk directly into the Dress Circle from street level — a rare and special glimpse into its historic design.

Enjoy the views (and the loos) at the Wild Goose

While exploring, make sure to visit The Wild Goose, where you can enjoy beautiful views over Union Terrace Gardens, delicious food, and a relaxed glass of wine — the perfect spot to pause and take in the city. They also have something completely unique, historic Victorian Toilets converted to an events venue — a quirky and unexpected piece of Aberdeen’s history and definitely a one-of-a-kind experience!

A Great Place to Base Yourself

And of course, the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel is the perfect place to stay while visiting the city. Offering modern, stylish décor and comfortable rooms, it’s centrally located and ideal for exploring everything Aberdeen has to offer.

Offering you a brilliant night’s sleep, leaving you feeling relaxed after exploring the Granite City — and ready for a new adventure the next day!

Attached to the hotel is Chop Grill & Bar, one of our absolute favourite places to dine in the city. The steak bites are a must-have starter, followed by a wide selection of delicious main courses, from hearty classics to beautifully prepared dishes. And if you still have room, their dessert menu offers a fantastic selection of sweet treats to finish your meal perfectly. A new and refreshed menu has just been launched, with some beautiful new dishes added to some of Chop's classics!

Hit the Beach(es)

Be sure to enjoy breakfast at the hotel before adventuring down to the beach. Although Aberdeen Beach is beautiful, we would actually recommend Black Dog Beach, which is just across the River Dee (Donmouth) from Aberdeen Beach!

It’s rich in history, with pill boxes from the war scattered along the shore. With beautiful sand dunes and peaceful views, it makes for the perfect relaxing beach walk. It’s also a lot quieter than Aberdeen Beach, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.

Get Back to Nature in the Botanic Gardens

After your morning  beach walk, head just up the drive to the Cruickshank Botanic Garden — a peaceful hidden gem tucked away in Old Aberdeen. Spread across 11 acres, this beautiful free garden is home to a huge variety of plants, colourful borders, an arboretum, a rose garden, and peaceful corners perfect for a quiet wander. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy nature, and discover a different side of Aberdeen away from the busy city streets.

While you’re there, make sure you pop into the Zoology Museum too. It’s a fascinating little museum filled with incredible specimens from around the world, from tiny creatures right through to larger displays. It’s a brilliant stop that’s completely unique and gives you the chance to explore something a little different during your Aberdeen adventure.

Support the Brilliant Independent Shops and Local Businesses in Rosemount

Continue your adventure onto Rosemount  — one of our absolute favourite spots to shop in Aberdeen. This charming area is filled with one-off independent shops, cafés, and local businesses, with each one offering a completely different feel and experience. It’s also the perfect place to pick up a little keepsake from your trip to the city. From beautiful books and unique artwork to Aberdeen sweets and handmade treasures, you’ll definitely find something that makes you want to treat yourself.

Some of our favourite stops are Rosemount Market Shop, CloudyBlue, and The Owl at Number Two — each offering something special and showcasing the creativity and community that makes this part of Aberdeen so lovely.

Enjoy Some Tasty Treats

While you’re in Rosemount, it’s definitely worth taking a wander down to The Bread Maker for a coffee stop. This is such a special and well-loved place in Aberdeen, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere while also supporting young adults with disabilities through meaningful work opportunities. It’s honestly such a wholesome place and makes enjoying your coffee feel even more special.

And if you still have room for something else sweet, cross the road to Café Bio where you can treat yourself to one of their delicious cakes — perfect to take away and enjoy later. They offer gluten-free options as well as special cakes that change regularly, with unique creations available for the day or week, so there’s always something new to discover.

Unleash your Inner Child at Arcadia

Heading back to the main area of the city, it’s also worth heading to Arcadia for a bit of childish, adult fun together. You can find Arcadia on Union Street, this is the perfect place to bring out your competitive side and enjoy some nostalgic fun as a couple. Whether you’re challenging each other on the games or just enjoying the atmosphere, it’s a unique Aberdeen experience that’s great value for money. They also offer cocktails and pizza from Big Manny's Pizza at a really affordable price, making it the perfect casual stop for a fun evening in the city.

From granite buildings glowing in the sunshine to colourful street art, independent businesses, and hidden gems around every corner — Aberdeen is a city waiting to be explored.

Come discover the colourful side of the Granite City.

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