Top Reasons To Visit Aberdeen
If you're looking for a great place for a getaway, Aberdeen can offer everything you need.
Whether you're having a staycation in Scotland or you're travelling some distance to explore the spectacular Highlands, there's much to do in the country's third largest city and the surrounding area. It won't fail to keep you entertained as a family, a couple or a solo adventurer.
You can be treated like royalty at the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa. There are rooms to suit every individual and family, including two bedroomed suites and a range of rooms with kitchenette facilities. Ideal if you're looking to pack up a picnic to head out on your explorations!
So why should the Granite City be top of your holiday list this summer?
Have you ever wondered why Aberdeen is called the Granite City? It's sometimes also called the Silver City - and that's because many of its buildings are made from locally sourced pale granite from nearby quarries. In the sunshine it practically shimmers. You'll see it all around the city and it makes for some architecturally impressive buildings!
Did you know that just a short stroll from the city centre is an award-winning beach? Not only are there golden sands, ideal for taking a gentle walk, enjoying the sunshine or some family fun, but there's also a large recreational area.
There's the Ice Arena, an 18-hole golf course, an extreme sports centre, and the beautiful art deco Beach Ballroom. Codona's Amusements offers the traditional seaside fair, along with bowling and an indoor and outdoor adventure playground.
Many people take a refreshing dip in the sea, and there's plenty of places nearby for a restorative hot drink or a refreshing ice cream, depending on the weather! If you're into beach-combing, you can scour the coastline for sparkling sea glass and shells.
Having a beautiful beach so close to all the amenities of a modern city is perfect if you're looking for a summer family break in Scotland.
Particularly at the northern end of the promenade, you may catch a glimpse of some of the city's most exciting wildlife. Bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted from the shore, and dolphin-spotting boat trips are also available for a closer look.
The coastline is also home to waders and seabirds, including oystercatchers, curlews, kittiwakes and terns, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for grey and harbour seals lounging on rocks or popping their heads above the waves.
The area is renowned for its unbelievably beautiful scenery, so if you are able to explore it's well worth getting out there, whilst using the city as your base. The fresh air will take your breath away, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated. You're not too far from the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, which is the largest in the whole of the UK and home to five of the six highest mountains in the country.
Take in the Munros (hills) with a sturdy pair of walking boots. Hire a bike, kayak or paddleboard and explore on dry land or on wet. Getting out and active is always a good excuse to then end the day in a traditional Scottish hostelry, with a dram of the good stuff.
Iconic Architecture
There's plenty to do within the magnificent city of Aberdeen itself, just a short stroll from the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel.
The Scotsman remarked that Aberdeen was one of the most architecturally distinctive cities in Europe, so taking the time to walk around the city's streets will have you marvelling at the sights.
There's lots of green areas throughout the city which are great spots for a picnic in the sunshine, including Seaton Park, on the banks of the River Don. Mr Therm is a popular former steam engine which has now become part of a playground - perfect for little explorers.
2025 is a big year for the city with Tall Ships Races heading for Aberdeen from July 19-22, featuring over 50 tall ships, public tours, and a vibrant quayside festival. The event is expected to attract over 400,000 visitors. Festival of the Sea is running alongside the Tall Ships Races, a maritime-themed festival offering exhibitions like Monsters of the Deep at the Art Gallery and family-friendly events such as Sea Dragon at Cowdray Hall.
The Festival of Light - Spectra, takes place in February and features interactive installations, projections, and sculptures across landmarks like Marischal College, Union Terrace Gardens and the Art Gallery. It's free and great for all ages - and a welcome bit of sparkle in winter!
The Aberdeen Highland Games typically takes place in June in Hazlehead Park and features traditional Highland events such as caber toss, piping and dancing.
Live entertainment abounds in the city with a host of fantastic venues. From the P&J Live to His Majesty's Theatre, the Music Hall to The Tivoli Theatre, you can enjoy comedy, West End shows and musical acts from all over the world - as well as plenty of locally grown talent.
The renowned street art festival, Nuart Aberdeen, will return in April 2026. You'll get to see work from both acclaimed and up and coming street artists from around the world. It will add a splash of colour to the Granite City with everything from breath-taking large-scale murals to more intimate pieces. It definitely adds a vibrant buzz to the surroundings.
The award-winning Aberdeen Art Gallery is also well worth a visit, having been refurbished and more than doubling in size in 2019. It houses over 1,000 items spanning 700 years, including masterpieces from Monet, Renoir, Bacon, Hepworth and Tracey Emin, as well as exceptional works by local talents.
Aberdeenshire has much to be proud of when it comes to food and drink. From the famous Aberdeen Angus beef and local venison to unbeatably fresh seafood, and tempting craft beers to world-renowned whisky - you'll be spoilt for choice.
The city has some fantastic vegan and vegetarian restaurants, and a multi-cultural approach to eating out. And don't forget, of course, the CHOP Grill & Bar, conveniently situated alongside the hotel, which offers a wide range of deliciously original food and drink - local ingredients with a twist of Canadian hospitality!
If you're a fan of whisky (without an 'e' in Scotland!) Aberdeen is a fantastic place to visit. There's the most easterly distillery in Scotland at Glen Garioch, Royal Lochnagar (favoured by Queen Victoria) and the Glen Dronach Distillery, which are all worth a visit. Organised tours are a great way to see a number of different distilleries in the area - and to try out a few samples. Let us know if you'd like us to recommend a tour guide.
Aberdeen's Restaurant Week is worth bearing in mind. Running from 1st to 14th September 2025, this two-week event offers special dining deals across Aberdeen's restaurants, allowing you to explore the city's culinary scene at very reasonable prices.
With a classic mix of old and new, take in the charming Old Town, with the 15th-century fortified cathedral; Scotland's oldest bridge, the 13th century Brig o' Balgownie; and the University of Aberdeen, which dates back to 1495.
There's several really note-worthy museums in the city. These include the Tolbooth Museum, Aberdeen Science Centre, Zoology Museum, Aberdeen Maritime Museum and the Gordon Highlanders Museum.
Further afield, there's the Grampian Transport Museum and the Braemar Highland Games Centre, which are also well worth a visit.
If Aberdeenshire is good enough for the Royal Family for their holidays, at the much-loved Balmoral Castle, it probably will suit the rest of us just fine!
The county is known as "Scotland's Castle Country," with more castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK. (there's 263 in case you were wondering). Aberdeen makes a perfect base for visiting historic gems like Dunnottar Castle and the Balmoral Estate.
You can enjoy all the modern highlights you'd expect of a cosmopolitan city. Aberdeen is a great place to shop, with everything from big-name brands to unique independents.
Head to Union Square for fashion, food and entertainment all under one roof, or explore the Bon Accord and Trinity centres for high street favourites and local finds.
Explore pop-up markets like Curated Aberdeen, packed with handmade crafts, art and foodie treats. Independent shops in the West End and the city centre showcase everything from designer Scottish fashion to small-batch skincare, homeware and gifts you won't find anywhere else.