Known as the “Granite City” thanks to its striking stone architecture, Aberdeen is a city on the East Coast of Scotland which blends history, culture and coastal charm. There’s something for everyone with colourful street art, independent cafes, historic buildings and a vibrant food scene. Whether you’re taking a day trip or a weekend getaway here are our top things to see and do in the city.
Please note this blog is part of a paid partnership with Scottish Citylink.
Getting to Aberdeen...
The Scottish Citylink service from Glasgow to Aberdeen is perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. The Citylink route is super frequent with services up to every 30 minutes, running 24/7 and at just £35 return.
The modern coaches are a comfortable and sustainable alternative to driving, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the journey without any parking worries in the city. There’s also the option for reserved seating which guarantees extra comfort and the best views on board. We love enjoying the countryside views from the bus.
If you’re not travelling from Glasgow, Citylink has frequent services between all of Scotland’s cities. You can check out more info on the Scottish Citylink website.
coffee at grounded
Grab an amazing coffee and in-house baked pastry at Aberdeen’s hottest new cafe, Grounded. This stylish plant-based spot is becoming a favourite amongst locals and is definitely worth the queue to get in.
check out Marischal college
No trip to Aberdeen would be complete without a wander around the Marischal College. The Perpendicular Gothic architecture is truly striking and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Dine at Viet An
We would highly recommend a meal at Aberdeen’s Viet An restaurant, located in the heart of the city. The intimate restaurant serves authentic and flavourful Vietnamese dishes, the best we’ve had since our trip to Vietnam.
Explore Footdee
During your trip to Aberdeen, check out the quirky fishing village of Footdee (known locally as Fittie). This charming historic village is home to the distinctive “Tarry Sheds”, which were once simple outbuildings used to store fishing nets and coal. Today, many have been creatively transformed into unique spaces, including local art and craft studios and even accommodation.
Coffee at mount
Aberdeen has no shortage of great coffee spots and Mount is another we’d highly recommend. Mount is an independent coffee shop serving speciality coffee in a stylish setting and with views of the iconic Marischal College.
enjoy toasties at the beach
Located by the historic fishing village of Footdee, the esplanade at Footdee beach is lined with food trucks serving a large variety of delicious street food. If you’re visiting at the weekend, we’d recommend stopping by Croque for a delicious gourmet toastie.
check out the nuart mural trail
A fun and free way to explore the city is by following the self-guided Nuart Aberdeen Mural Trail. The annual street art festival see artists from around the world transform walls and hidden corners into a vibrant open-air gallery. Find the map here.
get a cinnamon bun
Make sure to stop by Bandit Bakery, recently voted one of The Good Food Guide’s 50 best bakeries in the UK (2026). The bakery is famous for their Cinnamon Buns and we can confirm they are delicious!
lunch at Kaizen
For healthy customisable food bowls and yoghurt bowls check out Kaizen in the city centre. The sleek, minimalist space is a cool newly opened spot for nutritious meals and speciality coffee.
explore the art gallery
The Aberdeen Art Gallery is a must visit spot for a wander and is free to the public. The recently refurbished gallery features stunning interiors and houses an impressive collection of art that spans over 700 years.
drinks at wild goose
Housed in one of the striking buildings at the refurbished Union Terrace Gardens, Wild Goose is the perfect spot for drinks in a beautiful setting with panoramic views. Don’t miss the bathrooms which form part of the original underground Victorian public toilets dating back to the late 19th century.
explore old aberdeen
Wander around Old Aberdeen for an area that feels like stepping back in time, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and 15th-century granite architecture.
want to save this to pinterest?
hover over the image below to save it
