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Tucked away on Scotland’s rugged northeast coast, Aberdeen is a culture-rich city, complete with a buzzy arts scene and stunning coastal landscapes. Known affectionately as the “Granite” or “Silver” City, Aberdeen’s shimmering grey stone buildings are set against a dramatic backdrop of windswept clifftops and rolling hills. But it’s what’s inside the city walls that delights, especially after dark, when Aberdeen’s vibrant nightlife and food scene come into their own. Enjoy rich culture and festive activations Many of Aberdeen’s treasures come free of charge. The Maritime Museum dives into the city’s seafaring heritage, while Provost Skene’s House pays tribute to Aberdeen’s most influential figures – from writers to scientists and sports heroes. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the recently renovated Aberdeen Art Gallery, where masterpieces hang alongside more modern works. And until 19 April 2026 there's a chance to see one of Scotland's national treasures: the 500-year-old Mary, Queen of Scots Casket – a beautiful piece of French silverwork acquired for the nation in 2022. The city also boasts renowned arts venues such as the Music Hall, Tivoli Theatre, Lemon Tree, and P&J Live – all of which are gearing up for the festive season. If you want to flex your vocal cords, His Majesty’s Theatre has a range of singalong shows in the lead-up to Christmas, from The Greatest Showman to Dirty Dancing. And with the onset of winter, the city transforms into a festive wonderland for the whole family. The Aberdeen Christmas Village lights up Broad Street from mid-November through December, inviting visitors to enjoy rides, an open-air ice rink, and festive treats from beloved local vendors. Soak in history and architectural marvels With its castles, standing stones and not one, but two old towns, Aberdeen is a place where history lives large. Ancient settlements on the river Dee and Don estuaries developed into two medieval burghs: Old Aberdeen, a scholarly, religious hub, and New Aberdeen, a bustling trading port. They merged into the granite city that we know today. Wander the cobbled streets and check out Marischal College, a marvel of Gothic revival architecture, which today operates as Aberdeen City Council’s headquarters. During your stroll, stop at the picturesque King’s College to admire its famous crown steeple dating back to 1495. And don’t miss the 12th-Century St Machar’s Cathedral with its striking twin towers. A visit to Footdee, “Fittee” to locals, feels like stepping into a postcard. This mid-19th-century fishing village, with its colourful cottages, designed by John Smith, the architect behind Balmoral Castle, can be reached by walking along the beachfront. If you're short on time, don't miss the chance to wander through Duthie Park, known for its beautifully restored Victorian features, including fountains and boating ponds. And no matter the time of day, Aberdeen Beach’s sandy shores teem with abundant marine life. Tasty bites and vibrant nightlife Whether you’re partial to street scran or want to indulge in a dram or two of the finest Scotch whisky, Aberdeen is a happy hotspot for food and drink lovers. Locals and visitors alike flock to Nargile for authentic Turkish cuisine – it’s famed for its baklava and vegetarian options. The Silver Darling offers superlative seasonal Scottish fare in a stunning setting - it's located in a former customs house, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer fantastic views of the harbour. Aberdeen is also home to two Michelin-recommended restaurants, including Café Bohème, a French-style bistro. For street food, visit Shipyard Streetfood and the beachfront, where you'll find everything from fusion and plant-based dishes to classic fish, chips and burgers. In the colder months, it can get dark as early as 3pm in Aberdeen – but that’s no bad thing. For the 12th year running, Aberdeen has proudly retained its Purple Flag status, the only city in Scotland to do so. This accolade celebrates cities that deliver safe, welcoming, and vibrant nightlife experiences. Soul, a stylish bar housed in a former church on Union Street, boasts stained-glass windows, high ceilings and an extensive cocktail menu. Then there's the recently opened Wild Goose, where you can tuck into small plates in a setting that blends Victorian heritage (including the toilets!) with modern chic. For a nostalgic night out, Club Tropicana spins 80s and 90s classics into the early hours. If late-night cocktails in a cosy subterranean setting sound like your thing, head to The Tippling House. Live music fans will find plenty of action too. The Tunnels is an underground venue beneath Union Street, known for hosting early gigs by Aberdeen native Emeli Sandé. Established way back in 1949, The Blue Lamp is especially renowned for its jazz nights, as well as its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The more rock inclined should head to Drummonds, which has seen the likes of Supergrass, Mumford & Sons and Snow Patrol grace its stage. No matter what your taste in music, or how diverse your interests, Aberdeen has something for every visitor. Rest your head Once you've eaten, drunk and been entertained to your heart’s content, Aberdeen offers a great variety of comfortable places to sleep it off, whatever your budget. You'll find everything from stylish city-centre hotels to B&Bs and self-catering options – and even luxury castle retreats. Then you can wake up and look forward to exploring even more of this great city. To find out more about the city’s cultural highlights, see VisitAberdeenshire Northern Nights is funded by the UK Government
