Aberdeen City and the surrounding Shire of Aberdeenshire have so many places to visit and things to do. Work your way round the About Aberdeen website to learn more using the links on the left. Alternatively for a quick read visit our recommended places of interest below:

Before we list the top attractions in Aberdeen there are several special events of things to do in Aberdeen and the Shire that have their own page at AboutAberdeen describing each event with photos. These are:

Ballooning in Aberdeenshire including those that take you over the Castles such as Crathes Castle and Castle Fraser.

A Dolphin watching trip from nearby Aberdeenshire harbours.

A Train Trip on the Orient Express which leaves Aberdeen station or other Scottish train stations and takes you on a day trip to locations like the Isle of Skye. During the trip you will enjoy a sumptuous meal and drinks.

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For more things to do in Aberdeen visit the Go Ape Adventure Course Forest Park Crathes Castle Aberdeen where the beautiful Royal Deeside can be seen from up high as you negotiate zip wires, rope ladders and swings.

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Entry for Aberdeen Race For Life is now open.

Top Attractions In Aberdeen

Aberdeen Beach is one of the most loved top attractions in Aberdeen. There is something for everyone to enjoy making this a great day out for the family, from the walks along the promenade or golden sands, the sea sports, magnificent views, amusement arcades and rides, cafes and restaurants. Of all the things to do in Aberdeen this is a must.

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His Majesty's Theatre is a delightful building across from Union Terrace Gardens in the heart of Aberdeen. There is a show, opera, play, musical or pantomime each night, depending on the season, from some top acts and actors.

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Scottish Lighthouse Museum houses equipment, uniforms and lenses from Scotland's lighthouses and gives you the opportunity to tour the Kinnaird Head lighthouse and climb to the top to enjoy views of the Broch and the North Sea.

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Castle Fraser is one of many finely preserved Castles in the Castle Trail of Royal Deeside owned by The National Trust For Scotland.

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Aberdeenshire has many beautiful villages, especially those on the coast with their tranquil harbours and beaches. One such village is Cruden Bay which has a lovely golden beach, hilly walks and an historic castle. Take the tour around the About Aberdeen things to do in Cruden Bay pages starting with the Cruden Bay Painting page.

Provost Skene's House is Aberdeen's oldest building and houses a free museum of period furniture, household items throughout the Centuries and a beautiful painted gallery.

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No visit to Aberdeen would be complete without a visit to the Cairngorms National Park. A fine example of the natural effects of the Ice Age has been left in the Burn o Vat Waterfall and surrounding Lochs and Muir of Dinnet. This wonderful walk is full of wildlife and visitors can walk under the waterfall.

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Take a break from the things to do in Aberdeen and enjoy an Afternoon Tea Aberdeen.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum is an award winning Aberdeen attraction which commemorates the history of the local infantry Regiment. Visitors can enjoy various interactive displays which highlight the history of the Gordon’s.

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Codonas at the Beach Boulevard is a great day out for the family who loves dodgems, roller coasters, rides, slides, arcade machines, bingo and ten pin bowling. Do visit the Grampian Eye for some great views across Aberdeen City and the harbour.

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The Tolbooth is Aberdeen's oldest prison dating back to before the Jacobite period. Visit the cells where Bonnie Prince Charlie supporters were held and see some relics including instruments of torture and execution.

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Glen Garioch Distillery is a working example of Aberdeenshire's finest export. Enjoy a dram after touring the distillery.

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Maggies Hoosie brings to life a traditional But 'n' Ben and how North East fisher folk used to live.

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Grampian Transport Museum exhibits various forms of transport from years gone by including the Cruden Bay Hotel tram car, penny farthings, old cars, buses and motorbikes.

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One of the top Attractions for train enthusiasts and those wanting to catch sight of Aberdeenshire's Bennachie Hill or see Haughton Park is the Alford Valley Railway. This 2ft narrow gauge railway is run throughout the year by enthusiastic volunteers giving a great day out in Aberdeenshire. The Alford Valley Railway run a Santa Train which is one of the must do things in Aberdeen during the Christmas season.

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Storybook Glen is a magical place for children and adults will love it too. Set in Deeside, just outside Aberdeen, visitors can relax with storybook characters, fictional playmates and nursery rhyme friends. More Information...

Duthie Park is one of Aberdeen's best loved parks with many features such as a hot house with a wide range of plants, a boating pond, children's play area, walks and rose gardens. More Information... or visit the About Aberdeen Parks in Aberdeen page for a full listing.

Aberdeen has a long association with shipping and there are some of the finest examples of Lighthouses around the coast and remain one of the top attractions of Aberdeen. These are now fully automated and happily the buildings are still in great condition and one of the more active things to do in Aberdeen is to view these lighthouses from the outside and in the case of the Kinnaird Head Lighthouse can be toured around with a guide who was a former lighthouse keeper. Several of the lighthouses, such as Buchanness Lighthouse and Todhead Lighthouse can be booked as lighthouse keepers cottages holiday accommodation.

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One of the top attractions in Aberdeen and things to do in Aberdeen is a visit to the historical ruins of the Torry Battery. This Aberdeen top attraction is free to visit and there is free parking which affords fine views across Aberdeen harbour, Aberdeen city and the beach.

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Do visit the Falls of Feugh bridge in Banchory fro some wonderful views of the River Dee and to see the salmon jumping.

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One family top attractions in Aberdeen and things to do in Aberdeen is a visit to the Satrosphere Science Centre Aberdeen which is located near to the Beach. This Aberdeen top attraction makes learning fun for children and adults. More information...

Best Western Hotels have two hotels in Aberdeen. The following links take you to their website for more information or to make a direct booking:

Summerhill, Aberdeen

Banchory Hotel

Aberdeenshire Hotels:

Peterhead Accommodation

If your visit to Aberdeen City is in July and are looking for things to do in Aberdeen and you want an active event to take part in why not join the Aberdeen Race For Life which raises funds for Cancer Research UK. This top attraction for Aberdeen sees thousands of women walk or run a beautiful route around Aberdeen Beach for this worthy charity. Make new friends and have fun whilst getting fit.

One thing to do in Aberdeen this autumn and winter is to visit the Giant Ferris Wheel Castlegate Aberdeen