Known as the “Silver City on the Golden Sands” for its enduring granite buildings, beside an impress
“1. Marvel at the architecture of the Marischal College – the second largest granite building in the world!
The magnificent Marischal College was formerly part of the University of Aberdeen and was founded in 1593 by George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal of Scotland. The newly restored college towers over Aberdeen’s skyline and is said to be the second biggest granite building in the world.
Construction of this building provided plentiful work for Aberdeen’s stone masons and quarry workers. It is constructed from Rubislaw and Kemney granite; both local stones to the area.
You can take a stroll to Broad Street, where you will be able to take in the exterior of the college, which now houses the Aberdeen City Council Chambers.
2. Learn about the history of the North Sea and the Oil Industry at the Maritime Museum.
The Maritime Museum on Ship Row offers visitors insight into Aberdeen’s long history being connected to the sea. Whether it be through fishing, shipbuilding or the modern oil and gas industry, there is lots to learn about Aberdeen’s rich maritime heritage.
There are plenty of objects and artwork exhibits on display to see as well as models detailing how oil and gas are extracted from the North Sea; most notably, their 9-meter-tall model of the Murchison Platform oil rig!
3. Explore the hidden gem fishing village of Footdee, colloquially known as “Fittie.”
These eccentric old cottages and quirky outhouses make up the small village of Footdee. These homes were originally built to house the displaced sailors who previously lived in poor housing conditions around Aberdeen’s harbour in the 1800s. These charming buildings are tucked away from the bustling beach promenade, making them a fantastic hidden gem to explore from Aberdeen’s past, before heading onto the beach.
4. Walk through time in Old Aberdeen
Old Aberdeen was established as a burgh of barony in 1489 and many scholars, traders and monks settled in the area before it expanded into what is now Scotland’s third largest city.
There are plenty of medieval buildings to explore here, such as the St Machar’s Cathedral, the Old Town House as well as the newer 18th century cottages along Grant’s Place, leading to the MacRobert Memorial Garden. You can visit the original University of Aberdeen Building, Kings College and its adjoining chapel, giving you the perfect chance to soak up the atmosphere in this historic place of learning. Wander through the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens before warming up with a coffee at one of the many boutique coffee shops nearby.
5. Explore the hidden pyramids – Visit the Balmoral Cairns in the Balmoral Estate and take in incredible views of the Cairngorms.
If you fancy stretching your legs in the countryside, head out for the day to the wonderful Balmoral Estate for a hike, where you can take in the eleven Balmoral Cairns. These impressive monuments were commissioned by Queen Victoria in memory of her loved ones; most notably, the Prince Albert Pyramid which was erected a year after Queen Victoria’s beloved husband Albert died, in 1862 and measures 41 feet by 41 feet.
Hiking through the countryside to these unexpected pyramids offers a rewarding panoramic view of the dramatic landscape of Royal Deeside. All the cairns are only accessible by foot so pop on your best hiking boots and enjoy the breath taking views of Aberdeenshire.
6. Grab a beer at the original BrewDog bar – the first bar that was ever opened by Brewdog, in Gallowgate, Aberdeen.
Cool off at the end of the day with a refreshing beer from BrewDog. BrewDog is an independent company from Aberdeenshire who are known worldwide for their signature craft IPA’s. Tucked away in Gallowgate, is their flagship bar where you can enjoy their extensive range of craft beers and get to taste flavours local to the area.”