How To Enjoy The Perfect Weekend In Aberdeen
It’s the capital of the northeast of Scotland and a vibrant, active city that doesn’t get nearly enough attention! This is also where I spent four years at University, so you can trust that I know how to spend the perfect weekend in Aberdeen.
It might not be as large as Glasgow or as touristy as Edinburgh, but Scotland’s third largest city has more than enough to keep you entertained. In my opinion, spending the weekend in Aberdeen is just the right amount of time to enjoy this historic city.
Known as the Granite City, you’ll find great food, brilliant bars, beautiful art and an ancient university here. If you ever want to escape the bustling streets then this is also the perfect base to explore Aberdeenshire!
If a trip to Aberdeen sounds like something you’d like to do with an experienced guide, then send me a message now about booking a Scotland’s Stories tour!
This post contains some affiliate links that I may make a commission from but will cost no extra to you.
Explore King’s College & Old Aberdeen
Since this is my old university haunt, I always start any weekend in Aberdeen by visiting King’s College. Don’t worry, there’s a lot more to see here than just your average campus! This area of the city is known as Old Aberdeen and the cobbled streets are a historical haven in the modern city.
The university dominates the old town, with King’s College being established in 1495 by Bishop William Elphinstone. Soak up the history as you wander past New Kings, Elphinstone Hall and the Powis Gate, donated by the Leslies of Powis. Feel free to head into the quad, but don’t step on the grass unless you’re an Aberdeen graduate!
Make sure that you stop into Kilau for a great coffee and a snack or the St Machar Bar if you’re looking for something stronger.
Wander St Machar’s Cathedral
Staying in the Old Town, the next part of your perfect weekend in Aberdeen is just a stone’s throw away. St Machar’s Cathedral predates the university, said to have been founded by a follower of St Columba in the 6th century. The story claims that St Machar wandered Scotland until he found a place where the river curved like a bishop’s staff.
The St Machar’s that we know today didn’t really take shape until the 1130s and has changed drastically in that time. Outside, you can find grand graves of prominent university lecturers right alongside labourers, lairds and fishermen. Down beside a lower entrance gate you can find a star, said to mark the spot where a quarter of William Wallace is buried!
Inside St Machar’s the first thing you’ll notice is the incredible heraldic ceiling. This dates back to the 16th century, installed by Bishop Gavin Dunbar and recently restored to its current glory. The shields represent European royalty, the Pope, the nobles and the bishops of Scotland. It’s an amazing survivor from before the Scottish Reformation!
Cross The Brig o Balgownie
On the other side of Seaton Park, you can cross over the Brig o Balgownie, one of the oldest standing bridges in Britain. For around 500 years, this was the only thing connecting Aberdeen to the north which is an impressively long history considering the bridge is cursed.
Thought to have been started around 1290, but pausing construction for the First War of Independence, it was finally finished around 1320. The current structure was repaired and strengthened in the 17th century but at the core, it’s the same bridge.
The following prophecy has been attributed to the prophet Thomas the Rhymer:
“Brig o’ Balgownie, black’s yer wa’;
Wi’ a wife’s ae son, and a meer’s ae foal,
Doon ye shall fa’.”
That means the bridge is just waiting for an only son, riding a horse which was an only foal, to cross before collapsing.
The poet Lord Byron wrote that when the time came for him to ride over the bridge, he paused. Familiar with the rhyme after growing up in Aberdeenshire and being an only child, he was a bit worried since he didn’t much about his horse. Fortunately, he made it safely across the Don, so we can assume that his horse had siblings.
I’m not expecting you to visit Aberdeen with a horse, but just in case….be careful!
Visit Aberdeen Art Gallery
Leaving Old Aberdeen behind, head into the heart of the city for a bit of culture. Fresh from a recent redevelopment, the Aberdeen Art Gallery features collections from local and international artists. My favourite thing to do in any gallery is find paintings of the local area and I wasn’t disappointed here.
Not only are there paintings of Aberdeen as it once looked, but there are landscapes of the surrounding area as well. The most impressive pieces are probably the enormous portraits of Queen Victoria & Prince Albert. These were the royals who built Balmoral Castle in rural Aberdeenshire and transformed the Highlands into a Victorian playground.
Even if you aren’t usually blown away by art collections, the actual building of the Aberdeen Art Gallery is impressive in itself! Granite columns (what else could they use) and a stunning checked floor in the entrance courtyard catch the eye. Don’t miss heading up to the roof for a great view of Aberdeen city centre.
Explore Aberdeen’s Street Art
Art doesn’t have to be confined to galleries though! In recent years, the city has become known for its street art and it’s well worth spending some of your weekend in Aberdeen exploring it. If people used to think of the Granite City as being grey and drab, these pieces have blown that idea away.
Enormous murals of country landscapes, fascinating faces and prowling big cats adorn the sides of buildings. There are plenty of smaller pieces painted on boarded up windows or wee nooks like mice or Doric phrases.
Something a little different can be found down St Nicholas Lane – Gallus Quines & Deeds not Words. This is a piece by Carrie Reichardt to commemorate Aberdonians accused of witchcraft during a dark period of Scottish history. It also highlights the women of Aberdeen who fought against injustice and for women’s rights.
You can keep up with where to find these artworks around Aberdeen as well as the annual festival here!
Go Local At Provost Skene’s House
As you wander the city browsing Aberdeen’s street art, you might have noticed a very old building hiding amongst the new. This is Provost Skene’s House and I’ve no doubt this will be a highlight of your weekend in Aberdeen! Dating back to 1545, this mini-mansion gives you an idea of what much of Aberdeen would have once looked like.
Today it’s a museum dedicated to the people of Aberdeen. Inside, you begin with the Hall of Heroes with projections of 10 famous figures from the area’s history. Upstairs each room is dedicated to a different field, one telling the story of great medical inventions and another sporting heroes like Donald Dinnie.
Climb the spiral stairs right to the top and marvel at a survivor from the building’s earliest days. The panelled ceiling is painted in a Renaissance style, with a deep blue background and biblical scenes. You would be forgiven for forgetting you were in the centre of bustling Aberdeen!
Sail Around Aberdeen Maritime Museum
If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with Aberdeen then it’s the sea! The best place to find out more is at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum on Shiprow, incorporating another of the city’s oldest buildings. It doesn’t look like it from the outside, but this place is enormous.
Aberdeen simply wouldn’t be here without the North Sea and it still plays an important part in daily life. Find out how its location has shaped the city’s history from its earliest days right up to the modern era inside. There’s everything from sleek sailing ships and old fishing boats to North Sea oil and trawling.
Visiting a maritime museum might not sound like everybody’s cup of tea, but trust me that it’s fascinating. You could probably spend most of your weekend in Aberdeen right here!
Dive Into Aberdeen Beach
It’s no surprise that with such a close connection to the sea, a visit to the beach is one of the top things to do in Aberdeen! It’s a huge two mile stretch of beautiful sand between the mouths of the rivers Don and Dee. I remember the old university prospectus tried to sell Aberdeen’s grey buildings and yellow sand as The City Of Silver & Gold.
You might not always get typical beach weather in Aberdeen, but when you do, this place is glorious. It’s incredibly accessible with good bus links, plenty of parking and not too far from the centre by foot. You’ll find public toilets as well as food and drink stands down there too. If that’s not enough, then how about an amusement park?
You can’t miss Codona’s with its enormous “Grampian Eye” ferris wheel amongst other theme park rides. Try mini golf, bumper cars, the pirate ship, waltzers and plenty more to keep you busy. If the thought of a theme park makes you sick (like me), then stick with bowling or the arcade!
Go Back In Time At Footdee
Tucked away beside the beach, you’ll find the tiny, wee fishing village of Footdee. With narrow streets around squares of cottages keeping their backs to the harsh North Sea, walking here is like stepping back in time. No weekend in Aberdeen would be complete without a visit here!
Most assume that the name Footdee comes from the village sitting at the Foot of the River Dee, but it’s actually a corruption of St. Fittick. That’s why it’s known locally as Fittie, although it was once simply called Fish Town!
The original Footdee dated back at least 600 years as a sprawling mass of fishermen’s huts tangled around the harbour. In the early 1800s, the council decided to provide more sanitary homes, designed by the same architect responsible for Balmoral Castle. The original 28 single-story, thatched homes with earth floors eventually grew into 80.
You can still imagine the nets drying on the greens and fish wives sharing old tales from their front doors. Then, in the 1880s, the council began selling the homes to the inhabitants who added personal touches. Chief among these were what’s known as tarry sheds, many built out of driftwood although upgraded now.
Today, you’ll find an eccentric, colourful mix of sheds and decorations with all manner of mementoes from the sea and even some artist’s exhibitions! St Fittick would be proud since he’s the patron saint of gardeners.
Thankfully, throughout the upgrading of nearby Aberdeen Harbour, Footdee survived while other fishing communities were destroyed. It’s a beautiful spot for a wander and a surprising gem in a modern city!
Enjoy Aberdeen’s Green Spaces
In between eating, shopping and museum hopping, you’ll want to experience some nature on your weekend in Aberdeen. The city is blessed with plenty of green space, no matter which area you’re in.
Right beside St Machar’s Cathedral in Old Aberdeen you have two choices. Head to the wide expanse of Seaton Park, once the perfectly pruned garden of Seaton House, home to Hays. On a typical day, you’ll find family picnics, student games and children playing on Mr Therm, a retired steam engine!
To the other side of St Machar’s, you can explore the Cruickshank Botanical Gardens. Part of Aberdeen University, this garden of over 2500 exotic and local plants is free to explore at will!
Across the city, one of the most popular things to do in Aberdeen for both locals and visitors is Duthie Park. Not only is it a beautiful, manicured park with stand-out features like the Victorian bandstand, but it also has a surprise. The David Welch Winter Gardens is a welcome warm spot in a chilly city, housing some incredible species of places including a huge collection of cacti!
Pay Respects At The Gordon Highlander’s Museum
A little further out from the middle of Aberdeen, but still worth the visit, is the Gordon Highlander’s Museum. It tells the story of one of Scotland’s best known army regiments, from the Napoleonic Wars onwards.
These brave men were one of the most feared units in the world, originally raised in Aberdeenshire by the Duke of Gordon. They quickly made a name for themselves, playing a pivotal role before and during the Battle of Waterloo. Winston Churchill once called them “The Finest Regiment in the World”.
As well as stories, weapons and medals relating to the Gordon Highlanders, you’ll find a full scale replica of a WWI trench inside. This is one of the few things to do in Aberdeen on this list that’s paid, but at £10 a head it’s very worth it.
Go Aberdeenshire Castle Hunting
While this piece is all about spending the perfect weekend in Aberdeen, don’t limit yourself to just the city. The northeast of Scotland doesn’t get nearly enough attention, so make the most of having it on your doorstep!
The county is known well as castle country, with more per acre than anywhere else in Scotland, so that’s an obvious choice. Explore grand, fortified towers like Crathes Castle or clifftop fortresses like Dunnottar. Head into Royal Deeside and you can even visit Balmoral if the royal family aren’t in residence.
Aberdeenshire has a lot more to offer though! There’s an incredible stretch of coastline, reaching all the way round to Moray with quaint villages like Crovie crammed in. You can also find historic settlements like Deer Abbe, Pictish carvings and a unique type of stone circle!
Where To Eat In Aberdeen
You’ve worked up an appetite, so where are you going to eat during your Aberdeen weekend?
Nargile Restaurant – Usually I’m quick to point out Scottish Food, but this Turkish restaurant is my absolute favourite in Aberdeen. It hasn’t a bit changed since long before my graduation meal over 10 years ago! Top tip – sharing meze to start then Iskender for main.
Cafe 52 – It’s a quirky little restaurant with amazing yet well price food, offering lunch, tapas and dinner in a kind of Scottish/French fashion. Best of all, it’s dog friendly!
Noose & Monkey – Arguable the best Sunday Roast in Aberdeen where the meat of choice alternates weekly. Another dog friendly option that doesn’t disappoint.
Silver Darling – If a visit to the beach has got you looking for fancy seafood then this is where you need to head. Situated inside the old customs house, it’s gained a reputation as a dining spot for the rich and famous!
Books & Beans – For a much more casual approach, grab lunch here on Belmont Street. Why not pick up a copy of the Scotland’s Stories book while you’re at it…
Cup – For a quirky brunch spot and an awful lot of tea options!
Mackies Ice Cream – An addition I missed out on during my uni days, drool over a huge selection of Mackies Ice Cream!
Where To Drink In Aberdeen
One of my favourite things to do in Aberdeen is enjoy the nightlife. It’s such a small city that you’re never very far away from your next drink.
Ninety-Nine Bar & Kitchen – A relaxed bar in the heart of Aberdeen with a chilled atmosphere for either pints or cocktails.
Tippling House – Arguably Aberdeen’s coolest cocktail bar, head down into this cellar bar and enjoy an expertly constructed drink.
Slains Castle – No, I’m not suggesting you drink cans in a clifftop ruin, this Slains Castle is on Belmont Street. It’s a horror themed bar with toilets behind hidden bookcase doors and
Live Music Venues – If you’re looking for live music to while away the evenings of your Aberdeen weekend, then you’re in luck! There are plenty of pubs like Cafe Drummond or the Blue Lamp as well as the iconic Tunnels beneath the streets!
Where To Stay In Aberdeen
Sandman Signature – This is a great budget option that doesn’t feel cheap and you could hardly be in a better part of the city! The only downside is the lack of hotel parking.
Malmaison – It’s a little further out of town, but it’s a high quality hotel without a huge price tag and a great place to base yourself away from the hectic centre!
If you’d like to visit Aberdeen with an experienced guide, then send me a message now about booking a Scotland’s Stories tour!
If you’re looking for other weekend trips in Scotland, check out this guide to the Isle of Bute or another city break to Dundee!
0 Comments