Walking Tour Of Aberdeen
Written by Graeme Johncock
Edinburgh and Glasgow might get most of the attention, but Scotland’s third largest city Aberdeen has plenty to offer as well! That’s where I spent four years at University studying History and somewhere I never tire of returning. While you can save time and get around by car, Aberdeen is a small enough city that I usually try and explore on foot or by bus.
King’s College
Starting your day at a university might seem odd, but at the heart of Old Aberdeen you’ll find one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. I might be biased, but the 500-year-old Kings College is a special place. Founded in 1495 by Bishop William Elphinstone, you can spend...
Coffee at Kilau
In the middle of the university campus, you’ll find one of my favourite coffee shops Kilau. I find it hard to pass by without stopping in and grabbing a coffee and a snack, followed by a look in Blackwells bookshop.
St. Machar’s Cathedral
Cross a modern, busy road and back onto the cobbles towards St Machar’s Cathedral, peeking into the Cruickshank botanical garden along the way. Open daily and free to enter, this incredible church sits beside a loop of the River Don, originally founded over 1400 years ago. The current building began...
Brig o Balgownie
Take a leisurely stroll across grassy Seaton Park to reach the River Don and the historic Brig o Balgownie. This impressive single arch is the oldest bridge in Scotland, built around 700 years ago. For centuries, this was the only way to cross the river near Aberdeen. The best view...
Lunch At Books & Beans
Right in the busy Aberdeen city centre, Books & Beans is a great wee café where you’re surrounded by thousands of second-hand books to browse while you graze.
Provost Skene’s House
Hidden away between modern concrete and glass buildings, the last of Aberdeen’s old town houses dates from 1545. Provost Skene’s House doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves, but it’s well worth dedicating at least an hour to. The displays tell the stories of incredible people from right...
Aberdeen Art Gallery
From a local museum to an international gallery, the collections inside the Aberdeen Art Gallery span 700 years. Recently renovated, there are even more works of art on display than ever before! While there’s something for every taste here, my personal preference are the scenes of Old Aberdeen, showing how...
Footdee
Heading to the coast, stepping foot in Footdee (pronounce Fittie) feels like you’ve left the city behind and entered an old fishing village. It’s very easy to miss but once you’re there, you might not want to leave. Built 200 years ago to house fisherfolk living in slum housing, today...
Aberdeen Beach
Footdee sits right beside the vast stretch of golden sand that makes up Aberdeen Beach. While the city centre might be famous for being a bit grey, this stretch of coastline more than makes up for it. It’s the perfect place to wander the sands or grab an ice cream...
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