Aberdeen
EXPLORING
1. Visit Scotland Tourist Information Office at 23 Union Street (tel: 01224.288828). Also check out the Aberdeen City Council.
2. The Beach is a great place for a stroll/walk/run (end to end is around 2.2 miles). Many breakfast and lunch cafes; favourites are Pavillion (ask for the Thai curry!) and Sand Dollar. On the south end, check out the historic Footdee fishing village. Just off the Beach is Codona’s; bowling, putt-putt golf, roller coasters and more. Previously mentioned Cineworld also here.
3. The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is brilliant. The oil and gas section includes a two story model of an offshore platform. Other city centre museums includes Provost Skene’s House, an 18th century period residence; The Toolbooth Museum, home of the old prison; and the Art Gallery, home of some good contemporary art. Cowdray Hall is connected to the Art Gallery. West of the city centre is the Gordon Highlanders Museum.
4. The Aberdeen Harbour area is quite fascinating. If you have the timing right, take cruise around it with Clyde Clippers. If no luck getting out on a boat, it is still worthwhile to walk around on your own, as it is surprisingly accessible.5. During the day, no shortage of cafes. The Belmont Street options mentioned above are good. A quieter, elevated of Union Street option is Victoria Restaurant.
6. The Belmont is pretty good for independent films. Two Cineworld locations: one at Union Square, the other at the Beach. Also the Vue, just off of Union Street.
7. Live music options include Drummonds (mix of different types) on Belmont Street, The Moorings Bar (heavy metal) and The Blue Lamp (folk, plus comedy and other acts).
8. Box Office Aberdeen will have listings for the various main stream venues with live performances like His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and The Lemon Tree.
9. After setting up your account (no charge) at The Grosvenor G Casino, you can enter and enjoy free of charge coffee and tea. They have good TVs and show most of the sports games.
EATING
1. Silver Darling: Great, but expensive restaurant. Near the entrance to the harbour, it has one of the coolest views you will ever seen at a restaurant. Request a table in the corner overlooking the beach and the harbour.
2. Stella: Also great, and also expensive. Just off of Union Street.
3. Rustico: Tasty Italian (Sicilian if we are specific) restaurant. Very popular for corporate dinners.
4. Pizza Express: Two restaurants, one on Union St (west end) and the other on Belmont – always good.
5. Lots of options at Union Square: Nandos, Zizzi and Wagamama are but a few of the restaurants at Union Square. Combine together with a movie outing.
6. Lunch cafes on Belmont Street: A couple great options. Favourite is either Coffee House or Beautiful Mountain.
7. Thai: two good options – the more upmarket Sabai or the nearby Ban Thai. Both tasty.
8. A couple of great options for Turkish and Greek food. The extremely authentic Christos (you'll be served by the family) and two separately owned Nargiles: Skene Street and Forest Avenue.
SLEEPING
1. We still need to research this!
AROUND THE AREA
1. If keen for a trip outside the city, head towards Stonehaven. 15 miles south, it is a 30 minute drive. Train is an easy option too, although that will limit your exploration of Stonehaven. What to do once you arrive? The best (it was actually voted this!) fish and chips in the UK is The Bay. Lots of cafes and restaurants in the picturesque, small harbour. Two miles south of Stonehaven is the amazing ruins of Dunnottar Castle (William Wallace stayed here). Four miles south of Dunnottar is one of the best seafood pubs you will ever find: The Creel Inn. 18 miles southwest of Stonehaven (or 32 miles south of Aberdeen) is Fettercairn Distillery. Although quite small for a whiskey distillery, it is a great one to see. Call ahead, as closed on Sundays and maybe even during the winter.
2. You are in a hill walker’s paradise. Three popular options, in order of distance from the city centre: Bennachie (25 miles), Clachnaben (30 miles) and Loch Muick or Lochnager (53 miles). You can follow your hike up with a great lodge style meal: Pittodrie House (Bennachie), Cow Shed (Clachnaben) or Loch Kinord (Loch Muick).
3. Quiz question: who was rumoured to have been Queen Victoria’s favourite prime minister? George Hamilton-Gordon of course, the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, known as Lord Haddo. Visit Haddo House, his family’s amazing home, now a National Trust site. (Fans of Dowton Abbey will also like seeing a similar period home to Highclere Castle).
(bonus) SHOPPING
1. At least three shopping malls, plus a host of shops within easy walking distance of Union Street. The much mentioned in this city profile (and newest of the bunch) Union Square; the combo pair of Bon Accord and St. Nicholas, which includes a John Lewis and M&S; and the Trinity Centre.
2. Big supermarkets are dotted around. Morrisons is NE of Union St; ASDA just off of Beach Boulevard, and down by Bridge of Dee, and a Tesco Extra up towards Bridge of Don.
3. A good place to get fresh tea and coffee beans is MacBeans, just off of Belmont Street.
4. Keen to buy direct from the fish monger? Head to as featured on STV’s Granite City Fish.
(bonus) NETWORKING
1. Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce hosts all types of networking/social events. Generally a fee to attend.
2. There is an Aberdeen chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
3. The Aberdeen universities are very active community members. North of the city centre is University of Aberdeen, while the main Robert Gordon University campus is southwest of the centre.
4. The Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (aka AECC) hosts all types of major events, including every other year Offshore Europe (usually September).
1. Visit Scotland Tourist Information Office at 23 Union Street (tel: 01224.288828). Also check out the Aberdeen City Council.
2. The Beach is a great place for a stroll/walk/run (end to end is around 2.2 miles). Many breakfast and lunch cafes; favourites are Pavillion (ask for the Thai curry!) and Sand Dollar. On the south end, check out the historic Footdee fishing village. Just off the Beach is Codona’s; bowling, putt-putt golf, roller coasters and more. Previously mentioned Cineworld also here.
3. The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is brilliant. The oil and gas section includes a two story model of an offshore platform. Other city centre museums includes Provost Skene’s House, an 18th century period residence; The Toolbooth Museum, home of the old prison; and the Art Gallery, home of some good contemporary art. Cowdray Hall is connected to the Art Gallery. West of the city centre is the Gordon Highlanders Museum.
4. The Aberdeen Harbour area is quite fascinating. If you have the timing right, take cruise around it with Clyde Clippers. If no luck getting out on a boat, it is still worthwhile to walk around on your own, as it is surprisingly accessible.5. During the day, no shortage of cafes. The Belmont Street options mentioned above are good. A quieter, elevated of Union Street option is Victoria Restaurant.
6. The Belmont is pretty good for independent films. Two Cineworld locations: one at Union Square, the other at the Beach. Also the Vue, just off of Union Street.
7. Live music options include Drummonds (mix of different types) on Belmont Street, The Moorings Bar (heavy metal) and The Blue Lamp (folk, plus comedy and other acts).
8. Box Office Aberdeen will have listings for the various main stream venues with live performances like His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and The Lemon Tree.
9. After setting up your account (no charge) at The Grosvenor G Casino, you can enter and enjoy free of charge coffee and tea. They have good TVs and show most of the sports games.
EATING
1. Silver Darling: Great, but expensive restaurant. Near the entrance to the harbour, it has one of the coolest views you will ever seen at a restaurant. Request a table in the corner overlooking the beach and the harbour.
2. Stella: Also great, and also expensive. Just off of Union Street.
3. Rustico: Tasty Italian (Sicilian if we are specific) restaurant. Very popular for corporate dinners.
4. Pizza Express: Two restaurants, one on Union St (west end) and the other on Belmont – always good.
5. Lots of options at Union Square: Nandos, Zizzi and Wagamama are but a few of the restaurants at Union Square. Combine together with a movie outing.
6. Lunch cafes on Belmont Street: A couple great options. Favourite is either Coffee House or Beautiful Mountain.
7. Thai: two good options – the more upmarket Sabai or the nearby Ban Thai. Both tasty.
8. A couple of great options for Turkish and Greek food. The extremely authentic Christos (you'll be served by the family) and two separately owned Nargiles: Skene Street and Forest Avenue.
SLEEPING
1. We still need to research this!
AROUND THE AREA
1. If keen for a trip outside the city, head towards Stonehaven. 15 miles south, it is a 30 minute drive. Train is an easy option too, although that will limit your exploration of Stonehaven. What to do once you arrive? The best (it was actually voted this!) fish and chips in the UK is The Bay. Lots of cafes and restaurants in the picturesque, small harbour. Two miles south of Stonehaven is the amazing ruins of Dunnottar Castle (William Wallace stayed here). Four miles south of Dunnottar is one of the best seafood pubs you will ever find: The Creel Inn. 18 miles southwest of Stonehaven (or 32 miles south of Aberdeen) is Fettercairn Distillery. Although quite small for a whiskey distillery, it is a great one to see. Call ahead, as closed on Sundays and maybe even during the winter.
2. You are in a hill walker’s paradise. Three popular options, in order of distance from the city centre: Bennachie (25 miles), Clachnaben (30 miles) and Loch Muick or Lochnager (53 miles). You can follow your hike up with a great lodge style meal: Pittodrie House (Bennachie), Cow Shed (Clachnaben) or Loch Kinord (Loch Muick).
3. Quiz question: who was rumoured to have been Queen Victoria’s favourite prime minister? George Hamilton-Gordon of course, the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, known as Lord Haddo. Visit Haddo House, his family’s amazing home, now a National Trust site. (Fans of Dowton Abbey will also like seeing a similar period home to Highclere Castle).
(bonus) SHOPPING
1. At least three shopping malls, plus a host of shops within easy walking distance of Union Street. The much mentioned in this city profile (and newest of the bunch) Union Square; the combo pair of Bon Accord and St. Nicholas, which includes a John Lewis and M&S; and the Trinity Centre.
2. Big supermarkets are dotted around. Morrisons is NE of Union St; ASDA just off of Beach Boulevard, and down by Bridge of Dee, and a Tesco Extra up towards Bridge of Don.
3. A good place to get fresh tea and coffee beans is MacBeans, just off of Belmont Street.
4. Keen to buy direct from the fish monger? Head to as featured on STV’s Granite City Fish.
(bonus) NETWORKING
1. Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce hosts all types of networking/social events. Generally a fee to attend.
2. There is an Aberdeen chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
3. The Aberdeen universities are very active community members. North of the city centre is University of Aberdeen, while the main Robert Gordon University campus is southwest of the centre.
4. The Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (aka AECC) hosts all types of major events, including every other year Offshore Europe (usually September).
