Aberdeen Hotels

Aberdeen is famed for its granite architecture which sparkles in the sunlight. From the Town House (a Neo-Gothic tower which pierces the city landscape) to the Marischal College and Museum (the second-largest granite structure in the world). There are plenty of cheap Aberdeen hotels in the heart of the city, where you'll also find Provost Skene's House. Entry is free and you can wander through its period rooms and discover how people lived in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Aberdeen has many vibrant festivals throughout the year including the Highland Games with its tug-of-war championships, pipe band competition, Highland dancing;and track and field events. Check out the community-organised Doric Festival which takes place in the autumn and is a celebration of the North East's language, music and traditions. Or, head out to Portsoy (one of Europe's oldest harbours) and discover the region's nautical history at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.

The Spirit of Scotland

While you're discovering Scotland's traditions, Aberdeen is a great place to learn about the ancient art of Whisky production and sip single malts, pure malts and Scottish blends at some of Scotland's famous distilleries. Try a tour at Glenglassaugh or GlenDronach Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest working distilleries.

Art lovers should head to Aberdeen Art Gallery to see one of the finest art collections in Britain including 18th century portraits by Hogarth, Impressionist paintings by Monet and 20th century pieces by Francis Bacon. If your Aberdeen hotel is close to the harbour, it's worth popping into Aberdeen's Maritime Museum to explore the city's relationship with the sea through its hands on exhibits.

Aberdeenshire

If you love the outdoors, take a walk along the sweeping curve of golden sand that is Aberdeen Beach. Or, try your putting skills at Kings Links 18-hole golf course which runs parallel with the beachfront.

If you have time, you can venture out of the city to discover Deeside, an area that has captivated the royals for generations, since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built Balmoral Castle as their Scottish retreat. To delve deeper into the region's past, follow Scotland's Castle Trail, taking in 17 impressive castles including striking cliff-top ruins and Highland estates.

Party and nightlife in Aberdeen

Aberdeen's party and nightlife scene is diverse and lively, catering to all tastes. From traditional pubs and craft beer taverns to trendy cocktail bars and nightclubs, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.

• Night Clubs: Aberdeen's club scene is vibrant, with several venues catering to a wide range of musical preferences. Club Tropicana and Vogue are renowned for their 80s and 90s hits, providing a nostalgic dance floor experience. For those seeking a more modern vibe, NOX and Babylon are among the city's most stylish and contemporary clubs.

• Concert Halls: The Tunnels, located beneath Union Street, is acclaimed for its live music, hosting a variety of bands and DJs in a unique subterranean setting. This venue has become a cornerstone of Aberdeen's music scene, regularly attracting big names and emerging talent alike.

• Secret Party Spots: For an underground vibe, literally, The Tunnels offers an authentic and intimate music experience. It's a place where you can enjoy live performances in a setting that's quite unlike anywhere else in the city.

• Best Neighbourhoods for Going Out: Aberdeen's Belmont Street and Union Street are bustling with activity, offering an array of bars and clubs. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxed evening with craft beers or a night out dancing, these areas provide ample options.

From cozy pubs like Old Blackfriars to dynamic spaces like The Tippling House for cocktail enthusiasts, Aberdeen's nightlife is rich and varied. CASC Bar appeals to beer lovers with its extensive selection, while The Blue Lamp and Slains Castle offer unique atmospheres for enjoying a night out.

Aberdeen's nightlife scene promises memorable evenings filled with good music, great drinks, and lively atmospheres.

Best places to stay in Aberdeen

Aberdeen has a fairly compact city centre where you’ll find many of the city’s key attractions. If you fancy branching out, Old Aberdeen is a quaint area around the university with cobbled streets and historic architecture in spades. The West End, beyond the western tip of Union Street, is fast becoming a trendy and desirable district, with plenty of stylish places to eat, drink and shop. On the other side of the city centre, the harbour area is a great choice for those who love a sea view and easy access to a bracing beach walk.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Staying in the centre of Aberdeen, around Castlegate, puts you within striking distance of local attractions like Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen Art Gallery, and the intriguing Provost Skene’s house, which celebrates the pioneers who shaped not only Aberdeen but also the wider world. The city centre has plenty of superb bars and restaurants to choose from, and the train station is right on your doorstep for onward travel. You’re also just a 20-minute walk from the seafront for some fresh air and a change of scenery.

Where to stay with your family in Aberdeen

Kids and adults alike will appreciate the family rooms at the Aberdeen Douglas Hotel, housed in an impressive landmark building with an enviable location right in the heart of the city centre. All the central amenities and sights mentioned above are just a stone’s throw away. What’s more, you’re less than 20 minutes on foot from the family-friendly attractions of the seafront. These include Aberdeen Science Centre, with lots of interactive exhibits, Codona’s, an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, dodgems and an arcade, and the expansive esplanade and beach, where kids can play to their heart’s content.

Where to find cheap hotels in Aberdeen

Good news for budget travellers: there are plenty of cheap hotels in Aberdeen, with many dependable chains you can rely on. Ibis Aberdeen Centre – Quayside has comfortable rooms with lightning-fast free wifi and a 24-hour bar/restaurant, all for as little as ~£60/night in the off-season. If you prefer the more personal feel of a guest house, The Jays is a classily furnished and well-rated offering that serves a complimentary breakfast for less than £100/night. Another surprisingly affordable option is an apartment at the stylish Royal Athenaeum Suites, which offer the height of convenience with fully equipped kitchens – perfect for a low-cost, self-catering stay.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Malmaison is an ever-popular choice for its high-quality dining, with superb steaks including a whopping T-Bone sharer that weighs in at 1 kg. There are plenty of alternatives if grilled meat isn’t your thing, from pumpkin ravioli to seabass and Cajun salmon. The stylish hotel is housed in a 19

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Spa hotels in Aberdeen

Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city centre. It boasts a brand-new spa with an infra-red sauna and steam room, relaxing individual treatment rooms, and a spacious fitness suite for keeping in shape. The treatment list includes facials, massages, full body wraps and more.

Luxury hotels

Want to feel like the king of the castle? Ardoe House Hotel & Spa will be right up your street. This 19

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Going shopping in Aberdeen

Aberdeen provides a delightful shopping experience that caters to various tastes, from trendy high-street brands to unique independent shops and craft stores.

• Trendy Shopping Area: Union Square is the heartbeat of Aberdeen's shopping, offering over 50 high-street stores including popular brands like MAC, BOSS, Apple, and ZARA. It's not just about shopping; the area also features 30 restaurants and a 10-screen cinema for a comprehensive leisure experience.

• Cheap Shopping Area: For more budget-friendly shopping options, head to the Trinity Shopping Centre, where you'll find a mix of affordable brands and kiosks alongside cafes and eateries. It's a great spot for picking up essentials without breaking the bank.

• Craft Shops: Aberdeen's west end and Rosemount areas are rich in independent retailers offering special finds, from Scottish clothing to quirky gifts and creative crafts. These neighbourhoods are perfect for discovering unique treasures.

Markets in Aberdeen

• Traditional Markets: While Aberdeen is known for its shopping centres and high streets, it also hosts the Belmont Street Market on the last Saturday of every month. This market is a prime spot for tasting local food and buying unique items.

• Local Weekly Farmers Markets: Aberdeen and its surrounding areas have numerous local farmers markets, offering fresh, locally sourced produce and artisan goods.

• Trendy Markets: Although not specifically mentioned, Aberdeen's mix of traditional and modern shopping experiences suggests a presence of markets that cater to trendy and vintage finds, particularly within its craft shops and independent retailers.

• Flea Markets: For those interested in vintage and second-hand treasures, exploring the city's smaller markets and seasonal events might uncover some unique flea market finds.

Where to Buy Holiday Souvenirs

For holiday souvenirs, Aberdeen's independent shops across the city and Aberdeenshire offer a range of options. From food and drink gifts to artwork and Scottish clothing, you're sure to find memorable souvenirs to take home.

Shopping Malls

Besides Union Square and the Trinity Shopping Centre, Aberdeen boasts other shopping venues like the Bon Accord Centre, which houses over 65 fashion, beauty, and homeware stores. Aberdeen's shopping malls provide a mix of local and international brands, ensuring a diverse shopping experience for visitors.

Whether you're after the latest fashion trends, unique handcrafted items, or just browsing for gifts and souvenirs, Aberdeen offers a rich and varied shopping landscape that's sure to satisfy all shopping enthusiasts.

The 8 must-sees of Aberdeen

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum: Award-winning museum that tells the story of the city’s long-standing relationship with the sea.

• Aberdeen Art Gallery: Gallery with a collection that spans 700 years and a huge range of styles.

• Duthie Park/Winter Gardens: Beloved park home to one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe.

• Aberdeen Science Centre: Educational museum designed to be inclusive and hands-on.

• St Machar’s Cathedral: Stunning church with twin spires and impressive stained glass.

• Provost Skene’s House: Museum celebrating influential figures from Aberdeen’s past.

• Gordon Highlanders Museum: Museum that preserves the legacy of this historic Army regiment.

• Aberdeen Beach: Golden-sand beach stretching for two miles, with plenty of seafront attractions.