Weekend Getaway: 2 Days in Aberdeen, UK.
Discover the rugged beauty of Aberdeen, where history meets the sea.
22 April 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Aberdeen, known as the "Granite City," is a charming destination in the Northeast of Scotland. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture made of grey granite, relax at the picturesque beaches, and sample delicious seafood in local restaurants. Discover the rich history and culture of Aberdeen by visiting popular sites such as Marischal College, the Aberdeen Art Gallery, and the St. Machar's Cathedral.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Stay at The Chester Hotel, a boutique hotel with a cozy atmosphere and Scottish charm.
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Foodstory Cafe, known for their vegan and vegetarian options.
- Visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum to learn about the city's history as a busy port town.
- Take a stroll in Duthie Park, a picturesque park with a winter garden and a boating pond.
- For lunch, grab a classic fish and chips at the award-winning Ashvale Fish Restaurant.
- End your day with a pint of local craft beer at Six Degrees North, a cozy pub with a wide variety of brews on tap.
- Start your day with a scenic drive to Balmedie Beach, a stunning golden beach with sand dunes and sea views for miles.
- Head to Slains Castle, a striking ruin perched atop a cliff that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula.
- Stop for lunch at The Dunavon, a traditional Scottish pub with a cozy fireplace and hearty pub fare.
- Explore the quaint fishing village of Footdee, known locally as Fittie, with charming cottages and a picturesque harbor.
- End your day with a cruise around Aberdeen Harbour with Aberdeen Harbour Tours, taking in views of the city skyline and the North Sea.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Aberdeen by plane is to fly into Aberdeen International Airport, which is located approximately 7 miles northwest of the city center. Airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet offer frequent flights to and from major cities across the UK and Europe.
Car
Driving to Aberdeen is relatively straightforward, with the A90 and A96 being the main roads linking Aberdeen to other major cities within the UK. It is advisable to check traffic updates prior to the journey and parking is available throughout the city center of Aberdeen.
Train
There are several train services that run to Aberdeen, with frequent services operated by ScotRail, Virgin Trains, and CrossCountry. The main train station in Aberdeen is Aberdeen station, which is located in the city center and provides easy access to the rest of the city.
Boat
Ferry services run to and from Aberdeen to locations across Northern and Western Scotland. The harbor in Aberdeen is located near the city center and a popular ferry operator is Northlink. These ferry services are recommended if you want to see some of Scotland's best coastal scenery and islands.
Bus
One of the easiest ways to get to Aberdeen by bus is through the national bus network which has services to Aberdeen from many cities across the UK. Scottish Citylink and Megabus are the popular bus services. The main bus station in Aberdeen is the Union Square bus station, which is located in the city center.