Granite Adventures: Aberdeen on a Budget

Discover the charm of Aberdeen without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Aberdeen, United Kingdom is a great budget-friendly destination for travelers who want to explore the Scottish culture. Visitors can enjoy walking tours of the historic city center, visit local museums and art galleries, and indulge in some authentic Scottish cuisine without breaking the bank. For a more adventurous experience, hiking trails and beautiful beaches can be found just a short distance outside of the city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Granite City

  • Check in at The Brentwood Hotel, a charming and affordable option located a short walk from Union Street.
  • Take a stroll along the beach promenade and marvel at the impressive architecture of Marischal College.
  • Visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum to learn about the city's seafaring history and admire the stunning views from its rooftop café.
  • Explore the quaint streets of Old Aberdeen, home to historic landmarks such as St. Machar's Cathedral and the King's College Chapel.
  • Indulge in a hearty Scottish meal at The Illicit Still, a cozy pub known for its traditional fare and extensive whisky selection.
Day 2

Castles and Countryside

  • Drive or take a bus to stunning Crathes Castle, a fairytale-like castle surrounded by picturesque gardens.
  • Take a scenic stroll along the River Dee and enjoy the tranquil countryside scenery.
  • Visit the idyllic fishing village of Footdee, also known as "Fittie", and admire its charming cottages and colorful boats.
  • For a unique dining experience, head to Foodstory Café, a trendy vegetarian/vegan spot that also doubles as a community hub.
  • End the day with a drink at The Grill, a lively and historic pub where you can mingle with locals and enjoy some live music.
  • Note: Be sure to dress in layers and pack umbrellas or raincoats, as the weather in Aberdeen can be unpredictable.

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.

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