Aberdeen is the powerhouse of the northeast, fuelled by the North Sea petroleum industry. Oil money has made the city as expensive as London and Edinburgh, and there are hotels, restaurants and clubs with prices to match the depth of petroleum industry pockets. Fortunately, most of the cultural attractions, such as the excellent Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery, are free.

Known throughout Scotland as the granite city, much of the town was built using silvery grey granite hewn from the now abandoned Rubislaw Quarry, at one time the biggest artificial hole in the ground in Europe. On a sunny day the granite lends an attractive glitter to the city, but when low, grey rain clouds scud in off the North Sea it can be hard to tell where the buildings stop and the sky begins.

Royal Deeside is easily accessible to the west, Dunottar Castle to the south, sandy beaches to the north and whisky country to the northwest.

Exposed Aberdeen is noted for its biting winds and driving rain, which sweep in from the North Sea, the mean temperature is 8 °C (47 °F) and it varies between an average low of 5 °C (41 °F) and 11 °C (52 °F). In summer (June - August) the average high is 16 °C (63 °F) and average low 9 °C (49 °F). In winter (December - February) the average high is 6 °C (43 °F) and average low 0 °C (33 °F).

The average yearly precipitation is 753 millimetres (29.7 in), with 64 millimetres (2.5 in) in summer (June - August) and 62 millimetres (2.5 in) in winter (December - February). The wettest months are October and November.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

This award-winning museum is located on the historic Shiprow and incorporates Provost Ross's House, which was built in 1593. The Maritime Museum houses a unique collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history. It is also the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry. Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers visitors a spectacular viewpoint over the busy harbour.

Aberdeen Art Gallery

The Aberdeen Art Gallery first opened its doors in 1885 and centuries later, it continues to be a popular attraction in the city. The Gallery has a large permanent and changing collection, housed in an impressive building with an exquisite marble interior. Highlights include collections of Modern Art, the Scottish Colourists (including artists such as Leslie Hunter and Francis Cadell), and Post-Impressionists. There is also a collection of local applied art and crafts, including fine examples of Aberdeen silver.


Union Terrace Gardens

A public park and gardens, and important landmark situated at the heart of Aberdeen, Scotland. The sunken gardens, of national historic importance, opened to the public in 1879, and cover approximately two and a half acres . The space is bounded to the north by Rosemount Viaduct, to the south by Union Street, Aberdeen's main thoroughfare, to the east by the railway and the Den Burn, now flowing underground, and to the west by Union Terrace.

over Scotland using both private and public transport. Explore the options below to find out which method of getting to Aberdeen is best for you.

by Train

Aberdeen station serves a large number of local and national destinations, including London King's Cross and Edinburgh. Inverness offers direct services to Edinburgh, from which onward connections to a variety of UK stations can be caught.

by Bus

There is a service from Aberdeen city centre to Aberdeen airport which is operated by Stagecoach. This service is the service between Aberdeen and Inverness.

by Taxi

Taxis are a great, hassle-free and convenient way to get to the airport. There are over 250 taxi companies serving Aberdeen airport and the surrounding areas, many of which specialise in airport taxis and can offer great rates.

by Car

Travelling to Aberdeen by car is a great option for most people. If you have your own car there are plenty of cheap airport parking options to choose from.