Aberdeen is one of the largest cities in Scotland, and as such it is home to a huge variety of sights, sounds, and activities. You could spend your entire holiday exploring Aberdeen and still only scratch the surface of what makes this city so wonderful and special.
Thousands of years of history
Scotland has a history dating back thousands of years, and most of that ancient history is centred around the modern-day location of Aberdeen. The original settlements were located at the mouth of the River Dee and the mouth of the River Don, a natural choice due to the plentiful fishing and strategic advantages of that spot.
It should come as no surprise, then, that Aberdeen is where numerous forts and castles have been built over the centuries. The most famous of these was Aberdeen Castle, a tremendous structure from the late Middle Ages that dominated the area and the surroundings. It stood strong against all attackers until 1308 when Robert the Bruce succeeded in laying siege to the castle and eventually destroying it. Although the remnants of the castle are gone, the site is now known as Castlegate and visitors can stroll through the area and learn about the original castle from various historic markers.
A centre of education and the arts
Modern Aberdeen is known as a centre of education, thanks to the University of Aberdeen, The Robert Gordon University, and several top rated artistic, agricultural, and general purpose educational institutions. It is also home to Aberdeen College, the largest higher education institution in Scotland with a number of campuses located across the city.
Music, film, and the performing arts are all integral parts of Aberdeen as well. There are numerous clubs, pubs, and venues featuring live music throughout the city, which means visitors can enjoy all kinds of night life. There is also a major film house in Aberdeen known as The Belmont Picturehouse.
In terms of the performing arts, there are lots of festivals and events that take place each year. The Aberdeen International Youth Festival in particular attracts a lot of visitors as it is the largest youth performer arts festival in the world. From folk music to rock and roots music, there is something in Aberdeen for everyone who enjoys the performing arts.
Northlink Orkney and Shetland Ferries - NorthLink Ferries - car ferry service to the
Orkney and
Shetland Islands from Aberdeen.