FAQ's Visiting Aberdeen

A city of contrasts

Welcome to Aberdeen, a cosmopolitan city where historic charm meets modern innovation. Stroll through streets lined with magnificent, sparkling granite buildings and discover a city that is both proud of its heritage as Europe's "Energy Capital" and forward-looking.
Nature's doorstep:

Step outside the city to find breathtaking coastlines and the wild beauty of Aberdeenshire. Spot dolphins at the beach, explore ancient castles, or hike and cycle through the dramatic landscapes of the Northeast.
A rich tapestry of culture:

Experience the warmth of local culture, where you can hear the unique Doric dialect and delve into a history that spans from the ancient Gordon Highlanders to the cutting-edge architecture of today.
Endless things to see and do:

From the historic attractions of the city center and the Duthie Park to the maritime history of the city and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, there's always something new to explore in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Why visit?

Unique Granite Architecture: Admire the sparkling grey granite that gives the city its distinctive and beautiful appearance. Vibrant Culture: Immerse yourself in a city with a unique Doric dialect and a rich, proud history. Energy Capital: Learn about Aberdeen's vital role in the offshore energy industry. Stunning Scenery: Enjoy beautiful beaches, a dramatic coastline, and the wild, open spaces of the surrounding countryside. Rich History: Explore museums, historic buildings, and ancient castles that tell the story of the region

Why visit?

Unique Granite Architecture: Admire the sparkling grey granite that gives the city its distinctive and beautiful appearance.
Vibrant Culture: Immerse yourself in a city with a unique Doric dialect and a rich, proud history.
Energy Capital: Learn about Aberdeen's vital role in the offshore energy industry.
Stunning Scenery: Enjoy beautiful beaches, a dramatic coastline, and the wild, open spaces of the surrounding countryside.
Rich History: Explore museums, historic buildings, and ancient castles that tell the story of the region

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Frequently Asked Questions When Visiting Aberdeen

What is the top tourist attraction in Aberdeen? The top tourist attractions in Aberdeen include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Aberdeen Art Gallery, and various nearby castles like Dunnottar Castle. While there isn't one single universally agreed-upon "top" attraction, these are consistently ranked high for their cultural, historical, and scenic appeal.

Is 5 days enough time to stay in the City? Yes, 5 days is a good amount of time for a stay in Aberdeen, offering enough time to see the city and take a day trip to nearby places such as Braemar on Royal Deeside. This duration allows for exploring major city sights without feeling rushed and provides the flexibility to enjoy the local food and culture.

What are the best places for adults to visit around Aberdeen such as museums and cultural sites? For museums and cultural sites around Aberdeen, consider the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Aberdeen Art Gallery in the city center, or the Gordon Highlanders Museum for military history. Outside the city, the Dunnottar Castle ruins are a historic site, while Museum of Farming Life and Crathes Castle offer historic houses and gardens.

What currency and type of electrical pug do I need when visiting Aberdeen? You will need Pound Sterling (£) and a type G electrical plug adapter for Aberdeen. The standard voltage in the UK, including Scotland, is 230V, and the plugs have three rectangular pins.

Scotland vs US. How is Scotland different and what should I expect? Scotland differs from the US in several key areas, including a more compact city layout, a stronger sense of work-life balance, and a national healthcare system that isn't tied to employment. You should expect different language and slang, such as "pants" meaning underwear and "lochs" for lakes. There are also differences in social customs like tipping, a stronger emphasis on pubs over bars, and more frequent swearing in general conversation.

Do I have Scottish ancestry? To determine if you have Scottish ancestry, you can trace your family history by speaking with relatives and documenting names, dates, and places, or take a DNA ancestry test to analyse your genetic makeup.

Is Aberdeen a safe place? Aberdeen is one of the UK's safest cities, ranking second safest for students and fourth overall. Its crime rate is 56.9 per 1,000, lower than Glasgow or Dundee. Some neighbourhoods have higher rates, but overall the city remains welcoming and secure.

How do I get from Aberdeen airport to my hotel in Aberdeen city centre? Buses run from Aberdeen airport to Aberdeen city centre but after a long flight it can be difficult to figure out bus timetables and routes, walking is not advisable as a walk from Aberdeen Airport to city centre can take several hours and weather can be an issue. JGB Private Hire offer a pick up service from Aberdeen airport directly to your city centre hotel with room for up to 5 passengers and luggage for a fee of only £30.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen? The best time to visit Aberdeen is generally from May to August, when the weather is warmest and the days are long, with many festivals and cultural events. For fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) or early autumn (September).

How would I fill my itinerary in Aberdeen? To fill an itinerary in Aberdeen, explore historical sites like Aberdeen University and St Machar's Cathedral, visit cultural attractions such as the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Aberdeen Art Gallery, and enjoy the city's green spaces like Duthie Park. Consider day trips to nearby areas like the coastal town of Stonehaven to see Dunnottar Castle, or the Cairngorms National Park for outdoor activities.

Are Americans welcome in Aberdeen? Yes, Americans are welcome in Aberdeen, Scotland, and are generally received with warmth by locals. The city is cosmopolitan and accustomed to international visitors, and Scots are known for being tolerant and friendly to tourists. Aberdeen is particularly welcoming towards Americans and other nationalities due to a shared history in oil exploration dating back to the 1970's when Aberdeen became the oil capital of Europe.

What types of accommodation is available for tourists in Aberdeen? Aberdeen offers diverse tourist accommodation, including hotels (budget to luxury, city and spa hotels), bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and guest houses for traditional stays, self-catering apartments and holiday homes for longer visits, and other options like serviced apartments, hostels, and camping/glamping. You can find options in the city, along the coast, or in the surrounding countryside.