Aberdeen City Tours

Aberdeen, often referred to as the "Granite City" due to its distinctive grey stone buildings, boasts a delightful blend of historical charm and modern attractions. When choosing Aberdeen City Tours as your preferred tour guide, here are some must-see places and experiences to include in your Aberdeen sightseeing itinerary. A real Aberdonian pick and mix.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Located on the city's historic waterfront, this museum provides a profound insight into Aberdeen’s rich maritime history, from the age of sail to modern fishing to the oil & gas boom, making it a highlight of any Aberdeen tour.

Marischal College

As one of Europe’s largest granite buildings, Marischal College stands as an architectural marvel. It serves as the home of the Aberdeen City Council and is open to the public. The surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with shops and cafés nearby, making it a great stop during your city tour in Aberdeen.

Old Aberdeen

A charming segment of the city that feels like a step back in time, Old Aberdeen is filled with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and landmarks like Cromwell Tower, King’s College, Sir Duncan Rice Library and the Chapel. This tour showcases  very early and very modern university architecture.

Duthie Park & Winter Gardens

This expansive, well-maintained park features lovely walking paths, gardens, and the stunning Winter Gardens, ideal for a peaceful afternoon during your Aberdeen sightseeing tour.

The Tolbooth Museum

Situated in the heart of Aberdeen, this museum is housed in a former 17th-century jail, making it a fascinating stop that is a must-see on any Aberdeen tour.

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Recently refurbished, the Aberdeen Art Gallery showcases an impressive collection of Scottish art, along with temporary exhibitions that feature both contemporary and historical works, making it a highlight of your city tour.

St. Machar's Cathedral

This stunning 12th-century cathedral, located in Old Aberdeen, ranks among Scotland’s most significant medieval buildings and is essential for any sightseeing in Aberdeen.

Footdee (Fittie)

A picturesque fishing village within Aberdeen, Footdee (pronounced "Fittie") is a quirky area filled with small cottages, flowers, and beautiful gardens, adding a unique touch to your Aberdeen tour.

The Beach & Promenade

Aberdeen’s coastline is lovely for walks along the beach. The promenade stretches along the North Sea, offering views of the harbour and the chance to spot dolphins or other sea life, a walk we often enjoy in our own free time.

Aberdeen Science Centre

This hands-on science museum is especially great if you're traveling with kids. The interactive exhibits cover various topics, including physics, biology, and engineering, making it an engaging stop on your Aberdeen city tour.

Provost Skene's House

A beautifully restored 16th-century townhouse, it provides insight into life in Aberdeen centuries ago. The house also features period furniture and an intriguing look at local history, perfect for your Aberdeen sightseeing.

Cullen, Cruden Bay, and the Coastline

(Full Day Trip - 7hrs)

If you're interested in exploring a bit beyond Aberdeen, consider visiting nearby coastal villages like Cullen or Cruden Bay. They offer scenic beaches, delicious seafood (especially Cullen skink, a local fish soup), and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and golf—fancy a game?

Balmoral Castle

(Full Day Trip - 7hrs)

Just a short drive from Aberdeen, Balmoral Castle is the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family. It's open to the public during certain months, allowing visitors to explore the royal grounds, gardens, and the estate’s stunning architecture, making it a memorable addition to your day out in Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are often referred to as 'Scotland’s Castle Country,' boasting over 260 castles scattered across the region, making it a prime spot for Aberdeen sightseeing with more castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK. 

Here are some of our standout castles with history galore you might want to explore during your Aberdeen tour.

 We have not listed all 260 castles here - for obvious reasons!  

Dunnottar Castle  

Dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, this ruined fortress near Stonehaven is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles and one of our favourite days out!  

Craigievar Castle  

This pink-hued fairytale castle inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle and is a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture.  

Crathes Castle  

Surrounded by beautiful gardens and ancient woodland, this 16th-century tower house is rich in history and ghost stories, perfect for those choosing Aberdeen City Tours.  

Balmoral Castle  

 (Closed Nov - March)  

The royal family's Scottish residence, originally built in 1856, is still in use today and sits on the site of a 15th-century castle.  

Braemar Castle  

This 17th-century fortress has a turbulent history and is now run by the local community.  

Balquhain Castle  

Although ruined, it holds historical significance and was once visited by Mary Queen of Scots.  

Drum Castle  

The Royal Forest and Tower of Drum were granted to the Irvine family by Robert the Bruce in 1323, making it a highlight for those interested in Aberdeen sightseeing.  

Castle Fraser  

Stand before one of the largest tower houses in Scotland, with a core dating from as early as 1450. Explore the grand hall and towers to discover the colourful history of the Fraser lairds.  

Pitmedden Gardens  

Brilliantly designed with vibrant colours and meticulously manicured shapes, Pitmedden Garden offers unique charm. With almost 6 miles of clipped hedging, sculptures, and built heritage, the parterres at the heart of the garden are a masterpiece of intricate patterns and fragrant flowers. 

Whisky Shop & Tasting Rooms

Why not end your day in Pitmedden Gardens with a tour round the local whisky tasting rooms, or just miss out the garden part and go straight there? 

Don't worry, we will drive you back!   

Castle Experiences  

Some castles offer guided tours, gardens, and exhibitions, while others are ruins with scenic walking trails and panoramic views. A few can even be booked for overnight stays or events, making them perfect for your next tour of Aberdeen.  

If you’re planning a wee trip, we can help map out a castle-hopping itinerary and explore nearby attractions. Most castle tours last a minimum of 4 hours.  

If you have your own destination ideas, just get in touch, and we will tailor a tour to your itinerary and your budget. 

Just to let you know, it really doesn't need to include a haunted historic castle!

Aberdeen, nestled on Scotland’s northeast coast, is a city full of surprises and is perfect for Aberdeen City Tours. Here are some fascinating facts that highlight its unique character and rich heritage, ideal for Aberdeen sightseeing.

The Granite City

Aberdeen is famously nicknamed the “Granite City” due to its many buildings constructed from locally quarried grey granite, which sparkles in the sunlight.

Marischal College

This is the second-largest granite building in the world and part of the University of Aberdeen, which dates back to 1495.

Rubislaw Quarry

Once the source of much of Aberdeen’s granite, it’s the largest man-made hole in Europe at 480 feet deep. Keep away from the edge.

University of Aberdeen

One of Scotland’s oldest universities, it has been a centre of learning for over 500 years and is a significant part of the city’s history.

Natural Beauty and Coastal Charm

Aberdeen boasts stunning beaches and is close to the Cairngorms National Park, offering breath-taking landscapes and outdoor activities. We can take you there for a full day trip and climb three Munros in a day, what a day out, bring your hiking boots - and a warm waterproof jacket and sun screen - we'll provide the sunshine, rain, hail, wind and snow - free of charge!

Wildlife and Dolphin Watching

Did you know that Aberdeen is one of the best places in the UK to spot dolphins?

The city’s coastline is a great spot for the largest bottlenose dolphins in the UK. There are regular sightings, especially around the harbour area, jumping timetables available on request, or we can arrange a tour by boat! Book well in advance for boat trips.

Oil Capital of Europe

Aberdeen has long been a hub for the North Sea oil and gas industry, contributing significantly to the UK’s energy sector.

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Recently refurbished, it houses an impressive collection of art from the 15th century to the present, making it an essential stop on your Aberdeen sightseeing.

Tolbooth Museum

Located in one of the oldest buildings in Aberdeen, it offers a glimpse into the city’s history as a jail and civic centre.

Grampian Transport Museum

 Explore the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford. Discover the history of transport, enjoy a snack in the cafe, and explore the new exhibition featuring the original ex-Top Gear vehicles!

Peterhead Prison Museum

Set within a 6-acre site, it boasts the UK’s first state owned-railway and part of its history saw the only time the SAS (Special Air Service) were used to end a domestic siege in mainland Britain.

Stand where the SAS carried out this daring rooftop rescue, freeing an officer who was held hostage for four tense days. Listen to the gripping tale and let your imagination run wild while you put yourself in his shoes.

Ancient Roots: 

8,000 Years of History

The area has been inhabited since the time of hunter-gatherers, making it one of the oldest continuously settled regions in the UK. If you get the chance to visit, Aberdeen offers a compelling mix of history, nature, and modern industry. 

We can tailor your day tour to bring all of the last 8000 years to life; well almost, we'll do our best!