World City Guide

Mini Guide of Aberdeen

City Overview

Built on the banks of the rivers Dee and Don around a working harbour, Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city. Much of Aberdeen’s incredible architecture dates back to the Victorian era and was hewn from granite, earning it the nickname the ‘Granite City’. The heart of the old city lies across the Brig O’Balgownie (one of the oldest bridges in Britain) leading to the old market square and King’s College with its famous dome-crowned tower. The city’s architecture is a reminder of its heritage and rich history, but Aberdeen also has a cosmopolitan buzz and is very much a city on the rise. Situated on Scotland’s northeast coast, Aberdeen also boasts an expansive sandy beach within a mile of the city centre. With its traditional industries in decline, the economy received a boost in the 1970s when oil was discovered in the North Sea, and this attracted a multi-national mix of employees. The city is now one of the richest in Scotland and this affluence has brought with it a proud café culture and flourishing arts scene. As Aberdeen continues to grow in popularity (thanks in part to the city’s low-cost airline routes) more and more visitors are discovering this often overlooked corner of Scotland for themselves. And it would seem that they’re in good company; as the tourist literature so proudly proclaims, Aberdeen and the Grampian Highlands have been the holiday choice for the Royal Family for over 150 years. And with such a lot to offer the visitor, it’s easy to see why.

Getting There By Air

Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)
Tel: 0870 0400006.
Website: www.baa.com/main/airports/aberdeen

The airport is located 11km (7 miles) northwest of Aberdeen city centre. Facilities include car rental, currency exchange office, ATMs, bars, restaurants, shops, wireless Internet access, toilets and baby care facilities. Passengers can upgrade to the business lounge which serves complimentary drinks and snacks. The airport is easily accessible by road and is signposted from the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road. Aberdeen and Inverness railway services stop at Dyce, which is just a short taxi ride from the airport. Regular bus services operate between the airport and the city centre. Metered taxis, operated by Rainbow City Taxis (tel: 01224 878787; website: www.rainbow87.com), are available from outside the passenger terminal.

Getting There By Water

Getting There By Road

Aberdeen is well connected by a good network of roads. The M90 motorway from Edinburgh in the south turns into the A90 dual carriageway which runs north to south past Aberdeen. The A956 runs off the A90 and takes visitors into the heart of the city. Aberdeen offers easy access to other destinations in Scotland; the A944 runs west towards Alford; the A96 (off which Aberdeen Airport lies) runs northwest up to Elgin and on to Iverness; the A90 continues north up to Peterhead and Fraserburgh.

Breakdown Services:
AA (tel: 0800 887766)
RAC (tel: 0800 828282)

The city’s main bus station is close to the railway station on Guild Street which is just a two-minute walk down the hill from Union Street, Aberdeen’s main thoroughfare. Scottish City Link (tel: 08705 505050; website: www.citylink.co.uk) operates bus services to other destinations within Scotland. National Express (tel: 08705 808080; website: www.nationalexpress.com) operates buses to destinations throughout the UK including a direct London to Aberdeen service.

Getting There By Rail

Aberdeen’s main railway station is on Guild Street directly south of the city centre. The city’s rail line connects Aberdeen with other major Scottish towns and cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and Inverness. Services also connect Aberdeen with London, England. Services are operated by First ScotRail (tel: 0845 6015929; website: www.firstgroup.com/scotrail).

Getting Around

Public Transport
The two main bus companies operating services in and around the city are First Aberdeen (tel: 01224 650000; website: www.firstgroup.com) and Stagecoach Bluebird (tel: 01224 212266; website: www.stagecoachbus.com/bluebird). First Aberdeen operates a comprehensive network of routes throughout the city. The no. 27 runs from the bus station on Guild Street through the city and out to Aberdeen Airport. The service runs Mondays to Fridays and the first and last bus from Guild Street is 0550-1720 and the first and last bus from Aberdeen Airport is 0627-1810. Fares are calculated in stages and day, week, month and three-month passes are also available. Children under five travel free and passengers under 16 qualify for a child fare. Details of all fares, routes and timetables are available from the website (see above). Stagecoach Bluebird operates the no. 59 service from Northfield through the city and out to Balnagask. The MegaRider ticket offers seven days’ unlimited travel on the city’s buses.

For all public travel information in Aberdeen and throughout Scotland contact Traveline (tel: 0870 6082608; website: www.traveline.org.uk).

Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street or at ranks at the railway and bus stations. To pre-book a taxi try Central Taxis (tel: 01224 899686), Computer Cab (tel: 01224 353535) or Mairs City Taxis (tel: 01224 724040).

Car Hire
There are numerous car rental firms operating in Aberdeen. Alamo (tel: 01224 595366; website: www.alamo.co.uk), Avis (tel: 01224 722282; website: www.avis.co.uk), Europcar (tel: 01224 770770; website: www.europcar.co.uk), Hertz (tel: 01224 722373; website: www.hertz.co.uk) and National (tel: 01224 770955; website: www.nationalcar.co.uk) all have offices either at the airport, in the city or both. For speciality vehicle rentals, try Aberdeen 4x4 Self Drive (tel: 01224 790858; website: www.aberdeen4x4.co.uk) or Platinum Limo Company (tel: 0870 7740881; website: www.platinumlimo.co.uk).

Bicycle Hire
Biking is popular throughout Scotland and Aberdeen is no exception. There are several rental shops in the city. Alpine Bikes, 70 Holburn Street (tel: 01224 211455; website: www.alpinebikes.co.uk) offers a good range for hire and is within walking distance of the bus and railway stations.

Business

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
Built on a ridge that runs east to west between the rivers Don and Dee, Aberdeen is quite a compact city and its good network of buses make it easy to get around and see the sights. Most visitors come to the city to see Old Aberdeen which lies 2.4km (1.5 miles) north of the main city centre, and this is a good place to kick off your sightseeing. The area is dominated by the imposing granite buildings that characterise the city; of particular note is the 15th century St Malcher’s Cathedral and 16th century King’s College. Aberdeen also has a deserved reputation as a floral city which is in evidence wherever you are in the city, but particularly so at the wonderful Union Terrace Gardens situated in the heart of the city. For a taste of yesteryear head to Footdee (pronounced ‘fittie’), a 19th century fishing village that’s situated just south of the city. And when you need to take a break from the city’s sights, head east to the city beach that’s lined with excellent bars and cafes where you can relax and watch the world go by.

Tourist Information
Aberdeen Tourist Office
23 Union Street
Tel: 01224 288828.
Website: www.aberdeen-grampian.com

The main Tourist Information Centre (above) is situated close to the city centre’s bus and train stations on Union Street. The staff are very knowledgeable and can help with planning excursions and booking accommodation. There’s also public Internet access as well as a selection tourist literature and guides (some of it free).

Passes
As many of Aberdeen’s attractions are free of charge, there is no multi-attraction pass available.

Key Attractions

Union Street
Union Street is the thriving heart of the city off of which are many of Aberdeen’s main attractions, including the technically accomplished Union Street Bridge built in the 19th century. The Aberdeen Art Gallery is worth a few hours for its fine art collection from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Aberdeen Art Gallery
Schoolhill
Tel: 01224 523700.
Website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Marischal College
Still in the city centre and surrounded by modern office blocks is the grandiose Marischal College on Broad Street – the second-largest granite structure in the world. After rain, the sun shimmers of its extravagant neo-Gothic granite facades creating a mesmerising effect that is oft photographed by visitors. The Marischal Museum was founded in 1786 and houses a weird and wonderful collection of exhibits from around the world donated by friends and graduates of the University.

Marischal Museum
Broad Street
Tel: 01224 274301.
Website: www.abdn.ac.uk/diss/historic/museum

Old Aberdeen
The centrepiece of Old Aberdeen is the King’s College (now united with the Marischal College to form the University of Aberdeen) with its imposing buildings that entomb the famous Quadrangle. The college chapel was used for daily worship for over five centuries and houses an impressive collection of 15th century artefacts. The Visitor Centre near College Bounds (tel: 01224 273702) offers a multi-media display of the college’s rich history. Also in Old Aberdeen is the 15th century St Machar’s Cathedral, which overlooks picturesque Seaton Park and the River Don.

St Machar’s Cathedral
The Chanonry
Tel: 01224 485988.

The Harbour
No visit to Aberdeen is complete without a visit to the historic harbour area. Early risers should visit the morning fish market that begins at dawn and lasts until about 0800. The excellent Maritime Museum is located on a site with Provost Ross’s House which is reputed to be the oldest building in the city. Multi-media displays tell the interesting history of Aberdeen’s intimate connection with the ocean.

Maritime Museum
Shiprow
Tel: 01224 337700.
Website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Footdee
Within easy walking distance of the harbour is the old fishing village of Footdee. The old 19th century fishermen’s cottages all face inwards in squares with their backs to the ocean to protect themselves from the harsh storms that rage in from the sea.

Further Distractions

Satrosphere Science Centre
On Constitution Street close to the Esplanade is the informative Satrosphere Science Centre offering a fun day out for all the family. The hands-on centre provides interactive ways for visitors to learn more about science.

179 Constitution Street
Tel: 01224 640340.
Website: www.satrosphere.net

Codona’s Amusement Park
If looking for something a little different to keep the kids entertained, head to Codona’s Amusement Park (tel: 01224 595910; website: www.codonas.com) on the Beach Boulevard. This seafront complex boasts a multiplex cinema and an amusement park with roller-coasters, log flume, waltzers and all the other usual gut-churning rides. Also on the Beach Boulevard is The Boardwalk (tel: 01224 583388; website: www.nobleleisure.com), a family entertainment centre with a children’s foam factory, indoor trampolines, 10-pin bowling alleys, pool halls, bingo competitions, bar, restaurant and gift shop.

Codona’s Amusement Park
Queens Links
Tel: 01224 595910.
Website: www.codonas.com

Tours of the City

For a city with such a rich history, visitors may choose to hire the services of a guide to show them the sights. Details of bespoke tours can be found at the Tourist Information Centre (see Sightseeing Overview) including guided walking tours of the city, taxi or coach tours down to the old harbour and fishing village of Footdee. Guided night walks are also possible. For further details contact the Tourist Board or you could try either of these Blue Badge-registered guides: Duncan Barker (tel: 01224 744078; website: www.duncans-flexitours.co.uk) or Pam Wells (tel: 01224 735733; website: www.pamwells.com).

Excursions

The Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands region is surrounded by stunning countryside that’s peppered with over 350 castles. One of the most famous is Balmoral Castle (tel: 013397 42534; website: www.balmoralcastle.com), the summer residence of the Royal Family situated 80km (50 miles) west of Aberdeen. Balmoral is a working estate with Highland cattle and red deer. Pony trekking excursions are a great way to get around and see the surrounding countryside. Other castles in the region include Ballindalloch Castle (tel: 01807 500206; website: www.ballindallochcastle.co.uk), Drum Castle (tel: 01330 811204; website: www.drum-castle.org.uk) and Slains Castle (ruins only) which is said to have been the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Scotland is renowned throughout the world for its fine malt whiskies, and over half of those are produced in Aberdeenshire and the Grampian Highlands region. And no trip is complete without tasting a wee dram or two of some of Scotland’s finest. Many of the distilleries offer guided tours and some have visitor centres and gift shops. Amongst the best is the Glenfiddich Distillery (tel: 01340 820373; website: www.glenfiddich.com) in Dufftown.

Sport

Shopping

Aberdeen is a great city for shopping with big malls such as the Mall Trinity on Union Street and the St Nicholas’ and the Bon Accord shopping centres both on Upperkirgate. Perhaps of more interest are the smaller independent shops that can be found dotted around the city. For traditional kilts (available for purchase or hire) try Alex Scott & Co, 43 Schoolhill (website: www.kiltmakers.co.uk); they also stock a good range of Scottish souvenirs and gifts. Country Ways, 115 Holburn Street (website: www.countryways.com) specialises in traditional country and leisure wear. For gifts that won’t leave you feeling guilty, head to The Third World Centre, Correction Wynd (website: http://beehive.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/twc), which has been trading on fair trade principles for over 20 years. Most of the big retailers are open seven days a week whilst smaller shops close or have restricted openings on Sundays.

Culture

As well as putting on live bands, The Lemon Tree, 5 West North Street (tel: 01224 642230; website: www.lemontree.org) is also a great venue for dance and theatre. The Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Bridge of Don (tel: 01224 824824; website: www.aecc.co.uk) is a venue for major concerts and also hosts trade fairs and exhibitions.

For mainstream film releases head to the UGC (tel: 0871 200 2000; website: www.ugccinemas.co.uk) multi-screen cinema complex on the beachfront Esplanade. The city also has a great art-house cinema in the Belmont Picture House, 49 Belmont Street (tel: 01224 343536; website: www.picturehouses.co.uk) showing the best from the alternative cinema scene.

For comprehensive listings of what’s on in Aberdeen visit www.myaberdeen.net

Nightlife

Catering for its student population and transient workforce attracted by the oil industry, Aberdeen has a cosmopolitan mix of eateries, bars and nightclubs with something for all tastes and predilections. Much of the city’s nightlife is in and around the area by Union Street. Themed pubs such as Frankenstein’s, 504 Union Street, and Slain’s Castle, 14 Belmont Street, cater to a younger crowd but for something more traditional seek out the excellent Prince of Wales, 7 St Nicholas Lane, for its selection of real ales and fine pub grub. The city has a good club scene too; for mainstream pop washed down with plenty of cheap drinks promotions try The Cotton Club, 491-493 Union Street; or for something a little different, head to Kef on nearby Belmont Street at number 9. There are plenty of small bars and venues that put on live acts, but one of the city’s biggest venues is The Lemon Tree, 5 West North Street (website: www.lemontree.org), the hub of Aberdeen’s music scene. For a more intimate live music venue, try Dr Drakes, Shiprow, or Drummonds, 1 Belmont Street.

City Statistics

Location: Northeast Scotland, United Kingdom.
Country dialling code: 44.
Time zone: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square, three-pin plugs are standard.
Average January temp: 2°C (36°F).
Average July temp: 16°C (61°F).
Annual rainfall: 800mm (31.5 inches).

Special Events

WORD 05 - University of Aberdeen Writers Festival, May, Aberdeen celebrates its artistic heritage with this fun literary event (website: www.abdn.ac.uk/word)
Aberdeen Highland Games, Jun, visitors can watch traditional contests such as tossing the caber and piping events, Hazelhead Park (website: www.aberdeenhighlandgames.com)
Aberdeenshire Golf Classic, Sep, a 72-hole stableford competition played across four courses; Newburgh, Newmachar, East Aberdeenshire and Murcar (website: www.aberdeenshiregolfclassic.com)
City of Aberdeen Hogmanay Street Party, Dec 31st, new year’s eve party, throughout the city

For a full programme of events visit www.aberdeen-grampian.com

Cost of Living

1 British Pound Sterling (£1) = US$1.75; C$2.04; A$2.30; ¬1.47
Currency conversion rates as of October 2005