Along the north eastern coast of Scotland sits the city of Aberdeen. This one of the best locations for students to live and study. It may not have the same reputation as Edinburgh or Glasgow, but it has a lot to offer and makes a fantastic place to live.
Aberdeen is a city of natural beauty and there’s so much culture to take in too. Whether you want to get a culture fix, eat great food or enjoy the nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re planning a move here to study soon, we have a whole host of great student properties available too.
Since it’s our city of the week, we’ve put together a list of our favourite spots to hit up in Aberdeen. Read on to learn all about 8 of the best places in the city to put on your bucket list.
1. Stroll Through Johnston Gardens
For a serene and peaceful way to spend the afternoon, make sure to take a stroll through Johnston Gardens. This is a small Japanese garden open to the public for free right in the city of Aberdeen.
This garden won the Britain in Bloom competition for 9 years in a row. It only stopped because it was banned in order for other cities to get a shot at winning! It’s full of gorgeous flowers and shrubbery and is the perfect place to visit when spring rolls around.
2. Visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum
The only thing better than an award winning museum is a FREE award winning museum! That’s exactly what you get with the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. This museum will teach you a lot about the maritime history of Aberdeen.
There are a range of activities for all ages to get stuck into here, it’s not just for kids! Learn about everything from the oil industry to ship building and the Aberdeen Harbour, which is the oldest in the world.nd more to do with Aberdeen Harbour, which is the oldest in the world.
It will help give you a whole new appreciation for the city and you’re sure to learn a lot here.
3. Taste the Fresh Seafood
Since Aberdeen is a seaside city, it’s known for having some delicious seafood fresh from the water. If you’re looking for tasty seafood to please your stomach, Aberdeen has plenty for you to enjoy.
There are a huge range of seafood restaurants in Aberdeen to suit all tastes and budgets. Looking for some fish and chips to eat along the beach? Or do you want a fine dining experience of delicious seafood? Whatever you like, there’s something for you to sink your teeth into here.
4. Go Cocktail Tasting
Did you know that Aberdeen has a whole host of amazing cocktail bars for you to enjoy? That’s right, from newly invented cocktails to the classics we all know and love, there’s a lot of cocktails to try here.
Make sure to keep your eyes out for hidden speakeasy bars too, as there are a few if you know where to find them. If cocktails aren’t your thing, there are plenty of great spots to visit that offer fine craft beers and ales too.
5. Visit Dunnottar Castle
Not far from the city of Aberdeen is the gorgeous Dunnottar Castle. This Medieval ruined castle perches on a cliff hanging over the North Sea. It truly is a sight to behold and will take your breath away whenever you visit.
It was used as a defense fortress against the Jacobite risings back in the 1600s. You can get a feel for how intimidating it once was in its’ glory days. It may be in ruins now, but it’s still absolutely mesmerising and definitely worth a visit.
6. Wander the Grounds of Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle is one of the official residences of the British Royal Family and the Queen still visits throughout the year. While you can’t go inside the castle itself, you can still visit and explore the grounds and gardens.
It makes for a great day out and the best time to visit is in the summer when it truly shines. There are also regular exhibitions as well as a cafe and gift shop, so it’s a great place to treat yourself too.
7. Go Dolphin Spotting
One of the more unique experiences you can have in Aberdeen is going to spot actual wild dolphins. Head along to Aberdeen Harbour and catch a ferry to go on a tour to see the dolphins.
You can find breeds such as bottlenose dolphins, white beaked dolphins and risso dolphins. It’s a fantastic way to see marine life thriving out in the wild and beats any zoo or aquarium out of the water!
8. Check Out Aberdeen Art Gallery
To get your culture fix without spending a penny, go visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Founded in 1884, it is home to some fantastic exhibitions dating all back to the 15th century.
The building is beautiful inside and out and will impress you from the very instant you walk inside. It’s free to visit, but is currently closed for a £90 million refurbishment. It also hosts concerts and lectures that are free as well.
You Will Love Living and Studying in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a fantastic city and if you’re coming to study here, you are very lucky. There’s so much to see and do here and these are only 8 of our favourites. Make sure to check them out and make your own list of your favourite spots there too!
Looking for student housing in Aberdeen? We have some great shared apartments and studios available, so get in touch with us today.
