Making the most of your Spectra visit to Aberdeen

Having recently been named as Scotland’s ‘most fun city’, beating Glasgow and Edinburgh, you could say that there’s no better place to spend time than in Aberdeen! From art and historic landmarks to a diverse foodie and event scene, we’ve listed some of the must-see places below to make the most of your visit to Aberdeen when here for Spectra or beyond. 

We can’t wait to welcome you from the 5th – 8th of February!

Aberdeen Art Gallery 

Situated in the heart of the city centre, Aberdeen Art Gallery boasts a range of incredible artworks. Home to some of the finest collections in the country, the gallery collection spans over 700 years and includes artworks from local, national and international artists, designers and makers.

With a variety of exhibitions to choose from, the gallery also highlights Aberdeen’s history through its ‘ View of Aberdeen’ and ‘Aberdeen Ships, Trade and Empire’ exhibitions. 

Maritime Museum 

The Maritime Museum is located on the iconic Shiprow, close to the busy harbour area, and tells the story of Aberdeen’s long history with the sea. Discover the city’s maritime heritage through an extraordinary curation of artworks and objects that the story of its earliest days in the fishing and shipbuilding industries, all the way to the present day, as a leader in global energy transition.

Just outside the museum, you will also find the Aberdeen Finish Memorial, produced by sculptor David Williams-Ellis which was unveiled in 2018.  

Old Aberdeen 

Explore the quaint cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen. Home to a host of historic gems, including St Machar’s Cathedral, Kings College, the Aberdeen Zoology Museum, the Sir Duncan Rice Library and the Brig o’ Balgownie. 

Soak up the history dating back to the 13th century, take a wander through the beautiful Chanory, or visit the Cruickshank Botanic Garden. 

Aberdeen beach/ Footdee

Footdee is situated at the mouth of the River Dee and the harbour wall at the South end of Aberdeen beach, known by locals as ‘Fittie’ and considered a hidden gem. An old fishing village made up of charming granite cottages, uniquely decorated sheds and tales of times gone by – the perfect way to spend a quiet afternoon exploring. 

Granite Noir 

Running from 17th to 22nd of February, Granite Noir is an annual, popular crime writing festival held in Aberdeen, Scotland, focusing on Scottish and Nordic noir fiction. Held in venues like the Music Hall and The Lemon Tree, the event features author talks, workshops, and panel discussions. 

Royal Deeside 

Along the River Dee from Aberdeen towards the Cairngorms National Park is Royal Deeside, an area boasting some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes. Famously known as home to the Balmoral Estate, Royal Deeside also offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and visiting historic sites such as the Royal Deeside Railway. 

Science Centre 

Looking for fun for all the family? With over 65 interactive exhibitions, Aberdeen Science Centre is one of the city’s top attractions. From science demonstrations to hands-on workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Duthie Park Winter Gardens 

Aberdeen is home to one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe. Inside the Winter Gardens, located in Duthie Park, you can enjoy the exquisite range of flowers and exotic plants from around the world. Highlights include the Temperate House, Corridor of Perfumes, Fern House, Victorian Corridor, Japanese Garden, Tropical House and Arid House. 

The Nuart Trail

Aberdeen has some amazing street art as part of the Nuart initiative. Dotted in and around Aberdeen’s city centre are amazing artworks from artists across the globe. 

If you’re keen to explore a little bit more, Visit Aberdeenshire has a fantastic itinerary for those seeking further adventure. 

Whilst most of these attractions are available within walking distance, First Bus and Stagecoach Bus Routes are available.