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You’ve probably checked the course, the rankings, maybe even the weather. But here’s what you really want to know: what’s life like in Aberdeen when you’re not studying? After a long day of lectures and assignments, where do students go to breathe, explore, or just feel human again? This question matters if you’re a student considering moving to Aberdeen city. Because it’s not just about the degree—it’s about the experience.
And yes, Aberdeen isn’t London or Edinburgh. But that’s what makes it better. It’s quieter, more personal, and surprisingly full of little gems that don’t show up on brochures. In this blog, you’ll find the best things to do in Aberdeen, especially for students like you who want to unwind—and actually enjoy your time here.
About Aberdeen:
Aberdeen may not be the first city that pops into your head when you think of studying in the UK, but that’s exactly why it surprises you. It’s peaceful without being boring, student-friendly without being too small, and full of little gems that make day-to-day life better.
If you’re wondering what student life here really looks like, here’s a quick snapshot of what Aberdeen has to offer:
- Known as the Granite City – Clean, classic streets built with sparkling grey stone. It’s beautiful in an understated way.
- Beaches within city limits – Fancy a walk after class? Aberdeen has golden sands, waves, and even dolphin sightings.
- Castles and countryside – You’ll find scenic ruins and rolling hills just a short ride away.
- Home to top universities – With the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, it’s a solid student hub.
Also Read: Top Universities in Aberdeen for Students 2025/26
- Some of the best seafood in Scotland – Whether it’s fish and chips or fancy fare, you’ll eat well here.
- Student-friendly cost of living – It’s more affordable than London or Edinburgh, with plenty of budget places to eat, stay, and explore.
- Well-connected yet walkable – No need to splurge on cabs. Most places are just a bus ride or brisk walk away.
- Over 50 golf courses nearby – If you’re into it, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
- Safe, quiet, and well-paced – Ideal if you’re moving away from home for the first time and want to ease into student life.
- Plenty of things to do in Aberdeen city – From historic walks to seaside cafés, there’s more here than meets the eye.
Whether you’re into nature, food, or just want a good place to study and unwind, Aberdeen ticks more boxes than you’d expect.
20 Best Things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland
- Step Into a Real-Life Storybook at Craigievar Castle
Yes, this is the one with the pink turrets—unmissable and oddly calming. Craigievar Castle isn’t just pretty to look at, though. It’s packed with centuries-old artefacts, antique weapons, and original interiors that haven’t been touched since the 1600s. Just an hour’s drive from Aberdeen City makes for an easy weekend trip when you want a dose of history without the crowds. Definitely one of the best things to do in Aberdeen if you enjoy a mix of nature and nostalgia.
- Walk Through Time at Crathes Castle
A forest, a walled garden, and ceilings that still carry 16th-century paintwork. Crathes Castle is more than just a pretty building. Linked to Robert the Bruce and surrounded by over 500 acres of green space, it’s ideal if you want to combine a bit of history with a peaceful afternoon walk. You’ll find clear walking trails around the estate, making it perfect for solo trips or group day outs.
- Visit Drum Castle for a Bit of Everything—Medieval, Victorian, and Wild Woodland
Drum Castle is like three different eras stitched together. There’s a medieval tower, a Jacobean-style mansion, and a Victorian library: all in one place. You’ll also find a quiet oak forest around the grounds if you’re after a peaceful walk to ease post-exam stress. Great for students who enjoy slower weekends and want to experience something beyond the usual city buzz.
- Discover Art, Armour, and Ancestry at Fyvie Castle
Fyvie Castle is built for people who love stories hidden in old walls. Every room tells you something—from noble family legacies to collections of rare art and antiques. A walk through the estate feels like flipping through pages of Scottish history. If you’re keen on photography or just like peaceful architecture, this one’s a must.
- Get a Glimpse of Georgian Grandeur at Haddo House
Want to see where history meets elegance? Haddo House mixes 18th-century architecture with massive portraits, quiet reading rooms, and a country park right outside. It’s an ideal study break—less touristy, more thoughtful. The gardens are great for solo strolls or laid-back conversations with flatmates.
- Take a Breather at Pitmedden Garden
Not every weekend has to be loud or eventful. Sometimes, the best things to do in Aberdeen involve a quiet walk, a bit of history, or time with nature. If you’re in the mood to switch off and soak things in at your own pace, these spots are worth a visit.
- Step Into the Past at House of Dun
Art lovers and history buffs, this one’s for you. House of Dun blends Georgian charm with curated collections of Scottish furniture and paintings. It also borders the Montrose Basin nature reserve, so the views outside are just as lovely. It’s one of those things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland, that feels relaxing and meaningful.
- Take a Windy Walk Around St. Andrews Castle
Fancy a day trip? Head to St. Andrews Castle. It’s perched above the sea and packed with stories from medieval Scotland. Wander through the ruins, soak in the views, and grab a bite in the nearby town. It may not be inside the city, but it’s still among the best things to do near Aberdeen if you love a bit of drama and sea breeze.
- See Art in a New Light at Duff House
This Georgian mansion mixes baroque design with a strong lineup of Scottish and Renaissance art. Duff House is quiet, charming, and gives you space to think. Add it to your list of things to do in Aberdeen City when you want something a little more thoughtful than the usual hangouts.
- Discover True Stories at The Gordon Highlanders Museum
If you’re curious about Scottish history beyond textbooks, visit The Gordon Highlanders Museum. It’s all about the real stories of a legendary infantry unit. This one’s not just educational—it’s surprisingly moving. Easily one of the best things to do in Aberdeen if you enjoy learning while keeping it casual.
- Wander Through the Whimsy of Footdee (Fittie)
It’s tiny. It’s quirky. And it’s packed with charm. Just a short walk from the beach, Footdee—locally called Fittie—is a fishing village turned hidden gem. With its inward-facing cottages and cobbled streets, it’s nothing like the rest of the city. For something offbeat yet peaceful, it’s one of the more surprising places to visit in Aberdeen City.
- Hike the Haunting Trails of Slains Castle
Perched on cliffs above Cruden Bay, Slains Castle is raw, dramatic, and kind of perfect for a cloudy afternoon. Locals say it inspired Dracula, and you’ll understand why the moment you step onto the trail. If you’re into coastal walks with a spooky side, this is among the most unforgettable things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland.
- Catch Nature’s Show at Crawton Waterfall
Head to Crawton Waterfall for views that make you pause. Just 20 miles out, this clifftop spectacle drops into the sea with real flair. It’s a short walk, but the photos will look like you trekked for miles. This one’s a favourite among students looking for a quick escape and remains one of the best things to do in Aberdeen on a clear day.
- Spot Dolphins Near the Girdleness Lighthouse
Just minutes from the city centre, the Girdleness Lighthouse walk leads you along Greyhope Bay—a known spot for spotting dolphins, seals, and seabirds. The lighthouse itself, built in 1833, adds a vintage touch to your stroll. If you’re after things to do in Aberdeen city that feel far from city life, this one’s perfect.
- Distil Your Own Gin at City of Aberdeen Distillery and Gin School
Located under an old railway arch near Union Square, this distillery offers something refreshingly different. Take a tour, join a tasting, or sign up for the full Gin School experience, where you’ll make your own bottle. Among all the things to do in Aberdeen City, this might be the most unexpected. And yes—you get to keep the gin.
- Spot Urban Masterpieces with Nuart Aberdeen
Nuart Aberdeen turns the city into an open-air gallery—mural by mural, wall by wall. It’s the only street art festival of its kind in Scotland, and while the main event happens in June, the art sticks around all year. From eye-popping abstracts to powerful political pieces, this is one of those quietly cool things to do in Aberdeen City that turns every street corner into a discovery.
- Hide Away at the Secret Sands of Hackley Bay
Hackley Bay is the kind of place you whisper about so it stays secret. For nature lovers and peace-seekers, it’s easily one of the best-kept Aberdeen places to visit when you want the beach to yourself. No lifeguards. No kiosks. No crowds. Just waves, cliffs, and golden sands waiting at the end of a quiet trail through the Forvie National Nature Reserve.
- Dive into Maritime Legends at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Tucked beside the harbour in Shiprow, this museum is a beautiful mix of glass and granite and history. Explore Aberdeen’s deep connection to the sea, from old fishing traditions to North Sea oil rigs. Free to enter and full of local flavour, it’s one of the most enriching things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland, if you’re into engineering, storytelling, or just love a good view from the café.
- Discover Aberdeen’s Unsung Heroes at Provost Skene’s House
If buildings could talk, this one would tell you tales of genius, grit, and global impact. Provost Skene’s House celebrates over 100 famous Aberdonians—actors, inventors, athletes and more—who’ve shaped the world. The house itself is the oldest townhouse in the city. It’s one of those quietly meaningful places to visit in Aberdeen where you’ll walk away with more than just photos.
- Get Your Green Fix at Duthie Park
Head to Duthie Park if you need a reset. With lush lawns, Victorian glasshouses, duck-filled ponds, and even one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens, this place delivers major main-character energy. It’s the third-most visited garden in Scotland, and it’s right here in the city. Whether it’s for a lazy picnic or a breezy jog, it’s one of the most wholesome things to do in Aberdeen for every season.
Tips for Students to Make the Most of Aberdeen
- Get to Know the City Beyond the Campus
University life can take over. But step out now and then. Take a walk around the harbour, grab a bite on Union Street, or explore the granite streets that whisper history. The city centre is compact, so you’ll find many places to visit in Aberdeen city right on your doorstep.
- Use Weekends to Explore
You’ll find no shortage of good weekend plans. Visit Duthie Park for a breath of fresh air. Walk the cliffs near Slains Castle. Or discover one of the best-kept secrets—Hackley Bay. These are some of the best things to do in Aberdeen if you want to unwind without spending a fortune.
- Take Time for Art and Culture
The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is free and worth a few hours. Nuart Aberdeen? A must-see. Even if you’re not an art person, the murals are hard to miss—and harder to forget. These are some of the more unusual yet brilliant things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland, that add colour to the everyday.
- Find Comfort Food (and Try Something New)
Craving a proper butter chicken? You’ll find it. But also try the local fish and chips or Cullen Skink—a creamy fish soup that’s very Aberdeen. You’ll discover that one food spot you always return to. Everyone does.
Also Read: Some Of The Must Visit Indian Restaurants In Aberdeen
- Don’t Miss Seasonal Events
From winter lights to spring fairs and summer beach days, the city moves with the seasons. Keep an eye out for local events. They’re a great way to meet people and see the city come alive.
- Take Quiet Breaks
Some days, you just want peace. The David Welch Winter Gardens or the coast at Greyhope Bay are ideal. These quiet spots offer more than views—they offer calm. Add them to your list of things to do in Aberdeen City when the week feels long.
You came to Aberdeen for the education, but it’s the little things that make the experience unforgettable—quiet moments at Duthie Park, catching dolphins at Greyhope Bay, or finding your new favourite coffee spot near campus.
UniAcco helps you find student accommodation that gives you access to all the best things to do in Aberdeen without blowing your budget.
Also Read: Living In Aberdeen As A Student – A Detailed Guide
FAQs
- What are the best things to do in Aberdeen on a sunny day?
You can take a long walk along the golden sands of Aberdeen Beach, visit Duthie Park for a picnic, or explore the David Welch Winter Gardens. If you’re after quieter corners, head to Footdee or the Forvie National Nature Reserve for coastal views. On sunny days, the list of things to do in Aberdeen City just gets better.
- What are some must-see places to visit in Aberdeen City?
If you’re new to the city, don’t leave without exploring the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Provost Skene’s House or taking a walk around Old Aberdeen. Nuart Aberdeen will surprise you if street art fascinates you.
- Are there things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland, that don’t cost anything?
Absolutely. Many of the places to visit in Aberdeen City are free. Stroll through Seaton Park, spot dolphins at Greyhope Bay, or admire the architecture around King’s College. You can also enjoy the stunning murals from the Nuart Festival all year round.
- Why is Aberdeen called the grey city?
The “grey” comes from the silver granite used in most buildings, which actually sparkles in the sunlight. While the weather may be moody at times, it adds a certain charm. And with all the things to do in Aberdeen, Scotland, you’ll never find the city boring.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Aberdeen for Students [Updated 2025] do and see in Aberdeen. Make sure you visit them surely and make the most out of it.
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