Aberdeen is a major city in north-east Scotland situated between the Rivers Dee and Don on the North Sea coast. The city developed through fishing, maritime trade, shipbuilding and granite quarrying before becoming one of Europe's principal centres for the North Sea oil and gas industry. Its extensive use of local granite has given Aberdeen a distinctive architectural identity and earned it the nickname the Granite City. Today it remains an important commercial, educational and cultural centre for north-east Scotland.
Aberdeen: Historical sights and information
Facts about Aberdeen
- Latitude:
- 57.150492
- Longitude:
- -2.093760
- GPS Coordinates:
- 57°09' N, 02°06' W
The historical and tourist significance of the city
Marischal College is one of the city's most impressive granite buildings, while nearby Provost Skene's House provides an insight into Aberdeen's older history. The historic streets of Old Aberdeen contain King's College, St Machar's Cathedral and attractive university buildings. Aberdeen Beach offers a long sandy waterfront with promenades and leisure facilities, while the Gordon Highlanders Museum explores the military history of the region. The surrounding countryside is famous for castles, whisky distilleries and access to Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms.
Food, shopping and leisure
Aberdeen's restaurants make extensive use of Scottish seafood, beef, game and local produce, alongside a wide range of international cuisine. The city centre has major shopping areas as well as independent cafés, pubs and restaurants. The coastal location provides opportunities for walking and wildlife watching, while the surrounding countryside is ideal for outdoor activities. Summer is particularly suitable for exploring the coast and nearby castles, although Aberdeen's museums, galleries and cultural venues make it an attractive destination throughout the year.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Aberdeen.