4 Days of Budget-Friendly Fun in Aberdeen, UK

Experience Scotland's Granite City without breaking the bank in Aberdeen.

21 June 2023

A trip to Aberdeen on a limited budget can be an enriching experience. The city offers free entry to some of its famous attractions such as the St. Machar's Cathedral and the Duthie Park. Cheap accommodations are readily available in the form of hostels and budget hotels.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploring

  • Check into The Brentwood Hotel, a charming budget option with a great location near the city center
  • Take a stroll through Union Terrace Gardens, a beautiful green space filled with flowers and fountains
  • Visit the Maritime Museum to learn about Aberdeen's seafaring history
  • Wander through Old Aberdeen, a quaint neighborhood with picturesque cobblestone streets and historic buildings
  • Grab a bite to eat at The Craftsman Company, a cozy gastropub with a fantastic beer selection and delicious comfort food
Day 2

Coastal Adventures

  • Make your way to Footdee Beach, a hidden gem with colorful fishing shacks and stunning views of the sea
  • Head to the Aberdeen Harbour, where you can take a boat tour to see seals and dolphins in their natural habitat
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at The Silver Darling, a restaurant on the harbor with incredible views and fresh, locally-sourced seafood
  • Take a walk along the famous cliffs of Dunnottar Castle, a ruin with a fascinating and bloody history
  • Stop by Brewdog, a popular local brewery with a lively atmosphere and inventive craft beers
Day 3

Culture and Nature

  • Explore the Aberdeen Art Gallery, a beautiful museum with an impressive collection spanning from the Renaissance to the present day
  • Take a walk through Duthie Park, a vast and picturesque green space with colorful flower beds and a boating pond
  • Stroll through the charming Rosemount neighborhood and stop for a coffee at The Cult of Coffee, a trendy cafe with great drinks and snacks
  • Visit the stunning Crathes Castle, a magnificent 16th century castle with impressive gardens and woodland walks
  • Have dinner at Moonfish Café, a highly acclaimed seafood restaurant with an inventive menu and cozy atmosphere
Day 4

Whisky and History

  • Take a tour of the Glenfiddich Distillery, one of the most famous whisky distilleries in Scotland
  • Visit the imposing ruins of Slains Castle, a gothic masterpiece that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula
  • Head to the St. Machar's Cathedral, a stunning medieval church with beautiful stained glass windows
  • Take a break at Books and Beans, a cozy and quirky cafe with great coffee and a great selection of books
  • Finish the day with a pint at The Prince of Wales, a friendly pub with classic Scottish decor and a great selection of beers
  • End of itinerary.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Aberdeen by plane is to fly into Aberdeen International Airport, which is located approximately 7 miles northwest of the city center. Airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet offer frequent flights to and from major cities across the UK and Europe.

Car

Driving to Aberdeen is relatively straightforward, with the A90 and A96 being the main roads linking Aberdeen to other major cities within the UK. It is advisable to check traffic updates prior to the journey and parking is available throughout the city center of Aberdeen.

Train

There are several train services that run to Aberdeen, with frequent services operated by ScotRail, Virgin Trains, and CrossCountry. The main train station in Aberdeen is Aberdeen station, which is located in the city center and provides easy access to the rest of the city.

Boat

Ferry services run to and from Aberdeen to locations across Northern and Western Scotland. The harbor in Aberdeen is located near the city center and a popular ferry operator is Northlink. These ferry services are recommended if you want to see some of Scotland's best coastal scenery and islands.

Bus

One of the easiest ways to get to Aberdeen by bus is through the national bus network which has services to Aberdeen from many cities across the UK. Scottish Citylink and Megabus are the popular bus services. The main bus station in Aberdeen is the Union Square bus station, which is located in the city center.

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