5 Days of Aberdeen Adventure on a Budget

Discover the charm of Aberdeen without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Aberdeen, UK on a limited budget offers a great opportunity to explore the history and natural beauty of Scotland's east coast. With affordable accommodations, visitors can wander through the charming city center, take in the stunning views from the nearby coast, and visit iconic landmarks like the Marischal College and Castle Fraser. In addition, visitors can indulge in local cuisines and find a variety of free events and activities to enrich their experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

City Sights and Seafood

Check into the Ibis Aberdeen Centre hotel, a cozy and budget-friendly option in the heart of the city.
Visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum for a glimpse into the city's seafaring past.
Stroll along the historic Union Street, lined with charming shops and cafes.
Pop into Cafe Boheme for a taste of their fresh seafood platter, overflowing with locally caught delights.
End the day with a pint (or two) at the cheery The Prince of Wales bar, known for its lively atmosphere and craft beers.

Day 2

Highland Excursion

Join a guided tour of Royal Deeside, a picturesque area dotted with castles and stunning natural scenery.
Visit the majestic Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday residence of the royal family.
Hike along the scenic trails in the Cairngorms National Park, tucking into a picnic lunch along the way.
Take a whisky tour and tasting at the Glenlivet Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest and most famous producers.
Return to Aberdeen in time for dinner at Moonfish Cafe, renowned for its modern Scottish seafood dishes.

Day 3

Art and Architecture

Start the day with a hearty Scottish breakfast at the quirky Corner Tree Cafe, housed in a charming converted church.
Visit the spectacular Marischal College building, one of the largest granite structures in the world.
Take a leisurely stroll through Duthie Park, a lush green space featuring beautiful floral displays and a boating pond.
Spend the afternoon browsing the extensive collection of art at the Aberdeen Art Gallery, showcasing works by acclaimed Scottish artists.
End the day with a cozy meal at the rustic The Adelphi Kitchen, featuring hearty meat dishes and a warm ambiance.

Day 4

Coastal Expedition

Head to the charming fishing village of Footdee, known locally as "Fittie", for a glimpse of traditional Aberdeen life.
Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Aberdeen Beach, dotted with quaint candy-colored beach huts.
Visit the fascinating Codonas Amusement Park, packed with thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.
Stop by the trendy Casc bar for a pint or cocktail, overlooking the stunning beachfront.
Satisfy your hunger with a hearty portion of fish and chips at the classic Ashvale Fish Restaurant.

Day 5

Exploring the Countryside

Join a scenic drive through the countryside, enjoying the stunning natural sights of Aberdeenshire.
Visit the stunning ruins of Dunnottar Castle, perched atop a dramatic cliff overlooking the sea.
Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village of Crathes, featuring charming old-world architecture and quaint local shops.
Check out the Woodend Barn, a cultural hub featuring art exhibits, theater productions, and live music performances.
End the day with a cozy meal at the rustic Moonfish Cafe, featuring hearty meat dishes and a warm ambiance.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.