Aberdeen

A Playful Welcome

Welcome to Aberdeen, where the weather is unpredictable, the buildings are literally made of gray stone (yes, even your taxi driver’s eyebrows look like they’ve been carved from it), and the locals will greet you with a smile, a wink, and possibly a free shortbread if you compliment their accent. Think Edinburgh’s sophisticated cousin who dropped out of university to become a fisherman… then opened a craft gin distillery. You didn’t come here for the sun? Good. You’re in the right place.

3 Fun Facts About the City (That’ll Make You Sound Smart at Dinner)

1. Aberdeen is called the “Granite City” because it’s built from locally quarried gray granite—which glints like a disco ball in the sunlight. Fun side effect: in winter, the city looks like someone dropped a giant ice cube in the North Sea and called it “architecture.”

2. It’s home to the world’s first underwater restaurant—well, technically, the first planned underwater restaurant was proposed here in 1884. It never got built, but the idea lives on in local pub legends and the occasional drunken dare.

3. Aberdeen has more millionaires per capita than any other UK city outside London. Yes, you read that right. Turns out North Sea oil money buys a lot of tartan scarves and single malt. So next time someone says “Aberdeen’s just a boring oil town,” hand them a haggis ball and say, “Care to explain the gin distillery then?”

Local Food You Must Try

Forget fish and chips. In Aberdeen, you eat like a Viking who went to culinary school.

• Haggis, Neeps & Tatties Burger — Yes, it’s a thing. Imagine the traditional Scottish trio, but sandwiched between a brioche bun with a drizzle of whisky cream sauce. It’s hearty, weird, and somehow delicious. Try it at The Haggis Box.

• Aberdeen Angus Beef — Not just a steak. It’s the royal steak. The cattle here are so pampered they’ve got better social lives than your cousin’s Instagram influencer.

• Cullen Skink — A creamy, smoky soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. It’s like someone hugged a fireplace and then served it in a bowl. Bring a spoon. And maybe a hug.

One-Day Itinerary (24 Hours? You’ve Got This.)

8:00 AM — Start with a “Coffee & Confidence”
Hit The Coffee House on Union Street. Order a flat white and ask for “the one with the extra shot of optimism.” It’s not on the menu, but they’ll give it to you anyway.

9:30 AM — Explore the Marischal College
This Gothic masterpiece looks like Hogwarts if it were built by a Victorian architect with a grudge. Take selfies with the gargoyles—they’re judging you, but kindly.

12:00 PM — Lunch at The Haggis Box
Eat the burger. Take a picture. Post it. Tag #HaggisIsNotASausage.

2:00 PM — Stroll Along the Beach at Footdee (Fittie)
This colorful fishing village looks like a Lego set dropped by a very artistic toddler. Pastel houses, crab boats, and the smell of salt and seaweed. Perfect for soul-recharging.

4:30 PM — Visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Learn why the North Sea is basically the world’s most expensive bathtub. Bonus: the giant model ship that looks like it’s about to sail into your Instagram feed.

7:00 PM — Dinner at The Silver Darling
Fresh seafood, cozy vibes, and a menu that says “We know you’re here for the scallops.” Don’t skip the whisky pairing. Or the conversation with the bartender.

9:30 PM — End with a pint at The Ship Tavern
This 17th-century pub has more history than your ex’s LinkedIn profile. Toast to Aberdeen: “To granite, gins, and glorious gray skies!”

Expectation vs. Reality (A Humorous Comparison)

Expectation	Reality
“It’ll be like Edinburgh but quieter and less touristy.”	It’s like Edinburgh’s grumpy, sensible older sibling who wears waterproof trousers to brunch and knows where to find the best cheese scone.
“It’s just a bunch of gray buildings.”	The gray buildings sparkle like diamond dust when the sun breaks through. Also, the granite is so hard, it’s been used to build the UN headquarters. You’re literally walking on diplomacy.
“It’s probably freezing and depressing.”	It’s chilly, yes—but the people are warm, the pubs are cozy, and the local gin (yes, there’s a gin trail now) will melt your soul faster than a snowman in July.
“I’ll be the only tourist.”	You’ll be one of 3. The other two are a German couple taking a photo of a gargoyle and a Frenchman trying to pronounce “Aberdeen” without sounding like he’s choking on a haggis.

The Local’s Cheat Sheet

• Transport: Buses are reliable and cheap. The 22 bus goes from the train station to Footdee and has the best views. Pro tip: sit on the right side going out, left side coming back. Science.
• Etiquette: Never say “It’s cold here.” Locals will nod solemnly and say, “Aye, but it’s a good cold.” Respect the cold. It’s part of the culture.
• Hidden Gems:
  • The Tolbooth — A former jail turned art gallery. The cells are now cozy reading nooks.
  • St. Machar’s Cathedral — Less crowded than St. Giles, more dramatic than your ex’s breakup text.
  • The Diamond — A tiny, unmarked bar in a basement with live jazz and a door that looks like a cupboard. Knock three times. Say “I come for the gin.” They’ll let you in.

An Encouraging Conclusion

Aberdeen doesn’t scream for attention. It doesn’t need to. It whispers—through the glint of granite, the warmth of a pub landlord’s smile, the crunch of a haggis burger, and the quiet majesty of a sunset over the North Sea. It’s the kind of place that grows on you like moss on a statue. And honestly? You’ll leave with a full stomach, a slightly damp jacket, and a heart that’s a little more Scottish than it was before. So go. Pack your waterproofs, your sense of humor, and your appetite. Aberdeen’s waiting… and it’s got a gin waiting for you.