Aberdeen City Guide

It may only rank third in Scotland when it comes to size, but when it comes to location and architecture, Aberdeen gives Edinburgh and Glasgow a run for their money. Built on the banks of the rivers Dee and Don around a working harbour, Aberdeen is a city, which, hewn from granite, literally sparkles.

Much of the iconic architecture that spawned the ‘Granite City' moniker dates back to the Victorian era. The heart of Old Aberdeen lies across the Brig O'Balgownie (one of the oldest bridges in Britain), where you will find King's College and its famous dome-crowned tower.

Oil and tourism
Aberdeen is widely known as the ‘Oil Capital of Europe', thanks to the discovery of North Sea oil back in the 1970s. This find transformed the city from one of the poorest in the UK to one of the richest. A cosmopolitan vibe, flourishing arts scene and lively café culture accompanied this meteoric transformation.

With North Sea oil production in decline, Aberdeen has turned its attention to tourism, with Donald Trump's £1 billion golf complex (the ‘world's greatest golf course'), which will be built on the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, given the green light in November 2008.

When to go
Thanks to its east-coast location, Aberdeen is one of the sunniest places in Scotland. Spring and summer are ideal times to visit the area's excellent beaches and golf courses. Crisp, clear days lend autumn and winter their own appeal.