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Shopping in Aberdeen

When it comes to shopping in Aberdeen there's certainly something for everyone. Union Square, the most significant shopping and leisure location in the city, has over 50 well-known international stores and over 30 restaurants. Most shopping stores shut at 2000 hours.

Key areas

There is a profusion of smaller independent shops dotted around the city. For traditional kilts (available for purchase or hire) and a good grade of Scottish souvenirs and gifts, try Alex Scott & Co (43 Schoolhill, +44 122 467 4874, www.kitmakers.co.uk). For traditional country and leisurewear, try Country Ways (115 Holburn Street). For seriously stylish Scottish homeware and gifts, ranging from Harris tweed clocks to tartan greetings cards, pop into Teasel & Tweed (85 Rosemount Viaduct). The West End is also useful for unique designer boutiques.

Markets

The award-winning International Street Market visits the city quarterly and features over 70 stalls piled high with food, flowers, and crafts from across Europe.

Aberdeen Country Fair, on Little Belmont Street, sells mainly food and crafts from the northeast of Scotland. This market opens on the last Saturday of every month between 0900-1700 hours, with extra dates in December.

Shopping centres

Aberdeen's snazziest mall is Union Square on Guild Street and Market Street. It is home to more than 70 shops and restaurants, plus a multi-screen cinema.

Also crammed with high-street stores is the Bon Accord & St Nicholas shopping centre on George Street.

You can also stock up on your favourite designer brands at The Academy on Belmont Street before sipping cocktails in the open courtyard.

Opening hours

Most of the big retailers are open seven days a week while smaller shops may close on Sundays. Shops typically close at around 1730/1800 hours, although Union Square remains open until 2000 hours on weekdays.

Souvenirs

Kilts, jewellery, shortbread, whisky and woollen jumpers are just some of the many memories that you can pick up in Aberdeen.

Tax information

A VAT of 20% is added in the United Kingdom. If you live outside the EU, however, you can sometimes claim back VAT (value-added tax). See www.gov.uk/tax-on-shopping/taxfree-shopping for more information.

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Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel

Ardoe House is a luxurious modern hotel housed in an impressive 19th-century mansion house overlooking Royal Deeside and located just 5km (3 miles) from the city centre. It has 109 individually designed bedrooms with great views of the surrounding estate, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, tennis courts, gym, beauty salons and two restaurants and two bars.

Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

This celebrated 5-star hotel sits in verdant grounds. Its beautifully appointed rooms have paintings, antique furniture, and TV. The Conservatory chefs specialise in Grampian produce - Aberdeen Angus beef and game with fish and shellfish from local rivers and ports. The wine cellar has over 400 wines, and the Drawing Room bar has more than 100 malt whiskies.

Roselea Hotel

The Roselea is housed in a listed Aberdonian granite house built in the mid 19th century. This is a friendly, family-run guesthouse situated close to bus and rail links and the ferry terminal for Orkney and Shetland Islands ferries. Every bedroom has a TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Craighaar Hotel

An award-winning hotel located just off the A96 provides easy links to the City centre and Aberdeen Airport. Enjoy a luxurious experience at an affordable price.

Skene House Suites

Skene House Suites are serviced apartments that offer an affordable alternative, particularly for groups. Prices are per suite, per night, so the larger suites become great value for money if shared by a few people. The suites are all located in the centre of Aberdeen and are all well appointed and individually designed.

Chester Hotel

Perhaps the smartest hotel address in town is this handsome 19th-century granite villa on Queens Road. Their Classic and Grand guest rooms have muted colours and intelligent en-suites, while two lavish Clubrooms occupy the entire top floor. Facilities include sumptuous dining, a bar with booths, and over 60 treatments in its IX Beauty Centre.