Stretching out on the north east coast, Aberdeen is bordered by lush Royal Deeside and the majestic Cairngorms National Park to the west and panoramic sea views to the east.

In Aberdeen you can feel the richness of the city's history all around you, from the traditional Doric accent of local residents to the glinting granite buildings lining the streets.

Impressive architecture

Aberdeen is famous for its granite buildings and monuments. Packed with sparkling crystals, buildings such as His Majesty's Theatre and Marischal College shimmer in the sunlight.

To the north of the city centre, the cobbled streets and historic university buildings of Old Aberdeen are steeped in history, while to the east - by the harbour - the quaint fishing quarter of Footdee (pronounced locally as Fittie) is packed with tiny cottages and colourful gardens.

At the harbour

This is a city right on the coast. It's a place where you can walk from the city centre to the harbour in minutes - and you have a high chance of seeing the harbour's resident pod of dolphins playing in the waters when you get there too.

The sandy beach is a must visit. Stroll along the sands before stopping to enjoy an ice cream in the fresh sea air. You might spot people surfing and paddle boarding in the water too.

Travel in Aberdeen

Getting here

Aberdeen has fantastic transport links with the rest of the UK and Europe. Whether flying, taking the train, catching the ferry or driving, reaching the region is straightforward.

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Getting around

As to getting around the city, Aberdeen city has an amazing public transport system, both day and night, although exploring the streets by foot is a great way to experience the atmosphere of this vibrant city. Driving around is easy, but if you don't have a car, buses and trains will easily take you to and from your destination.

Exploring Aberdeenshire

Loch Muick, Cairngorms National Park © A.Karnholz-Fotolia

Out in Aberdeenshire, to the west of the city sits the lush scenery of Royal Deeside - a favourite holiday destination of the Royal Family - as well as the deep glens and towering mountains of the Cairngorms National Park.

Teeming with wildlife, including red deer and golden eagles, Britain's largest National Park boasts plenty of exhilarating outdoor adventures to try, including walking, skiing, canyoning and much more.

There are 30 golf courses within a half-hour drive of the city too, as well as plenty of great places to enjoy fishing. Huge salmon and trout are regularly caught on rivers such as the Dee, Don and Deveron.

Amidst all this scenery you'll find whisky distilleries carefully crafting barrels of golden liquid, as well as hundreds of castles, including the clifftop ruins of Dunnottar Castle and HM The Queen's sumptuous royal residence, Balmoral Castle. Check out more amazing castles on Scotland's Castle Trail.