Aberdeen has a pleasant natural environment offering all kinds of outdoor recreation like fishing, golf, and a rather chilly beach and sea if you’re adventurous enough. The famous Scottish Highland Games also come to Aberdeen throughout the warm months, and for a bit of family fun check out Codona’s Amusement Park and the action along the Boardwalk.

Beach Leisure Centre
Aberdeen’s premier water complex is located right on the Beach Boulevard. It’s the ideal place to workout or swim. Adults can make use of the fully equipped gymnasium, but the swimming pool area is where most of the fun happens. The waterslides, wave pool and swimming facilities are ideal for the whole family. 
Phone: +44 1224 655401

Boardwalk
Another kid-focused highlight along Beach Boulevard is the Boardwalk, an entertainment complex with an emphasis on classic, old-style amusement. There are bowling alleys, pool halls, indoor trampolines and the mysterious foam factory. This is a good choice if you have younger children or an affinity for days gone by.
Phone: +44 1224 583338

Codona’s Amusement Park
This seafront amusement park is a great place to take the kids. There are dozens of fun rides, from vertigo-inducing roller coasters to water flumes. The park also boasts live entertainment and music, as well as a 3D motion ride theatre. Its location on Beach Boulevard puts it right at the heart of the action. 
Phone: +44 1224 595910; www.codonas.com

Fishing
Fishing is one of the great pastimes for Scots, and Aberdeen is blessed with some excellent rivers and lakes in the vicinity. Some stretches of water around here, such as the Spey River, are world famous for fishing. You can also try your luck on a loch, an estuary, or in the seas off Aberdeen’s coast. Outfitters are easily found in the city to handle all your angling needs.

Golf
If you’re a golfer it would be a shame to come to the birthplace of this sport without hitting the links. There are a number of great courses in and around Aberdeen, many of which allow guests to play. You’ll need reservations, but your hotel can probably handle this for you. The exclusive 1780 Balgownie course is a legend in itself, while the West Hills course is a local’s favourite. 
Phone: +44 1224 702571 (Balgownie)

Highland Games
The Highland Games are a timeless tradition in Scotland, and Aberdeen and its neighbouring towns play host to various events from May to September every year. These events are an absolute spectacle, full of unique competitions, colourful kilts and graceful dancing. Different events are held within an hour of Aberdeen throughout the summer, so don’t miss out.

It may be Scotland’s third city, but Aberdeen has plenty of culture on offer. Its incredible array of ancient castles is perhaps the most popular attraction, so don’t miss exploring some of these romantic marvels. A handful of museums put Aberdeen’s history and culture into perspective, and the city’s vibrant performing arts scene ensures something good in on year-round.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum
This premier museum is located in the heart of the historic harbour district, an attraction in its own right. Reputed to be the oldest building in Aberdeen, this museum houses a fantastic collection of maritime artefacts, ship models and paintings. Its four floors also contain plenty of interactive displays relating the story of Aberdeen and its seafaring roots. 
Phone: +44 1224 337700; www.aagm.co.uk

Cathedral of St Machar
One of Aberdeen’s most stately churches is the Cathedral of St Machar, which dates to 1131. Though much of the present structure was built in the 1400s century, there are some wonderful details inside such as the pre-Reformation woodwork and stained-glass windows. 
Phone: +44 1224 485 988

Craigievar Castle
This exceptional mansion is a classic example of Scottish baronial architecture. Built in 1616, little has changed at this structure except some interior restoration. Now in the care of the National Trust, the original family furnishings still fill the spacious rooms. Also nearby is Macbeth’s Cairn, the site where Macbeth is said to have fought his final battle. 
Phone: +44 1339 883 635

Scotland’s Castle Trail
If you want to check out Scotland’s beautiful castles, then this self-driving tour is the one for you. The well-marked historic road tour incorporates 11 of the area’s finest pieces of architecture. You can leisurely explore the 13th-century ruins of Kildrummy Castle as well as the stunning Fyvie Castle and its famous five towers. Maps can be found at local tourist offices. 
Phone: +44 845 2255121; www.agtb.org

Gordon Highlanders Museum
Despite its name, this museum focuses entirely on the military history of the kilted soldiers from the northeast of Scotland. Dedicated to one of Britain’s most famous regiments, the displays recreate famous battles and war heroes. Among the exhibits are some interesting items like Nazi memorabilia, a full range of uniforms, and a film detailing the regiment. 
Phone: +44 1224 311 200

Performing Arts
There are several venues in Aberdeen where you can enjoy professional chamber music, opera, theatre and other performances. The Aberdeen Arts Centre is a good place to start as it prides itself on a varied schedule. Haddo House and the 19th-century Music Hall blend charming atmosphere with real talent, while His Majesty’s Theatre is the world’s only theatre built entirely from granite. 
Phone: +44 1224 635208; www.digifresh.co.uk/ (Aberdeen Arts Centre)

Befitting a city of its size, Aberdeen has hundreds of restaurants encompassing a wide range of cuisines from Scotland and around the globe. Most eateries are clustered together around town, making it easy to find a place to dine. Belmont Street is a good place to start your culinary explorations, as it features numerous interesting cafés and casual restaurants.

Union Street is the city’s main drag, and also features plenty of dining choices in every genre. The harbour is another great location, especially for seafood. Its ambiance is unbeatable, particularly at the Silver Darling restaurant, whose fresh seafood is only rivalled by its views. But in general, it’s quite easy to find a good café anywhere in Aberdeen.

There are a number of different places where you can shop in Aberdeen. The city’s covered shopping centres combine classic atmosphere with some of the best stores in town. The Academy is the place to search out the boutique shops. Trinity Centre, St Nicolas Centre, and Bon Accord Centre focus on general high street retailers. Popular chains are concentrated along George and Union streets, while speciality shops are best found on Chapel and Thistle streets.

The main shopping avenue is the mile-long Union Street, Aberdeen’s main boulevard. This wide charismatic strip is lined with lovely old buildings containing mostly UK high street shops. Traditional gifts in Aberdeen are typical of Scotland. Kilts are always a fun buy, with Alex Scott & Co one of oldest purveyors in the city. In general, if you spend some foot time wandering the speciality shop streets you may find some interesting independent places tucked in there selling tartans, shortbread, whiskey and the likes.