Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Aberdeen?

Q: Is one day enough time in Aberdeen?

One day is generally not enough time to browse through museums, browse around the old town, discover the big city activities, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant in Aberdeen. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to enjoy popular activities such as the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the big city activities, and the food. To genuinely appreciate the highlights of the cultural city, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for two to three days here. After all, Aberdeen is a fun city that is somewhat popular with tourists because of its great list of sights and attractions. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Aberdeen?

Most visitors spend two to three days in Aberdeen when visiting. The cultural city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the big city activities, and the food.

Aberdeen is rich in history, culture, and even natural beauty. There are sandy beaches, historic landmarks, and many parks and gardens to explore. Golf enthusiasts will also enjoy the many golf courses in the area. Many visitors overlook this hidden gem, so there's a hint of authenticity that you often miss in the more popular destinations.

Do you have one or two days to visit Aberdeen? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Aberdeen?

One day is generally not enough time to browse through museums, browse around the old town, discover the big city activities, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant in Aberdeen. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to enjoy popular activities such as the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the big city activities, and the food. To genuinely appreciate the highlights of the cultural city, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for two to three days here. After all, Aberdeen is a fun city that is somewhat popular with tourists because of its great list of sights and attractions. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.

How to spend a day in Aberdeen

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Aberdeen, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

A few tour suggestions include:

Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen ($68)
Aberdeenshire Private Half Day Castle & Historic Building Tour ($228)
Skip the Line: The Gordon Highlanders Museum Admission Ticket ($12)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Aberdeen is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Aberdeen?

With a variety of sights and attractions, Aberdeen is a fairly popular choice for tourists. Given only a weekend, you will likely find yourself hurrying to browse through museums, browse around the old town, discover the big city activities, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant. To truly savor all that the city boasts, a more generous amount of time is advisable. Many travelers opt for two to three days to thoroughly relish the wonders of the city. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit.

Aberdeen Train Station, Scotland, United Kingdom

How to spend 2 days in Aberdeen

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Aberdeen, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

A few tour suggestions include:

Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm) ($18)
Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour ($76)
Welcome to Aberdeen: Private 2-hour Highlights Walking Tour ($115)

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

The public transit in Aberdeen is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Aberdeen, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.