2 days in Aberdeen - an action packed itinerary full of top things to do and see in the Granite City

If you read our suggestions for a one-day Aberdeen itinerary, here it is expanded into a two-day adventure, with more museum suggestions, places to eat and a wider overview of this fascinating city. Whether you're breaking a journey up Scotland's east coast or using Aberdeen as a jumping off point to visit the Shetlands, you can easily fill a rewarding day or two before catching your ferry.

Here are our suggestions for how to make the most of two days in Aberdeen:

Day 1: Granite grandeur, amazing museums and beach exploration

Morning: Architectural Wonders & Brunch (Allow 3-4 hours)

Begin your Aberdeen adventure by immersing yourself in the heart of the city's architectural splendour:

• Union Terrace Gardens & Surrounding Buildings: Start your exploration with a walk around the streets surrounding Union Terrace Gardens. Marvel at grand historic buildings like His Majesty's Theatre (with a statue of William Wallace out front), the venerable St Nicholas' Kirk, and the truly stunning Marischal College. This colossal granite masterpiece is more like a cathedral than a university building. The park itself is a lovely sunken garden to wander through, with terraced flower beds of ornamental grasses and agapanthus, a big grassy lawn, and a children's play area. Because it's several flights of stairs down from road level, the park is also a very safe, enclosed space to let little ones run free and stretch their legs. Don't forget to take a photo with the big "Aberdeen" letters sign!

  
  

• Brunch at Suma's: Just a short walk from Union Terrace Gardens, re-fuel with a delicious brunch at Suma's. Prepare your cameras, because their coffees are arguably the most Instagrammable we've ever seen, loaded with freeze dried flowers!

  

  

  

  

  

  

Midday: Dive into Aberdeen's past (Allow 2-3 hours, choose one main museum)

Aberdeen boasts several fantastic museums, and with two days, you can afford to explore one thoroughly today, saving others for tomorrow. Choose the one that piques your interest most for a deeper dive:

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum: Conveniently located near Suma's on the historic Shiprow, this award-winning museum offers a deep dive into the city's long and dramatic relationship with the sea. Explore everything from its earliest days of trading, fishing, and shipbuilding to its pivotal role in the North Sea oil and gas industry. The museum is housed in a number of historic buildings, including the 16th-century Provost Ross's House, linked by a striking modern glass and steel structure. Don't miss the impressive 9-meter-high scale model of the Murchison oil platform stretching up through the heart of the museum! Free entry! Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm.

  
  

  Nearby Optional Stop: Tollbooth Museum & Mercat Cross: Once it reopens after refurbishment (check before you visit), you could also pop into the nearby Tollbooth Museum. This small museum and former 17th-century prison (complete with cells) offers a chilling insight into crime and punishment. Even if it's closed, the dramatic Mercat Cross outside is an interesting landmark to walk past, hexagonal in shape with grand arches and pillars, bearing medallions of 10 Stuart monarchs and a column with a white marble Scottish unicorn on top.

  
  

• Aberdeen Art Gallery: Located right beside Union Terrace Gardens, this is an excellent alternative. Following a massive £34.6 million transformation that earned the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year Award in 2020, Aberdeen's Art Gallery contains 19 different rooms arranged thematically rather than chronologically. Art lovers can explore a collection spanning over 700 years of art, showcasing works by Scottish, British, and international artists, designers, and makers. Look out for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces (including works by Monet, Millais, Degas, and Renoir), and modern Scottish Colourists, Joan Eardley, Francis Bacon, Tracey Emin, and Barbara Hepworth. Free entry! Open Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm (Closed Tuesday).

  

• Provost Skene’s House: Near Marischal College, this is Aberdeen's oldest surviving townhouse, dating back to 1545. Named after Sir George Skene, it now focuses on the stories, achievements, and discoveries of over 100 remarkable local heroes. Names you might recognise include Annie Lennox, Emeli Sandé, Denis Law, Sir Alex Ferguson, Lord Byron, Rose Leslie, and Dame Evelyn Glennie. One particular highlight is the Painted Gallery, a beautifully decorated room from 1626, featuring a remarkably preserved painted ceiling and murals depicting scenes from the life of Christ – hidden for over 300 years! Free entry! Open April - October (Closed Tuesday/Wednesday).

  
  

Afternoon: Sweet Treat & Coastal Exploration (Allow 2-3 hours)

• Ice Cream at Mackie’s 19.2: Time for a sweet treat! Head to Mackie’s 19.2 ice cream parlour, tucked away in the courtyard at Marischal Square – look out for the enormous steel leopard sculpture. Named for the 19.2 miles distance from the parlour to the farm, Aberdeenshire's famous dairy farmers offer over 30 flavours of ice cream. From cones and tubs to milkshakes, sundaes, crepes, and waffles, your sweet tooth will be spoiled for choice! Open daily.

  
  

• Aberdeen Beach and Footdee (Fittie): For a dose of bracing sea air, head to Aberdeen's beach, about half an hour's walk or a short bus/taxi ride out of the centre. While it might not be the most pristine beach you'll ever encounter (it can get a bit wild with seaweed and jellyfish, depending on the day!), it offers a wonderfully long stretch of sand and a lively promenade. There are lots of options for fast food and ice creams – two fun options are the Highlander Cafe Bus (a stationary double-decker red bus serving burgers) or the Fit Fine Fish and Chip Tram.

  

  From the Highlander Cafe Bus, it's about a 15-minute walk south along the Esplanade to Footdee (known as Fittie by locals). This charming, historic fishing village at the very mouth of Aberdeen Harbour is a world apart. Built in 1809, its houses face inwards in two distinct squares, with their backs to the sea's fierce coastal winds. One of Fittie's most famous features are the colourful, quirky "tarry sheds," built from driftwood and found materials to store fishing gear. Keep an eye out for Bottlenose dolphins – if you're lucky, you'll see them feeding and playing around the harbour entrance, especially in summer months.

  
  

Evening: Dinner & Drinks in the City Centre

If you resisted the lure of the chip vans at the beach, why not book a table at one of Aberdeen's excellent city-centre restaurants?

• Moonfish Cafe: In the historic Merchant Quarter, offers "honest food made with local and seasonal produce" and views of the 12th-century Kirk of St Nicholas. Known for its extensive gin list! Moonfish Cafe holds 1 AA Rosette. Open Tuesday - Sunday 12pm - 9pm.

  
  

• Café Bohème: On Windmill Brae, this intimate candle-lit French restaurant serves brasserie classics and incredible seafood. It's one of two Aberdeen restaurants currently listed in the Michelin Guide. Open Tuesday 5pm - 9:30pm, Wednesday-Saturday 12pm - 9:30pm (Closed Monday/Sunday).

  
  

• Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish: The first restaurant from renowned Scottish chef Kevin Dalgleish. Located in a spacious basement on Queen's Terrace, Amuse celebrates Scottish produce through sophisticated French cooking techniques. It also gained a spot in the Michelin Guide just six months after opening and has garnered two AA Rosettes. Open Tuesday - Saturday for lunch/dinner, Sunday for lunch only. Check website for specific times.

  
  

Post-Dinner Drinks: Not yet ready to call it a night?

• Moonfish Cafe (again!): Renowned for its extensive gin list and well-crafted cocktails.

  
  

• The Tippling House: On Belmont Street, a very popular cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and knowledgeable mixologists. Can get busy, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere. Open Tuesday - Thursday 4pm - 1am, Friday 4pm - 3am, Saturday 1pm - 3am.

  
  

• The Grill: If you're looking for a proper old-school Scottish pub with character, The Grill is legendary. Famous for its incredible selection of whiskies (over 600 varieties!) and its authentic, no-frills atmosphere – a traditional standing pub with minimal seating, a long bar counter, and mahogany panelling. Open Monday - Thursday 10am - 12am, Friday - Saturday 10am - 1am, Sunday 12:30pm - 12am.

  
  

• BrewDog (Castlegate or Union Square): If you're a craft beer aficionado, visit one of the remaining establishments in the city where it all began. You can check specific bar opening times on the Brewdog Website.

Day 2: Parks, old world charm and Highland history

Morning: Green Spaces or Historic Quarters (Allow 2-3 hours)

We've got two suggestions for you, to explore two different sides of Aberdeen.

Option A: Tranquility at Duthie Park and Winter Gardens: Start your second day by heading south to explore Duthie Park. This magnificent Victorian park is home to one of Europe's largest collections of indoor plants: the David Welch Winter Gardens. Wander through diverse glasshouses full of cacti, tropical flora, and exotic blooms, offering a vibrant burst of colour and warmth year-round. Outside, explore expansive green lawns, a boating pond and a large children's play area. Park open daily 8am to 1 hour before dark. Winter Gardens open daily (check seasonal times for closing).

Option B: Journey Through Old Aberdeen: Alternatively, travel back in time to Old Aberdeen, the city's ancient heart. This charming, historic quarter feels very distinct from the busy modern city, with cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings.

• Start your exploration at King's College, part of the University of Aberdeen, instantly recognizable by its iconic Crown Tower. Wander through its historic quad and soak in the academic atmosphere. Don't miss the tranquil University of Aberdeen Botanical Gardens nearby, offering a peaceful green escape. King's College Chapel open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Botanic Gardens opening hours vary seasonally, check online.

  

• From King's College, enjoy a walk up to Seaton Park along the Chanonry, a picturesque route past the magnificent St Machar’s Cathedral, a stunning example of fortified medieval architecture with unique heraldic ceilings. Continue all the way through the park to the beautiful Brig o' Balgownie (mentioned by Lord Byron in Don Juan), one of Scotland's oldest bridges, keeping an eye out for deer and swans.

Lunch: We have a few suggestions, depending on which morning itinerary you chose.

For Duthie Park:

• The Park Cafe, near the David Welch Winter Gardens has a delicious menu of homemade soups, freshly made sandwiches, baked potatoes, paninis and a wide selection of cakes and coffee.

• For a bit more of a treat, walk 15 minutes north of the park to Ferryhill House Hotel. Set within private gardens, this historic building offers a stylish brasserie, a relaxed public bar and a lovely outdoor terrace. Check online for food service times as it varies.

For Old Aberdeen:

• Grub Old Aberdeen: Located right in the heart of Old Aberdeen at 148 Spital, Grub is renowned for its inventive paninis, great coffee and is very popular among locals.

  
  

• Hardback Cafe (Sir Duncan Rice Library): Located inside the University's Sir Duncan Rice Library, this cafe is open to the public and offers a wide selection of hot and cold food, making it a good, reliable choice, especially if you're exploring the campus.

• If you're enjoying your time up at the Brig o'Balgownie, have your lunch at Brig o'Don Pub & Grill, a Greene King pub with a hearty menu of steaks, burgers, salads and some Scottish specialties.

Afternoon: A Deep Dive into Military History

• Gordon Highlanders Museum: If you're particularly interested in military history, this is the perfect time to visit the Gordon Highlanders Museum. It's a 10-minute taxi ride out of the centre but well worth it. This award-winning museum takes visitors through a compelling and comprehensive journey through the 200-year history of one of Scotland's most celebrated regiments (dubbed “the finest regiment in the world” by Winston Churchill). Highlights include the impressive armoury and medals room, a full-size replica of a World War I trench in the museum's grounds, and the Officers' Mess. Entry costs: £15.50 adults/£7 children. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am - 4:30pm (Closed Sunday/Monday).

• Alternatively, head back into the city centre to mop up one of the museums and galleries suggested for day one.

  
  

Evening: Farewell Dinner & Drinks

Dinner: For your final evening, consider one of the city's renowned restaurants.

• The Silver Darling: Located dramatically in Fittie, it's beloved by locals and visitors alike for its spectacular harbour views and outstanding seafood menu – a truly memorable farewell meal. Open Monday - Saturday for lunch/dinner, Sunday for lunch (check website for specific times).

  
  

• Revisit one of the Michelin-recommended spots mentioned on day one if you didn't get a chance to try them.

Post-Dinner Drinks:

• St Machar Bar: If you fancy an evening jaunt back up into Old Aberdeen, this is another great traditional boozer. Long and narrow with a few tables and bench seats, St Machar also has an extensive whisky list and a good selection of guest ales. Open Wednesday - Friday 12pm - 12am (1am Fri), Saturday 10am - 1am, Sunday 10am - 12pm

  
  

• Alternatively, revisit The Tippling House or The Grill for a final Aberdeen dram.

Other Things to Do in Aberdeenshire (If you have even more time!)

If your trip extends beyond two days, or you have a car, venture further afield to discover the stunning wider Aberdeenshire region:

• Newburgh Beach: Famous for its colony of seals that bask on the sandbanks – a magical wildlife encounter.

  
  

• Cullen: A picturesque coastal town known for its dramatic viaduct, beautiful beach, and of course, Cullen Skink (a traditional smoked haddock soup).

  
  

• Bullers of Buchan: Witness dramatic sea stacks and blowholes, and if you're lucky, spot puffins nesting on the cliffs during breeding season.

  
  

• Balmoral Castle: The Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family. Explore the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions (check opening times as they vary).

  
  

• Dunnottar Castle: Perched dramatically on a clifftop, this ruined medieval fortress offers breathtaking views and a captivating history. An absolute must-see!

  
  

• Slains Castle: The ruined castle that reputedly inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. A hauntingly beautiful location with a fascinating literary connection.

  
  

Aberdeen truly is more than meets the eye. From its magnificent granite architecture and rich history to its vibrant cultural scene and easy access to stunning natural landscapes, the Granite City promises an unforgettable Scottish adventure.

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