Aberdeen - the main sea and fishing port of the northeastern part of Scotland - acquired the fame of the "granite" city, because in the period from the middle of the 18th to the middle of the 20th century, buildings in the city were erected using local gray granite.In sunny weather, granite gives the cityscape an attractive shine, but in the rain it is very difficult to understand where the buildings end and the sky begins.
In the seventies, after the discovery of oil in the North Sea, the city was awarded another title - the title "Oil Capital of Europe".
WEATHER
The climate in Aberdeen is maritime, although much milder than might be expected given its northern position.In winter, especially in December, the day, i.e. between sunrise and sunset, lasts about 6 hours.With the beginning of summer, the length of the day increases to 18 hours, and the temperature at this time of the year reaches + 17 ° C.
HOW TO GET
The airport is located in the suburb of Aberdeen, Dyce, 9 km northwest of the city center.The airport offers many flights to cities in Scotland and Great Britain, including the Shetland and Orkney Islands, as well as international flights to Holland, Norway, Denmark, France and the Czech Republic.Bus number 727 goes to the airport from Aberdeen bus station (cost 3.20 GBP, journey 35 minutes).A taxi to the airport will cost 19-24 GBP.The prices on the page are indicated for October 2018
Direct rail links connect Aberdeen with Edinburgh (2.5 hours), Glasgow (nearly 3 hours), Dundee (1.5 hours) and Inverness (2.5 hours).There are also several daily trains from King's Cross station in London to Aberdeen (165-190 GBP, 7.5 hours).
The ferry service between Aberdeen and Orkney and Shetland is operated by Northlink Ferries.The port is located within walking distance to the east of the railway station.
On the bus
National Express operates a regular service to London (£45, 12 hours).Scottish Citylink has routes in Dundee (2 hours), Perth (2.5 hours), Edinburgh (3.5 hours) and Glasgow (4.5 hours).
Flight 10 departs hourly to Inverness (approximately 4 hours), stopping at Huntly, Keith, Fochabers, Elgin and Nairn.Other local routes serve the suburbs of Aberdeen - Stonehaven, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Banff and Buckie.
The bus station is located on Guild St next to the train station.
TRANSPORT
The main public transport operator is First Aberdeen.The price of the ticket can vary from 1.30 to 3 GBP, the fare is paid by the driver.The FirstDay ticket allows you to use public transport services on First Aberdeen buses from the moment of its purchase until midnight (cost 4.41 GBP).Tickets can also be purchased at the First Travel Center at 47 Union St, which is open to visitors from 8.45am to 5.30pm except Sundays.
Taxi stands are located in/out of the station and on Back Wynd Street.You can also order a taxi by phone.
You can rent a car at Arnold Clark on Girdleness Rd or 1car1 Car Hire at 16 South College St.
HOTELS
Most of the hotels in Aberdeen are classified as three or four stars, conveniently located in the city center or in the immediate vicinity of it.In Aberdeen, there are quite budget two-star hotels and chic five-star hotels, such as the Aberdeen Marriott Hotel and The Marcliffe at Pitfodels.
ENTERTAINMENT AND SIGHTS
Occupying a Victorian-era building, Aberdeen Art Gallery houses collections of Impressionist paintings and sculptures, as well as contemporary artists and works by Scottish colourists.There is no entrance fee.
The Maritime Museum is dedicated to the mechanics of ships and oil rigs, and the museum's collection reveals the rich maritime history of Aberdeen and its people.There is no entrance fee.
The Satrosphere Science Centre, Scotland's first science centre, opened to the public in 1988. The center has at its disposal more than 50 interactive exhibitions that can be interesting not only for scientists, but also for the whole family.
Aberdeen has long been famous for its outstanding parks and gardens.Duthie Park, opened in 1899, is located on the north bank of the River Dee.It has rose gardens, boating ponds and the David Welch Winter Gardens, the second largest indoor garden in Europe.Johnston Gardens is also noteworthy, in 2002 it received the title of the best botanical garden of the British Isles.And Union Terrace Gardens, opened in 1879, is an oasis of peace and quiet in the heart of the bustling city.
Surroundings of Aberdeen
The 16th century Crathes Castle is located 20 km northwest of Aberdeen.And Drum Castle, the tower of which, built in the 13th century, is considered one of the three oldest towers in Scotland, preserved without changes.The castle is located 12 km west of Aberdeen.On the cliff, 3 km south of Stonehaven and 22 km from Aberdeen, there is another significant castle - Dunnottar Castle.
On the Orient Express Train Aberdeen, also known as the Northern Belle, you can make an unforgettable journey through the north-east of the country.The train picks up tourists from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dingwell.And his path passes through the most beautiful places in Scotland - past the island of Mulu, Lake Loch Lomond and the resort town of Oban, along the railway.the West Highland track, which runs through the most picturesque places.
HOLIDAYS AND EVENTS
The Aberdeen International Youth Festival is Aberdeen's premier international cultural event.The Aberdeen Jazz Festival is also notable.
The Stonehaven Folk Festival is held in Stonehaven, on the outskirts of Aberidn.And the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival takes place in the historic port of Portsoy.This festival has a special emphasis on boat building, boat restoration and sailing.The festival started in 1994 and has been attracting thousands of visitors every year since then.
SHOPPING
The main shopping street of Aberdeen - Union Street, with a length of more than 1 km.Large shopping centers - Bon Accord Centre, St.Nicholas Centre, The Academy, Trinity Center and Union Square.
Shops are usually open from 09:00 to 17:30 except Sundays.Large shops are usually open on Sundays and sometimes open until 8:00 p.m.
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
Local Scottish cuisine can be tried at the Silver Darling restaurant on the North Pier Pocra Quay or at the Victoria Restaurant at 140 Union St.
