Things to Do in Aberdeen

The Robert Gordon University (RGU)

Usually referred to as "RGU", it became a university in 1992 but developed out of an educational institution dating from 1750 founded by the Aberdeen merchant and philanthropist Robert Gordon. The word "The" is officially part of the title. From summer 2013, RGU's campus is at Garthdee in the south-west of the city by the banks of the River Dee, known for its modern architecture by major architects such as Norman Foster Associates. A campus in the city centre was operated also but it has transferred to an impressive new building at the main Garthdee campus, but the university will still be governed from its pretty Administration Building on the Schoolhill, next to the Art Gallery. RGU has recently been rising rapidly in university rankings and was named Best Modern University in the UK for 2012 by the Sunday Times, and equivalent standings in 2013, in addition to other recent awards. It is a teaching-focused university of about 15,500 students but significant research is also conducted (but not as much as the University of Aberdeen). Degrees are offered from undergraduate to PhD level in a wide range of disciplines, primarily (but not limited to) vocational and professional disciplines and those most applicable to business. It has become known for its high level of graduate employment of around 97%. The university's art school, Gray's School of Art, offers short courses in art, sculpture, photography and fashion to the general public with no need for prior training.

Schoolhill, AB10 1FR and Garthdee Road, Garthdee, AB10 7QG

University of Aberdeen

One of the oldest universities in the UK (founded 1495), it is renowned for its teaching and research in a full range of disciplines including the liberal arts, sciences, social sciences and the professions. Until the University of the Highlands and Islands was created in 2011 with its centre at Inverness, Aberdeen was the most northerly university in the UK (the Robert Gordon University, also in the city, is a little way south of the University of Aberdeen). It is a research-focused university of about 15,000 students, most at its main Kings College campus in Old Aberdeen, but some at its Medical School at Foresterhill. The Medical School is prestigious and the centre of a great deal of research, and is where (for example) the MRI scanner was developed. The university's iconic buildings, Marischal College (in the city centre but now occupied by Aberdeen City Council) and the tower of Kings College, are also iconic images of the city of Aberdeen. A huge new library was opened in 2011 at the Kings College campus. It is of unusual architecture for Aberdeen, taking the form of a seven-story zebra-striped tower. the Sir Duncan Rice Library is open to the public and outstanding views are available from the upper floors; ID is needed to sign in. The university provides popular part-time adult education courses, in addition to its Language Centre which also provides classes in languages at all levels.

Kings College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX

Take a short boat trip or cruise from Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen Harbour is one of the busiest ports in Britain (and the only working port in a city centre in the UK), with lots of ships of many kinds arriving and departing each day. Boat tours are available to go '''sealife spotting''', in search of dolphins, basking sharks, porpoises, puffins and other sea wildlife, with an expert guide on board - you have to book at least 24 hours ahead by calling 01475 721 281 or through their website (adults £25, children £12, family £66). A "'''Harbour Cruise'''" is also available (Adults £16, children £8, family £45). This 45-minute boat tour is narrated and tells you about the major sights of the harbour and some of what happens there. It's also a great chance to see Aberdeen from a different angle - for centuries travellers arrived at the city mostly by sea and this was their first view of its skyline (especially the Clock Tower at the Harbour offices). For the Harbour Cruise, you can book online or pay on the day. In summer 2015, both tours operate until October and depart throughout the day - check website at http://www.clydecruises.com/aberdeen-harbour-cruises/ for details or ask at the Tourist Information Centre on Union Street.

Eurolink Pontoon (next to Fish Market), Aberdeen Harbour

Royal Aberdeen Golf Course

The Royal Aberdeen operates a celebrated links just north of the mouth of the River Don. The course runs essentially out and back along the North Sea shore. The outward nine (which is acknowledged as one of the finest in links golf anywhere in the world) cuts its way through some wonderful dune formation. The inland nine returns south over the flatter plateau. A traditional old Scottish links, it is well-bunkered with undulating fairways. It has an excellent balance of holes, strong par 4's, tricky par 3's and two classic par 5's, with the 8th (signature hole) protected by nine bunkers. The ever-changing wind, tight-protected greens and a magnificent finish makes Balgownie a test for the very best. It was highly praised by participants in the 2005 Senior British Open. The eminent golf writer Sam McKinlay was moved to say "There are few courses in these islands with a better, more testing, more picturesque outward nine than Balgownie".

Links Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8AT

May Festival

Takes place each year in May at the University of Aberdeen. It developed out of ''Word - The University of Aberdeen Writers Festival'' which is one of the highlights of the cultural calendar in Scotland. It includes the Word festival but many other events for people of all ages focusing on various themes. In 2013 these were the Word Festival, food and nutrition, "Discover", music, science, Gaelic language, and film. As part of the Word theme alone, readings, discussions, performances, exhibitions and even films are shown across the three-day festival which attracts top authors from around the UK and the world.

Trump International Golf Links

After many years and much controversy, including its environmental impact, compulsory purchase and bulldozing of local homes and a recent face-off with the First Minister over a proposed windfarm nearby, Donald Trump officially opened his new flagship course and resort on 10th July 2012. The spectacular championship links course include dunes and is billed by Trump as "the world's greatest golf course", while there is also a second 18-hole links. This is Scotland's hottest new golf destination, and it's just outside Aberdeen.

Menie Park Lodge, Menie Estate, Balmedie, Aberdeenshire AB23 8YE

Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC)

On the A90 (in Bridge of Don) is the venue for most of Aberdeen's pop and rock concerts. In frequent years wrestling has been a fixture as well. The venue has recently been dramatically expanded, and most functions are now held in the brand new building. If you are stuck for finding the AECC, look for the tall viewing tower, a fixture of the new structure. It is easily visible from most points close to the River Don.

The Lemon Tree

Was once regarded as a rather "fringe" venue, and indeed it still is the launching platform for many alternative acts, but the sheer variety of talent on display (blues, rock, comedy and dance, to name but a few genres) rivals that of the three venues above. The interesting location creates a great atmosphere, and is one of the main venues for the annual International Jazz Festival (see above).

Satrosphere Science Centre

The Satrosphere Science Centre was Scotland’s first science and discovery centre, first opened to the public in 1988. The centre has over 50 hands-on interactive exhibits and live science shows, which inspire your inner scientist as well as entertain the whole family. It is a great place for children, and is located in what used to be the main depot for the city's tram system.

The Tramsheds, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5TU

Every day 10am-5pm

Adults £5.75, children £4.50, family of four (including 1 or 2 adults) £17.00

Dry-slope skiing and snowboarding

This dry slope includes a large Alpine run and Dendex run, as well as a nursery slope. Individual and group tuition in skiing and snowboarding is available, and all equipment can be hired. If you meet a certain minimum standard (i.e. can control your speed, link turns and use uplifts), there are open public sessions every day; check website for timetable.

Garthdee Road, AB10 7BA

M-F 10am-8pm, S-S 10am-4pm

His Majesty's Theatre

On Rosemount Viaduct plays host to a wide range of plays and musicals, including major touring productions as well as local commissions. There is also an excellent restaurant in a modern extension to the building. If you are in the city over the Christmas period with children, a trip to a showing of the annual pantomime is a must!

Watch football (soccer) at Pittodrie Stadium

If speculating is your thing, why not go and watch Aberdeen's home grown, Scottish Premier League football (soccer) team Aberdeen Football Club (or "The Dons") at work at their home ground of Pittodrie. Home matches take place on Saturday afternoons during the football season which runs July - May - check website for details.

Pittodrie Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5QH

View on map

Nick Nairn Cook School

Scottish celebrity chef Nick Nairn (known to many from his TV shows) has recently opened a cookery school in the city. It offers short courses (from a couple of hours to a whole day) in cooking. It's a great way to spend some time for foodies or cookery lovers. Prices range from about £40 to £160.

15 Back Wynd

See an arthouse film at the Belmont Filmhouse

Arthouse, foreign and selected mainstream films are shown here every day, in a historic building on Belmont Street. Films in languages other than English are subtitled. An adult ticket costs £10.00 (£8.50 for matinees) and child tickets cost £4.00. Tickets can be booked online or in person.

49 Belmont Street, city centre

Ice skating/Ice Hockey

The Linx Ice Arena is one of Scotland's most important ice rinks, opened in 1992. It is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Facilities include a national-sized ice pad measuring 56m x 26m, with a cafeteria open on Thursday and Friday evenings and weekends.

Beach Promenade, AB24 5NR

Check website for public opening times as also used for training by professional skaters

Including skate hire: Adults £7.45, children £5.30 (discount for bringing own skates)

Deeside Golf Club

This prestigious private course about 5 miles (8km) outside the city was founded in 1903 but in the past few years has had major reconstruction work and is highly regarded. Set close to the valley of the River Dee, there are great views of the river and nearby forests.

Golf Road, Bieldside, AB15 9DL

Aberdeen International Youth Festival

takes place in early August each year. It is one of the world's biggest celebrations of youth arts, including theatre, dance, and music (including classical, jazz, opera and world music). Performances take place at venues around the city.

Water Sports

Aberdeen's long beach is ideal for water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The Aberdeen Waterports store at 35 Waterloo Quay, AB11 5BS stocks equipment for diving and also offers training in Scuba diving

Aberdeen Beach

North East of Scotland College

The largest further education college in Scotland, and it has campuses within the city and also in the surrounding region. Its largest facility is on the Gallowgate on the outskirts of the city centre.

The Music Hall

On Union Street opened as the Assembly Rooms in 1822. Today it provides an elegant setting for classical music, popular music, stand-up comedy and other performances.

Aberdeen Jazz Festival

Takes place in March each year. It showcases live jazz performances from around the world at a number of city venues.

The Royal Thai

The oldest Thai restaurant in Aberdeen and it shows in how exceptional the food is.