Aberdeen, often known as the 'Granite City', has a distinctive architectural character that shapes its public spaces and venues. The city’s identity, forged over centuries from its royal burgh beginnings to its role as a maritime and energy hub, is visible in its buildings. The renowned grey granite creates a consistent aesthetic, reflecting the Scottish light and providing a solid presence to many establishments. Our venues often occupy spaces that reflect this legacy. You can find traditional pubs housed within granite structures, or contemporary eateries revitalising former commercial buildings. Whether you are exploring **Old Aberdeen**, where ancient university buildings and cobbled lanes frame many establishments, including spaces near King's College Chapel and St Machar’s Cathedral, or seeking modern leisure spaces in the historic **Castlegate**, the city’s heritage is always nearby. Consider the area around the Tolbooth and Marischal Museum as places to explore. Down by **Jamieson’s Quay**, the spirit of Aberdeen’s seafaring past can be felt in spaces that once served the harbour, now offering diverse experiences. Beyond the city centre, Aberdeen’s neighbourhoods offer unique settings. In **Rosemount**, you’ll find traditional granite homes alongside modern amenities. **Footdee**, a charming historic fishing village, provides a distinctive atmosphere, while **West End** offers affluent Parisian-style boulevards with cultural venues. For those seeking green spaces, **Hazlehead** park provides a natural escape, and even **Ruthrieston** has leafy streets and dining options. This directory aims to reflect the current pulse of Aberdeen, detailing venues that contribute to the city’s unique spirit and acknowledging annual celebrations like the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and Aberdeen Art Festival that add to the city’s character. The city's history, stretching back 8,000 years, is palpable in these varied locations and within the spaces themselves.
Featured places are selected local venues we recommend or that partner with The City Brief.
Sports Facility
Albury Community Sports HubAlbury Community Sports Hub is a sports facility on Albury Road in Aberdeen’s Ferryhill area. The neighborhood has a strong community feel, and the Hub adds to this local spirit. You can find a multi-sport offering here, including facilities for tennis, lawn bowls, and petanque.
View Info →Tiki Dive Bar And Grassroots Music Venue
KrakatoaKrakatoa is a live music venue in Aberdeen’s Union Street area, close to Union Square. The venue captures the energy of the city and is known for its striking Volcano Bowls, served in lava-like glassware, and lively atmosphere. Locals and visitors go to Krakatoa for evening drinks and live music.
View Info →Coffee House
The Tartan PigThe Tartan Pig is a Coffee House on Union Street in Aberdeen. This area is known for its lively atmosphere and proximity to His Majesty’s Theatre. The Tartan Pig is known for its hearty Scottish dishes, especially haggis with neeps and tatties.
View Info →Bar
Durty Murphy'sDurty Murphy's is an Irish pub on Union Street in Aberdeen. This area of the city is lively in the evening, and Durty Murphy's is a great fit. The venue is known for its Irish stew, a standout dish on the menu.
View Info →Cafe
FoodstoryFoodstory is a cafe on Thistle Street in Aberdeen. This part of the city maintains a community atmosphere, and Foodstory adds to that. Known for vegetarian and vegan food and baked goods, it's a popular spot for casual meals and coffee breaks throughout the day.
View Info →Craft Beer Bar
The FirepitThe Firepit is a bar on Littlejohn Street in Aberdeen, providing a relaxed atmosphere within easy reach of the city centre. It’s known for its wood-fired pizza and barbecue cuisine. Locals and visitors go to this spot for evening drinks and casual meals.
View Info →478 total places
Coffee House
The Tartan PigThe Tartan Pig is a Coffee House on Union Street in Aberdeen.
View Info →Cafe
FoodstoryFoodstory is a cafe on Thistle Street in Aberdeen.
View Info →Craft Beer Bar
The FirepitThe Firepit is a bar on Littlejohn Street in Aberdeen, providing a relaxed atmosphere within easy reach of the city centre.
View Info →Pub Restaurant
Dyce FarmDyce Farm is a pub restaurant on International Avenue in Dyce, Aberdeen.
View Info →Community Centre
Greyhope Bay CentreGreyhope Bay Centre is a community centre on Greyhope Road in Aberdeen’s Torry neighbourhood.
View Info →Figment is a cafe bar on Union Street in Aberdeen.
View Info →28 total places
158 total places
Tiki Dive Bar And Grassroots Music Venue
KrakatoaKrakatoa is a live music venue in Aberdeen’s Union Street area, close to Union Square.
View Info →Bar
Durty Murphy'sDurty Murphy's is an Irish pub on Union Street in Aberdeen.
View Info →Coffee & Ale House
The Craftsman CompanyThe Craftsman Company is a Coffee & Ale House on Guild Street in Aberdeen.
View Info →Pub
Four Mile InnFour Mile Inn is a pub on Inverurie Road in Aberdeen’s Bucksburn area, known for its community spirit.
View Info →Bar
The GrillThe Grill is a bar on Union Street in Aberdeen, a busy street reflecting the city’s commercial life.
View Info →Pub
The SmiddyThe Smiddy is a pub on Old Skene Road in Kingswells, Aberdeen.
View Info →65 total places
Aquatics Centre
Aberdeen Sports Village - Aquatics CentreAberdeen Sports Village - Aquatics Centre is an Aquatics Centre located on Springfield Road, an area of Aberdeen known for its sports and leisure facilities.
View Info →Bucksburn Swimming Pool is a public swimming facility in the Bucksburn area of Aberdeen.
View Info →The Beacon Centre is a leisure facility on Golf Road in Aberdeen.
View Info →Multi-activity Venue
Get active @ NorthfieldGet active @ Northfield is a multi-sport fitness and swimming facility on Kettlehills Crescent in Aberdeen.
View Info →Sports And Fitness Venue
Aberdeen Sports VillageAberdeen Sports Village is a comprehensive sports and fitness venue located on Linksfield Road in Aberdeen.
View Info →Sports Complex
Cults Sports ComplexCults Sports Complex is a community sports facility on Quarry Road in Aberdeen.
View Info →13 total places
The Hungarian Sausage Grocery Store is a specialty food shop on Union Street in Aberdeen.
View Info →New Spice of Asia is an Asian grocery store located on Provost Rust Street in Aberdeen.
View Info →The greens of Hillhead is a grocery store on Ashvale Terrace in Aberdeen.
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