Aberdeen, known as the Silver City with the Golden Sands, is a thriving hub of the UK鈥檚 energy sector. It鈥檚 surrounded by Aberdeenshire, a region rich in history, royal heritage, and breathtaking landscapes filled with fairy-tale castles and outdoor adventures.
The North East of Scotland offers the perfect mix of city life and natural beauty. In Aberdeen, you鈥檒l find a vibrant urban centre, while stunning coastlines and countryside are just moments away. Whether it鈥檚 hiking in the hills or sipping artisan coffee while spotting dolphins, this region has something for everyone. Explore the place Robert Gordon University proudly calls home.
The City
Aberdeen, the Granite City, is a dynamic blend of industrial heritage and forward-thinking innovation. Nestled between the rivers Don and Dee in North-East Scotland, its population of around 228,000 enjoys the best of both worlds - an energetic city centre with urban conveniences, yet moments away from stunning coastlines and countryside.
Renowned for its silvery architecture and coastal charm, Aberdeen consistently ranks among the UK鈥檚 top-performing cities for jobs, skills, and quality of life. From a diverse food scene and buzzing nightlife to outdoor adventures, year-round festivals, and rich cultural attractions, the city has something for everyone.
Recently, Aberdeen has appeared in Conde Nast's top 10 best and friendliest cities in the UK.
Well-connected to the rest of Scotland, the UK, and Europe, Aberdeen is a gateway to new experiences - whether that鈥檚 a scenic Highlands escape or a quick city break in Amsterdam. And while the weather can be unpredictable, one thing鈥檚 for sure: Aberdeen is a cold city with a warm heart.
Aberdeen ranks top in the UK (and top in Scotland) for affordability (QS Best Student Cities 2026) and the most affordable place to buy in the UK (Nationwide Affordability Index 2025) thanks to our lower living costs.Cost of Living
Beyond the City
From rugged coastlines and golden beaches to rolling farmland and mountain peaks, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire take you on a breathtaking journey from coast to countryside. Whether you're exploring fairy-tale castles or immersing yourself in the great outdoors, adventure is never far away.
Just an hour from the city, the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside offer endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from mountain biking and hiking to skiing and paddleboarding. The Deeside Way lets you walk, run, or cycle from Aberdeen to Ballater, while the coastal town of Stonehaven, home to the iconic Dunnottar Castle, invites visitors to enjoy beachside activities like kayaking, wild swimming, and wood-fired saunas. This perfect balance of city energy and rural beauty makes Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire a truly special place to explore.
Music and Culture
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are steeped in history and culture, with centuries-old architecture, world-class museums, and a thriving festival scene. From live performances at P&J Live, His Majesty鈥檚 Theatre, and The Lemon Tree to exhibitions at the iconic Aberdeen Art Gallery, there鈥檚 always something to experience. The region鈥檚 rich heritage comes to life in museums like the Maritime Museum and Gordon Highlanders, while green spaces such as Duthie Park and Seaton Park offer a peaceful retreat within the city.
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are steeped in history and culture, with centuries-old architecture, world-class museums, and a thriving festival scene.
Festivals bring Aberdeen鈥檚 creative energy to the forefront, from Spectra, Scotland鈥檚 festival of light, to NuArt, where world-class street artists transform the city鈥檚 walls into an open-air gallery. The Highland Games, including the famous Braemar Gathering, celebrate Scotland鈥檚 traditions, while year-round events showcase food, drink, arts, comedy, and more - ensuring there鈥檚 always something to discover in this vibrant corner of Scotland.
Food and Drink
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are renowned for their world-class food and drink, with miles of coastline, fertile farmland, and crystal-clear rivers providing the finest local produce.
From prized Aberdeen Angus beef and fresh seafood to venison and game from great estates, the region is a haven for food lovers.
The city鈥檚 dining scene is just as diverse, offering everything from local independents to Michelin Guide restaurants, serving up everything from surf to turf and brunch to dessert. Dish and Tell is 91吃瓜网鈥檚 very own series celebrating some of Aberdeen鈥檚 finest food and drink spots. Follow along on our social channels to discover where we鈥檝e been tasting and telling next.
Watch all of our Dish & Tell videos on YouTube:
Beaches and Castles
Aberdeenshire is Scotland鈥檚 Castle Country, home to more castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK. From grand royal residences to mysterious ruins, these landmarks tell the story of Scotland鈥檚 past, offering a glimpse into centuries of history. This dramatic landscape has also caught the eye of filmmakers, featuring in productions like The Crown, The Dark Knight Rises, The Queen, and Peaky Blinders, bringing a cinematic touch to the region鈥檚 rich heritage.
Beyond its castles, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire boast breathtaking coastlines with vast sandy beaches and rugged shores. Just a short drive from the city, Balmedie鈥檚 rolling dunes stretch for miles, while Newburgh Beach is home to a thriving seal colony. Aberdeen Beach Boulevard offers a classic seaside experience, while the historic fishing village of Footdee, Fittie to locals, adds a touch of maritime charm. Whether you鈥檙e after a peaceful walk or a bracing sea breeze, the region鈥檚 stunning beaches provide the perfect escape.
And everything else
Beyond its stunning castles and coastline, Aberdeen offers a dynamic mix of outdoor adventure, shopping, and entertainment. The city鈥檚 bustling shopping scene includes high-street favourites, independent boutiques, and the vibrant Aberdeen Christmas Village during the festive season. With world-class golf courses, a lively arts and music scene, and a packed calendar of festivals, there鈥檚 always something to see and do in this vibrant city.
Looking for your next adventure? Our UnDiscovered Aberdeen map is packed with our favourite spots 鈥� from cosy caf茅s and top food spots to stunning beaches, castles, and hidden gems. Whether you're new to the city or rediscovering old favourites, you鈥檒l never run out of places to explore in the place we call home.
Don't just take our word for it
Julia Bryce is one of Aberdeen鈥檚 most recognisable faces when it comes to food, drink, and all things delicious. A proud Aberdonian, Julia has spent over a decade writing about Scotland鈥檚 incredible food scene, from hidden gems to the best bites.
Before I get started, full disclosure: I am CEO of the regional tourism agency. It is my job to sing the praises of this corner of Scotland. So, am I the most authentic voice to blog on the merits of living in the North-east of Scotland? I am sure that thousands can do just as good a job as I.
I have visited many countries and many places and have been asked, 鈥渋n an ideal world, where would you choose to live?鈥�
Think you鈥檝e heard enough? What are you waiting for鈥�
Aberdeen offers the best of both worlds, where vibrant city life meets breathtaking countryside. Whether you prefer the charm of cobbled streets or the tranquillity of rolling fields, urban and rural living sit side by side. The city boasts a thriving shopping scene, world-class golf courses, and a packed calendar of festivals, while the Shire offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from mountain biking and hillwalking to paddleboarding along the coast. With a fantastic food and drink scene, immediate access to nature, and a high quality of life, Aberdeen is the perfect place to live, work, study - and most importantly, call home.