Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a city on the eastern coast of Scotland. It is a city of two parts: Old Aberdeen in the northern part of the city and New Aberdeen to the south around the harbour. It is a very spread out city and if you want to see it all either use transport or be prepared to walk a lot.

There are the normal trappings of any city including congestion, dirt and the typical high street shops along with a busy shopping centre in the heart of the city (Bon Accord Aberdeen). What is unusual is that in the heart of the city there is a busy harbour with a nearby golf course and beach with nearby leisure attractions…

There is paid car parking throughout the city though there are two notable exceptions: The free car parks in Seaton Park (Old Aberdeen) and the streets of Footdee at the mouth of the harbour (New Aberdeen). There is a good city bus service operated by First Bus that also serves neighbouring towns and villages as well as trips to further destinations such as Inverness.

The historical attractions are generally in the Old Town but the New Town has the attractions of many big cities:

• Aberdeen Art Gallery (Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ)

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum (Shiprow, Aberdeen AB11 5BY)
• Brig o' Balgownie (Old Aberdeen, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB24 1XP) - Wonderful 13th century bridge spanning the river Don in Old Aberdeen (just north of Seaton Park).

• Cruickshank Botanic Garden (Old Aberdeen, St Machar Dr, Aberdeen AB24 3UU) - A small but wonderful botanic garden hidden away behind the buildings of the university.

• Kings College Chapel (Old Aberdeen, College Bounds, Aberdeen AB24 3FX) - Founded in 1505 this small, simple, chapel is still very much used and found in the middle of the busy University of Aberdeen campus.

• St. Machar's Cathedral - Located at the top of a hill overlooking the beautiful Seaton Park, St. Machar's is a 12th century cathedral with a striking façade and surprisingly bright interior.

For further information, please see:

• Aberdeen City Council
• Wikipedia - Aberdeen