Scotland's third largest city has been thriving since the discovery of North Sea Oil. It has a closely packed city centre made up of dark granite buildings that can make it a overcast and gloomy place at times. However there is a charm and vitality about the city that is reflected in its restaurants and night-life. Union Street is the city's main artery and is a mile long and built on pillars. North-east of the city centre on the banks of the river Don stands the ancient suburb of Old Aberdeen with its fortified cathedral, cobbled streets and houses that date from the 15th Century.
Private small hotels can (though not as a rule!) be the best and most exclusive accommodation to be found anywhere in Britain and are often to be found in converted country houses in the most beautiful gardens or on mini-estates. They can usually be booked on a full-board or Bed and Breakfast basis but expect tariffs to be at the more expensive end of the market. Learn more about accommodation types