Best Landmarks near Union Square

A historic granite staircase connecting Crown Terrace to Bridge Street in Aberdeen's city center. Built in 1878 as part of a major urban improvement scheme, these iconic steps provide a dramatic ascent through one of Scotland's most architecturally significant neighborhoods. The stairs link the upper and lower levels of the city, offering pedestrians a direct route between two important thoroughfares while revealing layers of Victorian-era urban planning and engineering.

On Aberdeen’s historic Green, the site of Aedie’s House marks the footprint of a 16th‑century townhouse once home to the prominent Ædie family. Though the building was demolished in 1914, its memory lives on in local history, street names, and carved stonework. The location offers a quiet, reflective spot in the heart of the city, where medieval and early modern Aberdeen once thrived. It’s a subtle but evocative landmark for those interested in the city’s architectural and social past.

The Kirk of St Nicholas, known locally as the Mither Kirk or mother church, is Aberdeen's original parish church dating back to the 12th century. This historic landmark sits prominently on Union Street and represents over 900 years of Scottish religious, social, and cultural heritage. The building showcases a unique architectural blend, with the West Kirk constructed in Italian style between 1751–1755 and the East Kirk rebuilt in Gothic-revival style. Now managed by Scot-ART, a Scottish arts charity, the kirk features remarkable medieval elements, 17th-century woodwork, and contemporary art installations. Visitors can explore its rich history through guided tours and archaeological discoveries.

Standing proudly at the corner of Union Terrace and Union Street, Aberdeen’s Edward VII Statue is a striking granite and bronze monument to the British monarch. Designed by Alfred Drury and carved by James Philip, this elaborate sculpture shows King Edward VII in full ceremonial robes, holding a sceptre and orb. Below, a bronze frieze features symbolic figures of Britannia, St Andrew, and imperial unity, all set on a polished red Peterhead granite plinth. It’s a fine example of early 20th‑century civic sculpture in the heart of the Granite City.

Castlegate is Aberdeen's historic heart, a vibrant public square anchoring centuries of Scottish heritage. Dominated by the Tolbooth—the city's oldest surviving building—and the iconic Castlegate Mannie fountain, this atmospheric plaza marks the convergence of Union Street and Castle Street. Once the site of medieval castle gates destroyed in 1308, the square now hosts the 1686 Mercat Cross and nearby Provost Skene's House museum, creating a living archive of Aberdeen's architectural evolution and urban identity.

The Tolbooth Museum in Aberdeen is housed in one of the city's oldest buildings, a former 17th-century jail featuring original gaol cells and exhibits on local history, crime, and punishment. It offers a unique glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by prisoners, including Jacobite rebels, with displays such as the Maiden guillotine blade. The museum provides free admission and is a striking historical attraction in the city centre.

Standing proudly in Golden Square, Aberdeen, this striking granite statue honours George Gordon, the 5th and last Duke of Gordon. Carved from a single block of granite in the 1840s, it’s a powerful tribute to a military leader and civic figure, now relocated from its original Castlegate site. The monument blends historical gravitas with fine craftsmanship, making it a quiet but compelling stop in the city centre.

The Gordon Highlanders Statue in Aberdeen is a striking bronze monument honoring the valor and heritage of the renowned Scottish regiment raised in 1794. Located at Castlegate, this evocative sculpture by Mark Richards features two soldiers in traditional Highland dress, symbolizing the regiment's storied history and sacrifices. It stands as a proud emblem of local and national military pride in the heart of Aberdeen.

St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, commonly known as St Mary’s Cathedral, is Aberdeen’s Roman Catholic cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Aberdeen. Designed in Gothic Revival style by Alexander Ellis and opened in 1860, it features a striking spire, a historic 19th‑century organ, and notable stained‑glass windows, including one dedicated to St John Ogilvie. The cathedral is a place of daily worship, community, and quiet reflection, with regular Masses in English, Polish, and Spanish. Visitors are welcome to explore its dignified interior, monuments to Scottish bishops, and peaceful chapels.

Greyfriars Church stands as a testament to Aberdeen's religious and architectural heritage, occupying a site with roots stretching back to 1469. The current Victorian-era building, constructed in 1903, replaced its medieval predecessor and showcases the craftsmanship of its period. Located on Queen Street in the heart of Aberdeen's historic quarter, this landmark church reflects centuries of Scottish ecclesiastical history and remains an important cultural monument in the city's landscape.