Best Landmarks in Aberdeen
Planning a trip to Aberdeen? Discover the best landmarks in Aberdeen with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Aberdeen
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
27 landmarks
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Historical landmark4.5★712 reviews
Torry Battery
Torry Battery, perched on the south shore of Aberdeen harbour, is a 19th-century artillery battery built between 1859 and 1861 to defend the city and its vital port. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, it served in both World Wars and later housed displaced families. Today, it stands as a Scheduled Ancient Monument offering panoramic views of the North Sea and is a favored spot for wildlife watchers, especially dolphin enthusiasts.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
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Tourist attraction4.6★604 reviews
Footdee
Footdee, locally known as Fittie, is a historic planned fishing village nestled at the mouth of Aberdeen Harbour. Built in the early 19th century to house the city's fishing community, this unique settlement features uniform mid-19th century cottages arranged in neat squares with their backs to the sea. Today it remains a living conservation area where residents maintain the village's maritime heritage through meticulously preserved homes and creative personal touches. The narrow cobbled streets, charming gardens, and quirky outbuildings create an atmospheric step back in time.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.8–2.5 hrs
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Sculpture4.5★564 reviews
William Wallace Statue
Standing proudly on Union Terrace in Aberdeen, this striking bronze statue of Sir William Wallace commemorates Scotland’s legendary freedom fighter. Erected in 1888 and sculpted by William Grant Stevenson, the monument features powerful inscriptions from Wallace’s life and speeches, set against a granite pedestal. Positioned opposite His Majesty’s Theatre and near Union Terrace Gardens, it’s a stirring tribute to courage and national identity in the heart of the Granite City.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
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Catholic cathedral4.7★400 reviews
St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, 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.
Mon–Sat 7:00–21:00 · Sun 7:30–20:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Memorial park4.7★142 reviews
Piper Alpha Memorial Garden
Nestled within Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen, the Piper Alpha Memorial Garden stands as a solemn tribute to the 167 lives lost in the world's deadliest offshore oil disaster on July 6-7, 1988. Featuring an iconic bronze sculpture by Scottish artist Sue Jane Taylor unveiled by the Queen Mother in 1991, the memorial garden offers a peaceful space for reflection among rose gardens. The sculpture depicts three oil workers in contemplative poses, with the central figure holding a pool of oil shaped like an unwinding spiral, symbolizing both the industry and eternal remembrance.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Bridge4.5★152 reviews
Bridge of Dee
The Bridge of Dee in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a remarkable 16th-century stone arch bridge spanning the River Dee. Initiated in the early 1500s with significant contributions from Bishop Elphinstone, it has witnessed centuries of history including Civil War battles and extensive restorations. Its elegant arches, coats of arms, and granite construction reflect both medieval craftsmanship and 19th-century engineering enhancements, making it a treasured landmark and scenic spot in Aberdeen.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Historical place4.4★150 reviews
Marischal College
Marischal College is the world's second-largest granite building, located on Broad Street in Aberdeen's city centre. Founded in 1593 as a Protestant alternative to King's College, it merged with King's College in 1860 to form the University of Aberdeen. The current striking Neo-Gothic structure, completed in 1906, blends the austere perpendicular Gothic design of architect Archibald Simpson with the elaborate Neo-Gothic revival style of Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. Now serving as Aberdeen City Council headquarters since 2011, the building's meticulously restored silvery-grey granite façade showcases intricate carvings and a soaring spire visible across the city. The exterior remains freely accessible to visitors, making it an essential stop for those interested in Scottish architectural heritage and history.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Church4.4★59 reviews
St. Andrew Cathedral Church, Aberdeen
St Andrew's Cathedral stands as the spiritual heart of the Scottish Episcopal Church in Aberdeen, serving as the seat of the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney. Originally opened in 1817 as a chapel, this Category A listed building was elevated to cathedral status in 1914. Designed by renowned architect Archibald Simpson in perpendicular Gothic style, the cathedral blends local granite with sandstone facades and features stunning interior embellishments including a gold-painted baldachino and ornate vaulted ceiling decorated with the arms of US states.
Daily 8:30–10:00, 12:00–14:00, 17:00–18:00Time to spend 0.8–2 hrs
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Sculpture4.3★55 reviews
Duke Of Gordon Monument
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.
Time to spend 15–30 min
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Sculpture4.5★21 reviews
Edward VII Statue
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.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 15–30 min
Gordon Highlanders Statue
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.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
The Powis Gates
A striking pair of cylindrical towers with ornamental minarets and crescent finials, the Powis Gates stand at the entrance to Powis Lodge in Old Aberdeen. Built in 1834 by John Leslie using wealth derived from slavery compensation, these distinctive structures blend stone and harled brickwork with Turkish-inspired architectural elements. Now owned by the University of Aberdeen, the gates have been marked with a commemorative plaque recognizing their connection to the legacy of slavery in Scotland.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Greyfriars Church
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.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Forbes of Newe Obelisk
A striking stone obelisk standing in Aberdeen's Cornhill Hospital grounds, commemorating John Forbes of Newe, Strathdon (1773–1849). This historical monument honours the baronet's generous £10,000 donation towards the construction of Aberdeen Asylum, Scotland's pioneering mental health facility. Relocated and restored in 1838, the obelisk represents both architectural elegance and philanthropic legacy, offering visitors insight into 19th-century Scottish charitable endeavour and medical progress.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
McGrigor Memorial Obelisk
The McGrigor Memorial Obelisk, located in Aberdeen's scenic Duthie Park, is a striking granite monument honoring Sir James McGrigor, the pioneering Director-General of the Army Medical Department. Originally erected in 1851 at Marischal College, this polished pink granite obelisk was relocated to its current tranquil park setting in 1906. It stands as a testament to McGrigor's lasting impact on military medicine and Aberdeen’s rich heritage.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
The Kirk of St. Nicholas Colonnade
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.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.8–2.5 hrs
Dyce Standing Stones
Two remarkable Pictish stones stand within an enclosure at the ruined kirk of St Fergus in Dyce, near Aberdeen. The older granite symbol stone dates to around AD 600 and features a swimming beast above mysterious symbols, while the later cross-slab from after AD 700 displays intricate interlace carvings and a rare ogham inscription. Together, these stones offer a window into Pictish life and the cultural shift from paganism to Christianity.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Stairs Leading to Bridge Street
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.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
Boswell's Monument
Perched on the hill of Auchlee in Portlethen, near Aberdeen, Boswell's Monument stands as a striking historical landmark commemorating local heritage. This stone monument offers panoramic views across the Aberdeenshire landscape and serves as a testament to the area's rich past. The site is easily accessible and provides a peaceful vantage point for visitors exploring the region's history and natural surroundings.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Queen Victoria Statue
A striking bronze statue of Queen Victoria stands at the heart of Aberdeen's West End, marking the beginning of one of Scotland's most elegant neighborhoods. Originally sculpted in marble by Alexander Brodie in 1866, this iconic monument was replaced by Charles Birch's bronze version in 1964 and relocated to its present position at Queen's Cross roundabout. The statue faces west toward Balmoral, the Queen's Scottish residence, and remains a beloved landmark celebrating Aberdeen's deep historical connection to the British monarchy.
Time to spend 0.2–1.5 hrs
Gallows Hill
Gallows Hill in Aberdeen, located on Erroll Street, is a historic site where public executions took place from the 14th century until 1776. Once a place of grim justice, it witnessed the last hanging of Alexander Morison in a brutal execution that drew a large crowd despite harsh weather. Today, the hill sits near modern housing and a football stadium, but its dark past remains palpable in the atmosphere and local lore.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Workers' Memorial
The Workers' Memorial in Persley Walled Garden, Aberdeen, is a solemn granite obelisk dedicated to those who lost their lives in industry. Situated within the tranquil and historic Persley Walled Garden, the memorial stands as a poignant tribute amidst beautifully restored gardens that once belonged to Woodside House. It reflects Aberdeen’s industrial heritage and honors the sacrifices of local workers.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Aedie's House site
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.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Castlegate
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.
Time to spend 0.8–2.5 hrs
Stone 45
Stone 45 is a historical landmark located in Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland. Situated at Newton Croft on Howes Road, this site represents an important piece of Aberdeen's rich heritage and architectural history. The landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the region's past and serves as a notable point of interest for those exploring the local area. Its historical significance makes it a worthwhile stop for heritage enthusiasts and those interested in understanding Aberdeen's cultural landscape.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Balnagask Motte
Balnagask Motte is a Scheduled Ancient Monument in Aberdeen's Torry district, representing the earthen foundations of an early medieval wooden castle. This artificial mound, possibly associated with 13th-century figure Cormac de Nugg, stands as a rare surviving example of Norman-influenced fortification in northeast Scotland. Though never formally excavated, the site offers insight into medieval settlement patterns and defensive architecture in the region.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Edward VIII Post Box
The Edward VIII Post Box at 2 Desswood Place, Aberdeen, is a rare historical landmark featuring the royal cipher of King Edward VIII, who reigned briefly in 1936 before abdicating. This distinctive pillar box is one of only 271 produced during his short reign, making it a unique piece of British postal history and a tangible reminder of a monarch whose legacy is marked by brevity and intrigue.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 15–30 min
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