Top Aberdeen Walking Tours

Discover Aberdeen through its striking granite streets and rich history on a guided walking tour led by a guide. From the medieval charm of the Kirk of St. Nicholas to the grandeur of Marischal College and the stories behind Provost Skene’s House, you’ll uncover how the “Granite City” evolved through centuries of trade, academia, and maritime power. Along the way, you’ll hear engaging stories, local legends, and hidden details that most visitors miss, bringing the city’s past and present to life. This is a relaxed, informative experience perfect for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Aberdeen beyond the surface.

Explore Aberdeen at your own pace with this acclaimed self guided audio tour of Aberdeen.  Beginning from Holburn Junction at the west end of Union Street, you'll weave your way through timeless streets while discovering the stories that the city hides in plain sight.  The tour is ready whenever you feel like taking a stroll. It plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. If you've got an hour and want to see all the major historical and cultural themes that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!

Discover a side to Aberdeen that you won't get on a typical sightseeing tour. This self-guided audio tour takes you through the ancient streets of the Granite City and deep into the depths of its murky past. Hear tales of bodysnatching, witchcrafts trials, and more as you stroll between such historic landmarks as Marischal College and the Mercat Cross.

Step into Aberdeen with a friendly local discovery guide and uncover the Granite City’s character at your pace—choose a focused 1 to 2-hour intro or a rich 6-hour deep dive through elegant squares, cobbled lanes, sea-kissed streets, and story-filled kirkyards. Along the way, enjoy striking granite architecture, lively street scenes, hidden wynds, riverside or harbour viewpoints, and peaceful green spaces—stopping for photos, local tales, and insider tips that bring the city’s history and culture to life. This entirely walkable experience keeps to open-air highlights and public spaces, weaving in street art, centuries-old courtyards, and classic vistas, with time for spontaneous detours that match your interests. Expect a relaxed rhythm, plenty of anecdotes, and a genuinely local welcome—perfect for first-time visitors and curious explorers who want an engaging taste of Aberdeen.

Explore Old Aberdeen at your own pace on your very own private tour. With flexible start times and meeting points, this is the perfect way to discover the roots of the city that stands today. Discover Old Aberdeen through a local's eyes, uncovering the story of how two towns, Old and New Aberdeen, merged to form the vibrant city we know today on this 1.5 hour walking tour with your very own guide. Once the heart of religion and education, Old Aberdeen remains a centre of learning, with picturesque cobbled streets, where centuries of history await you around every corner. Join us and experience the heritage and soul of Old Aberdeen, where the city’s story began. Key sights: - Kings College - Bishop Elphinstone Memorial - Cruickshank Botanical Gardens - Sir Duncan Rice Library - MacRobert Memorial Garden - St Machar Cathedral - Iconic Aberdeen statuary …and other hidden gems!

We will take you on a fantastic guided walking tour round some of the most interesting historical areas of Old Aberdeen. We will explore the buildings of the fascinating 15th Century University including its uniquely preserved medieval chapel, a stunning 12th Century Cathedral with an amazing heraldic ceiling and a dark secret, other fascinating areas and a secret graveyard. Tours can be tailored to suit. Please note access to the Chapel interiors is subject to availability and seasonal opening times. Please contact us for details. At the end of the tour, we visit the very traditional Scottish Bar, St Machar’s, which opened in the 19th Century and has won many awards. Here you will have an opportunity to try a plate of the famous and delicious Scottish dish of Stovies (beef, potatoes and onions) and you can also choose a Scottish pint of beer or a single malt whisky (or another spirit) or a soft drink from the large selection. Vegetarian sides are available. Over 18's only.

Aberdeen's granite streets have been holding stories for 6,000 years — now it's your turn to find them. This app-led scavenger hunt takes you through the Granite City on foot, following phone-based riddles from one landmark to the next. No guide, no fixed start time. • Spot the Music Hall, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, and Aberdeen Art Gallery up close — with clues that reveal what the signs don't say • Start whenever suits you, go at your own pace, and take as long as you like — there's no time limit • Great for families, friend groups, and colleagues; photo challenges guarantee some memorable group moments Available in 24 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian — see the full list when booking and choose yours when you start the game in the app. Around 2 hours - any group size. Aberdeen has been hiding stories in plain sight for centuries — your phone has the first one.

Get to the heart of Aberdeen’s gin making culture at Aberdeen’s Distillery. Learn about the processes behind making Scotland’s favorite drink, and while you’re there, see how gin is made, and where all of its aromatic ingredients come from. Meet the head distiller and see the whole distillery, then enjoy a gin tasting once the tour concludes, with alcoholic beverages and soda/pop included.

Explore the murkier corners of Aberdeen at your own pace with this highly acclaimed self guided audio walking tour of Aberdeen.  Beginning from the Mercat Cross, you'll weave your way through hundreds of years of history while discovering the stories of piracy, slavery, and insurrection that the city hides in plain sight.  Hear about "Indian Pete" and his efforts to banish child slavery.  The tour is ready whenever you feel like taking a stroll. It plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. It does not need a network connection to work. If you've got an hour and want to see some of the grisly and gloomy corners that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!

Discover a different side to Aberdeen on this street art walking tour. On this 1.5 hour you’ll meander down alleys and under bridges to uncover some of the city’s most beautiful pieces of art that are taking over the walls by storm. All with a local, expert guide. From unassuming corners to major buildings, there’s art around every turn and your guide knows just where to find the best of the best. Each tour is unique, with the route constantly being updated to include new pieces of art! Among the 10+ murals you will see include: Man & Dog - Smug Lego Wall - Jan Vormann Side Profile - Alice Pasquini Unicorn - Bordalo

Discover Aberdeen's local history and culture on this 1.5 hour walking tour with a local guide, available every day any time. Discover Aberdeen's rich history from being a small fishing settlement to the centre of oil for Europe. Make your way through some of the oldest streets, explore tunnels and retrace the steps of some of Aberdeen's most important figures in our (sometimes very dark) history. You'll also discover the amazing street art that has overtaken Aberdeen and has become a huge part of the culture. From unassuming corners to major buildings, there’s art around every turn and your guide knows just where to find the best of the best.

Many travelers pass through Aberdeen on their way elsewhere. Rather than missing out on one of Scotland's most interesting cities, take this self-guided tour, which will lead you to Aberdeen's hidden gems. Using your smartphone and seamless GPS technology, it takes you off-the-beaten-track to discover places you may never find alone and adds a gaming element by awarding you points as you explore and letting you compete with fellow travelers.

Wander the streets and wynds (narrow alleyways) of Aberdeen and discover another world of dark secrets and fascinating historical stories. Learn about the witch trials of Aberdeen that went on more than 500 years ago, and hear stories about Medieval corporal punishments carried out in the city center. See where armies attacked, and visit graveyards where bodysnatchers operated in the 1800s.

This guided tour is a great introduction to Scotland and ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time. You'll pass by some of Scotland's most famous castles and mountains, see the ancient Clava Cairns, learn about the doomed Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You'll also visit the mysterious Loch Ness where you can take an optional boat trip.

This half-day tour is an excellent choice for travelers keen to see the magnificent castles of Scotland. Benefit from the luxury of a private tour that’s just for your personal group, which means a flexible itinerary and timings to suit your preferred schedule. Sample stops along the way include the 13th-century Drum Castle, the 16th-century Crathes Castle, and the magnificent fortified Dunnottar Castle.

Come and explore the dark side of Aberdeen with a local guide! Walk in the footsteps of murderers, slave owners and witches on this Dark Side tour of Aberdeen. This 1.5 hour walking tour will bring our dark past into light as you discover the truth behind Aberdeen's dark history. From body snatching, to kidnappers and public executions, the truth of Aberdeen's dark history will shock you on this unique walking tour of Aberdeen.

Explore the highlights of beautiful, vibrant Aberdeen on this fascinating two-hour private walking tour with an expert local guide. As a port city, Aberdeen has a fascinating maritime history, a scenic coastline, and an interesting history. Also known as the Granite City, for its imposing and historic architecture, Aberdeen was built at the convergence of the Don and Dee rivers where they meet the Atlantic. The name translates as 'mouth of the river Don' - aber is a Pictish word meaning river mouth, and the Don is named after the Gallo Roman goddess of springs and Rivers, Divona. Today it is famous as the off-shore capital of Europe, but prehistoric settlements and villages show the area has been inhabited for over 8000 years. There are also a fantastic 45 green parks for walking and relaxing - as well as the nearby international golf courses and of course many, many historic whiskey distilleries - Scotland's national tipple!

Discover the charm of Aberdeen on tailored city tours that highlight its rich history and modern attractions. From the iconic and stunning architecture of Marischal College to the tranquil Duthie Park & Winter Gardens, each tour offers a unique perspective of this vibrant city. Uncover hidden gems like Fittie, a picturesque fishing village, and admire Aberdeen's most spectacular landmarks. With options to customize your itinerary, these tours are perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Experience the best of Aberdeen’s history while enjoying unforgettable sights along the way. - Explore the historical city landmarks to the coastal beauty - Tailor your tour to include must-see attractions or hidden gems - Learn fascinating facts about Aberdeen # Vehicle used is fully insured to carry passengers # # Company has PL and EL insurance. # # Aberdeen City Tours Ltd is Companies House registered # # All drivers are advanced drivers and full first aid qualified #

Aberdeen is an often-overlooked Scottish city but this small-group walking tour shows you why it should not be missed. Your guide brings the history of "the Granite City" to vivid life as you stroll between the university's 15th-century buildings, the 12th-century cathedral with a dark secret, Scotland's oldest bridge, and a secret graveyard that even many locals don't know about.

Explore the rich history of Aberdeen on this engaging 2-hour walking tour. Journey through the vibrant city centre, where your guide shares fascinating insights into Aberdeen’s heritage, architecture, and hidden gems. Your guide is not originally from Scotland but has chosen Aberdeen as home and is passionate about its history and lesser-known stories. Enjoy a guided visit to the Freemasons’ Hall, a unique opportunity to discover its architecture and historical significance. Perfect for history lovers and curious travelers alike, this tour offers a captivating blend of culture and exploration. 2-hour guided walking tour of Aberdeen’s city centre Guided visit to the historic Freemasons’ Hall Learn about Aberdeen’s culture, history, and architecture from your guide Ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.

The Royal Cairns which are found in the Balmoral Castle estate, are a collection of stone monuments, erected by Queen Victoria to commemorate family milestones. The most prominent and famous is the 50-foot-high Prince Albert’s memorial Pyramid, a large granite structure and the only pyramid in Scotland. The walk is through stunning forest and features panoramic views of Balmoral Castle, Royal Deeside and the Cairngorm Mountains. The tour will be set at your own pace. After the walk we visit the amazing Fife Arms Hotel, an attraction in itself, for lunch. After lunch we can visit Balmoral Castle depending on seasonal open times (usually open from Oct-Aug) and if time, the stunning Dunnottar Castle. Or there is the option of a Whisky Distillery Tasting Tour. Please contact us. The walk is available all year, even if the Royal Family are in residence. Please note the walk is approximately 3 hours, through forest and is steep in some places. A certain degree of fitness is required.

Delve into the rich history of Aberdeen's Old Harbour, a vibrant nexus of commerce and adventure. This walking tour reveals the harbour's intriguing past, covering everything from Vikings to the modern day oil industry - and, of course, with a health dose of pirates along the way! Over the course of about two hours, wander through this historic area and uncover the stories that shaped the city. - Two-hour walking tour, covering 1.5 miles - Not suitable for wheelchair users; comfortable walking shoes recommended

Embark on a premium, exclusive walking tour through the heart of historic Aberdeen. Led by a knowledgeable private guide, you will uncover a profound cultural depth and a rich heritage steeped in a history older than the United States. Stroll through the medieval pathways of Netherkirkgate and discover “The Green,” an ancient civic heart where captivating stories of civilization and urban transformation come to life. As you wander along Shiprow, marvel at the sweeping architectural and classical influence of Marischal College, standing as a proud testament to the city’s enduring legacy. While passing the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, you will connect with the deep nautical roots that shaped this remarkable Scottish old town. From its striking granite facades to its centuries-old streets, your guide will share inspiring insights into Aberdeen’s art, trade, and architectural triumphs. Experience the prestige and legacy of Aberdeen on this unforgettable journey