Aberdeen City Guide 2019: Where to visit, what to eat, things to do

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While it may be best known as the ‘oil capital of Europe’, Aberdeen in Scotland is also a tourist’s dream – famous for its long, golden sands. But did you know that many of Aberdeen’s buildings sparkle like silver too? It’s because of the use of locally quarried grey granite, which is high in mica minerals.

After nine years of The Lady Boys of Bangkok touring to this fabulous Scottish city we thought we’d share some of our favourite sights and things to do.

Sand Dollar Café

2 Beach Esplanade, Aberdeen, AB24 5NS



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For a relaxed breakfast spot on the beachfront, that also doubles as a lively bistro in the evenings, you can’t beat the Sand Dollar Café. When we visited, we loved the coffee and the staff were absolutely lovely! Look out for the seasonal chalkboard specials and for a sophisticated night out they also host live jazz evenings accompanied by a delicious fixed price menu.  

Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB

Balmoral Castle - The Scottish holiday home to the Royal family

After fuelling-up like that you’ll be ready to soak up a bit of history, and less than an hour-and-a-half’s drive away from the Aberdeen beachfront is the stunning Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family, Balmoral. The sweet peas were in bloom while we were there and looked simply beautiful! You can even go on a safari tour around the grounds, plus the moors and mountains beyond...


Some of The Lady Boys of Bangkok team feeling like royalty on a visit to Balmoral Castle! 

Slains Castle

A975, Cruden Bay, Peterhead AB42 0NE

If you love Balmoral, we’d also recommend stopping at Slains Castle, which was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Just think of the photo opportunities!

There's something spooky but enchanting about Slains Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula

Bonobo

73-75 Skene St, Aberdeen, AB10 1QD



Quirky vegan eatery Bonobo offers delicious light bites and cakes, which can be enjoyed in the cosy café or in the roof garden. We think the food here will delight even the most carnivorous taste buds! There’s vegan alternatives to classic dishes like eggs benedict, bacon rolls, and smoked salmon bagels. And it operates as a worker’s cooperative, so employees can be joint owners of the business and have a say in how it is run – what a fab idea!

Beach Leisure Centre

Beach Front, Aberdeen, AB24 5NR



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You can try jogging along the Aberdeen seafront to give yourself an aerobic challenge. Although it can get pretty windy, so you might want to take your exercise indoors. If swimming if your thing, the Beach Leisure Centre has a pool with a wave machine and four flumes!

Revolution

25 Belmont Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JS



In our opinion the best way to top off a day in the city is with some refreshing cocktails, and the bargain beverages available during happy hour at Revolution are hard to resist…  

What do you love about Aberdeen? Comment below with your top picks! 

The Lady Boys of Bangkok - The Greatest Showgirls Tour is on Beach Links, Aberdeen, AB24 5EN, until Saturday 27 July 2019. For tickets visit ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk.

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