| ABERDEEN |
PUBLISHING DATE: 2010-01-07 | COUNTRY CODE: GB
Contents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Cafés, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,
Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps |
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ABERDEEN
Known as the Granite City because of the locally quarriedstone and surrounded by magnificent scenery, the capital ofnorth-eastern Scotland is one of the most distinctive cities inGreat Britain. It mixes a rich history, handsome granitearchitecture and traditional industries with a flurry of leisure and entertainment amenities. It has a vibrant arts scene, acosmopolitan atmosphere and one of the most buoyant economies in the country. Scotland’s third largest city trulyhas something to offer for everyone. |
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| THE CITY |
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| Built at the mouth of two of Scotland’s major rivers, the Dee and Don, and with the spectacular Grampian Mountains to the west and miles of unspoiled and beautiful coastline to the east, Aberdeen is a perfect destination for nature lovers. But travellers who rather stay in urban surroundings need not despair, because despite its northerly location, Aberdeen features splendid architectural delights, a highly cosmopolitan feel, an exciting nightlife anda wide variety of cultural sights and events bound to make sure all visitors have agreat time. |
| Early Aberdeen consisted of two settlements, one in what is today known as Old Aberdeen and another on St Katherine’s Hill near the harbour, and was granted its first charter by William the Lion in 1179. Modern Aberdeen began to take shape in the late 18th century on St Katherine’s Hill in a development that featured some spectacular engineering projects. |
| Engineering is still a theme in today’s Aberdeen, following the discovery of oil in the North Sea in 1969, which has earned Aberdeen its modern nicknames, the “Oil Capital of Europe” or the “Houston of the North”. The oil has been highly significant for the development of this thriving city, as it has boosted the local economy, resulting in low unemployment rates and areputation for being one of the most |
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| WHAT TO DO |
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| Gordon Highlanders Museum |
| Explore the history of one of the British Army’s most celebrated regiments, the Gordon Highlanders infantry, which was raised in the late 18th. The museum features the finest of the regiment’s treasures, special exhibitions and the chance for children to dress up in a Gordon Highlanders uniform. The museum is surrounded by a beautiful and tranquil park, open to visitors, and also hosts a shop and a tea room. |
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| ESSENTIAL INFORMATION |
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| Airport |
| Aberdeen airport is located 7 miles from the city centre, and getting to and from the airport is easy thanks to a wide range of transport facilities. The Aberdeen train service stops at the local station of Dyce, which is only a short taxi trip from the airport. Taxis are available from the terminal forecourt and are operated by Rainbow Airport Taxis. |
| There are also regular bus servicesoperating from the airport to Aberdeen city centre, a single ticket costing £1.30. |
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| Public Transport |
| Getting around the city is easy, as First Aberdeen operates an extensive bus network. Tickets cost between £0.70 pence and £1.40 depending on the length of the journey. Bus drivers will demand the exact fare, so make sure you have change, or buy a Farecard in one of the local shops. |
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| Taxi |
| There are several taxi companies in Aberdeen. |
