Whether you’re studying, living or just visiting, Aberdeen offers an exciting mix of outdoor adventures, a beautiful golden beach, captivating museums, an impressive art gallery, peaceful parks and gardens, and a vibrant food scene.
Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Aberdeenshire, you can explore historic castles, visit famous film locations, and enjoy a wide range of thrilling activities, from surfing and paddle-boarding to hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. In fact, Aberdeenshire was named the top destination to visit in 2023 by Good Housekeeping.
With its stunning natural surroundings, strong economy, exceptional educational and healthcare systems, and a thriving sense of community, Aberdeen is indeed a standout city in the UK. Aberdeen's unique combination of beauty, opportunity, and community spirit makes it a truly exceptional place to call home.
Quick facts on Aberdeen
- Aberdeen has been named one of the best places to go in the UK (Condé Nast Traveller's 2025 list).
- Aberdeen is ranked top 4 in the UK for affordability (QS Best Student Cities 2025) and the most affordable place to buy in the UK (Nationwide Affordability Index 2025) thanks to our lower living costs.
- Aberdeen has retained its Purple Flag status for the city’s evening and night-time economy for the 11th year in a row and is the only city in Scotland to achieve this. Areas awarded the Purple Flag standard are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture, while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.
- Aberdeen is the top city in Scotland, and in the top 10 cities in the UK for jobs and work opportunities (CoworkingCafe 2025).
- Aberdeenshire is the gateway to the largest national park in the UK, Cairngorms National Park, and 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the UK are in our wild Aberdeenshire outdoors
- 165 miles of spectacular coastline run throughout our region. You can spot dolphins playing at Aberdeen Beach and from the viewpoint at Greyhope Bay.
- Div ye ken (do you know)? We've got our own dialect - Doric.
Things to Do
Aberdeen has been named one of the 'Best Places to Go' in the UK for 2025 by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine. The only Scottish city to make the list, Aberdeen is highlighted for its emerging culinary scene, historic cobbled streets, and stunning proximity to picturesque seaside views.
This lively, student-friendly city offers plenty of things to explore. Spend your free time wandering through charming old towns, relaxing on our golden beach, indulging in local food and drink, or soaking up the culture at live events, art galleries, and museums.
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire boast miles of stunning beaches and colourful coastal villages, perfect for outdoor adventures. You can also venture into our majestic countryside to witness breathtaking mountain views and tranquil lochs, surf or paddleboard through coastal coves, climb Munros, or hit the ski slopes.
The cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen are chock full of history, while the wind off the sometimes-dreich Beach Esplanade whips you awake just in time to explore a line of seaside food trucks selling everything from artery-clogging full Scottish breakfasts to indecently gooey slices of cheesecake.
We’re so lucky to call Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire home, and as the days start to get longer and the nights lighter, there are endless opportunities to explore our colourful surroundings in spring.
Adventure awaits in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire during the summer, with many sports and activities that will allow you to experience the wild outdoors! Navigate the North Sea, explore the region by land, or simply gather with friends to play some sports with our top 6 of the best summer activities in the region.
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have a rich history, with unique attractions, landmarks and locations. While studying at RGU, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the city and the region. To help you start, here is a list of surprising facts that will inspire you to embark on your own Aberdeen adventure!
Read what our students have to say about their experiences living in Aberdeen in the RGU Student Blog.
Our story, from our home
Our Chancellor, Dame Evelyn Glennie, shares her story of her connections to Aberdeen, her love for the natural outdoors and why she’ll never forget where she was brought up.
What’s On
Expect to be entertained all year round in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as you celebrate our rich local culture and see famous faces live on stage. This part of Scotland is alive with culture and entertainment, including our very own Look Again programme and our Degree Shows. You can attend plenty of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating music, food, art, winter, comedy, dance, theatre and local heritage.
Travel & Transport
Aberdeen, Scotland's third-largest city, is easily accessible with a range of transport options making it simple to travel here and explore beyond the city. Once in Aberdeen, you’ll find various ways to get around, including buses (all under 22s travel for free), trains, taxis and the city centre’s e-bikes.
Aberdeen is just a 2.5 hour drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, and with its international airport offering flights from over 30 destinations, including just a 1.5-hour flight from London, travelling to and from the city is a breeze.
Find out more
Find out more about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire on RGU Talk
Read what our students have to say about their experiences living in Aberdeen in the RGU Student Blog.