Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +44 for Scotland
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +44 (0)1224 770 770. Open 7am-10.30pm Monday-Friday and 8am-10pm at the weekend.
Airport Transfer :
Pre-book your door-to-door transfer with easyJet’s transfer partner, Holiday Taxis—from home to the airport and the airport to city or resort. Just log on to easyjet.holidaytaxis.com.
Taxi :
The fare to the city centre is about £15.
Bus :
Up to three buses an hour go to the city centre from 5.05am–11.39pm Monday-Saturday and 10.05am–9.49pm Sunday. The journey takes about 25 minutes. Tickets: from £1.40.
(21 Crown Terrace. Tel. 01224 590 088) Great for a party night out, La Bamba serves tasty Tex-Mex dishes and killer margaritas to ensure your night goes off with a bang.
(2 Beach Esplanade. Tel. 01224 572 288) A trendy café by day, this cosy eatery turns into an intimate bistro in the evening, offering fine fare from a menu that changes weekly and features only the freshest ingredients.
(8 Golden Square. Tel. 01224 648 525) This new organic restaurant boasts a menu with an eclectic mix of tastes and influences, including delicious dishes you’re unlikely to find elsewhere in the city. The aged pave of beef fillet with smoked bacon and chef’s pâté, coated with a rich Madeira jus, is a popular choice.
(126 Rosemount Place. Tel. 01224 638 500) You might not find the Mitchell brothers here, but you can enjoy a relaxing drink at this comfy pub. There's also a popular quiz night on Monday.
(1 Belmont Street. Tel. 01224 619 931) Home to live music throughout the week, Drummonds plays host to a variety of musical acts, with a particular penchant for rock 'n' roll.
(Schoolhill. Tel. 01224 619 921) For rock, alternative, indie and the best of the rest, you’ll struggle to beat Exodus for a good night out.
On the ground
Shop
Finnies stocks a huge range of luxury brands, as well as unique designs. This family-run jeweller is the place to go for the finest watches, rings and gifts (219-223 George Street. Tel. 01224 636 632).
Insider Tip
The University of Aberdeen plays host to the 2008 Word Festival, a series of literary events, which brings together readers and top writers from 9-11 May. Children’s literature and writing in the Gaelic language also feature heavily (www.abdn.ac.uk
Key Area
Spanning the River Don, the 13th century Brig O’ Balgownie was the main trade route across the river for hundreds of years. Now the bridge is open to walkers and cyclists. The surrounding area is a great place for idyllic walks.
This month
Indie music legends The Charlatans return to the city on 19 May to play at the Music Hall at what’s sure to be an unmissable show (Tel. 01224 641 122).
Day Tripping
Huntly
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Around 45 minutes' drive north-west of Aberdeen lies the little town of Huntly, home to a stunning ruined castle and famous shortbread makers, Dean’s of Huntly. The local area provides opportunities for mountain biking and walking, while salmon and trout fishing are available on the nearby rivers Deveron and Bogie.
No way!
Aberdeen Harbour Board is the UK’s oldest business, established almost 900 years ago, in 1136.
