Top 15 Romantic Things To Do In Aberdeen, Scotland

1. Explore the awe-inspiring Balmoral Castle

Aberdeen is filled with many wonderful attractions. You’ve come all the way to this side of the UK, so make your trip one for the books by paying a visit to Balmoral Castle. This estate house is owned by Queen Elizabeth II and has been one of the homes of the Royal Family since the mid-19th century. The castle boasts a Scottish baronial architecture, and the estate sprawls to about 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares). Add this prominent attraction to your date night itinerary!

Balmoral Castle

Address: Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB, United Kingdom

Website: Balmoral Castle

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11am - 3pm; Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed on Mon, Thu, Fri, & Sun)

2. Experience the finest at Royal Lochnagar Distillery

There are always those who are truly particular and meticulous with their choice of whisky, almost like it’s a form of art. If you want to get to know the best distilleries in the highlands of Aberdeen, make your way to Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which is just three minutes away from Balmoral Castle. This single malt Scotch whisky distillery arranges tours of their own, so if you’re interested in a more immersive experience in the craft, book yourselves a tour!

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Address: Royal Lochnagar Distillery Balmoral, Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire AB35 5TB, United Kingdom

Website: Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm

3. Get pampered at PURE Spa & Beauty

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When the going gets tough in Aberdeen, prioritize a wellness day during your romantic vacation. Head over to Union Square Shopping Centre and get yourself and your loved one full-body massages at PURE Spa & Beauty. To make your visit even more indulgent and romantic, surprise your partner and try out the spa’s PURE Luxury Spa Day For Two from their full day packages. Getting pampered with your loved one could be the best date night you’ve been waiting for.

PURE Spa & Beauty - Union Square

Address: Union Square Shopping Centre, Guild St, Aberdeen AB11 5RG, United Kingdom

Website: PURE Spa & Beauty

4. Pay a visit to St. Machar Cathedral

One of the picturesque landmarks in Aberdeen is St. Machar’s Cathedral, which is located just north of the city centre. The cathedral is named after Machar, a 6th-century Irish Saint who ministered and spent his time in Scotland. The cathedral has been conserved and restored throughout the centuries. If you’d like to spend a quiet day of reflection during your outing in Old Aberdeen with your loved one, you should consider adding St. Machar’s Cathedral to your list of must-visits.

St. Machar Cathedral

Address: The Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 1RQ, United Kingdom

Website: St. Machar Cathedral

5. Meet the birds at North East Falconry Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

One of the unique and quite unexpected things to do for your Aberdeen vacation with your loved one is falconry. For such an experience, make your way to North East Falconry Centre. You may begin your adventure by simply flying a hawk or sign yourselves up for one of the Introduction To Falconry courses at this unique leisure centre. Do take note that they are open every day but only accommodates guests by appointment. Make sure to call ahead and schedule your visit.

North East Falconry Centre

Address: Broadlands Cottages, Cairnie, Huntly AB54 4UU, United Kingdom

Website: North East Falconry Centre

6. Savor chocolate treats at Cocoa Ooze

Bars of artisanal chocolate created with care and attention will satisfy any connoisseur. You can’t leave Aberdeen without visiting Cocoa Ooze for their handcrafted creations. When you visit the shop, ask for “The Ultimate Chocolate Lovers Survival Pack.” If they have it, buy an extra bag because it is often out of stock. Aside from their flavorful quality products, Cocoa Ooze is known for their unique packaging. For a romantic start to your Aberdeen getaway, it only makes sense to stop at the local luxury chocolatier. Sit down for an all-day breakfast menu and a chocolate extravaganza! If you have time, one of the romantic activities in Aberdeen is the chocolate-making workshop where you make treats, eat them, and bring home what’s left.

Cocoa Ooze

Address: New Jasmine House, Aberdeen AB12 3BT, United Kingdom

Website: Cocoa Ooze

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Mon)

7. Witness dolphin acrobatics at Torry Battery

Torry Battery was a defensive fortification last used in the Second World War. Today, modern Aberdonians associate the place as the prime spot for dolphin watching. Torry Battery off Greyhope Road is where you head out with your loved one to see the harbor and observe bottlenose dolphins swimming and showing off their acrobatic skills. Just make sure to follow the local guidelines for tourists and you’ll have a grand time spotting 20 to 50 of these lovable cetaceans. Sign up for a tour if you want answers to your questions about marine life around the area. If you’re lucky, both of you might spot otters, seals, and whales before you go home together.

Torry Battery

Address: Torry Battery, Greyhope Rd, Aberdeen AB11 8QX, United Kingdom

Website: Torry Battery dolphin spotting

8. Make some memories in a floral paradise

There’s no better place to walk hand in hand than in a green and peaceful city. In Aberdeen, you’ll find Duthie Park and David Welch Winter Gardens, which is open 24 hours a day. A popular place for wedding photoshoots and picnics, it is also listed among one of the largest covered gardens in Europe. Its collection of plants is staggering. Even if you are not a botanist or horticulturist, you’ll still be impressed with the natural grace of thousands of species of flora. You will also find the Victorian features and recreational infrastructure remarkable. Its setting makes a great background for romantic photos. Don’t forget to take some photos together as a souvenir that you and your partner can look back on.

Duthie Park Winter Gardens

Address: Polmuir Road, Aberdeen AB11 7WA, United Kingdom

Website: Duthie Park Winter Gardens

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Share a tasting menu at Moonfish Cafe

According to the Michelin Guide for the United Kingdom, Moonfish Cafe is a simple restaurant that offers the best cooking. Its flavors are described as well-defined with colorful presentation. The Michelin Guide recommends choosing two to four courses and enjoying the mirrored walls and high ceilings of Moonfish Cafe. Have a romantic dinner in this part of Scotland and enjoy the airy restaurant located along Aberdeen’s Merchant Quarter. Moonfish Cafe is known as a local fine-dining destination with a flair for innovation and the use of seasonal ingredients.

Moonfish Cafe

Address: 9 Correction Wynd, Aberdeen AB10 1HP, United Kingdom

Website: Moonfish Cafe

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 12pm - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

10. Party at Slains Castle

Slains Castle Aberdeen offers tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to keep you warm after walking the cold streets of Aberdeen. If you want to let loose with your partner, you can always ask for Rum Chata or Bailey’s to spice things up a little. Slains Castle is a Gothic venue known for its cocktails and live music. If you draught beer, this is the place for a keg or two. The wood paneling of the original Gothic church gives the interiors a dated feel. It’s all good because you’ll receive every modern comfort (and drink) as soon as you’re seated. They serve meals until nine in the evening so don’t stop at the door when you see a bar that looks suspiciously like a church. Head over to Slains Castle for one of the best things to do in Aberdeen for couples!

Slains Castle Aberdeen

Address: Belmont St, Aberdeen AB10 1JH, United Kingdom

Website: Slains Castle Aberdeen

Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)

11. Relish holiday drinks from Dusk Cocktail Bar

A classy low-lit bar serving fabulous cocktails is a romantic spot if you want to make it a night to remember. Both stylish and intimate, Dusk Cocktail Bar has a reputation for creating cocktails and serving craft drinks. Allot a night of drinking mixes you won’t taste elsewhere and book this lounge in West End. The bar even created four new cocktails for the holidays. If you’re visiting Aberdeen in the next few weeks, you can sample these beauties. Check out their website and social media pages for door-to-door delivery of pre-mixed drinks!

Dusk Cocktail Bar

Address: 45 Langstane Pl, Aberdeen AB11 6EN, United Kingdom

Website: Dusk Cocktail Bar

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 3pm - 10pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

12. Fill your hearts with color at Johnston Gardens

An award-winning public garden is always worth visiting. You will both appreciate the work and dedication of the workers who tend to the plants and flowers and shrubbery. Perhaps it may even be the perfect place to consider options for a pre-nuptial photo shoot. This Aberdeen garden will fill your hearts with the fragrance and colors of alpine blooms, rhododendrons, and aquatic plants. Hens and mallards could be vying for your attention as you walk the core path together. Discover rockeries, bridges, and waterfalls and take a few photos together.

Johnston Gardens

Address: Johnston Gardens, Viewfield Rd, Aberdeen AB15 7XE, United Kingdom

Website: Johnston Gardens

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

13. Break an argument with Breakneck Comedy Club

A relationship that thrives on laughter will last. We can’t be sure what veteran stand-up comedian suggested that, but you’d have to agree that a few hours with the fun people of Breakneck Comedy Club could be the clincher that settles a minor argument. Breakneck Comedy Club is open for business, and they also offer writing workshops and comedy courses. You can even hire a comedian to lighten up your online meetings. It’s best to check out their website to see who (and what) is on for the week.

Breakneck Comedy Club

Address: 22-24 King St, Aberdeen AB24 5AX, United Kingdom

Website: Breakneck Comedy Club

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 8pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 11pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

14. Have a seaside interlude at Balmedie Beach

The sizable village of Balmedie (or Baile Mheadhain), located north of Aberdeen, is known for its lengthy shoreline and dune system. A ranger center on the premises can point you in the right direction. But, if all you want is to enjoy a sandy beach and listen to the sounds of the ocean, then it’s up to the mark. Swimming is allowed if you can look after yourselves. There’s plenty of sand to walk on, and if you feel like checking out the extensive dune system, remember that it spreads out to about 14 miles (23 kilometers). You can always choose to pick a spot, bring a picnic, and spend a romantic interlude by the sea.

Balmedie Beach

Address: Balmedie, Aberdeen, UK

15. Shop smart at Union Square Shopping Centre

You can always find time to shop for essentials, souvenirs, or a surprise gift for your significant other by heading out to Union Square Shopping Centre, an established mall in the city. It offers plenty of dining and retail options in the heart of the city. You might want to download the Union Square Plus App if you plan to shop for several items across various stores. Retail shops and restaurants are open so plan your visit well. These days, it’s a good practice to know exactly where you want to go, especially when you’re a tourist and visiting for the first time.

Union Square Shopping Centre

Address: Management Suite, 12 First Level Mall, Union Square, Guild St, Aberdeen AB11 5RG, United Kingdom

Website: Union Square Shopping Centre

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm

Welcome to stunning Aberdeen

Northeast Scotland’s majestic coast and mountains are legendary and its cultural encounters will leave a lasting impression. Whether you want to go somewhere busy or quiet, romantic visitor experiences are waiting for you. Explore possibilities now and map an Aberdeen escape with your special someone.