Scotland · ABERDEEN TOURS

The 15 Best Aberdeen Tours

24 tours  ·  from $6

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 aberdeen tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide over breakfast and get on with it.

Peterhead Prison Entry Ticket - Is the $20.80 admission good value?
Aberdeen Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Peterhead Prison Entry Ticket

1.Peterhead Prison Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 679 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $20Our pick

Enter Scotland’s former HM Convict Prison in Peterhead and follow a self-guided audio tour through its galleries, halls, cells, and riot history. Former officers tell the stories, while preserved spaces and sensory details show what prison life was like. Allow 2 to 4 hours, and finish with refreshments in the café.

“Museum was absolutely amazing more than I expected. Well worth the trip from Dundee. Only thing I would say is wear a cosy coat and gloves as it’s freezing.”

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Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm) - Netherkirkgate and Aberdeen’s older street plan
Aberdeen Tours, City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm)

2.Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 217 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $19

Spend about 90 minutes with a local guide exploring central Aberdeen, from Marischal College and St Nicholas’ Kirk to old lanes, tunnels, street art, and the Maritime Museum. Guides such as Kirsty, John, Bronwyn, and Conor have led engaging tours, with groups capped at 20. Wear layers for changeable weather.

“We had a wonderful time during our walking tour. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. We were able to see many different sites that we wouldn’t have visited on our own. Thank you for a lovely time!”

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Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen - Falls of Feugh: a short pause beside the water
Aberdeen Tours, Castle Tours in Aberdeen, Dunnottar Castle Tours, Royal Deeside & Balmoral Tours, Scottish Castle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen

3.Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $78

Set out from Aberdeen with a driver-guide such as Alan, Neil, or Darryl for a nine-hour tour through Aberdeenshire. Visit dramatic Dunnottar Castle, pause at the Falls of Feugh, and walk in Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. Transport, guiding, and a group capped at 16 are included. Castle admission, meals, and drinks cost extra.

“Trip was beautiful. Dunnottar castle was great. If you love nature then the cairngroms park is worth to see it. We had beautiful weather. I will come back soon. Thanks to our driver Alan, he gave us all the informations.💪👍”

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Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen - Loch Ness cruise: the tour’s main event
Aberdeen Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen

4.Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 164 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $129

Travel from Aberdeen in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a driver-guide such as Jim, Neil, Doug, or Alan. See Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield, cruise across Loch Ness past Urquhart Castle, and enjoy frequent comfort stops. Expect a long but rewarding day, with history, Highland views, and possible extra stops for villages, bridges, and Highland cows.

“A nice way to discover Highlands and history of Scotland. Minicar is comfortable. Car driver who is also the guide is very nice, attentive and interesting :). Groups are not big (16 max, in my case 7) which makes the all trip more comfortable. Thanks a lot!”

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North East Coastal Trail Small Group Day Tour from Aberdeen - Bow Fiddle Rock gives you the classic photograph
Aberdeen Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

North East Coastal Trail Small Group Day Tour from Aberdeen

5.North East Coastal Trail Small Group Day Tour from Aberdeen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $78

Spend nine hours tracing northeast Scotland’s coast from Aberdeen in a Mercedes mini-coach capped at 16 people. Expect Spey Bay, Bow Fiddle Rock, Cullen, Portsoy, Bullers of Buchan, and Slains Castle, plus local stories from guides such as Jim, Neil, Chris, and Alan. Bring waterproof layers, binoculars, and room for a filling lunch.

“Lunch at Rockpool recommended by our driver/guide Chris. You have to have the cullen skink. The breath taking sights were made all the more special by the narrations given by Alan our guide and Chris our driver. Loved seeing the puffins and seals. Slains castle is a must. Everything went smoothly and on time. Would do it all over again.”

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Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour - Ballater, a royal village with time for lunch
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Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour

6.Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $144

Travel from Aberdeen into Royal Deeside in a group of no more than seven. Visit Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Cambus O’ May Bridge, Tomnaverie Stone Circle, and Queen’s View with guides such as Alex, Jamie, Jacqueline, and Calum. Balmoral admission costs extra, and the castle is replaced by Crathes Castle when closed.

“This experience was absolutely AMAZING!! Our driver/guide, Alex, was incredibly knowledgeable and a great driver! The drive and sites were unspeakably outstanding and van was a quite comfortable.”

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Coastal Villages of Aberdeenshire - What the day feels like in practice
Aberdeen Tours, Tour Reviews

Coastal Villages of Aberdeenshire

7.Coastal Villages of Aberdeenshire

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $143

Spend about eight hours exploring Aberdeenshire’s coast with a local guide such as Alex or Jamie. Visit Gardenstown, Crovie, Pennan, Fraserburgh, Bullers of Buchan, Collieston, and Newburgh Seal Beach. Expect small groups of up to seven, coastal walks, wildlife, film history, and plenty of time for photographs.

“The day was lovely. Our guide was a native of Peterhead where we stopped for lunch. The countryside and coast reminded me of nova scotia. First stop was Gardenstown which is a cute old fishing village. Next we took a 10 minute trail along the beach to Crovie, population 4. Our next stop was a few minutes more down the road to Pennan, pop 6. It’s also famous as the filming location for a minor cult classic called Local Hero where the phone booth plays a big role. We drove thru Fraserborough and saw Scotland’s oldest lighthouse but couldn’t stop to take a good pic. Next we went to Peterhead…”

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Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour - The botanical garden at the end
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Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour

8.Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $47

At City of Aberdeen Distillery, Allan and Dan lead a one-hour small-group tour through the working gin school and restricted distillery areas. You’ll enjoy a double G&T on arrival, taste London Dry and fruit gins, learn about botanicals, ask questions, and browse the shop before exploring the botanical garden.

“Alan and Dan were excellent and welcome hosts! We learned so much and had a great time! Truly would return back to Aberdeen just for another visit!”

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Speyside Whisky Trail Day Tour from Aberdeen Including Admissions - Speyside Cooperage, where the barrel earns its keep
Aberdeen Tours, Speyside Whisky Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whisky & Distillery Tours

Speyside Whisky Trail Day Tour from Aberdeen Including Admissions

9.Speyside Whisky Trail Day Tour from Aberdeen Including Admissions

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $143

Spend about 10 hours traveling from Aberdeen through Royal Deeside and Speyside. You’ll visit Corgarff Castle, stop at the Whisky Castle, see how casks are made at Speyside Cooperage, and take Cardhu’s Flavour Journey tasting. Guides such as Neil, Chris, Jim, and Doug have led this route, which carries up to 16 people.

“Neil was a fantastic guide and host. The scenery was so beautiful, and the distilleries were awesome! I only wish I could have tipped him, I wasn’t able to exchange money before my trip commenced. I will highly recommend Rabbies for tours, and for future trips.”

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500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour - Treason and punishment at the Mercat Cross
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500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

10.500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 29 reviews · 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $8

Use the VoiceMap app to follow a self-guided English walking tour through Aberdeen’s darker past. In 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, you’ll visit former gaol grounds, the Mercat Cross, Anatomy Rooms, historic kirks, The Green, and the harbour. Offline maps and audio let you walk at your own pace, but bring headphones and check directions carefully.

“Great story but a bit ‘ify’ in parts for the directions at points & possibly due to a combo of locus & poor connectivity. However when you pass the multi storey flats its a point of danger. These flats are rife with crime & not sure that tourists should be alone here. Im a native & had concerns. That aside, the commentary was great, very informative & plenty to learn from the tour itself”

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The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk - Aberdeen Harbour and the city’s sea connection
Aberdeen Tours, Audio Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk

11.The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 21 reviews · 30 to 40 minutes (approx.) · from $8

Use the VoiceMap app to follow a 1.5-kilometre audio walk from Mercat Cross to Marischal Square. You’ll hear about Aberdeen’s links to piracy, slavery, trade, civic power, and the sea while stopping at the harbour, historic houses, museums, and Marischal College. Download the audio and map before you start.

“Have lived in Aberdeen all my life and still learnt a lot from the tour. Great tech which allows you to not be rushed and do your at convenient time. Looking forward to our next one.”

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2 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen - Distilling your recipe in a copper alembic mini-still
2-Hour Experiences, Aberdeen Tours, Gin Distillery Tours, Tour Reviews

2 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen

12.2 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $192

At City of Aberdeen Distillery, the Head Distiller guides you through gin’s origins, botanicals, and small-scale distilling. You’ll select ingredients from more than 100 options, use a copper alembic mini-still, taste Aberdeen Gins, enjoy several G&Ts and a cocktail, then take home your own 70cl bottle.

“Generous tasting. A true education about gin. A chance to develop your nose and make some deliciousness.”

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Aberdeenshire Private Half Day Castle & Historic Building Tour - Dunnottar Castle and its sea-facing fortress
Aberdeen Tours, Castle Tours in Aberdeen, Half-Day, Historical Tours, Private, Scottish Castle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Aberdeenshire Private Half Day Castle & Historic Building Tour

13.Aberdeenshire Private Half Day Castle & Historic Building Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $245

Malcolm of Time Exposure Travel leads a private 4.5-hour tour from Aberdeen to Dunnottar, Crathes, Drum, and Old Aberdeen. You get private transport, local stories, and an itinerary that can change with your interests or the weather. Castle entry fees are extra, and pickup outside Aberdeen may cost more.

“Malcolm was just wonderful from the history he taught us to the recommendations he gave us to tour the backroads afterwards. I would definitely tour with him again!”

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Aberdeen & Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group one Day Tour - Dunnottar Castle: the day’s great opening scene
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Aberdeen & Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group one Day Tour

14.Aberdeen & Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group one Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $535

Join Malcolm for a private seven to eight hour tour from Aberdeen, with pickup at your hotel, train station, airport, or cruise ship. Visit Dunnottar and Crathes castles, stop for lunch beside the River Dee, and tour a working whisky distillery. The route can change to suit your interests, with Balmoral available instead of whisky.

“Es hat alles super geklappt. Waren mit unseren Oldies (84/86) auf der AiIDA Schottland Tour unterwegs und suchten nach einer individuellen Rundtour ohne die Menschenmassen. Malcolm war unser Guid. Nur zu empfehlen. Von Anfang an hat er sich um alles gekümmert und ist auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen. Auch auf den Wunsch eines deutschsprachigen Dolmetscher konnte Malcom lösen. Hier danke an Martina :-). Zum Mittagessen waren wir in einem typischen schottischen Pub. Auch das Whisky Tasting in Royal Lochnagar Distillerie war ein Highlight. Können die Tour uneingeschränkt empfehlen.”

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Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen - Mixing a personal glass of gin
Aberdeen Tours, Food & Drink, Gin Distillery Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen

15.Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $108

Spend two hours at City of Aberdeen Distillery with the head distiller and the Dan and Alan team. Taste single botanicals, build your own gin, identify a mystery ingredient, sample Aberdeen Gin expressions, and finish with a G&T chosen to suit you.

“One of the best things I have had the pleasure of booking. Dan & Alan are the perfect team and their passion shows. I had an absolute ball. The group was small and we all chatted and laughed. There was a good selection of things to purchase, especially for long haul travel. Thoroughly recommend”

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New in Aberdeen Tours

★ 5.0Private Balmoral Glamis Dunnottar Castles Tour from Aberdeen3 reviews
★ 5.0Best Scottish Whisky Distilleries Private Tasting Trip plus optional Castle Tour4 reviews
★ 5.0Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside Private Half-day Castle TourFrom $2294 reviews

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